VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

jasbart · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 10:59 am Post subject: AKG K240S headphones

I just replaced my old faithful AKG 240 headphones with the next model (which is recently no longer being manufactured) the AKG 240S (studio). To me the 240S model has a pronounced high-end, almost to the point of sibilance. I'm using the AKGs with an Audio-Technica AT-4050. Moving around in front of the 4050, you can hear the sibilant spot that really screams.

My point with this post: does anyone have experience with either of these pieces of gear? It very well could be that the older AKG headphones had just lost their edge. Also the AT-4050 may be in need of some work too...I've had it since the mid-90's.

Thanks,

Jim
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Bill Campbell · DC Joined: 09 Mar 2007 Posts: 621

No thoughts on the phones. But, I listened to your demos.
They're very good!

If you voiced those with the AT4050, I'd stick with with it. Quality sound.
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Lance Blair · M&M Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 2281 Location: Atlanta

Hey Jim, nice demos definitely...the last two clips on your demo reel do sound a bit on the bittle/sibilant side, were those done with the 4050?

I love the 4050, and it should be fine after fifteen years, but maybe not?
But if you're used to old headphones, the newer ones might be a touch bright, but I havent used that model.

Perhaps the new ATH-M50?

I record with the dull as mud ATH-M40fs because I won't be distracted by anything - I only really want to hear the clients anyway. For mixing, I use the Sony 7506s which I hate, but they're like magnifying glasses for your ears - very hyped sound.
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jasbart · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 12:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks Bob and Lance. My demos are fairly dated (I really hate working on demos) and I'm not sure if the clips you're speaking of were done with the AT-4050 or a Rode NTK. I moved from the 4050 to the NTK as my #1 mic for a number of years because I liked the little bump on the high end, and so did my clients. Don't know what made me return to the 4050, but now I'm hearing too much sizzle there too.

I have an extremely simple signal chain: mic into HHB Radius 40 compressor/preamp (there's one possible culprit) into an original Mbox (second suspect) into Pro Tools (Mac Mini).

On the way out the signal goes through a new Mackie 802-VLZ3 that sounds great playing both music and v-o. Then into an older Tascam amp and Tannoy speakers.

I've listened to the AKG K240S headphones plugged directly into the Mbox, and they still sizzle. So it's not the Mackie headphone jack.

I'm just hoping this isn't a case of old equipment just wearing out.

On the other hand, is there a breaking in period for an item like a set of headphones? In other words, will they mellow out after a few weeks use?

Thanks so much,

Jim
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ballenberg · Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 1:43 pm Post subject:

Hey Jim---I feel your pain. And it isn't your ears or your mic--it's the phones.

I didn't have that pair, but I'm nursing along an old AKG 141M, which still sounds great, but is long discontinued--I've tried replacing it with the AKG 141 Studio (why can't they think of other numbers??!!) but like your dilemma, it sounds very high-end-y. Kinda makes my ears wanna bleed. (ironically, they discontinued that one too)

I tried some of those Sony's and they too, are way too crunchy for my taste.

So let me perhaps summon master equipment man SoundGun:

Hey George, what are you recommending these days for a good natural sound to use while tracking. Preferably open (don't like the feeling of my head being squeezed) and mellow-ish. And hopefully not arm-and-leggish, though it is an important tool for those of us who listen while recording.

Thanks in advance.

georgethetech · Posted: Sun Mar 07, 2010 1:38 am Post subject:

Hey, check this blog entry for starters.
Those Sennheiser HD201's are amazingly nice sounding for the price.
If you want light, on the ear phones, then the PX100's are my fav's, or the Koss Porta Pros.
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