Headphones and Monitors

Welcome to the March 2025 issue of RECORDING––Yes, friends, you heard it right! This month’s focus is on monitoring.

Reviews

We have reviews of one set of monitors and seven pairs of headphones.

We listen to the A200mk2 three-way reference monitor from KSD Studio Monitors. Then we get our “ears on” the open-back DT 1990 Pro MKII and closed-back DT 1770 Pro MKII from beyerdynamic, as well as the Austrian Audio Hi-X20. We also have the privilege of introducing three new open-back headphones from Audio-Technica, the ATH-R70xa, the ATH-R50x and the ATH-R30x.

Also, on the headphone front, we check out a generous selection of earpads and cables from Dekoni Audio.

Addressing the growing binaural audio format, we immerse ourselves in the world of VIRTUOSO v2 from Applied Psychoacoustics Lab (APL) in tandem with a second look at the head tracking capabilities and features in the Audeze Maxwell headphones.

Also, in the world of immersive audio, Dolby Atmos expert Will Kennedy looks at the new Immersive Wrapper plugin from Waves.

Moving beyond monitoring, we check out the unique and creative S-4 Sculpting Sampler from Torso Electronics.

The remainder of this issue’s reviews stay “in the box” as we check out three great soundware offerings. We have the latest Berlin Solo Strings from Orchestral Tools, and then we tinkle the virtual keys of the Rhodes Anthology Series Plugin.

Features

This month’s features continue our exploration of headphones and monitoring. In RECORDING Field Notes, Giles Reaves explains why mixing monitors should be akin to a good pair of “sensible shoes.” [GET IT HERE] In Inside the Studio with Mark Hornsby, Mark talks about mixing with headphones versus monitors. [GET IT HERE] Additionally, in this issue’s installment of RECORDING Techniques, Dave Martin examines the role of headphones during tracking. [GET IT HERE]

In Studio 101, Joe Albano guides us through lesson three in his year-long look at setting up a home/project studio as he helps with first-time monitor and headphone selection. [GET IT HERE]

Next, we invite you to join us in a new semi-regular series as our editor, Paul Vnuk Jr., takes his first steps in Dolby Atmos. In Part 1, Paul dives into the fascinating world of Dolby Atmos in his basement home studio and office. This month begins with preparing the space, selecting initial gear, and discussing general Atmos considerations. [GET IT HERE]

Finally, we round out the issue with a Fade Out from producer, mixer, and creative director Marc Daniel Nelson, who shares some of his headphone mixing rules.

All this and more await your eyes and ears in the March issue of RECORDING.