SONY MDR-M1 Professional Headphone Review - A New Closed-Back Studio Standard?

Introduction

Hi everyone, I'm Todd, and I hope you're having a fantastic week! Today, I'm excited to dive into Sony's brand new closed-back studio reference headphones, the MDR-M1. Let's take a closer look at what these headphones have to offer.

Sony describes the M1 as a reference headphone specifically designed for professional applications in monitoring, mixing, and mastering. These headphones were developed in collaboration with Power Station and Battery Studios in New York, which sets high expectations for performance. The goal was to ensure that users could switch seamlessly between these headphones and monitors in a control room, ensuring consistent sound quality.

The MDR-M1 serves as a new evolution from Sony's legendary 7506 studio model, aiming to provide an even greater level of accuracy and performance in frequency response, soundstage, and imaging. Throughout this review, I'll be analyzing the audio recorded using my binaural microphone, so I encourage you to listen in the best possible monitoring environment to truly appreciate the differences.

Frequency Response Analysis

Looking at the sine sweep analysis, we can see very minimal deviation across all frequencies, particularly in the upper end, with variations only a few decibels. Transitioning to linear analysis, we observe more detail; however, the real test is how these headphones perform with actual music.

When listening to music through the MDR-M1, the reproduction was impressively faithful to the original file. The logarithmic analysis highlighted minimal frequency deviations, with only minor bumps in the upper frequencies. The overall accuracy of sound reproduction compared very favorably with other headphones and studio monitors. The overlay graphs of recordings made with the M1 versus the original tracks showed minimal deviation, underscoring their reference capability.

Vocal and Spoken Word Performance

Examining male and female vocal performance, the logarithmic comparisons indicated very little deviation between the headphones and the original recordings. In linear analysis, while some deviations appeared in the upper frequencies, the overall accuracy was maintained. These headphones are excellent for anyone involved in monitoring vocals, making them a solid choice for recording engineers and mixers.

For spoken word applications, the accuracy provided by these headphones is commendable. The linear analysis again showed minor deviations in upper frequencies, but they are negligible and do not impact overall sound perception.

Gaming Performance

While the MDR-M1 was designed primarily for professional applications, they also performed impressively during gaming sessions. The immersive sound environment and detailed representation of audio stimuli made for an engaging experience. Despite being closed-back, the soundstage felt expansive and well-defined, making these headphones an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Build Quality and Comfort

In terms of build quality, the headphones are both lightweight and robust. The design features adjustable swivel cups for comfort, making them suitable for prolonged use. The ear pads are soft and upgraded material-wise, ensuring they remain comfortable even during extended listening sessions.

The detachable cables are sturdy, featuring screw-in locking mechanisms that provide confidence in their durability. When it comes to additional features, these headphones accommodate an impressive frequency response range of 5 to 80,000 Hz, suitable for high-resolution audio, while remaining easy to drive with various devices.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Sony's MDR-M1 headphones are a worthy addition to the lineup of professional monitoring tools. They deliver accurate frequency response, great soundstage, and imaging, making them suitable for various applications. Lightweight and durable, they provide comfort for long periods of use, whether in a studio environment or for casual listening.

Overall, these headphones come highly recommended for professionals and casual listeners alike. If you want to compare them with Sony's other closed-back designs, such as the 7506, be sure to check out the video linked below. Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to seeing you next time!

Keyword

• Sony
• MDR-M1
• Closed-back
• Professional headphones
• Monitoring
• Mixing
• Mastering
• Frequency response
• Soundstage
• Imaging
• Gaming performance
• Build quality
• Comfort

FAQ

Q1: What type of application are the Sony MDR-M1 headphones designed for?
A1: The Sony MDR-M1 headphones are designed primarily for professional applications such as monitoring, mixing, and mastering.

Q2: How do the MDR-M1 headphones perform in terms of frequency response?
A2: The MDR-M1 headphones demonstrate minimal deviation across frequency ranges, providing a very accurate representation of sound.

Q3: Are the MDR-M1 headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
A3: Yes, the MDR-M1 headphones are lightweight with soft ear pads, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Q4: Can the MDR-M1 headphones be used for gaming?
A4: Absolutely! Many users find these headphones immerse them in expansive sound environments during gaming.

Q5: What is the build quality of the MDR-M1 headphones like?
A5: The build quality is very good, featuring durable materials while remaining lightweight and comfortable for long-term use.