PRODUCT
PRODUCT
TESTS
Sennheiser HD25-1 II Headphones
By Adam Gallant
Sennheiser is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its popular HD25 closedback , on-ear headphones with the updated HD25-1 II . The original HD25s are favourites to DJs and field techs for their snug fit , tight bass response , and high attenuation of background noise . The HD25-1 II are a true reissue , sporting the same features that popularized the acclaimed original in the ‘ 90s .
The HD25-1 IIs are designed for professional use and built to last a lifetime . Their appearance is simple , sleek , and void of flashy branding . These headphones are highly maintainable , with all parts designed for easy replacement .
In Use Despite their snug fit , these headphones are remarkably comfortable for extended periods of use . They are notably lightweight at 140 grams and the headband is splayed , meaning it can be spread open to two pieces which comfortably grasp the listener ’ s head . The left earpiece also has the ability to rotate off the ear and hug the listener ’ s head for secure , one-ear listening . This feature makes the HD25s ideal for DJs monitoring via the room or camera operators needing one ear free for crew communication .
The pair we tested at the studio came with a 1.5-m straight cable with detachable 1 / 4-in . adapter . Coiled cables are optional and very simple to swap out with plugs on each earpiece – perfect for customization and maintenance , as I tend to prefer coiled cabling as it is less susceptible to handling noise . The ear pads are made of a high-quality synthetic leatherette , and optional plush pads are available .
The HD25-1 IIs have a distinctive sound with full-bodied low end . Their frequency response extends from 16 Hz to 22,000 Hz , and the total harmonic distortion is rated at 0.3 per cent . Their nominal impedance is 70 Ω . Capable of reproducing healthy amounts of low end , I found myself reaching for the HD25-1 IIs when overdubbing bass . The results were pleasant and I found that I did not need to fuss with my working mix as much as I do when tracking with my usual HD280s .
During prolonged use , I found the HD25s to be very usable at low volumes and not harsh in the least . Reducing fatigue is important for the daily pro user and Sennheiser seems to have catered the sound of these headphones with this in mind .
Summary In my experience , the HD25-1 IIs are the kind of headphones that will take a lifetime of abuse , hold up in any outdoor conditions , and suit casual commuters looking for isolation just as well as any professional looking for consistent , reliable performance in the studio or out in the field .
Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO Headphones
By Adam Gallant
Beyerdynamic has released a very competitively priced pair of pro headphones this year . The DT 240 PROs are stylish circumaural , closed back headphones with low impedance . Marketed towards both consumers and content-creating professionals such a podcasters , videographers , engineers , and touring musicians , these headphones have a great aesthetic and simple design .
In Use In the box , we have the headphones , detachable cable , plush bag , and 1 / 4-in . adapter . Their appearance is understated but attractive , void of any flashy design elements . The coiled cable is sleek and not the standard , heavy cable that ’ s commonly included with headphones at this price point . The ear pads rotate for storage and the headband is quite comfortable . I found the fit on my head to be snug but not too tight , ideal for prolonged use . The circumaural ear pads have an adequate amount of air within them and the closed-back design provides good isolation
24 PROFESSIONAL SOUND from the outside environment .
Designed to be powered by laptops and phones just as easily as high-impedance headphone amps , the nominal impedance on the DT 240 PROs is a low 34 Ω . At 196 grams , the headphones are a little on the heavy side for their size , but this didn ’ t affect my comfort even during long editing sessions .
The DT 240 PROs have a neutral sound , void of excess low end and low mids . The clarity in the high mids and highs provides a wide stereo listening experience , making these headphones ideal for editing percussive material in the professional realm and an exciting , casual listening experience in the consumer world .
Summary Beyerdynamic is well known for quality headphones and has a string of industry staples in its catalogue . The DT 240 PRO ’ s are perhaps their most competitively priced pair considering the impressive build and sound quality , which will appeal to a very broad range of users in both pro and consumer applications .
Adam Gallant has worked in all facets of digital audio production , from music composition to location and post audio for television and film . He currently owns and operates The Hill Sound Studio in Charlottetown , PE .