Best Sony headphone for professional studio monitoring and mixing?

Question

I'm trying to finish up a mix for a local punk band here in Chicago and my old Sennheisers finally gave out on me. I've got about $400 to spend and need something by next week. Everyone says the Sony MDR-7506 is the legend but I'm worried they might be too harsh for long mixing sessions and the highs might be fatiguing.

I also saw the MDR-MV1s which look amazing for spatial stuff but they're open-back and I'm worried about bleed if I use them for tracking since I only have budget for one pair right now. Is it worth the jump to the MV1 or should I just stick with the 7506 for pro work?

MidnightPhoenix · Accepted Answer

Been thinking about your post for a few hours. Just be careful with the Sony MDR-7506 Professional Monitor Headphones. I used them once and my ears were ringing after an hour because those highs are so sharp tbh. If youre tracking, open-backs like the Sony MDR-MV1 Open-Back Reference Monitor Headphones will definitely bleed into the mic. Id suggest looking at the Sony MDR-M1 Reference Closed-Back Headphones instead since theyre safer for long sessions.

Williemut · Answer

I spent years trying to make the classics work but honestly the 7506 just disappointed me every time I mixed. My ears would just quit after an hour and I'd have to walk away. @Reply #1 - good point about those highs! I recently tried the MDR-MV1 and while they sound airy, the bleed was a nightmare. I was tracking a punk demo and the click track leaked so loud into the mics because of the open back... it was a total mess. If you want to save some cash and actually get work done, consider:

Sony MDR-M1 Professional Closed-Back Monitor Headphones - these are balanced and dont pierce your eardrums.

Sony MDR-CD900ST Studio Monitor Headphones - smooth and the actual pro standard in Japan. I wasted so much money on gear that gave me headaches. Stick to the newer closed-backs if you only have one budget.

Jamestug · Answer

Re: "I spent years trying to make the classics..." - yeah, I am literally in the exact same boat right now and it is driving me crazy.

My primary monitors just started developing this weird buzz in the 200Hz range during a heavy session last night.

I have that same strict 400 dollar budget and I am totally paralyzed trying to find one pair that can handle tracking without bleed but still give me an honest mix.

It has been weeks of reading spec sheets and frequency response curves and I still have no clue what to buy. Honestly reminds me of when I was running sound at this dive bar in Wicker Park years ago. We had this ancient console that would literally shock you if you touched the metal casing while standing on the damp floor. I spent more time trying to ground that thing with copper wire than actually mixing the bands. One night the lead singer of a local crust punk band dumped a beer right into the faders... took me a week to clean that mess out with iso alcohol and a toothbrush. Still miss that warm analog crunch though even if it was a total fire hazard. anyway, I am just as stuck as you are with this choice. but yeah.