I've reviewed a couple dozen headphones over the years. They all have different strengths and weaknesses, but in terms of hitting the sweet spot of cost, accuracy, and ability to translate mixes, I'd also cast a vote for the ATH-M50. The highs aren't as good as AKGs and the bass isn't as round/full as (don't laugh, now) Beats Pro, but they're tough to beat for cost-effectiveness. I know quite a few engineers who sneak a listen on ATH-M50s before signing off on a mix.

I've got just about all the headphones that have been mentioned on here. I'm with Craig and agree they all have their strengths and weaknesses. However, one pair stands at the front for me that hasn't been mentioned yet. I can mix, master and do whatever I need with them and they sound nearly identical to my monitors as far as the over-all eq curve. Of course I get a little more sub low out of my monitors due to using a sub, but these cans are my choice above all others.

If you can find them, AKG K-240 DF's are by far the best I have ever used and translate perfectly everywhere to me. They are discontinued, but supposedly the ones that took their place are even better. I don't know if this is true or not, but it would definitely be worth checking into. If by chance you can actually get a set of these used or someone has new ones still in stock, even if by chance they may not be for you, they will always be one of the best sets of headphones you own.

One of the things I like about them is, when you feel bass in them, you're using too much. Just like a real monitor mix....when you feel too much bass, you most times are using too much low in your mix. The object is to feel a little and hear a little to where the balance gives you the proper amount of bass. These headphones deliver that in my opinion and everything is crystal clean, clear and nothing is over-accentuated.

Quite a few have recommended the Sennhesisers. In my experience, both sets I own are overly bassy and I would never trust them for anything. Sony MDR's are bassy as well and lack mids...though they are super popular. They are good, loud headphones but I'd not trust them for anything other than to monitor something.

As far as bang for the buck goes, the ATH-M50's would rule the roost but for the extra $70 or so bucks, I'd get the AKG's. They just really have a nice, flat response in my opinion that doesn't cloud my decision making. You may have to get used to judging low end in them at first, but I assure you, highs and mids will be absolutely perfect in all your mixes because they translate so well. Low end will always be tough to jugde in any set of cans you buy....but these are the ones I use and I've had great results for about 30 years. Good luck!

-Danny

Well..Not much of a mixing man yet...But I use the Beyerdynamic 770 pro headphones and they sound very good.
 
I think the key of a good mixing Job utilizes Headphones, monitor speakers, and stereo speakers..of a classed specification..That comply with certain ranges of the human hearing spectrum.
So it is best to utilize all cryteria, if one can, to test "the test mixes" made of the original model being produced...if that shows as being fine on all of them, then the mix is relitively proper to play on all...If it only sounds good in one media playback type, but not the other...then work needs to be done to remedie the issue.
Finding Good monitors, and stereo systems to do this with, would be prudently sought, and is just other tools to make that product shine in the end mixdown....So that being said...headphones may give you a good mix...but using all speaker setups, Media playback devices and such, will help make it even better....
 
Regards!

Isone Pro is a vst plugin that simulates monitors. I have used it with some success.

One thing you might do to help others help you in your decision-What Genre are you mainly mixing?

Phones have many different ranges and one might suit your needs/genre better than that of another.

One thing I would say is drag and drop a great reference song into your project to compare to as you mix.  If its a part where say just Drums and Bass are kicking and thumping, compare that to the ref track.  Same with acoustics and vocals.  Nothing wrong with bouncing back and forth comparing parts to a professional mix.  

Im not there by any means yet but my mixing is getting better and better as my ears are getting trained.  We tend to fool ourselves as to thinking we can here good but your hearing changes and gets better the more and more you listen and mix.  (YOU HAVE TO take breaks and step away-Dont forget to do that)  when you come back after a day or so you will hear allot of different things.

Anyway I believe the best thing is to try and find a pair that suits you genre.  Just my opinion  

I would not mix on earbuds BUT I would never let anything go out the door without checking on earbuds.

When mixing, I go back and forth between the nearfields and a pair of Audio-Technicas.  Nearfields are primary but I can hear different things in the headphones--particularly stereo balance which can sound different than indicated on the meters.

Danny Danzi

If you can find them, AKG K-240 DF's are by far the best I have ever used and translate perfectly everywhere to me.

Hi Danny,

I searched for these headphones and found some replacement models since these are discontinued.

There is an AKG K-240 (Without the DF) for $99 bucks, then out of the 4 suggested replacements, it goes up to the 701's for $349 bucks.

Do you remember what price range the DF's were in and do you think the suggested replacements would be comparable (at any price range)?

I'm in a situation now where I have no music room any more. I'm doing everything on the dining room table, so I'm forced to use headphones. My plans for a full blown recording room have been put on hold permanently. So I've been looking in to headphones and don't mind dropping several hundred on them, or more.

I'm using a $20 pair of Sony headphones from Target ... and I have to say, I'm getting really good and mixing/mastering with the meters and compensating for what I know sounds wrong on these, but will sound good in the car or elsewhere. It would just be so much nicer to not have to compensate so much and just enjoy the sound if you know what I mean.

Thanks,

Bub

Edit: Link to Sweetwater's recommended replacement list.

My AKG 270 closed back cans suffer from no left side output. I mailed them to the AKG repair center yesterday. I also own two pair of AKG 240s which I bought in 1986(ish). They both still work bu the output is roughly half of my ATH-M50s.

I recently got a pair of KRK 8400's an I'm liking them. I'm set on getting to know them soundwise through and through.

I went here Dude....a long time ago....and got these. FWIW.

Very comfortable too. Not one session have they ever been uncomfortable
and they just don't tire my ears like other sets.
Sound....well that's for one to decide - If/when they go bad I'll replace in-kind.
 
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