So, if you’re in the market for a new pair of studio headphones, you’re in the right place. I recently got my hands (or should I say ears) on the M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones, and I’ve got some thoughts to share.
Whether you’re a musician, podcaster, or just a music enthusiast, finding the right pair of headphones for studio monitoring and recording is crucial. So, sit back, relax, and let me walk you through what I liked and what could be improved about these headphones.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- The sound quality is top-notch. I’ve used these for studio monitoring, podcasting, and even just private listening, and the 40mm neodymium dynamic magnet driver delivers crisp and detailed sound every time.
- The 180-degree rotatable frame, stainless steel telescopic arms, and leather cushioning make these headphones incredibly comfortable for long listening sessions. Plus, the flexible headband ensures a perfect fit.
- The 2.7m long fixed cable is a game-changer. It provides a secure connection and allows me to connect to a wide range of devices, from smartphones to pro audio equipment.
- The build quality is outstanding. These headphones are durable and well-made, making them ideal for both studio use and on-the-go listening.
- Versatility is key, and these headphones deliver. Whether it’s for music, movies, audio books, or studio recording, they’ve got me covered.
What Can Be Improved
- While the sound quality is impressive, some users have noted that the frequency response may not be as flat as expected for studio use. This might be something to consider if you’re looking for reference-quality monitoring.
- The price point may be a bit higher compared to other options in the market, but given the quality and durability, I believe it’s a worthwhile investment.
Are the M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones any good?
Overall, the M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones are a solid choice for anyone in need of high-quality, comfortable, and versatile headphones for studio monitoring and recording.
The sound quality, comfort, and build make them stand out, despite some minor considerations about the frequency response and price. If you’re looking for a reliable pair of headphones that deliver on performance and comfort, I’d recommend giving these a try. Check out our review of the DOQAUS LIFE 4 Bluetooth Headphones.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
After searching for reliable over-ear headphones for my home studio, I came across the M-Audio HDH40 on Amazon. I was drawn to their closed-back design and flexible headband, so I decided to make the purchase. The delivery was surprisingly fast, arriving in just two days. When I opened the package, I found the headphones neatly packed inside, along with a 2.7m cable for studio monitoring, podcasting, and recording.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Driver Size | 40mm Neodymium Dynamic Magnet |
| Sound Quality | High quality, perfect for studio monitoring, podcasting, and private listening |
| Frame | 180-degree rotatable frame |
| Arms | Stainless steel telescopic arms with scale |
| Cushioning | Leather cushioning |
| Headband | Flexible headband for a perfect fit and hours of comfortable listening |
| Impedance | 32Ω |
| Sensitivity | 95dB |
| Cable Length | 2.7m long fixed cable |
| Compatibility | Tablets, smartphones, iPhone, Android, PlayStation, pro audio equipment (mixers, audio interfaces, digital pianos) |
| Adapter | Includes ¼-inch adapter for pro audio equipment |
| Applications | Listening to music, movies, audio books, podcasts, studio recording and monitoring |
Documentation/ User Guide
The user guide that came with the headphones was incredibly helpful in understanding the various features and how to properly utilize them. It provided detailed instructions on how to set up the headphones for different recording and monitoring purposes. Check out our review of the Silensys E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones.
Features – What We Found
High-Quality Sound Delivery
The M-Audio HDH40 headphones are equipped with a 40mm neodymium dynamic magnet driver that delivers exceptional sound quality, making them perfect for studio monitoring, podcasting, and private listening. Whether you’re a professional musician or a casual listener, these headphones offer rich, detailed sound that brings your favorite music to life. The closed-back design also helps to minimize sound leakage, ensuring a more immersive listening experience.
Pro Tip: When using the headphones for studio monitoring or recording, make sure to adjust the volume to a comfortable level to prevent ear fatigue and protect your hearing. Check out our review of the Ankbit E500Pro Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Comfortable and Adjustable Design
The M-Audio HDH40 headphones feature a 180-degree rotatable frame, stainless steel telescopic arms with scale, and leather cushioning, allowing for a perfect fit and hours of comfortable listening. The flexible headband is designed to accommodate different head shapes and sizes, ensuring that the headphones stay securely in place without causing discomfort. Whether you’re in the studio for long recording sessions or simply enjoying your favorite music, these headphones provide a comfortable and customizable fit.
Wide Compatibility and Connectivity
With an impedance of 32Ω and 95dB sensitivity, the M-Audio HDH40 headphones are compatible with a wide range of audio equipment, including smartphones, tablets, and pro audio gear such as mixers, audio interfaces, and digital pianos. The 2.7m long fixed cable ensures a secure connection, giving you the flexibility to move around without being tethered to your audio source. Whether you’re on the go or in the studio, these headphones provide hassle-free connectivity and compatibility.
Versatile Usage
These headphones are not just for studio monitoring and recording; they are also perfect for listening to music, movies, audio books, podcasts, and more. The M-Audio HDH40 headphones are compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhone, Android, Playstation, and more, making them a versatile companion for all your audio needs. Whether you’re editing a podcast, gaming, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes, these headphones have you covered.
Pro Tip: When using the headphones for studio recording and monitoring, it’s important to use them in a quiet environment to accurately capture and monitor audio levels.
Science Behind Compatibility
The impedance of 32Ω and 95dB sensitivity of the M-Audio HDH40 headphones ensures compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. The impedance determines how much power the headphones need to deliver a certain level of volume, while the sensitivity measures how effectively the headphones convert electrical signals into sound.
This combination of impedance and sensitivity allows the headphones to work seamlessly with various devices, providing consistent and high-quality audio performance.
Our Review and More
Our Score: 87.0
If you’re in the market for studio headphones that deliver on both performance and comfort, these are the ones to get.
As a music enthusiast and occasional podcaster, I recently had the pleasure of trying out the M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones. Let me tell you, these headphones are a game-changer. The 40mm neodymium dynamic magnet driver delivers such high-quality sound that I was able to pick up every nuance in the music I was listening to. The closed-back design not only provided excellent noise isolation for studio monitoring and podcasting but also made for a truly immersive listening experience. The flexible headband and cushioned ear cups made it comfortable to wear for extended periods, which is crucial for those long recording and mixing sessions. Check out our review of the Raycon Everyday Wireless Bluetooth Over Ear Headphones.
M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones
M-Audio HDH40: 40mm neodymium drivers for high-quality sound.
With an impedance of 32Ω and 95dB sensitivity, these headphones are compatible with a wide range of equipment, from tablets and smartphones to pro audio gear like mixers and audio interfaces. The 2.7m long fixed cable ensures a secure connection, giving me the freedom to move around my studio without worrying about losing the connection. In addition, the 180-degree rotatable frame and stainless steel telescopic arms with scale allowed me to adjust the fit to my liking, making for a truly customizable experience.
Whether you’re a musician, podcaster, or simply an avid music listener, these headphones are versatile enough to meet your needs.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the M-Audio HDH40 Over Ear Studio Headphones. They exceeded my expectations in terms of sound quality, comfort, and versatility. While they may not be the best option for those seeking heavily EQ’d sound profiles, they are perfect for anyone looking for a neutral frequency curve and accurate reproduction of audio. If you’re serious about your music production, podcasting, or simply want to enjoy your favorite tunes with exceptional clarity and detail, these headphones are definitely worth the investment.
