Gearank High Notes
- 2022.07: Equal Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones for Recording Under $100
Tied With:Sony MDR-7506
Cons
- Not suitable for mixing and mastering
- Long sessions may be unpleasant
Pros
- High SPL background noise isolation (-25dB)
- Great for tracking drums and guitar amps
- Also viable for quiet tracking of vocals
- Doubles as hearing protection
Vic Firth is well known for their drum sticks, so it naturally follows that the headphones they make are meant for drummers. And that is exactly what the SIH2 is all about, providing good isolation for high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) tracking applications like drumming. It features passive isolation of -25dB from outside sounds as well as little to no sound leak. This makes it not only good for drummers, but also for loud sound sources like electric guitars, and even vocals. The SIH2 is also useful for monitoring while placing mics around drums or guitar cabs, making looking for the “sweet spot” a lot easier. Sound wise, the Vic Firth SIH2 has a flat voicing that makes it viable for mixing. However, it is not as loud as other headphones, and this is by design because this is meant to protect the ears of the musician. Note that its tight isolation design makes it hot and uncomfortable to the ears
From “4 Best Budget Studio Headphones 2024 – Under $100″
Hearing protection and studio sound don’t always go together. The Vic Firth SIH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones were designed to be a monitoring headphone for high SPL environments. They make great tracking headphones for drummers and guitarists who want to be in a room with loud amplifiers
While primarily designed for drummers, the -25dB passive noise isolation from external noise make them a great tool for monitoring while placing microphones around drumkits and guitar amplifiers to find the sweet spots. Given its isolation capacity, it is a bit bulky and heavy, which can be uncomfortable when used for long sessions.
The isolation of its closed back design also becomes useful for tracking vocalists as there is little to no leakage from the headphones on to the mics. This is great for quiet passages that need the singer/speaker to be up close to microphones.
Note that while it sounds clear and full for tracking and monitoring, its frequency response curve isn’t suited for mixing and critical listening. The entry-level price points are not where you can get mixing headphones anyway.
If you’re looking for a pair of studio headphones for tracking loud instruments, the SIH2 by Vic Firth should be on the top of your list. If you’re looking for accurate sound quality, look elsewhere.
Specifications
- Driver Size: 40 mm
- Magnet Type: Mylarcon Dynamic Speaker
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Impedance: 55 Ohms
- Weight: 8.4 oz
- Connectivity: Stereo plug – 3.5mm (1/8-inch) with 6.3 mm (1/4”) screw-on adapter
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Parlorlive | Editor | 92/100 |