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Sony MDR-7506 Review

Last updated: 3 years ago
3 min read
Editor
rating
3.8
Sony MDR 7506

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Amazing classic studio headphones under $100.

A favorite in studios around the world, Sony MDR-7506 professional large-diaphragm headphones are a classic choice for several very good reasons.

MDR-7506 offer a lot in this price range and can easy compare to more expensive headphones.

  • Accurate and powerful sound
  • Lightweight & foldable design
  • Long cable good for studio work
  • Decent noise isolation
  • Fits well with larger head sizes
  • Non-detachable cable
  • Foldable design feels a bit flimsy
Editor
rating
3.8
By HeadphonesAddict
User
ratings
4.2
User Ratings: 4
Our rating
  • Star Rating
    4.0
  • Star Rating
    3.5
  • Star Rating
    3.0
  • Star Rating
    4.5
User rating
  • 4.3
  • 4.3
  • 3.3
  • 4.8
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CONTENTS (show more)

    Sony MDR-7506 related:

    What’s In The Box?

    • Sony MDR7506 Professional headphones
    • Storage pouch/ soft case
    • ¼”-3.5mm stereo UniMatch plug
    Sony MDR 7506 package

    Comfort

    Star Rating
    4.0 Great

    Lightweight with a headband good for larger head sizes.

    Sony MDR7506 over-ear headphones are great for long listening sessions because they feel so light.

    Weighing only 8.1 ounces (229.6 grams), these foldable headphones rest gently on the head with only the slightest bit of tension on the ear pads.

    The headband design is great for larger head sizes because it doesn’t clamp too much. It is also perfectly adjustable for smaller heads and still feels secure.

    The ear cushions are adequate and not too shallow, but they are not super plush like some other premium headphones can feel.

    A closed-back ear cup design works well for noise isolation and to control external noise. This is great for singers and other recording artists.

    The closed-back ear cup design can make your ears feel a little bit warm, but you should find these headphones much lighter and easier to wear than other brands.

    Durability

    Star Rating
    3.5 Almost Great

    Good overall, but the folding hinge design can feel flimsy.

    These closed-back headphones have been used in live production and critical engineering environments around the world. They will stand up to a lot of regular use.

    Most of the components are well built and the overall design is high quality.

    The only physical durability issue is that the foldable hinge is a bit flimsy compared to other similar headphones.

    While this design is good for compact storage, it might not be the best for constant folding and unfolding.

    The wires that pass through the headband and attach to the ear cups can sometimes get pinched and break with too much flexing of the headband and hinges.

    Replacement ear pads are available if you ever need to fix a worn-out set.

    Sony MDR-7506 Review & Sound Leak Test – Best Headphones Under $90?

    Features

    Star Rating
    3.0 Good

    The extra-long cable is perfect for desk or professional use.

    Although the cable for the Sony MDR7506 headphones is not detachable, it is pretty long. Plus it has gold connectors.

    The coiled cable measures about 6 feet (1.8 meters) coiled and 9.8 feet (3 meters) stretched out.

    This is great for desktop use or in recording studios, but it isn’t good for all portable or mobile users.

    The cord material is flexible and not too thick. Some coiled cords can feel bulky and heavy, but this cable doesn’t have that problem.

    A soft carrying pouch and 3.5mm to 6.3mm (¼”) adapter are also included in the package.

    Sound

    Star Rating
    4.5 Almost Perfect

    Professional quality sound that is great for critical listening.

    Sony MDR7506 stereo headphones are great for using in the professional studio and for critical listening.

    With neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers, these cans produce quite a lot of sound.

    These headphones are considered a classic and they remain a top choice for audio engineers because of their dependable performance and neutral sound character.

    Sound quality and signature are still great for every day listening to music if that’s what you want.

    Bass is strong but not at all pushy or aggressive.

    Mids sit exactly where they need to without creating a muddy mix in the typical crossover regions.

    Highs may seem bright for some, but they are fairly well balanced, especially for live sound, recording, and monitoring needs.

    While this pair of headphones isn’t perfectly flat or audiophile-grade cans, they are perfectly suited for professional and casual listeners.

    The classic Sony MDR-7506 headphones deserve a top spot on your list if you need dependable performance from a lightweight package that is perfect for just about any critical listening environment.

    Specifications

    Type: Over-ear
    Connection: Wired – 3.5mm & 6.3mm
    Back design: Closed-back
    Drivers: 40mm
    Frequency range: 10-20.000Hz
    Impedance: 63 Ohm
    Weight: 8.1 oz (229g)
    Mic & Controls: No
    Water resistance: No
    Battery life: /
    Charging time: /
    Active noise cancelling: No
    Bluetooth codecs: /
    Wireless range: /
    Microphone: No
    3 Comments
    1. I think I’m gonna get these Sony MDR 7506 headphones soon. I’ve been reading mixed reviews on mixing with these headphones since they are closed-back headphones. I hear that open-back headphones are better for mixing. Would be great if I could find a decent open-back headphone for under $400. I guess listening to the 7506’s with one ear uncovered will help in the mixing process. What I’m really after is accurate sound production in my mixes that will translate well to other consumer playback environments. I think the Sony MDR 7506’s will at least make great reference headphones for sure.

      Reply

      1. Well the MDR-7506 are a solid choice under $100. But if you’re looking for open-back headphones under $400 you can check the AKG K702. They’re open-back and perfect for mixing, around $250. Or Audio-Technica ATH-R70x, also open-back, mixing cans under $400.

        Reply

        1. Thanks for the headphone tips. I will look into those two recommendations. I got lucky and got a pair of used avantone mixcubes (like new) a few months ago at guitar center for a little over $400. Lousy sounding, unbalanced mixes will turn into lousy sounding masters. I want a professional sounding commercial master when I’m done. I’m hoping I can do my own mastering at the end of the day.

          Reply

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