What headphones best for editing? Regular or studio?

[Black Dog Bluez]

Per TYPES NOT BRANDS of headphones:

I'm still not all clear on headphone types ... the difference between "studio" and "monitor" headphones?

quote from DVD Doug:
"If the performer is monitoring himself/herself and a backing track, you need closed-back headphones so the backing track doesn't leak into the microphone. Otherwise, open or closed is a matter of personal preference."

I'll assume the above quote is basically the definition of "monitor headphones" (closed back) ... so, with that, is it accurate to say all studio headphones are as well monitor headphones? If I'm correct "studio" headphones are always closed back as well ... .

With all that stated, if I'm correct, then I'll conclude: There is no difference between studio and monitor headphones, if headphones are labeled either or they are one in the same and the key features that make them designed for sound production and editing, if one so chooses to use headphones as opposed to the more desirable proper speakers, is they are closed back and have a flat/neutral frequency output/response (natural with no effects generated).

[kozikowski]

Per TYPES NOT BRANDS of headphones:

We keep doing that because the overall tendency is to associate a job with a brand. "Professional Studio Monitor" headphones doesn't mean anything. You start throwing words like that around a movie studio and they'll start worrying about calling security. "Just give me my Sony's and get out of the way."

True, closed back headphones tend to be more universal in application, but they're heavier and more expensive and tend to sound slightly more challenging than the equivalent open back headphone.

I did the last two or three jobs with my open back headphones because there was no reason to do it any other way—and they're more comfortable. I have both Pro4AA and Pro3A headphones. They're very carefully designed closed back form, work perfectly, weigh as much as a Buick and make my head sweat.

We didn't touch on earbuds/earphones. You can do amazingly well with those. If you get a good fit in your ear canal, they can sound amazingly clear and pleasant. I stopped using my in-ear units because I wear them hiking and they remove me from the environment. Not good when some of my environment is trying to kill me. They're comfortable in use, but getting them in and out is a pain. I have to install them in my head.

Koz

[kozikowski]

You understand when you do finally settle on something, we're going to need a review.

Koz

[kozikowski]

One other purchasing trick. When you get the decision close, Google Product Complaints and pay attention to the negative ones.

"These headphones fell apart almost immediately, sound so bad they made my ears bleed and caused electrical problems in the sound console." Do Not Recommend.

Koz

[Robert J. H.]

I think the cheese slid off the crackers on this one--help!

again:
When editing with Audacity on a computer with headphones ...
Where is it best to plug in the headphones ...
The headphones jack in the front of the computer?
The headphones jack in the desktop speakers?
Or the stereo jack out in the back of the computer?

That's difficult to say.
On my system, I use the speaker out because I don't have to unplug the speaker cable first.
But this works only if the (active) speakers do not alter the signal first e.g. by boosting the bass.
The front phones out is not suited for me because I can clearly hear the ticks of the hard drive.

Robert

[Black Dog Bluez]

+kozlowski - thanks, I already have Sony MDR-XD100 headphones and theyre just cheap but I think theyre the right type closed and flat freq. response. And I just dabble with lo-fi voice recordings (24kHz wave). I gave up trying to edit AAC with the decompressing degradation problem.

[Black Dog Bluez]

+ Robert JH - Thanks-- sounds like at the back better? Unless speakers are flat frequency..

[kozikowski]

The critical reviews of the Sony MDR-XD100 have to do with cheap materials and poor head seal. One or two complaints about low bass response. I saw only one complaint about the sound quality.

They appear to be discontinued.

Koz

[cyrano]

If you need closed headphones, look at Superlux HD681:

http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-HD681EVO ... B00CAG1ZAQ

[steve]

If you need closed headphones, look at Superlux HD681:

I've not used Superlux, but I've heard that they have quite a good reputation for budget priced headphones for studio monitoring. They make several different models under 60 Euro.