The nonlinearity of the frequency response of the monitor system and the nonlinearity of our hearing should not be jumbled. The nonlinearity of hearing does not affect the frequency response of the headphones, which we measure and correct.
In general, the same principles can be applied to setting the volume with the Realphones as when working with monitor speakers. You only need to take into account some nuances of working with headphones:
- Headphones can produce a higher sound pressure level without distortion than monitor speakers
- When working with headphones, you do not feel body vibrations, which in some sense are an "indicator" of high volume
Our general recommendations for working with volume:
First, make a rough mix at an increased volume for better perception of low frequencies
Then we recommend working on the mid-frequency elements of the mix for a long time at a low volume.
Make the final check of the mix at the same volume at which the material will be listened to, but keep in mind that it should sound well at different volumes.