Mackie MC-150

I had been using a set of cheap headphones for mixing on my eight track recorder and finding that when I listened on monitors the sound was radically different from that I had heard in my headphones - especially at lower frequencies; often requiring a re-mix.

My daughter had recently treated herself to a pair of decent headphones, well out of my normal price range and I tried a mix using them. The difference was remarkable. So, having saved some cash due to being confined in our home for six weeks due to the Covid 19 Crisis, I decided I could justify buying some better quality headphones and I turned to Thomann to see what was available.

These headphones seemed to be ideal for my semi-professional needs and at a price that I could afford. I chose the Mackie MC-150 largely because I have had a Mackie Mixer for at least twenty years and it has never given me a moment's bother in all situations from studio to live work.

The sound for me is perfect, rich basses and clear high notes with no mud in the middle. They sound at least as good to my ageing ears as my daughter's headphones which cost considerably more.

They are also more comfortable than my daughter's headphones (even after longer use) and their noise cancelling qualities seem on a par with those more expensive phones.

The only thing I am not so keen on is the cable that comes with the headphones. For my needs it is too long and has a tendency to twist itself around itself a lot. This may not be a problem for someone working in an environment where the greater length is an advantage.

It is also worth noting that the cable is specific to this model. One end has a 3.5 mm stereo jack with a system for locking it into place and the other end has a standard 3.5 mm stereo jack with a screw thread for attaching it to the provided adapter for 6.3mm plugs. This latter idea is great because it ensures a firmer connection than those which simply plug in. However, I don't know how easy it would be to get a replacement (or a shorter) cable for this model, should anything happen to the cable provided by the manufacturers.

With the exception of that minor concern, all in all I am very satisfied with my purchase.