TECHNOLOGY FOCUS HEADPHONES Headphones
Sound quality, comfort, and usability are just some of the factors to consider when choosing headphones. We look at a selection of the latest offerings.
Following in the footsteps of AKG’s previous flagship headphones, such as the K1000 and K701s, the company has just announced its latest model, the K812. Aimed at the pro market, the open-back design K812 feature a 53mm driver, the largest on any AKG headphone, which delivers a natural and clear sound, hitting a full spectrum of frequencies. “The AKG K812s are not only our newest reference headphones, but they are the very pinnacle of technological innovation to which we’ve aspired in our 65 years of innovation,” stated Kent Iverson, director of marketing and product development, AKG. “K812 is the result of an intensive five-year research and development programme to achieve, as near as possible, the perfect headphone. The level of technology and engineering invested in K812 exceeds the industry standard, resulting in truly the best sounding headphones AKG has ever released.” The K812
features a new adjustable headband system and soft ear pads (specially designed to fully cover the human ear to help with sound bleed and increase the bass
response) making them comfortable for extended mixing or listening sessions.
www.akg.com
The ATH-M50 is Audio- Technica’s flagship professional studio monitor headphone, designed for excellent performance during tracking and mixing sessions. Large 45mm drivers with neodymium magnets are said to deliver exceptional power handling and very high SPL levels, while maintaining clarity
throughout their extended frequency range (15- 28,000Hz). The sonic capabilities of the M50 ensure great accuracy when checking mixes, for example. Comfort is obviously of key
importance when using headphones for extended periods in demanding environments and the M50’s luxuriously padded ear cushions allow fatigue-free extended wear, with the added benefit of the closed-back earcup design creating an excellent acoustic seal for maximum isolation. Usability is also high on the M50’s list of priorities. Swivelling earpieces make for easy one-ear monitoring (ideal for DJs using the headphones both for gigs and production) and an efficient collapsible design makes the M50 perfectly portable and easy to store. Supplied as standard with coiled cable and screw-on 0.25in adaptor, the model is also available as the ATH-M50s with a 3.4m straight cable.
www.audio-technica.com
beyerdynamic’s DT 770 PRO 9 (pictured) is a closed dynamic headphone that has been designed for critical listening and sound monitoring. There are three available versions, comprising 32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms, for mobile, studio recording, and studio mixing applications respectively. Incorporating
beyerdynamic’s ‘bass reflex’ technology for improved bass response, this closed diffuse-field headphone is comfortable during extended periods of use and is extremely robust. In the same series is the open-back DT 990 Pro dynamic headphone, said to be ideal for mastering and studio applications. The open back reduces the amount of sub-bass but with a weight reduction of the diaphragm, the headphones deliver a beautifully crisp mid and high-end range.
www.polaraudio.co.uk
36 November 2013
CAD Audio designed its new CAD Session headphones for recording studio pros, live performers, DJs, and anyone who wants to enjoy their favourite music with massive bass impact, a smooth midrange, and clear, sparkling highs. Said to offer a big, natural sound with absolute accuracy through the widest frequency range, the innovative earpad design ensures that Sessions headphones offer complete isolation for a truly private listening experience without distracting background noises or bleed-through into your playback environment. Sessions are efficient, producing more volume with less signal thanks to the neodymium-powered drivers which don’t need a battery or internal electronic EQ to provide max thump and fidelity. In addition to pro specs and sound, Sessions come in a range of styles with five colours – white/gold, double black, white/red, black/chrome, and black/orange – to choose from.
www.cadaudio.com
www.audiomedia.com
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