Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones

                                             Sony MDR-7506 Since the early 90s the Sony MDR-7506 has remained a companion for many audio professionals, and for good reason. Lacking in frills and luxuries, it does the job even if it's not the flashiest set of headphones and still sounds good.

As a set of over-ear headphones, the MDR-7506 is quite slim and fits differently than a lot of contemporary studio headphones. By design there is virtually no distance between the ears and the foam that covers the drivers. While the vinyl wrapped ear cups can heat up, the fit works well with just the right amount of clamp and hardly any pressure from the foam suffused headband. Strangely the fit feels a little similar to on-ear headphones; the driver (covered by thin foam) rests almost on your ear. Meanwhile, the ear cup sits partly around the ear, but also a little on the ear too.

You don’t need an external amp to drive the MDR-7506, it works fine with anything from synths to computers.

It’s nice to see some holdovers from 1991, like metal on the outer housing around the drivers, an internal metal notched headband, and screws which indicate some repairability. While the coiled cable exudes durability, it also feels like its heft can tug at flimsier 21st century technology. Be careful where you let it rest so it does not tug at, or apply pressure to connection points. Otherwise, it’s a set and forget situation with the MDR-7506—exactly the goal of this kind of headset.