A question on headphones for EDM fusions

[EnDee]

Dear all,
I know there are many discussions on headphones, let me try my best to narrow down my situation.

My primary genre is EDM (as my resources permit); however, I blend many genres and expand my scope. Consider the examples from my work below.

Dance
https://lnkfi.re/theaffectionbyendee

DnB
https://lnkfi.re/ewilennaenna

World/New Age
https://lnkfi.re/lapalu

Eastern/New age
https://youtu.be/sf1DeEd3CqY

I love powerful, tight, and punchy low-end with bright yet smooth mids and highs.

For the moment, I'm using PreSonus Eris 3.5 monitors but mostly relying on the headphones coming with the Focusrite Scarlet solo (switch between to check translation).

I thought it was good to go for better headphones. Nevertheless, I do not have a good budget, and I ended my search with the following list.

Sony MDR-7506
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Should I go for a different headphone over what I have now? Considering the nature of my work, what would you recommend?

Thanks in advance.

[The Elf]

I see no reason why headphones would need to be considered genre-specific.

As one who does 90% of his work in headphones, I favour the AKG K7xx series. Sennheiser HD650s are good, too. I find the Sony MDR-75x series pretty dire (I own MDR-7506), but others seem to like them. Of the others you list I have no experience.

[Hugh Robjohns]

It's not really fair to compare the closed-back MDR7506 intended for live sound monitoring (DJ etc) with open back reference studio models like HD600 or K702 etc. They really are chalk and cheese.

I wouldn't say the 7506 are 'dire'. They are very convenient and practical for their intended use, and okay sounding for the money... but they're certainly not reference grade phones.

The MDR7509 (and later 7509HD) was much, much better, sound wise, with all the same practical construction benefits. Sadly no longer available, though.

Of the three models listed by the OP, I think the ATs are probably the most accurate... but if budget allows there are definitely better options out there.

[The Elf]

Understood, but my 7506s were 'sold' (long story) to me as studio monitoring - and I know of others who use them in that context.

And, of course, the OP shortlisted them.

I would say as studio monitoring they are 'dire', regardless of their suitability to other uses.

[EnDee]

I see no reason why headphones would need to be considered genre-specific.

As one who does 90% of his work in headphones, I favour the AKG K7xx series. Sennheiser HD650s are good, too. I find the Sony MDR-75x series pretty dire (I own MDR-7506), but others seem to like them. Of the others you list I have no experience.

I have seen in some reviews they mention the suitability for specific genres, considering the tonal balance of the genres. That's why I mentioned the details if someone requires them.

I was targeting for MDR-7506 and now I'm more confused

By the way, thanks for the comments; they definitely are worthy of coming with experience.

Regards.

[EnDee]

It's not really fair to compare the closed-back MDR7506 intended for live sound monitoring (DJ etc) with open back reference studio models like HD600 or K702 etc. They really are chalk and cheese.

I wouldn't say the 7506 are 'dire'. They are very convenient and practical for their intended use, and okay sounding for the money... but they're certainly not reference grade phones.

The MDR7509 (and later 7509HD) was much, much better, sound wise, with all the same practical construction benefits. Sadly no longer available, though.

Of the three models listed by the OP, I think the ATs are probably the most accurate... but if budget allows there are definitely better options out there.

I don't have any experience with open back headphones, so no idea
Well, I'm a poor musician
Should I consider ATH-M40x?
Thanks and regards.

[Hugh Robjohns]

If you're planning to use the headphones for mixing I'd favour open-backed rather than closed backed.

I mostly use AKG k702 or Sennheiser HD600s for mix checking, depending on what I'm doing — they have different strengths and weaknesses that suit different things.

But there are plenty of other options and you'll find plenty of differing views as to what's 'best' ... which highlights the high degree of personal preference involved (and the absence of any kind of absolute reference!).

[Wonks]

The HD280 pros are good headphones for tracking with very good external sound isolation, but I'd never use them for mixing on. I have both them and the HD300 Pros which are an improved version of the 280s. They have a better overall response, but I still wouldn't mix on them.

I find both types not that comfortable to wear for long periods due to the pressure on the ears required to get that good external isolation.

[The Elf]

No need for confusion.

Closed back - good for artist (especially vocalist) monitoring (i.e. less spill).

Open back - good for mixing.

That's pretty much it. There are plenty of choices, and SOS have published round-ups from time to time (try a search or two).

[EnDee]

No need for confusion.

Closed back - good for artist (especially vocalist) monitoring (i.e. less spill).

Open back - good for mixing.

That's pretty much it. There are plenty of choices, and SOS have published round-ups from time to time (try a search or two).

Noted with thanks