Originally designed for radio broadcast monitoring, the MDR-7506 headphones have firmly held on to their status as an industry standard since they first hit the shelves in the early 90’s. Let’s see if they hold up to the acclaim.
Final verdict
The MDR-7506 headphones are totally fine, and while not without their flaws, they can serve their purpose extremely well, especially when considering how cheap they are.
Not the most comfortable nor the best built, but nominally flat in their sound signature and reliably detailed.
What I like
- Extremely detailed.
- Highlights flaws.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable.
What I don’t like
- Sibilant.
- Not great for casual listening.
Why you should trust this review
I’ve been producing and engineering for over 15 years.
During that time, I’ve had hands-on experience with a wide array of monitoring setups – from high-end monitors and studio headphones to crappy earbuds and repurposed car speakers.
I know how to stretch a budget, and I know when a piece of gear doesn’t perform up to its asking price.
This experience, along with years of problem-solving in a variety of recording environments, has taught me what gear is worth your investment – and what isn’t.
Sound quality 4.0
The Sony MDR-7506 have a frequency response of roughly 10 Hz – 20 kHz, which is pretty standard.
Keep in mind that these headphones were originally designed for radio broadcast monitoring, and were intended to help point out hiccups within the voice broadcast engineering.
That being said, they aren’t necessarily the most perfect headphones to be used when it comes to more musical settings, but they certainly hold their own.
The high end can be a bit sibilant, and the bass won’t be as overpowering as on other headphones, but you’ll get a whole lot of detail.
Any flaw in the engineering will be extremely apparent when listening back with the MDR-7506, so they definitely have their place in the studio – particularly when it comes to mixing and mastering.
Build and design 4.0
They might feel a bit cheap and plasticky, but the Sony MDR-7506 headphones are surprisingly durable and can last you years with proper care and treatment.
You may want to find some replacement pads, as the padding they come with are a bit cheap.
Comfort 3.8
Like I already mentioned, the earpads feel pretty cheap and pleathery for my taste. The headphones are lightweight and won’t be too uncomfortable for longer-running sessions.
The Sonys are fairly loose on the head, and while they’re stable enough to stay put when you’re in the studio, they’ll fly right off when the cable gets snagged on some gear.
Isolation 2.0
The MDR-7506 aren’t the best when it comes to noise cancellation and isolation. They might do a decent job at buffering out some high frequencies from interfering with your work, but any low rumbles will quickly cut through.
These aren’t the best recommendation for commuting as trains, planes, and automobiles will sound the same as not wearing headphones at all.
Accessories 4.0
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones come with a soft carrying pouch and a 1/8 to 1/4-inch adapter. It’s a shame that these don’t have a detachable cable but what can you do?
Compared to other headphones
The Sonys work great for tracking and monitoring, and can also serve quite well as mixing headphones. But here are a few alternative options to consider.
Sony MDR-7506 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
The ATH-M40x headphones are a bit too hyped to be considered a better alternative for mixing and monitoring, but they’re better for casual listening.
Read the full Audio-Technica ATH-M40x review
Sony MDR-7506 vs Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Again, the MDR-7506 headphones are better for mixing despite the Sennheisers having a lot more clarity in the midrange. The Sonys are much more comfortable, oddly.
Read the full Sennheiser HD 280 Pro review
Sony MDR-7506 vs AKG K240 Studio
The AKGs are a bit cloudy in the upper registers, and the Sonys in comparison sound hyped. The K240 Studio are extremely comfortable as well. It’s really a toss-up.
Read the full AKG K240 Studio review
Who are the Sony MDR-7506 headphones best suited for?
The MDR-7506 headphones are best suited for professional studio and live engineers, as well as podcast creators and recording artists.
They aren’t typically used for casual listening, but offer a bare-boned lens for accurate monitoring.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazon
