Audeze MM-500 open-back planar magnetic headphones

Description: Product highlightsstudio headphones designed in collaboration with famed professional mixer Manny Marroquin tuned for accuracy and a linear frequency response open-back design allows air to move more freely for spacious, transparent sound 20% lighter than previous-generation Audeze studio headphones designed and assembled in Audeze's Southern California headquarters planar magnetic drivers offer low distortion, enhanced dynamics, and detailed sound Fluxor™ magnet array for precise and accurate music reproduction Fazor driver technology offers improved phase response, three-dimensional imaging, and extended frequency response require less powerful amplification than typical planar magnetic headphones a separate headphone amplifier will produce optimum sound quality flexible steel headband with split-band suspension system for easy fit and comfort leather lining cradles the top of your head lightweight machined aluminum earcups with thick, plush leather earpads sturdy headband sliders for proper adjustment snug, secure fit keeps headphones in place during long sessions braided oxygen-free cable with a 1/4" plug balanced 4-pin mini XLR connectors for each earcup hard storage case frequency response: 5-50,000 Hz sensitivity: 100 dB impedance: 18 ohms weight: 17.4 oz. warranty: 3 years (planar drivers), 1 year (earpads, enclosure, headband, and cable) What's in the boxOver-ear headphones (black) 8' Braided audio cable with straight 1/4" plug Cloth storage pouch Hard storage case (black) Key for storage case Certificate of Authenticity Plastic card with User Guide and Driver URL About this itemWritten by Crutchfield's Jeff Miller Manny Marroquin has mixed major releases on the Audeze MM-500 headphones, including Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. Premium studio headphones deliver a spacious, accurate mix One thing was immediately clear when I spoke with 11-time Grammy® winning mixer Manny Marroquin: he didn't just slap his name on the Audeze MM-500 studio headphones. In our conversation, Manny detailed how he spent five years in development alongside the Southern California audio experts — testing prototypes, providing design feedback, and helping fine-tune the sound. And he now uses these headphones for mixing new releases from some of today's top artists. I auditioned the MM-500s soon after our interview. They offer all the sonic components of Audeze's large audiophile planar magnetic offerings — spaciousness, detail, and a keen sense of place. But they look streamlined and feel lighter than traditional Audeze over-ears. "That was key to our design," Manny told me. "Imagine having a true reference — basically a set of [monitor] speakers you can travel with and put in a bag." (Check out our full interview with Manny.) Lightweight and well put-together Manny's been a fan of Audeze from the first time he tried their LCD-X headphones years ago. "I was blown away," he said. Those headphones' linear frequency response and precise impulse control have made them a favorite of studio pros. Audeze gave the MM-500s a similar tuning to the LCD-X — but made them 20% lighter. The MM-500s offer Audeze's oversized drivers and sonic presentation but sport a lighter design for long studio sessions. A flexible steel headband binds the extra-large earcups together, and a new suspension system helps better distribute the weight. The leather lining hugs the crown of your head, while the strong frame holds the headphones firmly in place. And plush, sculpted leather ear pads conform to your head and properly position the drivers in relation to your ears. The MM-500s in action Manny's home base is the legendary Larrabee Studios in North Hollywood, where he's worked on seminal records from Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Jon Batiste, and Rihanna, among endless other artists. (He's currently mixing new albums for The 1975 and Paramore.) His room — Studio 2 — is packed with cutting-edge digital gear, classic analog mixing consoles, and a plethora of hyper-calibrated monitor speakers. So, the fact that he grabs for these headphones as part of his workflow says a lot. "For mixing, when you have [near-field] speakers in front of you, it's really hard to tell the width," he told me. But with the oversized MM-500 headphones, he finds he gets more depth and better-defined space — helpful when working on delay trails and reverb. "And I can actually EQ percussion," Manny added, "I can dial in the the 808s, kicks, and snares...very few headphones let me do that with confidence." The MM-500s have helped Manny deliver Grammy award-winning results in Larrabee studio and beyond. Efficient and versatile with accurate, consistent sound But it's how these headphones perform away from Larrabee studios that excites Manny the most. The MM-500's streamlined diaphragms and voice coils make them efficient enough to work with a pro audio interface. And on the go, you can drive them easily with a smaller headphone amp, whether you're creating or enjoying music. An on-the-go origin story In fact, when Manny realized the prototype was ready for prime time, he was actually connected directly to his laptop — no separate amp, merely an adapter — mixing a song on Pro Tools. He was far from the dimly lit solitude, tactile faders, and familiar routine at Larrabee, where he can more naturally tap into a song's mood or vibe. But on deadline, he finished the mix at his hotel room desk using the MM-500s. That song went on to win him another Grammy. My hands-on experience: unboxing The MM-500 unboxing experience is all Audeze. Which is to say it feels super-special. I found the headphones inside of a sturdy, latching hard storage case, nestled in thick foam. Alongside them was a heavy-duty braided cable with a 1/4" headphone plug. Audeze says the braided design helps with durability and preventing noise from EMI and RFI interference. I found it pleasant to hold, and a nice design touch to further enhance the high-end feel. Speaking of design touches, I immediately noticed a little extra sparkle to the familiar out-facing grilles with the Audeze "A" pattern. Manny's name and initials are also tastefully placed on the earcups and headband. These headphones have an attractive look, at once functional and downright cool. Fit, feel, and first impressions As noted, these headphones are lighter than most Audeze headphones I've tried in the past. Still, they are certainly bigger and heavier than the average headphones. But like the new Audeze flagship LCD-5s, these headphones fit snugly and securely without feeling like they grip too much. This helps distribute the weight well and keeps them from slipping around or drooping, so I felt comfortable wearing them for whole work shifts.

Price: 1399 USD

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

End Time: 2024-11-02T21:40:36.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD