Gear article

AKG K371 Closed Back Headphones

The AKG K371 is a pair of professional closed-back, over-ear headphones designed for critical listening and content creation. Engineered to match AKG's Reference Response Curve, they feature largest-in-class 50mm titanium-covered drivers providing a broad frequency response from 5Hz to 40kHz.

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Overview and Design

The AKG K371 is positioned as a high-precision monitoring tool for creators ranging from podcasters and vloggers to professional studio engineers. The physical architecture prioritises portability and comfort, featuring a unique foldable design that allows the headphones to be easily transported between locations. The ear cups are well-isolated to prevent sound leakage and external noise interference, while the ultra-comfortable architecture is intended for long-duration mixing and listening sessions.

Technical Features

The core of the K371's performance lies in its meticulously engineered 50mm drivers. These are covered in titanium to enhance rigidity and transient response. The drivers are capable of reproducing an expansive frequency spectrum, reaching deep bass at 5Hz and extending to ultra-high frequencies of 40kHz. This wide range ensures that every nuance of the audio is captured with authenticity, adhering to the AKG Reference Response Curve which aims for a balanced and accurate tonal profile.

Sound Character

Marketed as a benchmark for audio precision, the K371 is designed to provide 'absolute authenticity'. By following the Reference Response Curve, the headphones avoid the excessive bass or treble boosts found in consumer-grade equipment. This results in a neutral character that allows users to hear exactly what is in their recording or mix, making it suitable for critical listening where detail and accuracy are paramount.

Target Audience and Applications

Due to their accuracy and closed-back isolation, the K371s are suited for a variety of audio workflows:

  • Content Creators: Ideal for podcasters and vloggers who need to monitor voice quality accurately in various environments.
  • Studio Engineers: Useful for tracking and mixing where sound isolation and a flat frequency response are required.
  • Audiophiles: Those seeking a high-fidelity listening experience that remains true to the original recording.
  • Mobile Users: The foldable design makes them a practical choice for working in non-studio environments like cafes or while travelling.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to established studio standards like the Sony MDR-7506 or the Sennheiser HD 25, the AKG K371 offers a wider frequency extension (up to 40kHz) and a modern foldable form factor. While the HD 25 is often preferred for high-SPL DJ environments, the K371 focuses on precision and comfort for critical listening. Other alternatives in the monitoring space include the Oqan QHP-20BK Retrofuture and the SubZero SZ-H100, though the K371 distinguishes itself through its specific tuning to the AKG Reference Response Curve and titanium-covered driver technology.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the AKG K371?
The AKG K371 is designed for professional critical listening, studio monitoring, and content creation. It aims to provide high audio precision and authenticity for tasks like mixing, podcasting, and vlogging.
What type of drivers do the AKG K371 headphones use?
These headphones utilize largest-in-class 50mm drivers that are covered in titanium. This design choice is intended to provide superior frequency response and detail across the audio spectrum.
What is the frequency response range of this model?
The AKG K371 has an exceptionally wide frequency response range, spanning from 5Hz at the low end to 40kHz at the high end. This allows it to reproduce both sub-bass frequencies and ultra-high harmonic details.
What is the AKG Reference Response Curve?
The Reference Response Curve is a tuning benchmark developed by AKG to provide a neutral and accurate sound profile. It is designed to ensure that the audio heard by the user is an authentic representation of the original recording.
Are these headphones suitable for travel?
Yes, the K371 features a unique foldable design that makes them highly portable. Their closed-back construction also provides isolation, which is helpful when working in noisy environments outside the studio.
How much do the AKG K371 headphones typically cost?
In the UK market, the typical price for the AKG K371 is approximately £134. This places them in the mid-range category for professional studio headphones.
Do these headphones provide good sound isolation?
Yes, they feature well-isolated ear cups and a closed-back design. This helps to block out ambient noise from the environment and prevents sound from the headphones leaking into sensitive microphones during recording.
How does the K371 compare to the Sony MDR-7506?
While the Sony MDR-7506 is a long-standing industry standard, the AKG K371 offers a wider frequency response (up to 40kHz vs 20kHz) and is tuned to AKG’s modern Reference Response Curve for a different tonal character.
Are the AKG K371 headphones comfortable for long sessions?
The manufacturer describes the K371 as having an 'ultra-comfortable architecture.' The over-ear design and padded ear cups are specifically intended to support long periods of use during mixing or editing.
Can I use the AKG K371 for podcasting?
Absolutely. The K371 is marketed specifically for podcasting and vlogging because its accurate sound reproduction helps creators ensure their voice and audio elements are clear and professionally balanced.
What materials are used in the K371 drivers?
The K371 features 50mm drivers that are titanium-covered. The titanium coating helps stiffen the driver diaphragm, which typically reduces distortion and improves the clarity of high-frequency transients.
Are these headphones open-back or closed-back?
The AKG K371 is a closed-back headphone design. This means the outer shell of the ear cup is solid, providing better noise isolation compared to open-back models which allow air and sound to pass through.