Digital Audio Workstation & MIDI > Gear Zone for Musicians

MDR-V6 vs K240 Studio for mastering?

(1/2) > >>

lepidotos:
Would like to know from those who have tried both which one is a better pair for production, or if they're equally good. I already have the K240s and I like them, but I'm unsure which one is better in what circumstances.
I'll mostly be doing voice and sound effects, but may record the odd song that's meant to sound like it's from the 1970s for something I'm doing set in 1971.

GaryN:
I own both the K240 and an MDR-7506 which is 99% identical to the V6. They're both excellent headphones. IMHO, the Sony is a little punchier which may or may not appeal to you. Overall accuracy is excellent on both.

I tend to use the Sony more for vocals because the cups seal really tightly against your head so virtually no leakage back into the mic. On the other hand, the 240 is more comfortable when used for a long time since it just sits more lightly on and around your head.

When you say "production", you have to define what that encompasses. I could use either of them during tracking. I'm old school however, and I can't get behind using headphones for final mixing unless the project is intended to be or is highly likely to be heard only on headphones. If it will be heard on both phones and speakers - as most things are - you also really need a good pair of monitor speakers and you need to check the mix on both speakers and phones to find a compromise that will sound good on both.

DieHard:
I agree with Gary, you did say the word "Mastering" and I would say that is a bold endeavor on any headphones. 

I also have the a few sets 240s, and a single Sony Sony MDR-SA1000.  For some reason, the 240s take a lot of juice to get the volume up compared to other sets I have used, but they are definitely useful for setting individual track levels with no crazy colorization or improper EQ band representation.  That is not to suggest that you can properly EQ a bass or drum track with them (maybe you can, I can't), but they are essential to check overall panning and compression that is sometimes hard with monitors if you have a small setup like me.

I stopped using the Sony MDR set all together since it gives me actually pain and ear fatigue after about 20 minutes,  they are extremely clear and cut like a knife sonicallly.  The Sony is probably the best "voice over" set of headphones around, but pushing a music mix thru them with a lot of 6 to 8 K stuff will eventually hurt (Me anyway). I also have a cheap K44 that I use at the office for listening only.

I have tracked with the 240s and have also used them to pre-mix (grouping, effects, basic levels, test panning),  but for the final project (MutiBand compression and EQ) I use my Event monitors or my Sony NS10-T (bought at a yard sale to $10 lol), I can't imagine, pulling up "finished" tracks and then "mastering" (additional tweaking) with any headphones.

GaryN:

--- Quote from: DieHard on April 06, 2022, 03:39:19 PM ---For some reason, the 240s take a lot of juice to get the volume up compared to other sets I have used,

I stopped using the Sony MDR set all together since it gives me actually pain and ear fatigue after about 20 minutes,  they are extremely clear and cut like a knife sonicallly.  The Sony is probably the best "voice over" set of headphones around, but pushing a music mix thru them with a lot of 6 to 8 K stuff will eventually hurt (Me anyway).

--- End quote ---

The AKG's are much less efficient than the Sony's and do require more from the amp. I have plenty of amp power to drive them (Crown D-75) but I can't see plugging them into a phone or iPad.

You're absolutely correct about MDR sonic damage. They do sizzle, which makes them seem very clear, but the real issue is that they beat the crap out of your eardrums with low end. I have had serious ear-ringing tinnitus following an extended session with them. You absolutely must keep them at a moderate level. They're fine if you do but it's very easy to nudge them a little higher and higher and then you pay for that the next day.

DieHard:

--- Quote ---They're fine if you do but it's very easy to nudge them a little higher and higher and then you pay for that the next day.
--- End quote ---

Yeah... done that... morning coffee with ears ringing, totally sucks

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page