Sony’s MDR-7506 headphones have become a great option for recording studios and creators. The set of cans is only $100 and they deliver crisp, clean sound so you know exactly what your audience is going to hear. Today, the company announced another strong option for studio headphones, the MDR-M1, with a slightly updated design, new drivers, wider frequency range, and improved bass response.
Inside, the MDR-M1 has newly developed drivers capable of a frequency response of 5Hz – 80kHz. Sony explains that this ultra-wide range is important for things like subtle details in a variety of recorded sound sources (particularly Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio). More specifically, the drivers here have a soft edge for those super low frequencies and a rigid dome shape for accurate reproduction in the ultra-high range.
There’s also a “tuned port” on the outside of the ear cup, or as Sony calls it the Beat Response Control, which provides the ventilation needed for better low frequency control. According to the company, this component works in conjunction with an optimized diaphragm for “very tight bass response.”
“In recording sessions, it’s important to be aware of what the musician or singer is listening to while playing or singing,” explained Akihiro Nishimura, an engineer at the Power Station in Berklee NYC who worked with Sony to develop these headphones. “The MDR-M1 gives you the same experience as listening in control room headphones, making it easier to create music while hearing each other.”
These are closed-back headphones, so you won’t have to worry about sound leakage or ambient noise. Sony has improved the replaceable ear pads to enhance both comfort and better noise isolation. It also reduced the overall weight compared to the 7506, which means long recording sessions shouldn’t be as cumbersome.
The MDR-M1 will come with two detachable cables with machined aluminum connections, one of which has a stereo mini-plug and plug adapter (stereo mini to stereo standard) and the other is a shorter option for connecting to a variety of professional gear.
Sony has also taken care to make the MDR-M1 more durable, as they’re prone to getting dropped or thrown around in the studio or other recording and editing environments.
The MDR-M1 is available for preorder now for $250, which is a fair bit more than the MDR-7506. If open-back headphones for recording and editing are your choice, the MDR-MV1 features a similar specification sheet to this new model. But, it costs even more at $400.
Nobody wants to deal with tangled cables anymore. That’s one of the reasons wireless headphones have become the go-to choice for music lovers, gamers, and anyone who just wants a little more freedom. No more struggling with wires in your bag or accidentally pulling your headphones out in the middle of a song. Bluetooth connections are now more reliable than ever, so wireless headphones are a no-brainer for most people.
But it’s not just about cutting the cord. The best wireless headphones have some great technology built in, delivering excellent sound quality that can rival their wired counterparts.
Many even have advanced features like active noise cancellation (ANC) so you can block out distractions and get fully immersed in your songs, podcasts, or calls. Whether you’re looking for lightweight and portable headphones or over-ear headphones with killer battery life, there’s a wireless option for everyone and every budget.