What is the primary driver technology in the Audeze MM-500?

The MM-500 utilizes planar magnetic technology. This involves a thin diaphragm with a printed circuit suspended between magnetic fields, allowing for faster response times and lower distortion compared to standard dynamic drivers.

What is the frequency response of these headphones?

The Audeze MM-500 features a broad frequency response ranging from 5Hz to 50kHz. This range ensures that both the deepest sub-bass and the highest harmonic frequencies are reproduced accurately.

Are the MM-500 headphones suitable for long studio sessions?

Yes, they have been designed with lightweight but sturdy components specifically to keep mass to a minimum. This design choice is intended to improve overall comfort for users during hours of continuous listening.

How does the MM-500 achieve 'sonic transparency'?

Sonic transparency is achieved through innovations in driver design and the reduction of component weight. These factors allow the diaphragm to react more precisely to the audio signal, resulting in a clearer, more detailed sound.

What is the typical price range for the MM-500 in the UK?

The typical price for the Audeze MM-500 is approximately GBP 1,499. This reflects its position as a high-end professional and audiophile product.

How do these compare to the Sennheiser HD 25?

The Sennheiser HD 25 is a standard dynamic headphone often used for DJing and field recording, whereas the MM-500 uses planar magnetic technology and offers a much wider frequency range and higher level of detail suitable for studio mixing.

Can the MM-500 be used for professional mixing and mastering?

Yes, the manufacturer describes the MM-500 as providing studio-quality audio. Its focus on detail and transparency makes it specifically suited for critical audio tasks where accuracy is paramount.

What material innovations are found in the MM-500?

Audeze has used lightweight yet durable materials to balance the headphones' weight. This reduces the physical strain on the wearer while maintaining the structural rigidity necessary for high-performance audio.

Is the MM-500 considered a hi-fi or a professional product?

It bridges both categories. While listed as hi-fi headphones, their design and technical specifications are tailored for professional studio environments and high-resolution audio reproduction.

How does the frequency response compare to the Sony MDR-7506?

The Sony MDR-7506 is a professional standard with a respectable range, but the MM-500 extends significantly further at both ends of the spectrum, reaching down to 5Hz and up to 50kHz.

Do these headphones require a specific amplifier?

While the manufacturer does not specify a required amp, planar magnetic headphones like the MM-500 typically benefit from a high-quality dedicated amplifier to reach their full potential, given their sophisticated driver design.

What is meant by the phrase 'punch above their weight' regarding the MM-500?

This refers to the headphones' ability to deliver high-level performance and responsiveness relative to their physical mass, thanks to the innovations in lightweight component design developed by Audeze.

Gear article

Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Headphones

The Audeze MM-500 is a professional-grade planar magnetic headphone designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction and critical studio applications. It features a wide frequency response of 5Hz to 50kHz and focuses on sonic transparency through lightweight, responsive components.

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Overview

The Audeze MM-500 represents a significant entry in the high-fidelity headphone market, specifically engineered to meet the demands of professional audio environments. Utilising Audeze's signature planar magnetic technology, these headphones are built to provide a detailed and accurate representation of audio signals, allowing for precise monitoring and mixing.

Design and Build Quality

Audeze has focused on the integration of lightweight yet sturdy components to address the common industry challenge of headphone mass. The MM-500 is constructed to minimise weight without compromising structural integrity. This design philosophy aims to improve the responsiveness of the driver while ensuring the user remains comfortable during extended listening or working sessions.

Technical Specifications

The core of the MM-500 is its wide-bandwidth performance. Key specifications include:

Frequency Range: 5Hz to 50kHz, covering the full spectrum of human hearing and extending into ultrasonic frequencies to ensure transient accuracy.
Driver Technology: Planar magnetic drivers, which use a thin film diaphragm to produce sound with lower distortion than traditional dynamic drivers.
Construction: Optimised for mass reduction to enhance sonic transparency and driver acceleration.

Sonic Character

The MM-500 is described by the manufacturer as punching above its weight in terms of sonic performance. The character is defined by a high level of detail and responsiveness. By reducing the mass of internal components, Audeze has sought to provide a transparent soundstage that reveals intricacies within a mix, making it suitable for studio-quality audio tasks.

Target Audience and Applications

While positioned in the hi-fi category, the MM-500 is heavily oriented toward professional applications. Its neutral and detailed delivery suits recording engineers, mixing specialists, and audiophiles who require a high degree of accuracy. The emphasis on comfort and durability makes it a viable tool for professional studio environments where equipment is used for several hours daily.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to industry-standard dynamic headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 25 or Sony MDR-7506, the Audeze MM-500 offers a significantly wider frequency response and the distinct fast-transient response of planar magnetic technology. While budget-friendly options like the SubZero SZ-H100 or Oqan QHP-20BK serve general monitoring needs, the MM-500 sits in a higher performance tier intended for critical listening where extreme detail is required.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary driver technology in the Audeze MM-500?: The MM-500 utilizes planar magnetic technology. This involves a thin diaphragm with a printed circuit suspended between magnetic fields, allowing for faster response times and lower distortion compared to standard dynamic drivers.
What is the frequency response of these headphones?: The Audeze MM-500 features a broad frequency response ranging from 5Hz to 50kHz. This range ensures that both the deepest sub-bass and the highest harmonic frequencies are reproduced accurately.
Are the MM-500 headphones suitable for long studio sessions?: Yes, they have been designed with lightweight but sturdy components specifically to keep mass to a minimum. This design choice is intended to improve overall comfort for users during hours of continuous listening.
How does the MM-500 achieve 'sonic transparency'?: Sonic transparency is achieved through innovations in driver design and the reduction of component weight. These factors allow the diaphragm to react more precisely to the audio signal, resulting in a clearer, more detailed sound.
What is the typical price range for the MM-500 in the UK?: The typical price for the Audeze MM-500 is approximately GBP 1,499. This reflects its position as a high-end professional and audiophile product.
How do these compare to the Sennheiser HD 25?: The Sennheiser HD 25 is a standard dynamic headphone often used for DJing and field recording, whereas the MM-500 uses planar magnetic technology and offers a much wider frequency range and higher level of detail suitable for studio mixing.
Can the MM-500 be used for professional mixing and mastering?: Yes, the manufacturer describes the MM-500 as providing studio-quality audio. Its focus on detail and transparency makes it specifically suited for critical audio tasks where accuracy is paramount.
What material innovations are found in the MM-500?: Audeze has used lightweight yet durable materials to balance the headphones' weight. This reduces the physical strain on the wearer while maintaining the structural rigidity necessary for high-performance audio.
Is the MM-500 considered a hi-fi or a professional product?: It bridges both categories. While listed as hi-fi headphones, their design and technical specifications are tailored for professional studio environments and high-resolution audio reproduction.
How does the frequency response compare to the Sony MDR-7506?: The Sony MDR-7506 is a professional standard with a respectable range, but the MM-500 extends significantly further at both ends of the spectrum, reaching down to 5Hz and up to 50kHz.
Do these headphones require a specific amplifier?: While the manufacturer does not specify a required amp, planar magnetic headphones like the MM-500 typically benefit from a high-quality dedicated amplifier to reach their full potential, given their sophisticated driver design.
What is meant by the phrase 'punch above their weight' regarding the MM-500?: This refers to the headphones' ability to deliver high-level performance and responsiveness relative to their physical mass, thanks to the innovations in lightweight component design developed by Audeze.