As one of the world's leading audio companies, Sony has engineered some of the most iconic headphones used in professional studios and by music enthusiasts. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best studio headphones from Sony and discuss how they stack up for mixing, monitoring, and personal listening.
Overview of Sony Studio Headphones
Sony offers several product lines of high-end headphones geared towards studio professionals and audiophiles seeking accurate audio reproduction:
MDR Series: The MDR lineup contains Sony’s most iconic and affordable studio headphones. Models like the MDR-7506 and MDR-V6 have been studio staples since the 1980s.
ZX Series: Targeted at pro and high-end users, the ZX series includes premium headphones like the MDR-Z7M2 crafted from exotic materials with advanced driver technology.
WF Series: Sony’s wireless and noise cancelling in-ear monitor lineup designed for studio professionals on the go who need isolation. Models like the WI-1000XM2 allow cordless monitoring.
Pro Audio Range: Specialty headphones purpose-built for sound engineers in recording, broadcast, and live music contexts. Products like the MDR-7506 Pro offer enhanced durability.
Next, we’ll break down our picks for the best in class studio headphones across Sony’s product portfolio.
The 6 Best Studio Headphones from Sony
1. Sony MDR-7506
The MDR-7506 are an industry standard for professional audio monitoring, striking the perfect balance of comfort, affordability, and accurate sound reproduction.
Key Features:
- Precise lows, mids, and crystal clear highs perfect for editing and mixing
- Comfortable closed-ear design reduces fatigue during long studio sessions
- 40mm drivers deliver power with detailed clarity across the frequency range
- Foldable design with included protective pouch for storage and travel
- Rugged construction withstands years of use
- Affordable price point around $100
As one of the most popular studio headphones on the planet, the MDR-7506 provide professional quality audio at a reasonable price point.
2. Sony MDR-Z7M2
Sony's flagship Z7M2 over-ear headphones are optimized for critical listening with exotic materials like Fibonacci-patterned Japanese paper and a high-end Kimber Kable.
Key Features:
- Refined audio with improved mids and treble over previous Z7 models
- Premium textured earpads crafted from memory foam for comfort
- 70mm aluminum-coated liquid crystal polymer drivers
- 4-conductor cable design crafted by Kimber Kable
- Frequency response ranging from 4 Hz to 100 kHz
- Sophisticated design using custom materials
- Retails around $900
With exquisite attention to detail, the MDR-Z7M2 deliver sensational acoustics making them ideal for studio professionals.
3. Sony MDR-7510
Sony's MDR-7510 are a fantastic closed-back headphone choice for home studios with clear audio reproduction and comfortable memory foam earpads.
Key Features:
- Spatial sound imaging lets you pinpoint instrument placement
- Closed-back dynamic design isolates sound
- Lightweight magnesium alloy and elastomer construction
- Plush leather and memory foam earpads
- 5000Hz - 35000Hz frequency response
- 1/8th inch plug adapter converts to 1/4 inch jack
- Retails around $130
For pro-level performance at a reasonable price point under $150, the MDR-7510 are an appealing choice for personal studio use.
4. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4 are Sony's latest premium over-ear headphones with industry-leading noise cancellation technology perfect for travel and noisy environments.
Key Features:
- Class-leading noise cancellation uses HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1
- Touches gestures let you control playback by swiping earcup
- Speak-to-chat technology automatically pauses when you speak
- Bluetooth audio with support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs
- 30-hour battery life with quick charging
- Array of mics optimize call quality
- Comes with carrying case, USB-C cable, and airplane adapter
With an exceptional combination of wireless mobility, comfort, and noise reduction, the WH-1000XM4 excel when traveling.
5. Sony WI-1000XM2
The Sony WI-1000XM2 in-ear monitors deliver quality noise isolation and Bluetooth streaming ideal for professional use on the go.
Key Features:
- Industry-leading noise cancellation blocks external noise
- Bluetooth and NFC connectivity for cordless use
- Up to 10 hours of battery life per charge
- Flexible neckband design stays secure during motion
- Optimized for phone calls with HD Voice compatibility
- Comes with 7 pairs of earbud tips for comfort
- Available for around $300
With wireless freedom and sound isolation, the WI-1000XM2 allow pro studio quality audio in noisy mobile contexts.
6. Sony MDR-V6
First released in 1985, the Sony MDR-V6 remain a tried and tested studio standard known for affordability, reliability, and detailed audio monitoring across the frequency spectrum.
Key Features:
- Affordable price under $100
- Clear mids and deep bass thanks to 40mm drivers
- Circumaural closed back design prevents audio leakage
- MDR heritage since being introduced in 1985
- Rugged construction foldable design
- Replacement earpads available
- Often bundled with carrying case
While lacking some modern conveniences like detachable cables, the V6 remain a studio staple thanks to great monitoring sound quality and rock-solid reliability.
Choosing the Best Sony Studio Headphones
Here are some final tips for selecting the right pair of Sony headphones based on your budget and needs:
- Consider classic wired models like the MDR-7506 and MDR-V6 for affordable studio monitoring.
- Go wireless with the WH-1000XM4 or WI-1000XM2 for noise cancellation while traveling or in distracting environments.
- If you want luxury materials and audiophile-grade tuning, choose flagship models like the MDR-Z7M2.
- Look at pro audio specialty models like the MDR-7506 Pro if you need enhanced durability for daily professional use.
- For mixing and editing, prioritize accuracy across mids and highs over hyped bass so you hear recordings as intended.
- If using headphones with mobile devices, laptops, or controllers, aim for lower impedance around 63 ohms or less for easy powering.
- Read Sony headphone reviews on trusted sites like Rtings, SoundGuys, and RTINGS to compare options.
FAQ
What are the most famous Sony headphones?
Some of Sony's most iconic and famous headphones include the MDR-V6, MDR-7506, WH-1000XM4, Walkman series, and PlayStation branded headsets like the Pulse 3D.
Are Sony headphones good for studio use?
Yes, Sony is respected for making great studio headphones like the MDR-7506 that provide accurate audio reproduction and isolation for critical listening. Models like the premium MDR-Z7M2 rival more expensive audiophile headphones.
What are the differences between the MDR-7506 and MDR-V6?
The MDR-V6 have a slightly emphasized low end while the MDR-7506 aim for a flatter frequency response. The MDR-V6 also have a coiled cable while the MDR-7506 have a straight cable. But both are studio staples.
Do Sony studio headphones require amplification?
Sony headphones designed for studios like the 7506 and V6 only have 63 ohm impedance meaning they don't require separate amplification from devices like phones or controllers and can reach sufficient volumes.
Where are Sony headphones manufactured?
While design and engineering are handled in Japan, much of the manufacturing has shifted to Sony factories in Malaysia, China, and Thailand to allow more affordable pricing on many models. Premium MDR headphones are still hand-assembled in Japan.
What is the best Sony noise cancelling headphone?
The WH-1000XM4 is Sony's current flagship noise cancelling headphone. It offers class-leading active noise cancellation powered by HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 and HD Noise Canceling Optimizer technology.
Are Sony studio headphones good for gaming?
Yes, Sony headphones provide excellent audio positioning and clarity for competitive gaming. The soundstaging of open-back models like the MDR-Z7M2 also provides immersion. And included mics on models like the WH-CH710N enable voice chat.
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