Take a listen to this

This could be a revolutionary way to test studio monitors and speakers. I would like to ask for your feedback on the sound examples to help refine this technique!

Timestamps are below for each audio example.

You must turn off "Stable Volume" on the YouTube video settings (cog icon).

I have repeated the questions here:

First, turn off "Stable Volume" on the YouTube video settings (cog icon).
1) Which headphones/IEMs/Earbuds are you using
2) Do the demos sound as though loudspeakers are in front of you
3) Do you think this is a helpful way to present the sound differences between different monitors? So far, it is the best method I have seen.
4) Do you prefer listening in full before hearing the next pair of speakers or do you prefer the audio demos to cut quickly and continuously between them

So far, the only headphones I have run into big issues with are the Audio-Technica ATH range, specifically the M50x. This doesn't surprise me, as they have such a pronounced treble boost and are generally a poor reference headphone.

Time stamps:
0:00 - What is this all about?
1:30 - Sound Example
2:05 - Questions and Testing Procedure
4:05 - Electronic Test Full
4:57 - Electronic Test Cuts
5:25 - Drum Loop Test
6:00 - Vocal Mix Test Full
7:15 - Vocal Mix Test Cuts
7:50 - Final Thoughts

Music used in the demos:
A - Lifelike - STRLGHT. Support their music here: https://spoti.fi/4dxC9lK
C - Kennedy Wilde - Hollywood. Support their music here: ffm.to/jyp8qjv

Speakers used (No sponsorships)

PSI A 23-M (9.5 in woofer, 3-way)
Dynaudio LYD-7 (7 in woofer, 2-way)
IK Multimedia iLoud Precision 5 (5 in woofer, 2-way)


I want to test some different in-ear microphones, and will try to find the most accurate pair that I can. Many seem to have a treble roll off, which is not ideal!

Reasons why Microphones and Dummy Heads/Ears don't work:

Even in stereo mode or a matched pair, they don't capture the head-related transfer function and the time difference between each ear. It seems like it would work, but it doesn't sound right.

Dummy heads with microphones in the ear canals effectively double both the ear and ear canal shape when played back on headphones. These work well if you listen on IEMs, but not headphones. The ear canal plays a huge role in how you hear sound, so we cannot be doubling it!

Dummy ears, such as the 3Dio FS that other YouTubers are using, do not record below 60 Hz, and again suffer the same issue as the dummy heads along with having a treble roll off. This is not to shame that company, they do make some great mics!

Unless you model the chest, shoulders and face with skin, the HRTF is not accurate. My nose, jaw and ears all affect the sound.

Dummy head ears are usually too hard and reflective. My ears are unusually soft and flexible (this might help my hearing!) so they are not acting as massive reflectors and this minimises the colouring of the sound.

Finally, conducting listening tests of speakers in sound proof rooms using microphones does not provide a good reference for how they will sound in a normal studio space.

Some issues with my in-ear microphone system:

I need to stay very still during the tests, this is more difficult that you think!
Maintaining a centred position will require a stricter testing protocol. Don't worry if it sounds slightly right or left-leaning in these examples.
I am searching for the best calibration level. Your feedback will help me figure that out!

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#musicproduction #mixingandmastering #audioengineering