While earphones have been dominating the personal audio market lately – particularly Bluetooth models – there’s still plenty of demand for the good old-fashioned over the ear headphones that can be used for recording engineers, mixers and podcasters. The size of the headphones with their large, comfy earcups and 5m long cable mean they’re just perfect for studio use.
One of the stalwarts of this mature market is AKG, a well-regarded headphone manufacturer based in Austria, and now a subsidiary of the mighty Samsung thanks to the Korean giant’s takeover of the Harman brand portfolio. Earlier this year, I reported on the launch of three new AKG pro headphones, and now I’ve had a chance to spend some time with the flagship model AKG K275, a pair of closed-back headphones with a superbly neutral sound profile that doesn’t ‘color’ the music, and makes them ideal headphones for video editing, sound recording and listening to music just how it’s supposed to sound, without any coloring or shift in the sound spectrum to make it sound more exciting.
First off, these are incredibly well built and yet lightweight headphones, weighing just 295g. The K275 incorporate a self-adjusting headband, which means the headphones automatically adapt to the wearer’s head size and they sit very comfortably and securely on the head. The design of the headphones includes durable folding metal hinges, which mean the headphones can be more easily stowed away in a bag or locker without taking up too much room.
The large 50mm dynamic drivers used in the AKG K275 are cushioned with oversized earpads which are very soft and cover the entire ear. They are exceptionally comfortable, even for longer listening or recording sessions. The AKG K275’s has a sturdy 5m cable that connects to the left-hand earcup using a very well made mini XLR plug for a super reliable connection. Halfway down the cable, the wire changes into a coil. This sprung cable is absolutely ideal for sound engineers who need to move up and down a mixing desk without having a long cable trailing everywhere and getting in the way. The other end of the cable is terminated with a standard 3.5mm stereo jack plug, plus AKG supplies a full-size 6.3mm adapter for use on hi-fis and mixing desks.
The sound produced by the AKG K275 is probably one of the cleanest and most neutral I’ve heard. These are headphones that don’t fatigue the listener’s ear and they are comfortable enough to use for long periods of time. Anyone who records music for a living will know what I mean by headphones not being tiring or colored. These are two features that are essential for long-term professional use.
With a frequency response of 16 to 28,000Hz, the AKG K275 can reproduce a really wide spectrum of sound but there’s not a hint of brash treble or any overbearing bass notes. The midrange is superbly clear and just what you need for podcasting or recording. The K275 present a well-focused stereo soundstage that places every instrument with great clarity.
There isn’t much in the way of accessories supplied with the AKG K275 headphones. If you want a pair of headphones with a hard carrying case, the soft carrying bag may disappoint, but as these headphones are likely to be kept in the recording studio or editing suite, that’s hardly a problem or an oversight.
Verdict: The AKG K275 are a superb pair of closed-back circumaural headphones that are ideal for use in the recording studio or for podcasters who want a durable pair of headphones with a clean sound and a comfortable fit. The price is good value for money and the performance makes these professional headphones a perfect choice for audio professionals.
Pricing: $169 / £145
More info: https://www.soundtech.co.uk/music-retail/akg/headphones/professional-headphones/k275
Specifications:
- Design: Closed back, foldable, circumaural headphone with
- self-adjusting headband and detachable cable.
- Frequency range: 16 Hz – 28 kHz.
- Sensitivity: 109dBspl/V.
- Transducer impedance: 32 ohms.
- Transducer Size: 50mm.
- Net weight: 295g.
- Cable Length: 5m coiled.
- Cable Type: Detachable.
- Accessories: Carry Bag.
