I have a couple of pairs of them. Since I'm not out there tracking, I can't speak to their frequency response / quality of sound.
They isolate pretty darn well, and are fairly comfortable.
Never had a client complain about them.
I usually give them to the drummer and the person standing closest to the drummer.

Thanks!

Ah, just found this youtube for those interested. These looks really cool. I'm definitely getting a couple pairs from [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.pacifici…"]Pacific Island Audio[/]="http://www.pacifici…"]Pacific Island Audio[/] here in BC if anyone is looking for them..

soapfloats, post: 347207 wrote: I have a couple of pairs of them. Since I'm not out there tracking, I can't speak to their frequency response / quality of sound.
They isolate pretty darn well, and are fairly comfortable.
Never had a client complain about them.
I usually give them to the drummer and the person standing closest to the drummer.

What model do you have?

The 29's. Sorry for forgetting to mention that.
I should also mention that one of my most discerning ears (repeat client - one that I take advice from) has yet to ask for another set.

FWIW, my other cans are 7506s (x2) and 280s.
Recent discussion around here has also gotten me interested in the ATH50s.

In the end, for the price, it couldn't hurt you to have a pair or two of the EXs in your locker.
They may not be the right cans for every situation, but they'll be right for enough to justify their cost.
I like choices.

i had two pair, 1.5 years later they all broke. not a good thing

How did they break Planet10? Been curious about these phones for a while and any info would help in the decision making.

same: They make then so you can fix them easily. I wondered about this. I'm guessing its for drumming needed so much db or spinning sticks and hitting them or something lol.

the cables all went bad right at the connector and at the earcup. one of the diaphragms is blown, my sonys that i have had for 10 years still work!! and my new ultrasones are isolating pretty damn well..

Not to discredit planet10, and his suggestions are at least equal if not better than the EXs...

But mine get some abuse, and I've had no problems. Of any sort.
Like I said, they isolate pretty well. I record in a large sanctuary of an old church, and any time drums are
included, it gets difficult to hear anything else, much less put up a "non-drum" mic.
These seem to help.

So, maybe buy a couple of each?

well whatcha gonna do..........when they worked clients liked them, mostly drummers and guitarists used them. mine were the first generation, im sure they had made progress in the products (i hope)

Update -

I recently had both pairs of the EX-29s break where the headband joins the 'phones themselves.
After that happened, I noticed there's only a small amount of cheap plastic at the largest stress point on the cans.
We're talking 1" x 3mm at best.
Both myself and the musicians who broke them blame it on their (musician's) fat heads. ;)

Some gaffer's tape has rendered them usable for now, so I'll make due until I find a better solution.
Bottom line: all cans break down in one form or another with heavy use.
Both of my 7506s keep losing the earpad, and my 280s have a cable problem and only provides one ear.

Anyone know where I can get 4 cheap closed-back headphones for $100-$200?

I have never used the Direct Sound headphones, but I have a couple of sets of Vic Firth SIH1 headphones. Drummers seem to be okay with them and I use a pair if I'm recording a band live. However, I don't use these headphones very often, so I'm not sure how well they hold up in a busy studio environment. And I like the fact that the cord comes out from only one ear cup, but not in love with the coiled cord.

I have two pairs now. Bought them from Pacific Island Audio here. For the money, they are excellent. They fit well and sound pretty good. They are like wearing good quality isolation ear protectors, but for audio and in a good way. They'll definitely do the trick.

Glad I have them.

I have a pair of EX-25's that I use for isolation during tracking mainly. So I can hear the click while tracking loud guitar tracks and vocalists can hear the click and backing tracks while the mic hears neither. Works great for those uses. Mixing not so much, but I do sometimes use them as a reference for dialing in effects such as echo or reverb. Like you said, great for the money, I was pleasantly surprised how well they isolate without any discomfort or fatigue. Bleeds a little if you turn your head though.

My 280s have went, headband snapped on the right side. They still work but don't sit tightly as much. That was after 2 years or so.

How much did you pay, Chris?
Both of mine are still broken, despite my best attempts at repair and good old tape.
I decided to buy some more, but they're listing @ $100 each now - and I bought them for less than half that two years ago.
Given the wear and tear on all of my cans, and Remy's counsel on buying cheap ones for tracking, I'm not sure I can justify that price point.

Also, I repeat my call for info on cheap, closed back headphones...

Hi Soap,

I paid $120.00 each for the EX-29. I bought them from Ron @ Pacific Island Audio. http://www.pacificislandaudio.com
He is excellent and is worth calling. Hope that helps.

(y)

Thanks Chris.

I'm still concerned about the connection between the ear-pieces and headband being so tiny and brittle.
I love what they do, but I just can't have $100+ headphones breaking that easily.

FWIW to others reading:
Minus the rapid breakdown of my two pairs, these suckers are worth their cost.
With more careful attention, mine might have lasted much longer. Unfortunately, careful attention to headphone use is fairly low on the checklist.
One too many fat heads, I suppose. :tongue:

I'll start another thread focused on budget headphones w/ decent isolation.