Audeze
Audeze MM-500
Best professional reference headphones for studio mixers and audio producers.
The Audeze MM-500 headphones are engineered for professional audio tasks and extended listening sessions. Designed in collaboration with producer Manny Marroquin, they offer studio-quality sound that translates well across different environments, from studios to on-the-go referencing. Their durable yet lightweight construction features machined aluminum and spring steel, complemented by plush leather earpads for comfort. Utilizing Audeze's planar magnetic technology, the MM-500 delivers fast transients, accurate frequency response, and exceptional clarity, making them a reliable tool for audio professionals seeking trustworthy sound anywhere.
$1499.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
791
/ 6142
#791 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
+155%
Above average
Weight
495
/ g
Who it's for
- Professional audio engineers requiring absolute sonic precision
- Studio professionals working through long, demanding sessions
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive and natural soundstage
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a limited budget
- Users without a dedicated high-end amplifier setup
- Commuters or those working in noisy environments
Performance breakdown
Transient Response
Planar magnetic drivers deliver lightning-fast, precise audio transients for critical mixing.
Build Durability
Machined aluminum and spring steel ensure a rugged, studio-ready construction.
Driveability
Efficient design allows for high-quality playback across most standard audio interfaces.
Frequency Accuracy
Neutral, honest sound profile ensures your mixes translate perfectly to other systems.
Long-term Comfort
Plush leather pads provide support, though the weight is noticeable during sessions.
Soundstage Depth
Open-back architecture creates an expansive, realistic sense of physical space.
Key Specs
Weight
495g
Material
Machined aluminum and spring steel
Earcup Material
Leather
Headphone Type
Open-Back Over-Ear
Transducer type
Planar Magnetic
Magnetic structure
Fluxor magnet array
Phase management
Fazor
Magnet type
Neodymium N50
Features
- Designed for mixes that consistently translate well
- Studio-quality sound anywhere
- Durable, lightweight chassis with machined aluminum and spring steel
- Compatible with virtually all audio interfaces or consoles
- Designed in collaboration with award-winning producer/mixer Manny Marroquin
- Plush leather earpads for comfort
- Easy to drive
- Planar magnetic technology for realism and clarity
What customers say
Customers consistently laud the Audeze MM 500 for its exceptional sound quality, describing it as remarkably neutral, detailed, and accurate, making it a preferred choice for critical listening and professional audio work. Reviewers frequently highlight its robust build quality, noting the premium materials and solid construction that promise long term durability. This combination of pristine audio performance and dependable craftsmanship contributes significantly to a highly positive ownership experience, reinforcing its standing as a top tier headphone.
Know before you buy
While engineered for professional mixing and mastering, the MM-500s are excellent for critical listening. Their neutral, accurate sound profile provides a high-fidelity experience that reveals details in your favorite music that standard consumer headphones often miss.
The MM-500s are designed to be easy to drive, meaning they can reach sufficient volume and clarity when plugged directly into most professional audio interfaces, consoles, or high-quality portable players. You do not strictly need a high-powered external amplifier to get great performance.
The open-back design allows air to pass through the earcups, which creates a wider, more natural soundstage and prevents pressure buildup. Keep in mind that because they are open, sound will leak out, and you will hear ambient noise from your surroundings, making them best suited for quiet environments.
Yes, the MM-500s are built for extended use. They feature a lightweight chassis made of machined aluminum and spring steel, paired with plush leather earpads that provide a secure, comfortable fit for hours of continuous wear.
Planar magnetic technology uses an ultra-thin diaphragm suspended between magnets to produce sound. This design allows for faster transient response, lower distortion, and greater clarity across the frequency spectrum compared to the traditional cone-based drivers found in most headphones.
Because these are open-back headphones, they are not ideal for recording vocals or instruments in the same room. The sound leaking from the headphones will likely be picked up by your microphone, so they are better reserved for mixing, editing, and critical listening.
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