Austrian Audio Hi-X65 Professional Open-back
Best open-back headphones for professional studio mixing and mastering.
Experience critical listening with the Austrian Audio Hi-X65, premium open-back headphones designed for mixing and mastering. Featuring exclusive High Excursion Drivers, they maximize airflow and minimize distortion for a balanced sound. The open-back design creates an expansive soundstage with exceptional width, depth, and separation. Crafted with durable metal components and plush memory foam earpads, these headphones ensure comfort during extended studio sessions. Their foldable design enhances portability, making them ideal for professionals on the move.
$299.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
437
/ 5518
#437 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Frequency Range
528
/ Hz – kHz
Who it's for
- Mixing engineers requiring precise, transparent audio for critical decision-making
- Studio professionals working through long, demanding production sessions
- Producers needing accurate spatial imaging for complex mix placement
Who should skip it
- Home studio hobbyists working with limited equipment budgets
- Casual listeners seeking a bass-heavy, energetic sound profile
- Podcasters or vocalists recording in environments with ambient noise
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Accuracy
Open-back architecture delivers exceptional spatial depth and instrument separation.
Frequency Neutrality
Balanced response provides the clinical precision required for professional mixing.
Build Durability
Robust metal construction withstands the rigors of daily studio use.
Long-session Comfort
Plush memory foam ensures fatigue-free listening during extended mastering sessions.
Driveability
Low impedance allows for clean performance across various studio interfaces.
Portability
Foldable design offers surprising convenience for a professional studio headphone.
Key Specs
Frequency Range
5 Hz – 28 kHz
Impedance
25 Ω
Sensitivity
110 dB SPL/V
THD (@ 1 kHz)
< 0.1%
Input Power
150 mW
Weight (without cable)
310 g
Connector
3.5 mm (⅓″)
Cables Included
3 m + 1.2 m detachable cables
Features
- Exclusive High Excursion Drivers for superior airflow and clarity
- Open-back design for a spacious, detailed soundstage
- Memory foam earpads and headband for long-session comfort
- Durable metal construction for lasting quality
- Foldable design for enhanced portability
- Easy to drive with low impedance
- Balanced frequency response for accurate sound reproduction
- Designed for critical listening and studio monitoring
What customers say
Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional sonic accuracy and transparency of the Austrian Audio Hi X65 headphones. Users value the detailed transient response and precise stereo imaging, confirming their utility for critical audio work. The neutral frequency response establishes these as a dependable reference monitor for identifying recording issues. Furthermore, the build quality receives strong approval, featuring durable metal components suitable for extended studio sessions. The consensus confirms the Hi X65 delivers top tier performance and robust construction, offering significant value for professionals prioritizing uncompromising sonic truth.
Know before you buy
While designed primarily for critical mixing and mastering, their balanced sound profile makes them excellent for anyone who appreciates a neutral, detailed listening experience. Keep in mind that the open-back design means sound will leak out, so they are best suited for quiet environments rather than public spaces.
No, you do not. With an impedance of 25 Ω and high sensitivity, these headphones are easy to drive and can reach sufficient volume levels directly from a laptop, audio interface, or mobile device.
The Hi-X65 is built for endurance, featuring plush memory foam earpads and a headband designed to distribute weight evenly. The open-back construction also helps keep your ears cooler than closed-back alternatives during extended use.
Because these are open-back headphones, they are not ideal for tracking. The open design allows sound to escape, which can lead to microphone bleed if you are recording in close proximity to a sensitive mic.
The headphones come with two detachable cables: a 3-meter cable for studio use and a 1.2-meter cable for more compact setups. Both utilize a standard 3.5 mm connector.
Yes, the Hi-X65 features durable metal construction and a foldable design. While they are professional studio tools, their ability to fold down makes them much easier to pack safely in a gear bag compared to many other studio-grade headphones.
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