AUDIO ENGINEER Tests The Best Headphones Under $300

I tested the best headphones for music production and mixing. Please read below for information about how I compared them.

Good headphones should:
1) Provide an accurate, spacious sound stage to aid in mixing and mastering music.
2) Reveal low, mid and high frequencies without distortion so you can make quick production decisions.
3) Faithfully reproduce the dynamics and transient response of the material.
4) Reveal the true depth and image of audio material.
5) Feel comfortable on your head for many hours and be strong enough to withstand daily use.

I tested each headphone with both a high-quality headphone amplifier and a standard MacBook 1/8 audio output. I referenced, mixed and listened casually with each headphone over the course of many weeks and months to reach my conclusions.

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - The Headphones
1:35 - My favourite
2:46 - $150 vs $300
3:23 - AKG K702
4:30 - Focal Listen Pro
5:20 - Beyerdynamic DT Pro X
6:15 - ATH M70X
6:50 - VSX
7:25 - Why I chose VSX

Headphone specs and more info:

#mixing #musicproduction #headphones

[inthemix]

Important:

I have been inundated with messages, emails and comments asking how I set these headphones up. It’s just a case of following the set up guide and takes about 2 minutes the first time you use them. After that there is no additional set up.

Please read below for information about how I compared them.
I tested each headphone with both a high quality headphone amplifier and a standard MacBook 1/8 audio output. I referenced, mixed and listened casually with each headphone over the course of many weeks and months to reach my conclusions.

Good headphones should:
1) Provide an accurate, spacious sound stage to aid in mixing and mastering music.
2) Reveal low, mid and high frequencies without distortion so you can make quick production decisions.
3) Faithfully reproduce the dynamics and transient response of the material.
4) Reveal the true depth and image of audio material.
5) Feel comfortable on your head for many hours and be strong enough to withstand daily use.

[tevintarso]

Slowly transitioning from being just a rapper to being a full-time producer. This channel have been so helpful

[WhittaII]

Finally decided to begin a journey producing music and stumbled across you.

I could listen to you for hours brother. Thanks for being so informative and relaxing to listen to.

[gravityx]

VSX by far the best, most flat sounding, most versatile. I tested EVERYTHING else and nothing comes EVEN CLOSE. The soundstage imaging, the clarity, the bass response, the flat frequency response curve.... VSX gives the best BANG (bucks aside as it's price is nothing, compared to value) not even counting the studio and headphone emulations. My cons on the VSX are the comfort, but then again I've got a big fat knob for a head so it may vary for you. I also don't like leather pads as they make your ears sweat, especially if you produce/mix/master for long hours at a time. But that doesn't take away from making them the best headphones out of all of them anyways.

[junior.von.claire]

You’ve earned my trust. The return policy means giving them a chance is simple enough. I love my Audio Technica ATH-M50s, but now am eager to check out the VSX. Thanks!

[brainheartofficial]

I am a better musician because of this channel.
Keep rocking!

[richrichk]

Love the fact that you always get straight to the point without wasting time. My question is: do the VSX deliver an honest sound?

[bfreitas]

I've always used and loved my m50x's but lately they've been collecting dust since my VSX's can perfectly emulate their sound. they even managed to replicate the m50x's soundstage and bass respose, sounds identical to me. it's truly impressive

[TheOnlyToblin]

Still the best youtuber for hobbyist musicians. Thank you for everything

[TihetrisWeathersby]

I've started learning how to compose my music a few years ago thanks to your videos, One day I might get the courage to post them lol

[gobenmusic]

Got tired of the "boxiness" of my M50x and needed something new.
Bought the Vsx based on your recomendation and i have to say...
Best Headphones i've ever had.

[TraxtasyMedia]

I got the Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro 250 Ohms Impendace and I can't say how awesome they are. Finally I can pinpoint, issues, where I never had idea of they existed in my music.

[thetrashpanda]

Currently using the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohms and I absolutely love these head phones. Running them through the Presonus USB 96 and a Mackie HM4 to give them the extra power they need. So clear and balanced while also being comfortable on my large head.
Having seen what the VSX is capable of, I may have gone with those if I didn't already invest in the DT 770s

[jameskelk]

Very helpful as always. As others have said you have earned my trust with your superb repertoire of videos so naturally I came here as I need a new set

[bud]

Thanks. Good video (even if it feels a bit much like an ad). Some more info about the implementation of the VSX software would have been good. Apparently it's vst/au/aax only, so no (hustle-free) use outside of the DAW without 3rd party SW!? Also iLok or HW Dongle to use!? These are important factors for some and should definitely be mentioned in a review.

[thelisted]

Been umming and erring about VSX for a while, but when Steven Slate said you reviewed it and loved them… that just about got me sold! Respect you a lot so if you say they’re that good they must be amazing

[ndMOUSEofficial]

Couldn't agree more about the vsx Michael. I have full confidence that what I hear when mixing with them, won't need altered when played back on another system. Because you get the feeling you're already listening to great monitors, there's no need to check them on actual monitors . Being able to check car stereo setups, boom box, and even earbuds just gives a great all round look at what you're doing from every possible angle. For me, these are a personal revolution.

[kroh]

So I actually got the VSX headphones and I experienced something I haven't really heard anyone talking about, so I thought I'd leave a comment.

The psychoacoustic effect that they use to get that sub bass frequency feels extremely uncomfortable to my ears. I'm not sure why because I've heard no one else talk about this, but it almost feels like a physical pressure on your eardrums. To me, I can barely stand it for longer than 30 minutes and it's why I will likely be returning them.

I think it might be analogous to pressing your ear against a quiet subwoofer. No matter how quiet I listen, that pressure is always there. Also a few other things to note are that the headband does start to hurt after listening for a while, and the fact that they're closed back means your ears will get kinda hot and sweaty.

In summary, it is impressive that they managed to get the bass response they did, but I think it comes at a severe cost of comfort.

[harlekurtmusic]

Very good review, made me consider the VSX again even though I have LCD-X! One minor detail, though: you said this is 'not spatial audio' - If you mean Apple's term for their spatial rendering technology, I see, but if not, then I'm a little confused. Assuming VSX utilizes HRTF binauralisation, then that pretty much _is_ spatial audio, or are they doing something else entirely? Thanks and keep it up! Really enjoy your videos.

[GODAR_MUSIC]

I've just ordered them after watching this video. You help me become top tier producent. Thank YOU for everything you do for us. I wish you Health, Love and Abundance!