PRODUCT
TESTS
Austrian Audio Hi-X55 Over-Ear Headphones
By Adam Gallant
Up for test in this issue we have the Austrian Audio Hi-X55
over-ear , closed-back headphones . Founded in 2017 following AKG ’ s closing of its offices in Vienna , Austrian Audio designs and manufactures professional-tier microphones and headphones to an incredibly high standard . The Hi-X55s were released in January 2020 and are the result of very forward-thinking designs and a high standard of quality assurance . Austrian Audio not only manufactures and designs their own headphones , but they also build test equipment and provide testing services for other leading speaker and headphone manufacturers .
Out of the Box The Hi-X55s have a sleek matte metallic look . The cable is straight , detachable , and built strong . The headphones collapse and fold easily and without fear of stressing or breaking . The ear and strap pads are extremely comfortable and have a notably soft memory foam that doesn ’ t hold sweat or feel uncomfortable after long sessions . These headphones also weigh less than one might assume at just 305 g , given their robust appearance and durability .
Admittedly , headphones are often mistreated in our studios and the Hi-X55s were obviously designed with daily , extended use in mind . The metal head strap is very flexible and anything that swivels or moves has a strong metallic hinge or clasp . Void of any cheap components , the build quality is top notch and the look is simple and classic . Very impressive .
The Sound A professional , studio-minded approach has been taken with regards to the sound of these headphones . The frequency spectrum feels flat with no apparent exaggeration on the highs or lows , and the drivers are rated down to 5 Hz and up to 28 kHz . These headphones are great for tweezing out issues in the mids and high-mids in a mix in the same way a good set of studio monitors should be . They are also great for singers who need an accurate sense of the way their voice feels in a room while monitoring with both ears on . They also reject exterior noise in a very comfortable way that does not create pressure or excess handling noise . To sum up their sound , the Hi-X55s are clinical , clear , and not at all exhaustive .
Comfort I found the Hi-X55s to be remarkably comfortable throughout my testing . The memory foam is supple and the ear pads give ample room for your ears while allowing the driver to sit in a very controlled position . The headphone strap is really well padded with an open middle that allows air to flow freely . All the cushions and padding are completely smooth and void of folds or ripples , which is where tears often occur and dirt tends to build up . The earpads a re easily replaceable and showed absolutely no wear during our test period . Also , when worn with glasses , these headphones do not pinch or squeeze your frames ; the cushions are soft enough to fit snugly around them while still providing excellent isolation from exterior sounds .
And finally , for users keen on the on-ear style , check out the Hi- X50s , which feature the same great built quality and driver design as these over-ear counterparts .
Summary The Austrian Audio Hi-X55s are built with passion , and that was more than evident while putting them through their paces . Austrian Audio is clearly aiming for the modern music professional with this product line and I think they hit the nail on the head . If you spend a lot of time working in headphones and need a pair that provides transparency and translatability , the Hi-X55s are a perfect fit . I ’ m looking forward to more product releases from this great company .
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 .
22 PROFESSIONAL SOUND