For studio reference headphones, manufacturers like Audio-Technica and Beyerdynamic have dominated the market. Sony has just lately launched a closed-back, studio headphone that’s positive to take the music manufacturing world by storm. Retailing for $249.99, the Sony MDR-M1 has been the speak of the city, and at present I had the pleasure of testing them out to investigate all the main points.
What Comes In The Field
- MDR-M1 Headphones
- Headphones cable (1.2m/2.5m w 3.5mm termination)
- Plug adaptor (3.5mm to six.35mm)
- Reference Information Guarantee Card
Aesthetics and Performance
Beginning with the look of those headphones, Sony continues to ship on the aesthetic entrance. The black design is smooth and lives as much as the “Skilled” title. It’s light-weight each in hand and through use, making this simple to make use of for prolonged intervals of time. For the devoted music producer, this can be a nice high quality to have. They had been comfy to put on for prolonged intervals of time, not feeling too tight within the clamping or misshapen on the ear.
I’d argue that the design is just too flimsy to be referred to as sturdy; I might see these being jostled round an excessive amount of and being damaged. For $250, I’d have anticipated a bit extra sturdiness. Nevertheless, I’d say that these are sturdy for long-term use and would final music producers a very long time.
With two cables of various lengths and a 6.35mm adapter, the MDR-M1 is straightforward to make use of in any studio setup. It has a wire popping out of the left earcup after which can plug into any system. At 50 Ω of impedance, an additional amplifier isn’t essentially wanted, however it undoubtedly helps elevate the sound that these headphones give. I used a small dongle amplifier into my pc throughout listening to get these up and working.
Tech Specs
- Driver Unit: 40 mm Dynamic
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Impedance: 50 Ω at 1kHz
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 80,000 Hz (JEITA)
- Sensitivities (dB/mW): 102dB/mW
Listening Overview
Soundstage
Within the MDR-M1, the soundstage is broad and immersive. I’m simply engrossed in listening from the second I put them on, and the best way the frequencies are detailed and expansive make these excellent for music producers trying to do some intense monitoring. The sector takes on a V-shape, the place the vocals and mid-range comes entrance and middle whereas every thing else begins filtering behind it. It provides the soundstage numerous nice depth and layers, and it is rather nice to hearken to.
I’d say the signature lays quite flat as an alternative of getting peak, however for a reference studio headphone, that is fairly best. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a typical studio reference headphone, this may definitely match the invoice. I wouldn’t say its doing something particular, however for a studio headphone, generally much less is extra.
Sound isolation can be an ideal characteristic on these. It is probably not energetic noise cancellation like some Bluetooth headphones, however you continue to get non-public listening that gained’t disrupt the individuals round you. The ear cup design matches properly over the ear, and blasting the music nonetheless doesn’t trigger any sound to bleed. You may lock in to your tracks, be it for audio work or in any other case, and go to work with out interruption.
Low Frequencies
The low finish could be very deep and wealthy. The sound copy is great, and the bass matches the vitality of the observe. In rock songs, the kick drums and percussion are punchy and driving, and in slower indie tracks, they tackle a extra enjoyable tone. This vary undoubtedly lays down basis for any style that comes its approach. I significantly appreciated listening to “GARÇON” by Yseult, the place the driving guitar observe within the low finish was deep and rumbly in the easiest way.
Mid-Vary Frequencies
With a V-shaped signature, the MDR-M1 produces a mid-range that’s stunningly clear. The layers on this vary are heard distinctly, all with out turning into too congealed collectively. Vocals get the entrance seat, and they’re the star of any observe. They sit proper within the middle of the soundstage, and even the layers of different vocals are heard clearly with out difficulty. A fantastic instance of the wonderful vocal copy is with the band Mom Mom, who is understood for his or her many layers of vocal harmonies. In songs like “Little Pistol” or “All of the Dying”, I used to be in a position to hear all of the tracks they layered to create the eerie and ghost-like impact within the midrange.
Excessive Frequencies
Of the three frequency ranges, I’d say Sony held again when trying on the high vary. It lacks the identical energy the low finish has, however it nonetheless comes by with nice readability and brightness that matches in tone. The highest finish is given the possibility to dissipate fairly naturally, with the frequency response being expanded all the best way at 80kHz. I actually loved listening to acoustic guitar on the MDR-M1, with the pure sound copy beginning on the excessive mids and trailing all the best way as much as the treble. “Chelsea Morning” by Joni Mitchell was a pleasure to hearken to, with the vocals and guitar coming in with numerous shade that not as soon as sounded faux.
Abstract
Sony stays delivering requirements within the music trade. This can be a headphone that can final you some time, doing simply what it must and nothing extra. For $250, I’d have anticipated Sony to be a bit extra sturdy with the construct and provides us a extra dynamic frequency response; nonetheless, with so many sonically colourful headphones available on the market, it is good to step again to one thing easier. Sony is dependable for its sound and elegance, and the MDR-M1 definitely checks each packing containers.
The Sony MDR-M1 is on the market at present at Audio46.
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