Not to disagree, but I'd suggest a different approach if ur watching ur budget. While the high-end models mentioned are cool, the Sony MDR-7510 Professional Studio Headphones are a total sleeper hit for production.

1. **Cost**: Way cheaper than the expensive open-backs.
2. **Sound**: Flatter sub-bass response than the older standards.
3. **Fit**: Way more comfortable for 6-hour sessions... trust me!

I'm honestly super satisfied with how my mixes translate on these. gl!

+1 to what was said earlier! In my experience, if ur looking for a flatter response than the 7506 but need closed-backs, check these out:

- Sony MDR-M1 Wired Hi-Res Audio Professional Studio Monitor Headphones: Better sub-bass and wayyy more comfortable for long sessions than the old 7506.
- Sony MDR-CD900ST Studio Monitor Headphones: Super honest mid-range. Perfect for critical vocal editing.

Basically, that MDR-M1 is the modern upgrade we've all been waiting for. hope that helps! 👍

In my experience, the Sony MDR-7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone is an industry staple for tracking cuz of the isolation, but mixing is a different beast. Here's why I recommend the Sony MDR-MV1 Open-Back Reference Monitor Headphones:
- Insane comfort for 6+ hour sessions
- Superior spatial imaging for spatial audio
- Much flatter response for translation
Definitely worth the upgrade for serious production work!! gl

tbh it is really cool seeing everyone break down the difference between the tracking staples and the newer mixing gear. i went through a similar phase years ago when i was trying to decide if i should stick with the house sound i grew up with or branch out to other brands like sennheiser. i actually spent a long time comparing my old trusty pair to some competitors just to see if i was missing out on anything. what i eventually realized is that every brand has its own soul... sony tends to be very honest and upfront which can be tiring for long days but it helps you make better decisions. i learned the hard way that it doesnt really matter how expensive the gear is if you dont know how it translates to your car speakers or your phone. i eventually went back to a newer model from the same brand because the muscle memory was already there for me. at the end of the day comfort and familiarity beat out technical specs every single time for me. if it hurts your ears after an hour you wont want to finish the mix anyway.

Seconded!

ngl i am literally dealing with this exact same headache right now. been scouring every forum and technical spec sheet looking for something that hits that sweet spot of high-fidelity and budget-friendliness without feeling like cheap plastic. i am really trying to find a reliable pair that wont fail on me during a crunch, but the prices for some of these newer units are just wild. i have been hunting for a deal on the Sony MDR-V6 Studio Monitor Headphones because the build quality is legendary, but even those are getting hard to find at a good price. it is such a struggle trying to balance a flat frequency response with a price tag that doesnt eat into my plugin budget... totally feel your pain on this one. i am basically paralyzed by choice at this point lol.