Most professional mixing is done on speakers or monitors. However, sometimes it’s not always possible to mix that way and one is forced to use headphones.
The question is, is it possible to get a good mix using headphones only?
Yes, and no. Headphones are great for listening for specific mistakes in the mix, such as pops, breath, or inconsistencies one may miss while listening through speakers.
That said, they do have many negatives which make them the last option for mixing. However, it is possible to get a decent mix on headphones as long as you have another way to listen to the mix to check the sound before mastering.
Key Takeaways:
- Headphones can be a necessary evil for producers, working overnight, near to sleeping families.
- Establishing a reference point is vital to getting a good mix, this includes any set of speakers, even with headphones.
- Headphones do have the upside of being useful for catching clicks, pops and inconsistencies, likely missed when listening with speakers only.
“You have a tendency to turn them up, which can lead to some quick ear fatigue, again limiting your ability to mix for long periods.
Read more: http://bobbyowsinskiblog.com/2017/05/31/mix-headphones/