The ability to hear recorded audio is important for the entire team during the recording process. In many field recording scenarios, the listening equipment must be highly portable and durable. Below we have put together a selection of listening equipment solutions that we have found to work well.
Headphones
Headphones can be used for general listening of audio recordings. They are quite essential for times when critical (careful, analytical) listening is required. There are several features that we look for in headphones:
- Portable – headphones fold up and have a protective bag
- Versatile connector – cable has threaded end adapter to connect to a 1/8″ (3.5mm) or 1/4″ (6.3mm)
- Comfortable – comfortable to wear all day, day after day, if necessary
- Fitted – closed-back, over-ears design gives the listener good isolation from background noises and keeps the headphone sound from being captured by the mic
- Accurate – calibrated to response to audio frequencies with accuracy that represents the actual recorded sound of the audio file (does not significantly reduce or exaggerate low, mid or high frequencies)
Sony MDR-7506
Overview: These are regarded as a studio standard and are one of the most recognizable headphones in modern professional audio. They perform very well in all the criteria important to field recording of music and voice narration. The MDR-7506’s have a 3-meter coiled cable. If the headphones are cared for, they are built to last for many, many years. The thin leather on the earpads always seems to be the first part of the headphones to show wear. Depending on the weather climate and amount of use, the wearing away of the leather earpads typically occurs earlier than expected considering the headphone’s overall excellence in quality. The earpads can be easily replaced. Reportedly, another brand also fits, costs less and is longer lasting.
Cost: $100 USD
Where to find: Headphones | Replacement earpads | Longer-lasting earpads
Audio Technica ATH-M30x
Overview: These headphones perform very well across the feature set we identified to be important. While comfort is something that each person will decide upon differently, these do seem to fit more tightly than the Sony’s, which may not be as comfortable for long days of use. The cable for the ATH-M30x is a 3-meter long, non-coiled cable. In regard to listening characteristics, these headphones have a slight enhancement in the frequency range that makes voices seem clearer (remember: the slight additional clarity is in the headphones, not the audio file). Durability seems to be very good.
Cost: $70 USD
Where to find: Headphones | Replacement earpads
Audio Technica ATH-M40x
While we don’t have first hand experience with the Audio Technica ATH-M40x headphones, it is our understanding that they are well-liked and match the criteria for important features. The ATH-M40x’s have slightly larger speakers inside the earcups than the M30x’s. They are regarded to have a very balanced, pleasant sound. Unlike the M30x’s or the Sony’s above, the M40x’s cable is removable and replaceable (removable is good if it doesn’t lead to getting lost; replaceable parts is always a good design). It includes a straight cable and a coiled cable so you can use the style of cable that works best for you.
Cost: $100 USD
Where to find: Headphones | Replacement earpads
Portable Speaker
MegaVoice Solar Case Speaker
Overview: The amount of versatility this speaker offers for any kind of field audio application is amazing and has earned it a permanent place in our audio toolbox. MegaVoice designed the speaker to amplify their hand-held audio players for large group listening. They also designed it to serve as a solar recharging power cell to recharge mobile phones, tablets, audio players or other devices (maybe even your recording device). We found that it also works marvelously as a monitoring speaker for the team in field recording scenarios or other situations where your recording kit must be compact, agile, and quick to setup. It is compatible with laptops, tablets, mobile phones and hand-held recording devices. We use it at home and don’t leave home without it.
Where to find: Solar Case Speaker
Studio Monitors
JBL LSR305
Overview: For budget-friendly studio monitors, the JBL LSR305’s are regarded as one of the best choices available for hearing an accurate representation of what is actually in your audio files (does not alter or enhance the personality of the recorded files, which can be misleading to the recordist). They are suited very well to voice recording work but are also respected and loved for music production (for serious music production with a lot of bass content, many people add an optional subwoofer).
These are “active monitors”, meaning they have amplifiers built-in. With XLR and 1/4″ (6.3mm) input jacks, they are easy to connect to your audio source device (computer, audio interface, mixing console, etc.) The monitors have a standard IEC C14 electrical jack (same as commonly found on computers and similar electronic devices) and accept electrical power between 100v – 240v. You will need the correct IEC power cord or an adapter to match the electrical socket type for your location.
Cost: $300 USD for pair
Where to find: Studio Monitor with IEC Power Cord for 110v Type B socket (standard in USA) | World Electrical Sockets Reference
Earbuds
Earbuds deserve a place on this list because they can be a very inexpensive, practical way to listen to audio. They are extremely portable and are becoming easier and easier to obtain in areas where mobile devices are present. While experienced recordists will likely not trust earbuds to faithfully represent the real sound of the audio file, there are situations where earbuds are a very practical solution for general listening or as a backup plan.
So many different earbuds are being manufactured and their local availability is as unpredictable as their local cost. Rather than recommend a specific earbud, we will provide some thoughts to consider about earbuds.
- Durability – Are they durable enough for their use environment? Most earbuds are made with thin wires and are non-repairable. Assuming most earbud failures occur from accidental damage to wires and joints, what steps can be taken to ensure that damaged earbuds will not stop a recording project?
- Clarity – Is the sound clear and accurate? Depending on the listener’s hearing ability, using earbuds with poor clarity could mean that errors or other problems go unnoticed. Make sure the earbuds produce balanced, clear sound quality.
- Comfort – Are they comfortable for the user? Listeners could spend many, many hours using the earbuds. A comfortable fit is important not only to reduce fatigue, but also to reduce risk of injury to the ears.
- Safety – Are earbud users listening at safe volume levels? In the attempt to experience fuller sound or to hear details more clearly, it can be easy to listen for long periods at volume levels that are too loud and can harm a person’s hearing.
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