The pros of headphones<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared to using speakers in an untreated room, working on headphones can actually deliver a more accurate mixing environment. Let\u2019s talk about some of the benefits to mixing on headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cons of headphones<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are benefits, there are also issues that might arise from relying too much on headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Often times, mixing on speakers is considered ‘the standard.’ Let’s explore legitimatize reasons why the choice to mix on speakers is not only popular, but important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The pros of speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The cons of speakers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, let\u2019s take a look at some measured data. I used Sonarworks\u2019 Reference Measure software to get an accurate reading of the frequency response curve of my speakers at my home studio setup. I\u2019m using a pair of KRK Rokits and a Focusrite Clarett 2Pre audio interface<\/a>. There\u2019s some treatment, but it\u2019s relatively minimal: curtains, soft surfaces \u2013 nothing out of the ordinary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The frequency response curve of the KRK Rokits in my home studio<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s compare this to the average frequency response curve of a solid pair of studio headphones. Here\u2019s what my Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 250 ohm headphones\u2019 response curve looks like. Note that this graph is an average of similar models, not an actual reading of my individual cans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The average frequency response of a pair of studio headphones<\/p>\n\n\n\n It seems that the speaker setup might be a tad flatter in some areas, but exhibits more pronounced spikes, especially around 120 Hz. Meanwhile, the headphones have a significant boost in the high end, but they’re also much better at reproducing sub-bass frequencies \u2013 this is to be expected, as I\u2019m not using a subwoofer in my home studio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s the bottom line: any setup, including professional studios, will involve trade-offs. When choosing headphones and speakers for your home studio, you\u2019ve got to think about your budget, space constraints, neighbors, and a host of other factors. For these reasons, headphones are probably the simpler choice for many bedroom producer setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you know the pros and cons of your equipment intimately, you can definitely produce excellent mixes either way. Ideally, you should learn the intricacies of whatever equipment you’re using, and then check your mix on a variety of listening setups. This will help you avoid the pitfalls of each distinct monitoring option. No matter what you\u2019re working with, understanding the limitations of your space and your gear will help you take your work to the next level. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you found this article useful. If you have any questions on the pros and cons of mixing on headphones vs. speakers, let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explore royalty-free one-shots, loops, FX, MIDI, and presets from leading artists, producers, and sound designers:<\/p>\n\n\n\nMixing on speakers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Exploring some data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWorking with what you have<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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