Headphone Buying Megathread/Guide V4 - Come here for all your audio needs! (New Threads are not need
4,875 replies, posted
[QUOTE=Scootyrooty;42837115]I have a question. Why wasn't the ModMic recommended? It's pretty nice quality and would be great for games and Skype. I was wondering if there's some reason why it's not praised, because I love mine. It makes me wonder why anyone would ever consider the Zalman attachable mic over the Mod Mic unless they really couldn't afford the extra ~$10.[/QUOTE]
Are you referring to the Samson Go Mic his friend recommended? I'm personally not a fan of the desk/laptop clamp and would much rather go with something larger and a lot better quality sound wise. Regardless, it's not a bad choice.
If you're referring to a simple $5 mic, then I do not recommend those simply because I'm aspiring to be an audio engineer, so something like that would never match the sound quality of the USB mics I posted, let alone an XLR based microphone. Personally, I believe people should strive for the highest quality sound they can afford, and while $5 is perfectly fine (and affordable), it isn't going to get you as clear of a sound as a large diaphragm condenser. There is quite a huge difference between a simple $5 mod mic versus a $40 usb dynamic. The mics I recommended are great for the price. Personally, I'd rather have someone speaking to me clearly.
If you want to know what I use for gaming/Skype/podcasts/etc, I use something on the cheaper (not really) side. I'm using a MXL 990 connected via XLR to a small M-Audio M-Box which connects via USB to my laptop (or desktop).
[QUOTE=redBadger;42837201]Are you referring to the Samson Go Mic his friend recommended? I'm personally not a fan of the desk/laptop clamp and would much rather go with something larger and a lot better quality sound wise. Regardless, it's not a bad choice.
If you're referring to a simple $5 mic, then I do not recommend those simply because I'm aspiring to be an audio engineer, so something like that would never match the sound quality of the USB mics I posted, let alone an XLR based microphone. Personally, I believe people should strive for the highest quality sound they can afford, and while $5 is perfectly fine (and affordable), it isn't going to get you as clear of a sound as a large diaphragm condenser. There is quite a huge difference between a simple $5 mod mic versus a $40 usb dynamic. The mics I recommended are great for the price. Personally, I'd rather have someone speaking to me clearly.
If you want to know what I use for gaming/Skype/podcasts/etc, I use something on the cheaper (not really) side. I'm using a MXL 990 connected via XLR to a small M-Audio M-Box which connects via USB to my laptop (or desktop).[/QUOTE]
Sorry, we had some miss-communication. When I said ModMic, I was referring to the [url=http://www.modmic.com/]Antlion ModMic[/url]. An attachable boom microphone that I thought was popular on this board, as this is where I was recommended one. I found the mic to have surprisingly good quality and not take up room on my desk. It basically allows you to have a headset without the huge price tag and drop in quality.
Ah okay sorry. I'm having a hard time understanding the point of it thought. It looks okay, but not everyone uses headphones all the time
[editline]12th November 2013[/editline]
Something that can be used with headphones on and off is something to note as well
[editline]12th November 2013[/editline]
It comes down to personal preference really
[QUOTE=redBadger;42837332]Ah okay sorry. I'm having a hard time understanding the point of it thought. It looks okay, but not everyone uses headphones all the time[/QUOTE]
This is a Headphone Megathread. It doesn't make a lot of sense to talk to anyone using speakers as there will be feedback. Same deal with games. It's point is that it's great for games and conversations. It also takes up little space because it's attached to your headphones. Because you can bend the wire, I've actually made a little stand out of the wire because I had left my headphones at another house. I just find it really nice and feel like it should be recommended more. So, I'm still wondering. Is there any flaws other than what you need a microphone for? Shouldn't this be the go-to microphone for Skype and video games?
Hello, I would like to ask your gentlemen's opinions on the Audio Tehnica ATH-M50's connected to a Fiio E10. Would you consider this a good setup for the money? If you think poorly of these would you have any other suggestions in the same budget or even cheaper? Do I even need a DAC at that price level?
Budget:~200$ for Headphones+DAC/Amp
eBay: maybe
Country: Ordering from the US
Isolation: Circum-aural
Purpose: Music, that's probably enough if I want to game too.
Music Tastes: Acoustic, Orchestral, Rock, some Electronic and Indie.
Previous Experiences: Best pair I own is the Sennheiser PX-200 II's circumaurals, i think they're pretty nice.
Comments: Not too much bass.
[QUOTE=Scootyrooty;42837115]It makes me wonder why anyone would ever consider the Zalman attachable mic over the Mod Mic unless they really couldn't afford the extra ~$10.[/QUOTE]
I'd buy the ModMic in a heartbeat, but I'm afraid this will happen:
ModMic + shipping overseas + customs = like double the price or something.
[editline]12th November 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=redBadger;42837201]
If you're referring to a simple $5 mic, then I do not recommend those simply because I'm aspiring to be an audio engineer, so something like that would never match the sound quality of the USB mics I posted, let alone an XLR based microphone. Personally, I believe people should strive for the highest quality sound they can afford, and while $5 is perfectly fine (and affordable), it isn't going to get you as clear of a sound as a large diaphragm condenser. There is quite a huge difference between a simple $5 mod mic versus a $40 usb dynamic. The mics I recommended are great for the price. Personally, I'd rather have someone speaking to me clearly.[/QUOTE]
Is there a mic that eliminates background noise quite a bit, considering my desktop makes a lot of noise, and it tends to annoy my friends over Skype. (Doesn't help that I have the Zalman mic either)
Would be neat not having to "yell" into the mic either.
The one I posted earlier claims 'minimal' background noise.
[url]http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U1-Dynamic-Recording-Microphone/dp/B000ULQTE0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384231615&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+mic[/url]
[QUOTE=redBadger;42839673]The one I posted earlier claims 'minimal' background noise.
[url]http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U1-Dynamic-Recording-Microphone/dp/B000ULQTE0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384231615&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+mic[/url][/QUOTE]
In my experience, dynamic mics don't catch vibrations from desks and so on, and they're very directional, so yeah, this kind of mic should avoid most outside noise.
[QUOTE=redBadger;42836791]What's your budget.
[editline]11th November 2013[/editline]
[URL]http://www.amazon.com/CAD-U1-Dynamic-Recording-Microphone/dp/B000ULQTE0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1384231615&sr=8-2&keywords=usb+mic[/URL]
This USB mic would be ideal for you. It's a great deal too.
[URL]http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2500-USB-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B004QJREXM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1384231615&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+mic[/URL]
If you're willing to spend a little extra money, this mic would be worth the investment as well.[/QUOTE]
y budget is 80 dollars and those mics look super inexpensive, the problem is I'm in Canada and I can't find any of those for a good price on Canadian amazon. Hell I've been sent websites with the go mic for super cheap but shipping made it the same as buying it for full price here, to find the go mic for 40 dollars I had to do some searching and even then with tax and shipping it's going to cost around 60 dollars.
[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;42840048]In my experience, dynamic mics don't catch vibrations from desks and so on, and they're very directional, so yeah, this kind of mic should avoid most outside noise.[/QUOTE]
Sounds exactly what I'm looking for.
I'm buying an Audio-Technica 20-20 and it requires an Integral 3-pin XLRM-type output connector thing.
Anyone have any reccomendations for a ~$100-150 budget for a pre-amp / interface/? Must have a headphone jack, and a way for the pre-amp / interface to connect to my computer via usb, and 48v phantom power.
I don't know shit about headphones, but I did my basic research (like any normal person should do when trying to buy something) so I should make sense to you guys hopefully.
question: do interfaces/ pre amps make the recordings sound better? whats the difference
[QUOTE=sefhax;42846584]I'm buying an Audio-Technica 20-20 and it requires an Integral 3-pin XLRM-type output connector thing.
Anyone have any reccomendations for a ~$100-150 budget for a pre-amp / interface/? Must have a headphone jack, and a way for the pre-amp / interface to connect to my computer via usb, and 48v phantom power.
I don't know shit about headphones, but I did my basic research (like any normal person should do when trying to buy something) so I should make sense to you guys hopefully.
question: do interfaces/ pre amps make the recordings sound better? whats the difference[/QUOTE]
Interface's that use XLR 48V will sound better than direct USB connection into the computer. There's a huge difference sound-wise between the two.
As for your question, what do you plan on using the Audio Technica for? Just for chat and potential voice over recording?
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Avid-Technology-Recording-Studio/dp/B0041OSWUG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1384318126&sr=8-4&keywords=mbox[/url]
Get that. It's very basic and simple for your needs. It has a 1/4" jack but you can easily buy a small adapter for your headphones. I own one for solely for portable field work as well as chat and miscellaneous functions. Below is your 1/4" to 1/8" that you'll need to utilize the headphone jack on the interface.
[url]http://www.amazon.com/AudioAdapt-Quality-Headphone-Adapter-Stereo/dp/B003VGUGBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384318189&sr=8-1&keywords=headphone+jack[/url]
[editline]12th November 2013[/editline]
There's a newer model but there's no huge difference between the two.
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Avid-Fast-Track-Tools-Express/dp/B00CBU7EII/ref=dp_ob_title_ce[/url]
[editline]13th November 2013[/editline]
Don't forget to actually buy an XLR cable as well.
If you just want to use this as a desk mic, this might be a very viable alternative for a lot less: [url]http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Icicle-Converter-Preamp/dp/B001EW5YQS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384331660&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+icicle[/url]
It only has a gain knob, and it supposedly feels quite cheap, but the sound quality is pretty darn decent for the price. This guy tests it with a AT2020 at around 6:00:
[video=youtube;YcpW3ojjsjU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcpW3ojjsjU[/video]
He wanted something that can plug headphones into too. It's a good option though.
[QUOTE=redBadger;42850331]He wanted something that can plug headphones into too. It's a good option though.[/QUOTE]
We need bad reading back.
[QUOTE=redBadger;42847070]Interface's that use XLR 48V will sound better than direct USB connection into the computer. There's a huge difference sound-wise between the two.
As for your question, what do you plan on using the Audio Technica for? Just for chat and potential voice over recording?
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Avid-Technology-Recording-Studio/dp/B0041OSWUG/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1384318126&sr=8-4&keywords=mbox[/url]
Get that. It's very basic and simple for your needs. It has a 1/4" jack but you can easily buy a small adapter for your headphones. I own one for solely for portable field work as well as chat and miscellaneous functions. Below is your 1/4" to 1/8" that you'll need to utilize the headphone jack on the interface.
[url]http://www.amazon.com/AudioAdapt-Quality-Headphone-Adapter-Stereo/dp/B003VGUGBS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384318189&sr=8-1&keywords=headphone+jack[/url]
[editline]12th November 2013[/editline]
There's a newer model but there's no huge difference between the two.
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Avid-Fast-Track-Tools-Express/dp/B00CBU7EII/ref=dp_ob_title_ce[/url]
[editline]13th November 2013[/editline]
Don't forget to actually buy an XLR cable as well.[/QUOTE]
I was looking at that as a potential before I posted this.
Doesn't the interface plug into the computer as well? Just wondering.
So after my earlier posts I decided to try looking for alternatives microphones online, the selection for microphones in Canada is low holy shit. Anyone know of any good Canadian websites?
[QUOTE=sefhax;42856105]I was looking at that as a potential before I posted this.
Doesn't the interface plug into the computer as well? Just wondering.[/QUOTE]
The interface plugs via USB into your computer.
[editline]13th November 2013[/editline]
I recorded my buddy doing a maniacal laugh with the Audio Technica 2020 and I have to admit, it's a pretty damn good mic for the price. I actually compared it with a CAD 179 condenser and the two were practically identical (the 179 was better but very only marginally). The difference was pretty much unnoticeable. I'll post when I get some time.
[editline]13th November 2013[/editline]
[QUOTE=Lucinice;42856596]So after my earlier posts I decided to try looking for alternatives microphones online, the selection for microphones in Canada is low holy shit. Anyone know of any good Canadian websites?[/QUOTE]
[url]http://www.amazon.ca/Audio-Technica-ATR2500-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJREXM/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1384404584&sr=8-7&keywords=audio+technical[/url]
Would that work?
[url]https://soundcloud.com/redbadger/sets/at2020-vs-cad179[/url]
First sound is the Audio Technica 2020. Second sound is the CAD 179.
So for those of you looking to get an Audio Technica, you should be very very happy with your purchase.
[editline]14th November 2013[/editline]
I actually do prefer the sound of the CAD179 slightly. It just has a different tone I guess. Nothing serious audio guys wouldn't care much about.
Can someone recommend some decent headphones for a $18.52 budget? That's all I have in my Amazon account. I had a really nice pair of headphones that I bought off newegg for $9.99 and they disintegrated one evening for no reason.
Ideally, I want over the ear headphones with a single cable if anyone understands what I mean.
[edit] I haven't listened to music in about 2 weeks now.. help.
Budget: $70$-$90
Country: USA
Purpose: Playing video games and listening to music
Music Tastes: Rock, Metal etc
Previous Experiences: Some realtek headphones and turtle beach. both of which died on me randomly
Comments: I play Counter-Strike a lot so a headset rather than the lone headphones would be cool too.
I need some new earbuds. I like lods-e-bass and I want them to be moderately affordable ($60 or less). I was told the Klipsch IMAGE S4i-WH were pretty much the best buds for that price, but I want some other opinions. I'm also looking at the SOL Amps and another pair of Sony EX.
[QUOTE=AppleJackson;42882532]I need some new earbuds. I like lods-e-bass and I want them to be moderately affordable ($60 or less). I was told the Klipsch IMAGE S4i-WH were pretty much the best buds for that price, but I want some other opinions. I'm also looking at the SOL Amps and another pair of Sony EX.[/QUOTE]
Personally, I can attest to the RHA MA-350 being very nice indeed: [url]http://www.amazon.com/RHA-MA350-Aluminium-Isolating-Headphone/dp/B0053R0WWG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384649439&sr=8-1&keywords=rha+350[/url]
My brother lost mine about one year back, but as far as I remember (and reviews will agree with this) they have pretty good bass, without being completely ridiculous. They're pretty comfy, and they lock out other sounds very well.
Just an alternative.
Got a video card instead of a pair of headphones and soundcard but this week I'm gonna get my $ for the AKG Q701's and ASUS Essence STX sound card! Soo excited!
Budget: 300 USD
eBay: No
Country: Poland
Isolation: Which is the best ?
Purpose: Listening to music outdoors, indoors and for gaming preferably
Music Tastes: Metalcore, hard rock, metal, deathcore, rapcore
Previous Experiences: Had siberia v2 frost blue, they were very neat but they were glowy(had pulsing LED lights on the sides) and I do not like drawing so much attention in the bus
Comments: Preferably something comfortable for headto keep it on for few hours while infront of PC
[QUOTE=Netheous;42895414]Budget: 300 USD
eBay: No
Country: Poland
Isolation: Which is the best ?
Purpose: Listening to music outdoors, indoors and for gaming preferably
Music Tastes: Metalcore, hard rock, metal, deathcore, rapcore
Previous Experiences: Had siberia v2 frost blue, they were very neat but they were glowy(had pulsing LED lights on the sides) and I do not like drawing so much attention in the bus
Comments: Preferably something comfortable for headto keep it on for few hours while infront of PC[/QUOTE]
For metal and rock I would reccomend the Grado SR80i or its bass heavy modified version the Allesandro MS1.
Do note that they are open headphones. Thats fine and dandy behind your PC but expect everybody to listen in on the bus.
For closed headphones, Ive heard good stuff about these:
[url]http://www.headphone.com/selection-guide/top-picks/beyerdynamic-custom-one-pro.php[/url]
[editline]17th November 2013[/editline]
There is also the always popular Audio Technica ATH-M50
[QUOTE=AppleJackson;42882532]I need some new earbuds. I like lods-e-bass and I want them to be moderately affordable ($60 or less). I was told the Klipsch IMAGE S4i-WH were pretty much the best buds for that price, but I want some other opinions. I'm also looking at the SOL Amps and another pair of Sony EX.[/QUOTE]
So I thought you would want more choices so I narrow it down to 5 IEMS (for bassheads).
- RHA 350 (I agree with GoDong-DK and one thing to note is that RHA 350 has very good build quality and a 3 year warranty to boot)
- [url=http://www.padacs.com/cart/product.php?id=72]PADACS Aksent PD114[/url] (bass heavy, well-built and it's on sale)
- [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HISSXE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007HISSXE&linkCode=as2&tag=thehealis-20]JVC HA-Fx101[/url] (In terms of build and sound quality, it is slightly not as good as the rest but it is compensated by its sound quality/value ratio)
- [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EM9KRI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005EM9KRI&linkCode=as2&tag=thehealis-20]VSonic GR02 Bass Edition[/url] (Generous in its accessories like eartips and great value for its sound quality)
- Sony MH1C (Not sure how much these are going for currently but its isolation is comparable with RHA 350 and has very good overall sound quality)
These are all subjective and I am not a basshead so you might want to test them before you purchase any one of these.
my friend has just ordered a pair of HiFiMan HE-400 ($400) after I recommended he check the brand out and today when browsing massdrop I saw the Audio Technica ATH W1000X up for $400 as well. if anyone has any personal experience with either pair, which set of headphones is better at that pricepoint?
Would anyone recommend the JVC HARX700's? I'm really considering them at $40.
Budget: Approx $200
eBay: No.
Country: US
Isolation: Closed or semi-open
Purpose: Music, gaming
Music Tastes: Pretty much everything
Previous Experiences: I have the AD700s and a Creative Xfi Titanium HD.
Comments: I like my AD700s, but now that I'm in college and have roommates I'd like something more isolating. I also don't have as much time for vidya, but I'm always listening to music, so I'd like something with a bass presence. I was looking at the ATH-M50s, but apparently they have a shit soundstage (though they aren't out of the question yet, not sure how much of an impact that'd have on gaming).
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