“I need a pair of speakers to start my studio” - Common saying
The fascination with studio speakers is something you keep seeing among home studio owners. While having a decent pair of monitors can be extremely satisfying and productive, it can also be a barrier.
Here is why I think mixing with headphones can actually be a great thing.
The first reason is the most obvious one. You are creating a barrier that should not be there. We can all agree that instead of creating barriers, you should down.
Can you start mixing and get experience with a pair of headphones? Obviously yes.
It is much cheaper than speakers. So you save some money and get the ball rolling. No excuse for not starting practising your art of mixing songs.
(And even if you already have a pair of monitors, headphones can be a good option. I use headphones all the time)
A great thing you get from mixing with headphones is consistency. That means that you will know that piece of equipment very well and very soon, due to the fact that is always the exact same source you listen to. (And to know your gear is one of the main skills one can have) On top of that you can mix in the bar, on the bus, on the airplane anywhere you so please… also if you have a room mate or if you want to mix late at night… headphones is your answer.
Another great point is clarity. The main problem with home studios is that they do not have the sound treatment professional studios do. They might (and should) have acoustic treatment but in that aspect it can not compare to professional studios. ( It is indeed the main difference between home and so the called pro Studio).
So with headphones all of that goes away, you get it straight from the source. Hence you don’t need to do acoustic treatment at the beginning, you safe in speakers and acoustic foam. You save twice and you start at double the speed (Pretty good deal, if you ask me).
On top of that you get more precise sound. You know when you are listening to a song on headphones and you hear some details that you hadn’t before. Well, the same goes for mixing, you will notice the subtle changes you make in a mix in a more clear manner.
So here it is... my case for mixing with headphones.
(I am not saying this is the best or only way to do it. I am saying that you can start doing it like this if you are worried about the money. And It's a excellent way to get your mixing skill developed and get great results)
Let me know about your experience and what you think.
Hope you go make some great sounding music.