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@romano Is the VSX headphones really worth it, or is the software with other headphones also good? I can imagine theirs are more flat so the response of the rooms is more accurate?

@Ariel van den Berg

Short answer:
Yes for me, they have been. Even without using the software I prefer the sound of them over my other headphones. Using the software really goes to the next level. The mix cube in Steven’s room literary sounds like a physical speaker in front of me!

Long answer:
Having a space with monitors and acoustic treatment isn’t practical me for.

So, pretty much been exclusively using headphones at home. I did try my other headphones with Waves NX (Ocean Way), but didn’t really connect with how it sounded. Although I did find the head tracking feature pretty entertaining.

For VSX, I’d seen the marketing hype and the various YouTubers reviews and thought can they really be that good (or bad for the negative reviews)? Detail review at Sound on Sounds here https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/steven-slate-audio-vsx

I purchased in spring of 2024 when was a promo running to get the Essentials version with 2 extra rooms (NRG & Arhcon). If it turn out that I didn’t love it, had 30 return to return, no downside to trying it out. Turned out to be way better than expected. Also, really like having the System wide feature so I can easy listen outside of using the plugin in my DAW.

Upgraded to Platinum version during Black Friday last year so I’d get all the future software updates/upgrades and new rooms for free. No regrets, version 5 update, fantastic. Addition of Spitfire Studios (Warren Huart), doing marvelously well LOL

I could go on, this is already longer of a post than intended………..

Though pricey, I use the X1 by Ollo Audio. Each set comes with its own calibrartion for a flat response, which you can apply to the plugin (and standalone) that comes with it, produced by dSONIQ. In the plugin you can also apply a harman curve and various simulations (car, studio, etc.).

It just takes time to hone your ear. Play the other EQ games too. They all fit together and some are harder than others. EQ Cheetah has helped me a lot. Just keep going and be patient while yours ears and eyes match up. It takes steady but persistent training. I have been playing daily for 6 months (I'm an experienced sound tech) and I am only at level 18.

I've found from experience that it's normal to get higher levels in some games than others. I'm much better at DB king than Pangirl.

There are several youtube videos out there that will help to teach you how to recognize certain frequencies. Once you're experienced enough, you start to be able to hear the various hiss frequencies that can give you clues. But it's very challenging starting out.

Checkout this video https://www.soundgym.co/learn/watch?id=OYxAAgukZ4
Also, if you're on a free account, use the Play Again button (if not already) instead of Continue Training to get more out of the limited daily workout.

welcome, you'll love it here

Thanks @Abiola Makinde!

Congrats Pavel! ⭐⭐⭐

Are you monitoring through calibrated headphones or a sound treated control room?

You can either mix into the limiter to get it to a mastered level so you hear how things are going to sound when mastered, or if you don't want to go whole hog you can periodically check by putting a limiter on and listening in that range. You are likely doing this but make sure that when you are referencing your mix and the reference are gain matched - probably want to do that into the limiter too as most tracks are quite loud.

Use a reference mix - and of course nail the midrange (check on something like avatone mix cubes) then you can also Isolate a frequency band and check against a commercial reference. Also check the meters for that frequency range. It may sound thin. Also - make sure you are doing EQ carving to unmask your fundamentals etc.

Fantastic!

Amazing !!!