Sony MDR-M1: Closed over-ear headphones for use in the (home) studio

Sony has announced the successor to the closed headphones MDR-7506. This is news because the MDR-7506 is a popular over-ear headphone for professional use and has been on sale for more than thirty years. Successor MDR-M1 promises to be a worthy successor and completely according to current standards the MDR-M1 is equipped with a detachable cable.

The M1 headphones feature a brand new improved driver with a diameter of 40 millimeters, equipped with a neodymium magnet. The specified sensitivity is 102 dB/mW and the specified frequency range is from 5 Hz to 80 kHz. This amply covers the audio band of all conceivable sources.

Sony’s MDR (Micro Dynamic Range) headphone line is not only intended for users in a recording studio, but also for anyone who is involved in creating music or sound for video films. The MDR-M1 sounds neutral and is comfortable enough to wear for hours. Musicians and studio professionals love Sony’s MDR headphones because they are accurate, durable and repairable.

The ear pads can be easily replaced. The same goes for the cable, which is detachable. Replacing the cable on the MDR-7506 wasn’t too difficult either, but it did require a soldering iron and a bit of technical skill. The MDR-M1 comes with two different detachable cables: one that’s 1.2 meters long for connecting to a phone or player, and the other about 2.3 meters long for studio work. The cable actually screws into the headphones for a secure connection.

Sony itself says this about the MDR-M1: “Ultra-wide playback range and a closed acoustic structure with high noise isolation enable detailed and accurate monitoring for a wide range of audio production workflows.” The well-padded ear pads and light weight of 216 grams (excluding cable) ensure all-day comfort for those marathon recording and editing sessions. As a reference-quality wired headphone, the MDR-M1 supports high-resolution audio in all formats.

Price and delivery information

The Sony MDR-M1 has a suggested retail price of just under 250 euros and can already be ordered. Delivery will start soon.