@Reply #1 - good point! Honestly, I wouldn't rush into the expensive stuff just yet. If you're mixing in a less-than-perfect room, you might actually prefer a solid pair of closed-back cans to cut out all that NYC city noise. Before you drop a ton of cash, are you planning to do mostly tracking or are you stuck mixing in a loud apartment? That makes a massive difference imo. Here is what I used when I was first starting out:

• Sony MDR-CD900ST Studio Monitor Headphones - they are super accurate and honestly a bit more comfortable for long sessions than the 7506s.
• <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Audio-Technica+ATH-M50x+Professional+Monitor+Headphones&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones - basically everywhere for a reason, super reliable and usually cheaper if you catch a sale. I'm super happy with my setup and I haven't felt the need to upgrade since. Don't go broke chasing gear!

Just saw this thread and honestly, I feel you. I bought a pair of Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones years ago because everyone said they were the industry standard, but honestly? They are way too harsh in the high end for my taste. They made my guitars sound super brittle, and I was constantly pulling back EQ that I should have left alone. It was super frustrating. If you want something that actually sounds musical, here is what I ended up switching to instead:

• Sony MDR-M1ST High-Resolution Monitor Headphones for way better comfort and accuracy
• <a href=" https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt= Audio-Technica+ATH-M50x+Professional+Studio+Monitor+Headphones&BI=8941&KBID=10361&SID=12345&DFF=d50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones if you want that extra bass response for checking your low end Dont feel pressured to grab the MV1s just yet if you arent doing spatial audio. Stick to something tried and true that wont break the bank.

Honestly, I feel your pain. I went through the same thing when I was starting out and using cheap consumer cans, and it was a total nightmare for my mixes. You dont need to overspend to get a reliable studio sound. The Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones have been around forever because they just work. They are super bright, which actually helps you hear those harsh frequencies in the mids that are likely ruining your mixes right now. Here is why they are still the go-to for so many people in the city:

• They are built like tanks and the parts are easily replaceable if something breaks.
• That folded design is perfect if you are working in a cramped apartment and need to shove them in a bag.
• They provide that signature clinical sound that doesnt hide your mistakes. I wouldnt rush into the Sony MDR-MV1 Open Back Monitor Headphones unless you have a perfectly treated room and you are doing serious spatial audio work. They are great, but the 7506s are the industry standard for a reason. Once you get used to how the 7506s translate, your car mixes will start sounding way better. Just grab a pair and get back to making music. If you need any tips on how to check your mix levels once you get them, just shout.