Audeze have teamed up with legendary mixing engineer Manny Marroquin to create the special MM-500 planar magnetic headphones. Designed to be used in the studio as well as for audiophile listening the Audeze MM-500 are meant to be an all-rounder headphone. Tuned for a natural and balanced sound with slight leaning to the mid-low range and light sparkle in the high frequencies.
First impressions when paired with FiiO E07K headphone amp shows the MM-500‘s neutral and balanced character. With a closer listen slight lifts in frequencies can be heard while still keeping the tone natural and harmonious. There is slight warmth and vividness while keeping the sound realistic and natural sounding. Listening to EDM and heavy metal revealed new, unheard layering to music. Switching to funk and jazz made the music shine and pop in pleasant ways keeping me entertained for hours.
These headphones really make me feel like I am in the club or studio, so much to love.
Although designed to be used in professional mixing environments, listening to different music genres really highlights the multi-talent of the Audeze MM-500 being a jack-of-all-trades. Low impedance and sensitivity make the MM-500 easy to drive from most sources, even when plugged straight to my Oppo A57s smartphone – although they do benefit greatly when paired with some form of amplification.
The MM-500 does not shy away from electronic music with deep rumbling bass that shows no distortion when listening to Drum & Bass – while funk and jazz sparkles and shines with an ‘alive’ sound. These headphones really make me feel like I am in the club or studio, so much to love.
Audeze MM-500 Earcup Grill
Comfort
As soon as the MM-500 are placed on my head I could feel that this is a quality headphone. It seems quite heavy at first, but the headband distributes the weight evenly. The slightly sloped ear pads encase the ears and gently hug the sides – again with just the right clamping force. Even after using for 2+ hours, there is nothing to complain about in the comfort zone – I just want to listen more!
Audeze MM-500 Earpads
Build Quality
As soon as these Audeze headphones are taken out of the box it becomes clear this is a serious headphone. The materials used throughout feel luxurious, the sturdy headband and folding ear cups blend perfectly together in a medley of sensations when holding. An understated, minimalistic look on the ear cups completes the indulgent feel of the MM-500. They feel and look extraordinary.
A surprising talented headphone in the studio and on a home Hi-Fi system
It is initially quite heavy in the hands – but the ease of which the earcups swing and fold flat – the cranking of the headband pins before placing on the head – and the way the leather headband sits snugly on the head – makes the MM-500 virtually vanish when the music kicks in.
Audeze MM-500 Cable
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The great news here is that after much fanfair, the MM-500 are now avaliable for pre-order & purchase with Hifiheadphones, Audeze or your local dealer!
AUDEZE MM-500
Pre-Order the AUDEZE MM-500 Now!
The MM-500 has been specifically designed to deliver studio-quality sound and have also been reimagined for mixes that translate well and capture the emotion the artist always intended. They have also been built and designed to offer all-day comfort. The planar magnetic drivers feature patented Audeze technologies to deliver lightning-fast transients and accurate frequency response that professionals really rely on. The MM-500’s low impedance and efficiency also ensure compatibility with virtually all audio interfaces and consoles.
‘Thanks for getting the MM-500 to me so quickly. I worked on them most of yesterday and I think they could be my favourite headphones. They have the imaging accuracy and punch of the LCD-5 and also the warmth and width of the Neumann ndh-30. Really liking them and will carry on working with them. I think they could be the perfect studio headphones.’
M Duplock purchased 15th August 2022
Key Features:
Specifically designed to deliver mixes that consistently translate well.
Like near-field monitors, they also remove your room from the equation and give you studio-quality sound anywhere
Durable, lightweight chassis featuring machined aluminum and spring steel
Compatible with virtually all audio interfaces or consoles
Designed in collaboration with award-winning producer/mixer Manny Marroquin
The Edifier H850 Headphones offer excellent sound quality for the modest price of £39.99, offering a clean and clear, well balanced sound.
Pros:
Build quality
Balanced sound
Cons:
Not the most natural timbre
Lacks some high end refinement
Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories
The Edifier H850 are a fairly standard looking headphone, nothing stands out with a mainly matt black design and brushed aluminium faceplates. The H850 won’t win any beauty competitions, but they look stylish for a headphone at this price.
The build quality is perfectly acceptable for the price, with plastic cups, metal reinforced headband and metal faceplates. The cups swivel flat, the earpads are replaceable and a big plus point is the cable is user replaceable with a standard 3.5mm jack (however the stock one has a locking mechanism).
The H850 accessories are kept to a minimum, only a 6.3mm jack adaptor is supplied as extra, however this means that costs are kept to a minimum, leaving you with better sound quality for the price over luxurious accessories.
Comfort and Isolation
The Edifier H850 are very light, but the cups are not the most spacious, however I find them to be comfortable for long periods of time. The headband is well padded and again the weight comes into play here not creating a hot spot on the top of your head.
Isolation is good, this is a closed back headphone but there are vents in the cups that do leak a minimal amount of sound. If you listen at moderate volumes you are unlikely to bother people around you.
The bass on the H850 is surprisingly punchy and well in line with the rest of the frequency range. It is articulate and well layered, bass guitar lines are easy to follow. They do roll off around 50hz, and there is a bit of a mid bass hump but, overall the bass is well controlled and does not shadow the rest of the frequency range. The lows are quick in attack and recovery making them handle heavy rock music very well, yet they can still offer some body in acoustic and electronic tracks.
Mids
The midrange is quite clean and clear, there is a slight dip in the lower mids making male vocals not as prominent as female vocals. However they do not suffer from bleed from the lows, being well separated. Finer details are not the H850’s strong point, but they are well balanced and there is good space and air. For the price the midrange is very good, there is a slight peak in the upper midrange which does highlight some sibilance in certain recordings. Electric guitars fair well with good energy and crunch when called for, and acoustic guitars come across with good body but perhaps a little cold in tonality.
Highs
The highs are well presented but do lack extension and air, I find them to roll off too early and lack refinement. They are a bit one toned with lack of distinct definition, but then again they are present and at this price point I don’t think any headphone can match these in the treble range. The highs do have good placement and directionality being able to pinpoint where they are coming from in the recording.
Separation and Soundstage
The instrument separation is good on these, during faster tracks they do have a tendency to become a little congested but for the most part everything is well separated and easy to pick out in the recording.
The soundstage is not huge, it is just outside the headphones in terms of width, so they won’t be the best for large orchestral pieces.
Conclusion
Now for the price, the Edifier H850 is possibly best in class, most headphones around this range have boosted bass, or non-existent highs, these do not. These actually have good balance across the board, yes they won’t have the natural tone of high end models, or the effortless high end extension, but they do offer a very pleasant listening experience for an excellent price.
The Fostex TH7BK seems to be a revision of the former model, the TH7BB. However, the older TH7BB had a semi-open design whereas the new TH7BK is closed. This lends itself better to the studio applications it’s designed for, but the 1.2m cable may require an extension cable. The TH7BK can be used for portable applications but will require a little help with amplification if being used with most handsets.
Pros:
Decent low cost studio cans
Good for monitoring
Cons:
Cable could be longer for studio use
Design and Appearance
The Fostex TH7BK is exactly like its older counterpart in terms of looks; it’s a plain design which doesn’t draw attention and doesn’t want it either. There is nothing unattractive about it, but it’s not going to suit you if you are planning on making an impression!
The plastic material has a rubberised coating of some sort, giving a matt finish all over.
Durability and Build Quality
Build quality is satisfactory, but the TH7BK is not designed for particularly heavy use. Sit on these and you’ll be looking for new headphones, but with care these will last for a good while.
Comfort
The TH7BK might be classed as an over-ear model but things are a little snug in there; if your ears are on the large side, they might also be partly on the outside, but most should be fine.
The Fostex TH7BK is designed to be a low cost solution for project studios and the like; the overall sound signature is fairly flat and dry, but with enough to work as a headphone for listening to music as an end user too.
Bass
Bass is not as emphasised as with most consumer headphones, but is well controlled and fits in with the rest of the presentation. It starts low and gives a bit of a thump, but no bruises are formed.
Mids
The midrange is clear and fully present without any troublesome peaks. Very good for monitoring and spotting details; vocals are clear enough but there is a slight raspy quality to them. Similarly, harmonics are not as clear as with higher priced offerings from Fostex, affecting imaging a little.
Treble:
Treble is clear too, but as with the midrange there is a grainy element to it. These are under £70, so it’s not meant as a criticism so much as a description of the sound. Hi hats and cymbals still sound good, but with an element of ‘rock ‘n roll’ roughness about them.
Soundstage and Separation
Soundstage depends on the production; some genres can seem a little flat and narrow, but others widen out quite a bit, such as classical. Given that these headphones were designed for monitoring and the like, this is not really an issue.
Separation is fairly good; everything has its place in the mix but it’s not completely distinct all the time.
Music genres good for and why
From the standpoint of an end user rather than a studio user, the Fostex TH7BK works well with electronic, dance and similar genres. Live music, classical and acoustic performances may seem a little two-dimensional however.
Summary
The Fostex TH7BK is good value as a tool for use in the studio, and can be used as a general listening headphone too. Any criticisms regarding the sound involve the TH7BK’s perceived use as an ‘end user’ headphone and so should be taken with a grain of salt; this model is not primarily designed for that purpose.
The HifiHeadphones team is pleased to announce the new Professional Reference-Class Open Back Headphone from Shure, the SRH1840 is now available to be purchased on our website.
Let us introduce the flagship of Shure’s reference-class headphone line, the SRH1840. The Shure SRH1840 open back headphones have been developed with premium materials and precision engineering. They are ideally suited to professional recording, mastering and audiophile listening applications.
Shure’s SRH 1840 features individually matched drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended highs and accurate bass. Custom-crafted, the Shure SRH1840 is extremely lightweight and durable. Steel driver frame with vented centre pole piece improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance for consistent performance at all listening levels. Individually matched 40 mm neodymium drivers for unparalleled acoustic performance with smooth, extended high-end and accurate bass.
An included storage case, replacement set of velour ear pads, and an additional cable ensures years of uninterrupted listening enjoyment.
Open-back, circumaural design for exceptionally natural sound
Lightweight construction featuring aircraft-grade aluminium for enhanced durability.
Steel driver frame improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance
Ergonomic dual-frame, padded headband is lightweight and fully adjustable
Oxygen-free copper cable (OFC) with Kevlar reinforced jacket
Dual-exit cables with gold-plated MMCX connectors
Replaceable velour ear pads with high density, slow recovery foam
Additional cable and zippered storage case included
Studio headphone enquiries are becoming more and more common, especially with people being able to set up their own home studios on a low budget and with limited space. Depending on what you will be using the headphones for, there a few qualities you should look for.
For mixing, the best would be a neutral headphone which doesn’t colour the sound – this way you will get a clear representation of your mix. You will also want good separation and a wide sound stage, this will help with panning and getting an accurate stereo image.
For recording, the main quality to look for is isolation – better isolation will stop sound from leaking and will also block out other sounds from the studio. Comfort and a secure fit is also important, you may be using the headphones for long periods of time and you don’t want them slipping off (mainly for drummers).
Either way you want them to sound great! Here is my choice of the best Studio Headphones:
These Headphones are quite possibly the best you can get for mixing. They are extremely accurate, they have a very wide and natural sound stage and they are very comfortable – you barely realise that they are even on your head!
Beyerdynamic is one of my favourite brands, and the T1s are their flagship model. They are superb for mixing. Slightly darker sounding than the HD800s, they are very popular as a studio headphone. Having a darker sound just means that they are a bit smoother and not quite as bright, which can be a good thing as some people don’t like headphones being too accurate. The T1s are also very comfortable and will get more so over time.
The Ultrasone Signature Pro is possibly the best all round studio headphone we do. The Signature Pro has great isolation due to it being a closed back headphone and having high quality leather pads, they are also extremely comfortable so you can have them on your head for long periods of time. Not only are they great for recording, they are also great for mixing. Ultrasone use S-Logic technology to give the listener an open back headphone experience, giving you a wide sound stage and superb separation.
If you are looking for a mixing headphone on a budget then this is the one to go for! The DT880 has a very neutral sound and being a semi open headphone, they have good sound stage and separation. The sound is very detailed and uncoloured, bass notes are clear without being muddy and the top end sparkles. The velour pads supplied also make the DT880 very comfortable.
TOP PICK! – In my opinion, GermanMAESTRO have created the best value for money studio headphone you can get. The GMP 8.35 D has the best isolation I have experienced and it is practically indestructible. They can also be used for tracking and mixing due to them having great detail, punchy bass that doesn’t bleed into the rest of the mix and very crisp midrange.
The DT770 is an old studio favourite, they have a very clear, airy sound with a wide sound stage. Great separation and imaging lets you hear the most complex recordings with great detail and warmth. They have great isolation and are very comfortable. Very hard to fault at this price.
Pioneers current range of DJ headphones is crowned by the fantastic HDJ-2000, which are without doubt one of the nicest DJ headphones around at the moment. The range caters for everyone from bedroom heroes right up to the Professional gigging DJ.
DJ headphones are often used for a wide variety of tasks and have to satisfy a tough set of criteria, this makes creating the perfect DJ headphone quite difficult.
Essential Features
DJ Headphones need to have the option of a 6.3mm or ¼” jack plug (this can be a screw on adaptor) as this is what you will find at the headphone output of a mixer and other Pro Audio devices.
Closed back headphones keep other noises out and your noise in. DJ Headphones should isolate you from background noise, this helps with cueing up the next track or getting that clever new mix perfect. It also means you can use the same headphones for studio performance or if you make your own music or remix other peoples work they will help here too!
The Importance of Comfort
If you’re going to spend many hours DJing then comfort is obviously a key factor to consider. Some headphone headbands cause a clamping effect that can cause fatigue, this type of distraction will not aid the creative process. Other headphones have a very light grip on the head and will move around, again not an aid to concentration. You should aim for somewhere in the middle, comfy but you don’t want them falling off mid set. DJ headphones might also have articulated cups to help with single ear monitoring. As you will probably be wearing them for hours on end, the cups should feel good on your ears, also think about where the cable will be if you have an unconventional DJ style, they can be single or double sided.
Build Quality and Storage DJ headphones must be tough, if you are gigging they will be stepped on, dragged around by the cable, stuffed in a bag or record box and will probably get very sweaty! If space in your travelling bag or case is limited then pick a small or folding model. Try not to choose your headphones by looks alone, sometimes it is much better to look professional than to look cool.
Pioneer HDJ Series
The logic seems to be that the models underneath the HDJ-2000 have benefited from the innovation and developments for the Flagship model. This always impresses me as not everyone can afford the top model in a range but it is nice to know you are benefiting from the same technology. Pioneer have made the HDJ range for live or studio monitoring but all the models work very well for listening to music on the go. DJ headphones do lend themselves to general portable use – Great sound, small size, folding parts, replaceable cables and tough construction. Whether you are a bedroom DJ or a Globe trotting superstar DJ you will probably use DJ headphones for listening to music too and possibly even making a little of your own. Pioneer have achieved three excellent models which could easily become the only pair of headphones you need.
Pioneer HDJ-2000
The HDJ-2000 itself is quite a hansom affair. Pioneer have straddled the difficult gap between Consumer and Pro Audio looks with impressive results. The magnesium alloy used in the swivel mechanism for the cups feels solid and lightweight. The Auto return feature, or i-hinge as they call it, swivels the cups back to their original position. This works really well and feels like it should be there. The headband is un-fussy and practical, it can be bent until it is nearly flat without any damage and the retractable arms for fit sizing are simple but sensible. The folding system works perfectly, the unit is actually quite small when folded. The Ear pads are made of an artificial Protein Leather, which I found convincingly leather like and comfy, these are filled with a heat reactive memory foam, not unlike the ever popular Comply tips. The heavy-duty build quality makes the HDJ-2000 durable and portable. The cable is fully replaceable, fitted to the headphone with a Mini XLR at the business end of a tough coiled 3m cable and a 3.5mm gold plated jack plug with 6.3mm adaptor at the other.
First Impressions
On first impressions, the sound is not exactly what I have come to expect from a DJ headphone, they have a more Hifi feel due to the level of detail, the sound feels pretty sophisticated. Although they have the typically short stereo imaging of a Closed back Headphone giving an inverted U shape to the audio, the separation is fantastic. You do not perceive that the sound extends far beyond your head but they feel uncluttered and the sense of space within the soundstage feels natural also the background is relatively dark.
The HDJ-2000s’ 50mm driver units with high-flux magnets create convincing resolution, the top end feels bright but not aggressive, there is plenty of detail here but it never becomes constantly oppressive. Cymbals are handled really well. The bottom end is bigger than necessary for a balanced sound. The bass has body – there is decent weight but it is not excessive – the overall response is definitely big and warm but textured and controlled. The transition to the lower mids is well achieved with little evidence of mud. Mids follow a similar theme to the bass, warm and immediate, textured believable and engaging. Vocals were the big surprise, sweet and lush, quite forward but not overbearing. As the volume gets loud some elements can leap out as a little brash which makes them exciting, in quieter numbers the same effect comes across as sweetness. I would describe the sound as at the technically impressive end of fun sounding – a contemporary HiFi sound that suits the fan of complex Electronic music.
Verdict The HDJ-2000 have superb clarity, clear instrument separation and maximum comfort whether you’re performing in a packed club, listening for fun or practising at home. Even though they are very detailed, their fresh feel does not seem to fatigue or overpower. They definitely go a lot further than the average DJ headphone by offering greater fidelity, a few really innovative features and a tough but comfy build.
Pioneer HDJ-1000
Pioneer HDJ-1000 has become a common choice for the Pro DJ over the last few years but also appeal to serious music fans too. This headphone works well for basic studio applications and making music at home. They offer great sound quality, lightweight design and are not bad looking either. The 50mm driver units have the same high-flux magnet technology found in the HDJ-2000 creating a very decent level of detail and bass that is deep, warm and lush.
To improve monitoring, there is also a convenient stereo/mono switch. Each ear-cup gives excellent isolation and swivels a full 90 degrees, supporting DJs who prefer the ‘on-shoulder’ method of monitoring. When not in use the HDJ-1000 folds to reduce size, the cable is a 3m coiled type which terminates in a 3.5mm jack and comes with a 6.3mm adaptor.
A great sounding and well thought out unit which certainly fits the brief of the contemporary DJ. Robust build and great sound quality, folding cups and decent cable should put this on your shortlist.
Pioneer HDJ-500
Pioneer HDJ-500 Closed Back headphones are the junior model in the Pioneer range. They have been designed for a flexible DJ lifestyle by adapting to both DJing at home, in a club or listening on the go.The HDJ-500 is engineered with 40mm driver units to strongly reproduce a rich low-range and the mid level frequencies needed for accurate monitoring. The lightweight stylish design utilises technology from the Pioneer flagship model the HDJ-2000.
With its 60º rotating arm structure and flexible headband, the HDJ-500 is also completely adaptable to your personal DJing style. Top quality and style and sound are no longer reserved solely for professional DJs, but are now available to anyone who wants to get the most out of their Electronic music. Included are a 3m cord for DJ use and a 1.2m Single-sided coiled cable with 3.5 mm gold-plated jack plug and a screw-on 6.35mm stereo adapter.Professional sounding and looking headphones which will work on the train, in the bedroom or at the club.
Shure have just launched a brand new range of closed back studio and DJ headphones that have already been getting quite a bit of interest since news of the pricing was leaked on Head-Fi.org.
Full size headphones is a new departure for Shure, as they are known best for their in-ear sound isolating earphones. Initial user reviews suggest that the Shure SRH840 sound like a ‘Shure SE530 with sparklier treble’, which can only be a good thing.
Those lucky enough to get their hands on review samples of the Shure SRH840 have commented on the huge soundstage considering that this headphone is a closed back design. Read one Head-fi members review of the Shure SRH840.
We’re really excited about this range of headphones and itching to get out hands on initial stock to give them a proper review.
Choosing the best DJ headphones can be difficult – it’s a big decision. If you’re a DJ then you will no doubt be very careful about the headphones you choose for monitoring. While it’s possible to DJ with a pair of ordinary Hi-Fi headphones, you will likely not be very happy with the result.
DJ monitoring has some very specific requirements, which are quite different to other types of listening. This article is meant to offer some advice with choosing the best pair of DJ headphone. DJing presents a tough listening environment and you will need to ensure you have the right equipment to be successful and get the most out of it.
Below are a few key points to think about when choosing DJ headphones.
Good isolation from external sound
While you cue up the next track you need to be able to monitor without interference from the sound being played over the speakers, so headphones with good sound isolation are a must
Good DJ headphones are nearly always of the closed back (or sealed) design, which means you can focus on getting the beats matched perfectly without any external distractions.
Swivel earcups
When you think you got the beat match spot on you will want to compare the beats of your new tune with the sound coming out of the speakers. Swivel earcups are a convenient way of monitoring the audio coming through the speakers. You just rotate one earcup and hey presto you can hear your new track and the existing track. Also convenient for chatting with friends nearby while you mix!
For example the Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones have rotating earcups and also conveniently have a headphone cable that comes from a single earcup, meaning you are less likely to get tangled up in the cord when you are jumping up and down behind the decks.
Sennheiser HD25 DJ Headphones
Clarity at high volume levels
The listening environment while DJing is often very noisy, even if it’s just at home with the speakers turned up loud. You will need your DJ headphones to be able to cut through the external noise and this may mean turning them up loud for short periods. A good quality pair of DJ headphones are able to be driven at high volumes without distortion.
Some DJ headphones may even sound a little biased towards mids and treble, which is to help you distinguish audio cues in the music.
Long term listening comfort
As a DJ you may have to wear your headphones for hours at a time, so headphone fit and comfort are vital. Ears that are hurting will not help your mixing skills. The best DJ headphones have comfortable earpads and are lightweight.
More Information
The HiFi Headphones store has a big selection of DJ headphones from many of the best headphone brands, including Technics and Sennheiser.
