Before reviewing Sony MDR-7506, let me tell you that these aren't normal headphones. The headphones you want to use for casual listening fall under the normal headphone category or say consumer headphones. But these are Studio monitoring headphones.
What is studio monitor headphones?
The word monitor itself tells the story. Studio monitoring headphones use in professional recording and mixing studios where they check unaltered representation of the audio they are recording and mixing.
Studio monitoring headphones are highly accurate and have a flat, neutral frequency response. They aren't like consumer headphones that deliver boosted bass or treble to enhance the listening experience of the casual listener.
I wouldn't recommend studio monitor headphones for a general listener. As a music lover, You like to enjoy music. Consumer headphone makers design and manufacture headphones to enhance the listening experience by boosting bass and sometimes treble. On the other hand, Studio monitoring headphones represent flat, neutral audio which may feel boring for a casual listener.
As a consumer, you expect extra features like noise cancellation, portability, In-line control, microphone from your headphones. These features along with enhanced listening experience can't get with studio monitor headphones. If you are a fan of neutral, flat audio frequency and you don't want other features like ANC, In-line control and portability, then only I will suggest Studio Monitor headphones for you.
Sony MDR7506 review
We have many consumer headphones like Sony WH-1000XM5 and Apple AirPods max that gives you the expected features with a pleasant listening experience. Today we have headphones belongs to the studio monitoring headphone category, Sony MDR-7506.
Let's check its features, Specifications, and Pros and cons one by one. We will also check the alternatives to the Sony MDR-7506 at the end.
Pros:
Cons:
Sound
Build
Comfort
Value
Bottom Line:
MDR means micro-dynamic receiver headphones. The MDR series is loved by audio professionals a lot. The first MDR headphones called MDR-V6 were introduced in 1985 gain massive popularity among DJs and the audio engineer community.
MDR 7506 also got massive popularity for a reason. It's perfect for mixing and recording. It's relatively flat, and a little bit harsh on highs which help to detect the flaws.
so a little harshness can consider a pro in some situations. Its compact and foldable design and perfect isolation are other reasons why it's so popular. you can pack them in a carrying bag which comes along with a sony MDR 7506.
the only con that any closed-back headphones have is they feel warm after a couple of hours of listening and the second thing is that heavy coiled cable which isn't detachable from the headphones.
Sony MDR-7506 Studio Monitor
How is the Design and Build Quality of Sony MDR 7506?
Sony MDR 7506 studio monitor headphones have a closed-back design. It's dynamic driver headphones that have 40mm, Neodymium drivers. The release year of the Sony MDR-7506 is 1991.
That means MDR-7506 has been serving for more than three decades. Very few audio gears could sustain so long. The design is one of the significant reasons behind the success.
Sony MDR 7506 is entirely plastic build headphones. Which means they are very lightweight but sturdy. It's enough flexible to stretch up to some limits. I stretched and twisted them. But they didn't break. Earcups can swivel a little bit. Earcups are soft but not as soft as memory foam, which feels comfortable to use.
On the headband, you can see the label "Studio Monitor" which clearly shows these aren't consumer headphones and not for everyone. The headband has a little padding that gives a comfortable listening experience.
Most of the parts, like headbands and earcups, are replaceable which is a good thing. If you ask two best points of the design of the Sony MDR 7506, I would say noise isolation and portable design.
They are designed such that you can fold and pack them into the carrying case and take them where you go. MDR 7506 does decent noise isolation. Thanks to its earcups design. It comes with 10 feet-long coiled cable, which feels sturdy and durable.
Overall, the sturdy build, portable and comfortable design is loved by Audio professionals. After reviewing the design, I came to know why MDR-7506 is the favorite of audio professionals for more than three decades. I wish the coil was detachable. But that's not a big deal comparing the design pros. Good job, Sony.
How is the Sound Performance of Sony MDR 7506?
Sony MDR 7506 is a closed dynamic driver studio monitor headphone. It has 40mm neodymium driver. At the low end, it's truly flat means it delivers a neutral bass response.
It's not bass-heavy headphones. What we expect from any studio monitor headphone is truly satisfying. The vocals are crystal clear. It's a true studio monitor gear that doesn't emphasize any frequency be it highs or lows. mids are pretty flat too. Yes! it's a little bit harsh on highs which also helps to find the drawback in mixing you have done.
You need to understand that studio monitoring headphones haven't made for casual listening that may give you puch by boosting bass or highs. They are for detecting flaws in mixing and recording. If you are a listener who likes flat sound you can think about Sony MDR 7506.
Whatβs in the box?
- Sony MDR-7506 Headphones
- 1/4-Inch Adapter
- Soft Case
Who should get Sony MDR 7506 ?
- best for audio professionals like sound engineers, DJs
- The flat frequency response of MDR 7506 makes them ideal for sound mixing and recording
- It's good for casual listeners who love neutral sound signature