Sony MDR-M1 Studio Headphones review

The headphones are a new addition to Sony’s studio lineup, following the legacy of the well-known MDR-7506, which has been popular for over 30 years. Priced at $250, the M1 comes with improved design features but also faces comparisons with its more affordable predecessor, which is currently priced at $99.

Design

The MDR-M1 retains some of the design elements of the MDR-7506, such as the iconic blue “Professional” sticker and color-coded Left and Right labels. However, it introduces several upgrades:

• Earpads: The M1 has much thicker, softer, and more comfortable earpads compared to the 7506.
• Headband: The headband now has more cushioning, making it more comfortable for longer use.
• Cable: The MDR-M1 features a detachable cable with two options (1.2m and 2.5m), and includes a 6.3mm converter. This is a more versatile setup compared to the non-detachable coiled cable on the 7506.

Unfortunately, the M1 no longer has the foldable earcups for compact storage, making them less portable than the 7506. Additionally, the M1 does not come with a travel pouch.

Comfort

While the earpads on the M1 are an improvement, some users may find them uncomfortable for extended wear. The earpads aren’t large enough for some ears, causing pressure on the ears during prolonged use. For professionals, who need to wear headphones for hours, this might be a significant downside.

Audio Quality

The MDR-M1 features 40mm dynamic drivers with a 5-80,000Hz frequency range. The sound profile includes:

• Bass: The M1 has a slight boost in the mid-bass and upper-bass range, which gives it a warm sound. However, it lacks the deep low-bass punch.
• Mid-range: The lower-mid frequencies are slightly colored due to bass bleed, affecting clarity in some instruments and vocals. The upper mid-range is more accurate.
• Treble: The M1 has a dip in the low-treble region, affecting clarity in guitars and female vocals. However, the high-treble is boosted, which can make cymbals and high-frequency sounds harsh and sibilant.

Overall, the M1 has a warmer and slightly colored sound profile, which may not be ideal for professional audio monitoring but works well for casual home listening.

Use Cases

• Studio Use: The M1 offers a more balanced sound compared to the 7506 but is still slightly colored. It may not be the best choice for critical audio monitoring.
• Home Use: For casual music listening, movies, or gaming, the M1 provides a good sound experience with versatile performance.
• Noise Isolation: The closed-back design of the M1 provides effective passive noise isolation, making it suitable for moderately noisy environments.
• Power: The M1 is easy to drive and can work well even with a smartphone or a laptop’s headphone jack.

Conclusion

The Sony MDR-M1 improves upon the MDR-7506 in many areas, including comfort, build quality, and overall sound balance. However, at $250, it is significantly more expensive than the 7506, which still holds up well for studio use at just $99. The M1 would be a good buy if its price drops to around $150, particularly for home use. But for professional monitoring, more neutral-sounding options might be preferable.