SonyMDR-M1 Professional Reference Closed Monitor Headphones

Bought as a set to augment my wonderful but creaky sounding headband equipped Audeze LCD-1’s. I love those, but the headband has always made an annoying creaky noise with every little head moment.These don’t do that aside from appearing to use what very well could have been Sony parts for their headband system. They look very close if you compare images of the 2. Even the BT WH-1000x3’s are a similar design.Regardless, these are quiet from a mechanical noise perspective.Here’s my mini “review” from a headphone group I’m in on Facebook:“2 channel hifi on the go. Or on the couch when I don’t want to disturb anyone.These are the most recent versions of the ubiquitous and long time standard issue recording and mixing headphones but boy, they sure don’t sound like I recall the venerable 7506’s sounding.These are good. Not just for a professional application product but also a hifi enjoyment pair of headphones.They’re actually quite neutral to my ears but not in a way that makes things dull or boring, or even critically revealing to the point of merely being a studio tool like NS-10’s or Auratones. Something built for a specific purpose but not because they actually sound amazing.No, these are just plain good all around.For closed backs they actually throw a decently wide soundstage and their imaging is pinpoint precise.The have adequate bass and sub bass when called for but it’s not overdone to the point where it bleeds in to the midrange which remains crystal clear, full bodied and tonally correct.The treble range has appropriate energy and sparkle and air, but avoids being bright, harsh or sibilant. It’s just right.I’m super happy with these so far.I may investigate different ear pads to get a little more breathability as they can become a little warm on my ears for extended sessions. And I think something a little softer that perhaps uses a different material be it nylon, micro suede or something like a fenestrated sheepskin could work.As is though, pretty darn great.And I hear their open back siblings the MDR-MV1 are even better. I look forward to trying them. But Sony nailed it with this set IMO. And I’m happy to have them.These are the Sony MDR-M1. I dare say a potential future classic continuing Sony’s long standing professional product range, but one that also absolutely works for enjoyable music playback with a nice warm cup of coffee or beverage of choice and your favorite tunes.”So yeah, as you might have guessed, I’m very pleased. As mentioned the ear pads can be a little cramped and also don’t breathe super well which is common for closed backs using pleather pads. An easy fix for not much money. Not everyone may even feel the need to do this.Fed out of my iBasso DX-180 these are just plain silly good and a lot of fun to listen to. Thought about the MV-1’s and the HD-550 and Sennheiser HD-490 Pro, but probably as a companion to these, not a replacement. As for now I’m simply too busy enjoying my music.Btw, these come with 2 cables, a 1.2 meter cable for portable use with a 3.5mm single ended plug and a 2.5 meter cable with a standard 1/4 inch jack. The packaging could have been a little nicer for the price. A included case or storage bag at least. But that’s a nit pick.

When I pulled these from the box, admittedly I became a bit suspicious because of the construction. They just "seemed" flimsy. But I put them on and was immediately impressed with their comfort. Even with my glasses on, the cups were gentle and provided a great seal.I've used them to monitor my microphone in real time, monitor audio playback while editing video, and while listening to hi res lossless audio on my PC from Apple Music. The dynamic range and sound isolation of these headphones is pretty darn amazing, especially when listening to lossless music.I needed a great set of phones for multiple purposes and I wasn't disappointed one bit. On the pricing front, I think the range combined with comfort make them a good value. The headband is wide and the ear pads easily replaced when needed. As for their construction, I may have been overreacting a bit. 😏

Update after many months: Still liking these a lot for voiceover recording. Many hour comfortable sound and fit. I have owned Sony MDR7506,7509,7510, 7520, and Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro in my professional film and recording career. The new M1 will replace my Beyers for audiobook recording for three reasons: superior physical comfort (better fit, lighter weight, less clamping, better cushions), and more comfortable sound. The Beyer have overhyped, super-detailed highs which create ear fatigue over many hours in the studio. In that way, they are like the harsh precision digital sound of CDs. The Sony M1 are more like an analogue LP, warm vinyl sound. More natural and less harsh and hyped. Infinitely better than 7506. At half the price of the former 7520, and a more even response with no overemphasized punches, the M1 are much more listenable for long recording sessions. No storage bag, but totally great to have TWO detachable cables of different lengths and NOT CURLY!!!! Very exciting and useful! (Curly weigh too much and pull on the headphones, especially lightweight ones like this.) I personally like the shorter cable and I know that is counter to what a lot of people might say. But for professionals of one kind or another, we don't need 6 extra feet of cable on cans; we are close to the gear, not laying on the couch. So for us, the shorter uncurled cable is great.

I have gotten used to high quality studio wired ear buds and with my kids wanting to practice piano I wanted them to wear muffs to hear themselves without disturbing the adults talking. Then I thought, I was doing the same thing when playing. I decided to not go cheap and buy some of the best. No mistake here, the sound is excellent and I can hear all the nuances of highs and lows with no muddy mid-range. Clear as a bell. Far more comfortable than buds too. Plenty of soft cord that does not conduct cord friction noise to the muffs. My older, less expensive unit did make cable noise that was quite irritating. The headset fits really well on all sizes I have in my family (ages 9,12 & 21). It's also quite light without feeling cheap. The plug in pin arrangement is brilliant. Sony is really top-drawer!

I like to listen to jazz and classical music. These are professional level studio headphones, not cheap, but worth it. These knock out outside sounds, just leaving your ears free to take in the music. Hearing the various parts of the orchestra is easy. The musical experience is outstanding. If you classify yourself as a discerning listener, I feel you will enjoy these headphones. If your needs are not music specific, a lesser headphone will suffice. The ear foam covers and the head band cover are replaceable and specific to this headphone. That is a nice touch. I do recommend this product highly.