What is the primary use case for the Audeze LCD-XC?

The LCD-XC is designed for professional studio applications, including mixing, mastering, and critical listening where isolation from external noise is required.

How does the closed-back design affect the sound compared to open-back models?

The closed-back carbon cups provide significant noise isolation and prevent sound from leaking out, though they are engineered to maintain a transparent and balanced performance similar to open-back reference monitors.

What are Fazor waveguides?

Fazor waveguides are a patented Audeze technology that helps guide sound waves through the driver to reduce interference and improve the clarity and imaging of the audio.

What is included in the Creator Kit version of the LCD-XC?

The Creator Kit typically includes the LCD-XC headphones with carbon fibre cups and a professional carry case for safe storage and transport.

What material is used for the earcups on this specific model?

This version of the LCD-XC features carbon fibre cups and high-quality leather ear pads for comfort and acoustic sealing.

What technology drives the sound in the LCD-XC?

The headphones use planar magnetic drivers featuring Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragms and powerful neodymium magnets for high-resolution audio reproduction.

How is the weight of the headphones managed for long sessions?

The LCD-XC uses a suspension headband system that distributes the weight evenly across the listener's head to prevent discomfort during extended use.

Is the LCD-XC suitable for recording artists in the booth?

Yes, due to its closed-back design, it offers the isolation necessary to prevent headphone bleed into sensitive microphones during recording sessions.

What is the typical price for the LCD-XC in the UK?

The typical price range for the Audeze LCD-XC with the carbon cup and carry case is approximately £1,199.

Does the LCD-XC come with a protective case?

Yes, this model includes a dedicated carry case designed to protect the headphones from damage while travelling or when not in use.

What makes the Uniforce diaphragm unique?

The Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragm is designed to provide uniform magnetic force across its entire surface, which significantly reduces distortion and improves detail.

How does the LCD-XC handle external noise?

The carbon fibre closed-back design provides a physical barrier that ensures minimal noise enters or leaves the earcups, allowing for focused listening in loud environments.

Gear article

Audeze LCD-XC Closed-Back Headphones with Case

The Audeze LCD-XC is a professional-grade closed-back headphone designed for transparent, detail-oriented listening and studio mixing. It incorporates patented planar magnetic technologies and a carbon fibre cup design to provide an accurate, balanced soundstage with minimal external noise interference.

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Overview and Design

The Audeze LCD-XC (Creator Edition) is widely regarded as a benchmark for professional closed-back headphones. Designed to satisfy the rigorous demands of audio engineers and audiophiles, it features high-quality leather appointments and carbon fibre cups. The inclusion of a dedicated carry case ensures the hardware is protected during transport between studio environments. Unlike open-back models, the LCD-XC is engineered to isolate the listener from environmental noise while preventing sound leakage, making it suitable for tracking and critical listening in shared spaces.

Technical Innovations

The performance of the LCD-XC is underpinned by several proprietary Audeze technologies:

Ultra-Thin Uniforce Diaphragms: These components provide high responsiveness and low distortion by ensuring uniform magnetic force across the diaphragm surface.
Fazor Waveguides: These elements manage the flow of sound within the earcups to improve phase response, enhance imaging, and reduce diffraction.
Neodymium Magnets: Powerful magnetic arrays are utilised to drive the planar magnetic elements with precision, contributing to the headphone's wide dynamic range.

Sound Character and Performance

The LCD-XC is tuned for transparency and balance. It is designed to provide a 'gold standard' reference point, allowing producers to identify subtle nuances within a mix. The combination of the closed-back carbon cups and the planar drivers results in a sophisticated, detailed sound that remains consistent across the frequency spectrum. Its accuracy makes it particularly effective for mastering and analytical listening where a flat, honest reproduction of the source material is required.

Ergonomics and Comfort

Given that professional studio sessions often last for several hours, Audeze has focused heavily on weight distribution. The LCD-XC features a suspension headband designed to spread the weight of the units evenly across the head. This system, paired with highly cushioned earcups, reduces pressure points and allows the user to maintain focus on the audio without the distraction of physical fatigue.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use case for the Audeze LCD-XC?: The LCD-XC is designed for professional studio applications, including mixing, mastering, and critical listening where isolation from external noise is required.
How does the closed-back design affect the sound compared to open-back models?: The closed-back carbon cups provide significant noise isolation and prevent sound from leaking out, though they are engineered to maintain a transparent and balanced performance similar to open-back reference monitors.
What are Fazor waveguides?: Fazor waveguides are a patented Audeze technology that helps guide sound waves through the driver to reduce interference and improve the clarity and imaging of the audio.
What is included in the Creator Kit version of the LCD-XC?: The Creator Kit typically includes the LCD-XC headphones with carbon fibre cups and a professional carry case for safe storage and transport.
What material is used for the earcups on this specific model?: This version of the LCD-XC features carbon fibre cups and high-quality leather ear pads for comfort and acoustic sealing.
What technology drives the sound in the LCD-XC?: The headphones use planar magnetic drivers featuring Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragms and powerful neodymium magnets for high-resolution audio reproduction.
How is the weight of the headphones managed for long sessions?: The LCD-XC uses a suspension headband system that distributes the weight evenly across the listener's head to prevent discomfort during extended use.
Is the LCD-XC suitable for recording artists in the booth?: Yes, due to its closed-back design, it offers the isolation necessary to prevent headphone bleed into sensitive microphones during recording sessions.
What is the typical price for the LCD-XC in the UK?: The typical price range for the Audeze LCD-XC with the carbon cup and carry case is approximately £1,199.
Does the LCD-XC come with a protective case?: Yes, this model includes a dedicated carry case designed to protect the headphones from damage while travelling or when not in use.
What makes the Uniforce diaphragm unique?: The Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragm is designed to provide uniform magnetic force across its entire surface, which significantly reduces distortion and improves detail.
How does the LCD-XC handle external noise?: The carbon fibre closed-back design provides a physical barrier that ensures minimal noise enters or leaves the earcups, allowing for focused listening in loud environments.