Audeze MM-500 Review
When it comes to developing studio headphones, Audeze is one of the first companies that comes to mind. They have pioneered technology that has made them extremely popular, especially for their advancements in planar magnetic drivers.
Although most Audeze products are designed for high-end audio enthusiasts, their headphones have made a strong impression on the audio engineering community as well.
The model we’re reviewing in this article, the MM-500 headphones, takes things to a whole new level thanks to Grammy-winning mixing engineer Manny Marroquin. This set has already become a hit in studios, but does it really deserve a place in an audiophile’s headphone collection? We think the answer is yes!
MM-500 Sound
The MM-500 headset from Audeze is designed as an open-back set, and it truly delivers on its promise of an impressive soundstage. These headphones were created with professional use and mixing in mind, which is why so much attention was given to their soundstage and imaging.
When mixing solely with headphones, it’s important not to let the bass overpower the mix, but you still want to give listeners a bit of depth. Even when we were unsure about how to handle the low end on other headsets, with these, it was clear what to do.
The frequency response is very balanced, allowing you to make informed decisions when adjusting the different frequencies in your signals.
In short, these headphones provide a well-balanced low and high end, giving you a clear and accurate picture of how your audio will sound in the real world.
The midrange on these headphones has a great transient response, which is something we really appreciated. As we mentioned, all the frequencies are well balanced, so you won’t hear anything in your headphones that could confuse you or cause you to make mixing decisions you might regret later.
When listening to already mixed songs, we love how the vocals sound on these headphones. They really cut through the instrumental parts of the song and stand out with maximum clarity. The MM-500 gives you a high-end response and isn’t afraid to reveal peaks in the frequencies, but it does so tastefully, without making your ears tired.
What we look for in headphones made for studio mixing is clarity—they shouldn’t add clutter or unwanted information to the sound. These headphones do exactly that, and we truly appreciate how they open up the mix, making them a great choice for mixing purposes.
Audeze MM-500 Build
The MM-500 comes in a sleek black metal case that really stands out. We like to call it a lunchbox on proteins and steroids. Inside, there’s thick foam padding that offers excellent protection for the headphones. In terms of size, the MM-500 is very similar to the LCD-5, especially when compared to the LCD-X, which has smaller ear cups, a thinner build, and a non-perforated headband—unlike the MM-500s.
As for the build materials, this set features some truly high-quality components. You’ll find springs, machined aluminum, and even lightweight carbon fiber, all chosen to improve the overall quality of these headphones.
We really like the look of these headphones. They’re stylish, solidly built, and we especially appreciate their compact size. While looks are nice, what really matters to us are the materials used inside and, most importantly, the sound quality they deliver. So, although we won’t overlook their appearance, our top priority is always sound over build.
When I mentioned springs earlier, I was talking about the headband. Like other headphones, the MM-500’s headband is adjustable. While it isn’t cushioned, it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear and won’t cause any fatigue even after extended use.
The clamp force on the box is just right, so you don’t have to worry about it loosening over time and causing the headphones to fall. All the branding from the developers and collaborators is thoughtfully included in the design—you’ll find the brand name on the right ear cup and the collaborator, Manny Marroquin’s name, on the left ear cup.
The MM-500 from Audeze are probably the lightest headphones from this brand, weighing only 500 grams. Only the LCD-5 is lighter, at 420 grams. I really appreciate how well these headphones are designed ergonomically—they fit comfortably on your head without causing any fatigue, even after long listening sessions.
With an impedance rating of 18 ohms and an easy-to-drive 100dB SPL sensitivity, these headphones are made for versatility. They’re great for both studio use and audiophile listening, thanks to their user-friendly power requirements.
- Style: Over-ear, open-back
- Transducer type: Planar Magnetic
- Magnetic structure: Fluxor magnet array
- Phase management: Fazor
- Magnet type: Neodymium N50
- Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce
- Transducer size: 90 mm
- Maximum SPL: >130dB
- Frequency response: 5Hz – 50kHz
- THD: <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL, 1kHz
- Sensitivity: 100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
- Impedance: 18 ohms
- Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce
- Min recommended power: >100mW
- Recommended power level: >250mW
Why You Need The Audeze MM-500
When it comes to producing high-end monitoring headphones, Audeze is a name that comes up often—and for good reason. This brand has created headphones used in studios all over the world, whether in professional settings or home studios. The MM-500 is yet another product from Audeze that’s ready to make its mark and find a place in many different rooms.
So, if you’re looking for a trusted company known for top-notch quality, these headphones should definitely be on your list. The only thing Audeze is equally known for is their pricing, which can be a bit steep for beginners. However, with Audeze, you truly get what you pay for—high-quality sound and exceptional build.
Conclusion
As a mixing engineer, I believe sound quality is the most important feature any unit can offer—and that’s exactly what the Audeze brand delivers. Their headphones have a rich heritage and are recognized worldwide by top audio engineers, all for good reason.
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that will last for years and consistently perform, I highly recommend trying the MM-500 by Audeze. I’m confident you’ll be satisfied with the results.
If you have any questions about this headset, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to Audeze’s customer service page for more detailed information!
