EP37 - Why L/R matters on the S5X studio headphones?

Today, we're diving into an important topic for all audiophiles and studio professionals: why left and right channels matter on headphones, especially with our S5X studio headphones. 🎧

Understanding Stereo vs. Mono Sound

First off, let's talk about stereo and mono sound. Stereo sound uses two channels, left and right, to create a sense of space and dimension in the audio. Mono is only one speaker or source, so it's limited when it comes to creating sound stage and moving the sound in the sound plane. For example, placing vocals to the front or hi-hat to the left. Stereo is crucial for accurately reproducing how we naturally hear sounds in the real world and absolutely FUNDAMENTAL for modern immersive binaural formats like Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 Reality Audio.

Importance in Mixing and Mastering

When you're mixing or mastering music, having distinct left and right channels allows you to place instruments and vocals in a three-dimensional space, giving your mix depth and clarity. Even without the binaural processing. Reversing channels is not the end of the world in a simple listening session, nor is it a problem to reverse them back in the final mix stage or even at mastering. BUT it can be a dramatic failure if your mixing headphones are specifically made for left and right ear!

The Design of S5X Studio Headphones

If you take a closer look at the S5X or many other studio headphones, they're not symmetrical. Their acoustics are designed to fit on either left or right ear. Take a look at the speaker position, angle, earpads shape and so on. When placed the other way around their sound properties change dramatically. Sound stage, frequency response, clarity, and harmonics. That will absolutely result in a different mix and will very likely kill your mix translation. I guess it's clear, we don't recommend wearing them the other way around. Unless you have the S4X model, then go ahead! Those are symmetrical ;)

Lab Exploration

Measurements are available in the video with full commentary. In short, the resonances are moved and low end is changed. So the overall balance is different and not perfect for mixing or mastering.