When you are a part of the music production circle, then the debate between mixing on headphones and using studio monitors shouldn’t be new to you. While many people, from both sides, are convinced that they are right, in our opinion, there is no right or wrong here. It is just a personal preference just like it is a personal preference when you buy a new set of headphones for you.
Since this is our belief, and we don’t want to take any sides, today we decided to show you the pros and cons of using headphones for mixing. This way, you will be able to make a better decision.
Pros Of Using Headphones For Mixing
#1: Incredibly Portable:
There’s no question that when you are comparing headphones with studio monitors the first ones are incredibly portable. So, if you already know the headphones that you would buy that are perfect to take with you to different studios or even for listening to mixes in other environments outside of your studio.
Check out these tips for mixing with headphones.
#2: Cost-Effective:
In case you are wondering whether you should be using headphones for mixing or monitors and you have a low budget, then we have to tell you that you don’t even need to look at monitors. After all, a decent set of studio monitors can cost you upwards of $500 which is quite reasonable these days. However, the room you mix in may not be acoustically suitable.
To get a set of studio monitors to sound trustworthy in a room often requires some choice acoustic treatment, monitor stands… maybe even a speaker calibration product that altogether contribute to a solid monitoring environment. As you can see, the costs are just beginning and they are already increasing a lot.
#3: Noise Reduction:
When you are mixing, you know that this may bother your neighbors. In case you don’t want this to happen, then using headphones for mixing may be the best option for you.
These are the best studio recording (producing) headphones.
Cons Of Using Headphones For Mixing
#1: Ear Fatigue:
One of the main factors to consider when you are buying new headphones is to ensure they are comfortable. This implies a soft headband and ear cushions. However, even when the headphones you pick include these, you may still notice a lack of comfort. And this is simply because you are spending too much time wearing your headphones.
#2: Exaggerated Stereo Image:
While crafting the perfect stereo image is usually a challenge, getting the width just right on headphones can be even harder, especially when referencing the mix back on a set of studio monitors.
Discover how to find the best headphones for video editing.
#3: Durability:
When you are using headphones for mixing, one of the main cons is that they won’t last. Ultimately, you need to count with a hard wear and tear in a short period of time. After all, you put a fair amount of strain on the components of your headphones as you repetitively take them off and on again, put them on your desk, throw them in your bag. And the list goes on. Because of these repetitive actions the integrity of our headphones can diminish quite quickly.
The trick to limiting headphone wear and tear is to be careful with them in daily use and to invest in a set of cans that are regarded as having great build quality, you really do get what you pay for when investing in headphones. Also consider investing in a decent case so that your cans don’t get crushed in your bag.
