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Sony's unveils the MDR-M1: A worthy successor to the legendary MDR-7506?
- Sony’s $249.99 MDR-M1 aims to be the new studio standard
- The closed-back design offers pro-grade isolation and 5Hz-80kHz playback
- Developed with top engineers for authentic studio sound reproduction
The Sony MDR-7506 has remained a staple in the studios of audio professionals since its release in the early 90s. After all, they cost less than $100 and sound excellent. But today, Sony has unveiled a new closed-back headset featuring an updated design in line with the recent MDR-MV1 open-back headphones, but with new drivers, a wider frequency range, and improved bass response.
Sony collaborated with industry heavyweights Mike Piacentini from Battery Studios and Akihiro Nishimura from Power Station at Berklee NYC to develop the new driver, which is capable of ultra-wideband playback from 5Hz to 80kHz. It features a soft edge for low frequencies and a hard dome for highs, aiming to deliver precise audio reproduction. The result is a pair of headphones that, according to Piacentini, are “accurate across the frequency spectrum in various use cases.” Nishimura adds that the “tonal balance feels very close to the impression of Power Station’s Studio A control room.”
Weighing in at just 223g, these headphones are designed for comfort during long mixing and mastering sessions, with thick, low-resilience ear pads ensuring a snug fit. Compared to the open-back MDR-MV1, the MDR-M1 offers a more budget-friendly option for those seeking closed-back isolation. While both models boast similar wide-frequency response capabilities, the MDR-M1’s design makes it more versatile for various recording and mixing scenarios where ambient noise or sound leakage could be an issue.
The package includes two detachable cables: a high-quality option with a stereo mini-plug and 6.3mm adapter and a shorter cable for flexibility in different professional settings. The Sony MDR-M1 is available for pre-order now for $249.99 on Amazon, with a release date of October 7th, 2024.
Stay tuned for our full review, where we’ll dive deep into the MDR-M1’s performance and how it compares to other studio headphones in its class.
