Sony MDR-7506 vs. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro vs. ATH-M50X: Which is Best for You?

Overview of Sony MDR-7506, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and ATH-M50X

| #1  Sony MDR-7506 Headphones

Google Users Rating: 4.7/5

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The Sony MDR-7506 is a staple within the recording, film and live arenas. MDR stands for Micro Dynamic Receiver, which refers to the dynamic speaker driver that converts electrical signals into acoustic waves inside the headphones. As far as sound quality goes, the MDR-7506’s bass response is fine, if a bit underwhelming. But, the mids and high-end are clear and present, and the >2 kHz range is nicely boosted. Many consumer listening headphones are bass-boosted, but the MDR-7506 accentuates the higher frequencies. Although they might not be the most pleasant for easy listening, this accentuated response can be really useful for mixing and mastering applications in a similar way to the likes of NS10 monitors.

Due to its low impedance and closed-ear design, these headphones do an outstanding job of cutting down background noise while providing plenty of volume in the studio or in the field. Additionally, the closed design helps eliminate headphone bleed when overdubbing in the studio. The MDR-7506 is an over-ear design and is ideal for use with MIDI workstations, camcorders, or other equipment with less than powerful headphone amplification. The headphone has a foldable design, making it convenient to store or transport, and its coiled cable allows it to stretch and spring back into place whenever you need a bit more reach. Although made of plastic, the MDR-7506 are extremely rugged and durable. They will definitely survive a few drops, bumps and scratches without damage. In a word, this headphone is exceptionally budget-friendly and is the top pick for the best studio headphones under 100.

| #2  Sennheiser HD 280 PRO Closed-Back Headphones

Google Users Rating: 4.7/5

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Sennheiser are a trustworthy brand, known for reliable, durable and high-fidelity products. The HD280 is no exception to these rules. Unlike some of the other headphones available, it features large padded ear cups. In addition to the added comfort, this pair’s ear cups swivel so you can monitor with one ear for convenience. It collapses down to a nice small and portable size and include an adapter to go from ⅛” to ¼”. The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO provides great isolation for recording or mixing. Even blocking out some outside noise to help keep you focused on your mix. Efficient neodymium magnets contribute toward an extended dynamic range and high output. The thick, padded leatherette earcups and adjustable padded headband allow for a precise and comfortable fit during extended periods of studio recording and mixing.

To my ears, the HD 280 PRO’s frequency response is the flattest among these three pairs of headphones. The bass is well-balanced and the treble comes through accurately, though not particularly accentuated. Whenever you use Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones for critical listening, you’ll receive an exceptionally precise frequency response so you can slip into your mixes with ease. In terms of sound quality, these cans wouldn’t be your first choice for casual listening, but the purpose of studio headphones is neutral listening, an area the HD280’s are quite proficient in for their price point. All in all, Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is a perfect pair of studio headphones for mixing, recording, DJing, and other critical listening.

| #3  Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Monitor Headphones

Google Users Rating: 4.8/5

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Audio-Technica is well known for their microphones and the quality they provide. Their headphones are certainly no different. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x widely acclaimed for their sonic performance, one-ear monitoring capability, and foldable, travel-friendly design.They’re slightly more expensive than the  MDR-7506 and HD280 mentioned previously, but for the bump in price will bring superior, more detailed sound reproduction. Outfitted with 45mm large-aperture dynamic drivers and an over-ear, closed-back design, the ATH-M50x headphones deliver clarity, deep bass, and extended bandwidth (15 Hz to 28 kHz) while isolating you from outside sounds.The headphone impedance is 38 ohms which means your mobile device won’t have any issues driving the ATH-M50x efficiently at any volume.

Thanks to the 90° swiveling earcups, pro-quality materials, and generous cushioning on the headband and earpads, the headphones are both durable and comfortable to wear. The ATH-M50x comes with three detachable cable choices; a 3.9ft straight cable for mobile devices, a 9.8ft straight cable, and a 3.9ft – 9.8ft coiled cable. Having these three options makes the headphones versatile for any application. The connector at the headphone is twist-lock to ensure the cable doesn’t pull out accidentally.They also offer a 1/4" screw-on adapter is included for easy hookup to audio interfaces, mixers, and stereo receivers. If you’re looking for a versatile headphone for studio use or general listening, then the ATH-M50x will be a great choice.

Sony MDR-7506 vs. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro vs. ATH-M50X: Full Comparison

Have a look at the table below for the comparison of key specs of these three studio headphones.

 Comfort

In terms of comfort, none of these headphones are particularly good, and it can only be said that the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is relatively better. Because their cups are big enough not to touch your ears, but the clips are tight, after a while they start to burrow into your head on the sides and top.

The Sony MDR-7506 is a hybrid on-ear/over-ear headphone, so you'll need to make fine adjustments every now and then, as the earpads tend to dig deep into your earlobes.The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x bears a similar sentiment and is not suitable for long-term listening.

Sound Quality

The MDR7506 has a wide frequency response with flat bass. There is a slight emphasis on the treble range but it remains, for the most part, highly accurate.

The HD280 has pro-grade audio performance with a very flat response rate. The sound is slightly warm and feels more organic. It also has flat response rate. The sound is slightly warm and feels more organic. It also has frequency response rate ensures a high degree of accuracy - a critical feature for studio headphones.

The Audio Technica M50x have long been considered the benchmark. The big 45mm drivers deliver perfect bass, mids and highs without a hint of distortion. They perform well for pretty much every genre imaginable,reproducing a finely balanced mix that's neither too punchy, nor too shrill.

Sound Isolation

All the three headphones have excellent sound isolation for places like coffee shops where you simply want to sit and listen to your won music. You’ll find that the Sony MDR 7506 have a decent sound isolation. They deliver a deep, punchy bass. The treble is better than other headphones and the mid-range is clear.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro will not block out some noises like a low drone, but they do deliver great isolation.  Audio-Technica ATH-M50x‘s large earcups also do an adequate job of passive noise isolation. Little noise filters in or out.

Verdict

Sony MDR-7506 vs. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro vs. ATH-M50X: Which is Best for You?

The Sony MDR-7506, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro and ATH-M50X are very similar, which one is best for you depends what you need them for.  The ATH-M50x has long been the go-to standard for professional musicians and serious hobbyists alike. Dig deep and you'll find that Skrillex, Kygo and a host of top producers use the M50x in their studios. If you’re looking for something that’ll take care of both your music production and mixing and mastering needs, choose the ATH-M50x.

The Sony MDR-7506 offers impressive sound detail and clarity with the ability to push 106dB, making them popular with audio professionals, musicians, and DJs. It is the perfect example of a no-frills, exceptional sound quality headphone most engineers and DJs look for.

The Sennheiser D280 Pro are among the bestselling studio headphones of all time. Robust performance, comfortable design, a great price and the Sennheiser brand name make these one of the best picks under $100.Personally, I’d prefer using the Sennheiser HD 280 PROs for music production/recording.

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