This is not an expert review, but is meant for those who like decent headphones to listen to mp3's, etc. that will maximize so-so equipment without costing hundreds. I ordered this to replace a Koss HQ1 vibration stereophone (battery-powered bass enhancement) and wondered if I'd suffer a fall-off in bass, but the ATH-M30 is even better! The sound is crisp, clear and the volume is more powerful than the Koss - I've had to turn my volume/equalizer settings down.
On WinAmp I can hear much more clearly than before what happens when I adjust the equalizer. If I pick the preselectable "headphones" preset, which trims back the midrange volume around 600 Hz and gradually ramps it back up to around 16 KHz, and then kick up the base end, it almost makes my ears vibrate.
I tried it out on mostly string music (Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusic), piano music (Chopin's Revolutionary Etude), listened to the clear high frequencies in Bach's Violin Concerto #2 in E Major, and then the real test: Linda Ronstadt's "Silver Threads and Golden Needles," where the clear and distinct drums, bass, steel guitar, fiddle, and voice left me finding no fault with these headphones.
Of course, it's not the same as "live" (I play in classical piano in adult music recitals), but it comes close enough for me.
Additionally, I like the design and construction. The curved part that fits over the top of head is the only spring needed to force each headphone to seat itself in the proper position - as opposed to other headphones that have a spring inside a hinge that can break or weaken. The plug - a 1/8" stereo plug that comes with a screw-on 1/4" stereo plug - has a strain-relief spring over the last inch of line to prevent kinking and breakage.
Others have complained the headphones fit a little tight. That is true, although the cups fit over my ears so it doesn't bother me and actually leaves me free to move around without worrying about it falling off - the cord's a nice 11 feet long.
I ordered this a week ago for .21 and see it's now .84 but I guess it's still a sale considering it's 9 list price! If an unexpected problem arises in the future, I'll edit this review.
Average Rating:
Brand: Audio-Technica
Color: black
Model: ATHM30
Release Date: 2010-04-02
Product Description:A perfect choice for project studio engineers, home recordists and recording musicians, Audio Technica's ATH-M30 features include neodymium magnet structure for exceptional clarity and sonic accuracy for mixing.
Amazon.com Product Description:A perfect choice for project studio engineers, home recordists and recording musicians, Audio-Technica's ATH-M30 dynamic stereo headphones offer the highest level of sonic accuracy in a design engineered to provide maximum comfort for hours of listening. The headphones' low-profile, closed-back design provides exceptional clarity and superior isolation in high-volume listening situations. Features include: neodymium magnet structure; lightweight, adjustable cushioned headband; gold-plated stereo 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) connector with strain relief and screw-on 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) adapter; ultra-flexible 11-foot cable with single-side exit.
Key Features - Exceptional clarity and sonic accuracy for mixing
- High power handling for tracking sessions
- Circumaural design ensures superior isolation
- 40 mm diameter drivers, neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coils
- Adjustable cushioned headband and lightweight design for maximum comfort
- OFC litz wire cable, convenient one-side exit
- Gold-plated 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo connector with strain relief and professional screw-on 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) adapter
Specifications - Type: Closed-back dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 40 mm
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Voice Coil: Copper-clad aluminum wire
- Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity: 100 dB
- Impedance: 65 ohms
- Weight: 7.0 oz (200 g) without cable
- Cable: 11 feet (3.4 m), OFC litz wire, left-side exit
- Connector: 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) with screw-on 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) adapter
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Features:
- Professional-quality closed-back cynamic stereo monitor headphones
- Great choice for project studio engineers, home recordists and recording musicians
- Adjustable cushioned headband and lightweight design for maximum comfort
- Ultra-flexible 11-foot cable with single-side exit
- Includes 3.5mm stereo connector with strain relief and professional and screw-on 1/4-inch adapter
Special Features: Exceptional clarity and sonic accuracy for mixing High power handling for tracking sessions Circumaural design ensures superior isolation 40 mm diameter drivers, neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coils Adjustable cushioned headband and lightweight design for maximum comfort OFC litz wire cables, convenient one-side exit Gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector with strain relief and professional screw-on 1/4" (6.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 119.00
Customer Reviews
great headphones
Really great headphones. Comfortable and blocks out most other noises.
The sound is very good to me.
Great headphones. Especially for the price on Amazon
I'm not an audiophile, but I think these are pretty great headphones; certainly the best I've ever owned. The sound quality is great, and they are comfortable. I do wish there was a little more bass, but it's still has a good bass response.
The 11 foot cord is a blessing and a curse depending on your application. When I'm at my computer, playing games, or listening to movies through them it's really nice. But, when I'm walking with my mp3 player it's a bit annoying.
I would recommend these to anyone who wants good quality sound without spending a small fortune.
Excellent for small home studio and Church's live audio
For the price, these are pretty amazing headphones. My husband owns some personally, which he uses for simple audio editing and listening to music at the house. Our church also owns a pair for the sound booth in the auditorium. Our church has a full band (drums, guitars, keyboards, vocals, etc.), and the headphones really help isolate the sound for the tech.
- Comfortable (no headaches)
- Structure is durable and hardy
- Adjustable for different size heads
- Good sound quality and dynamic range
- Effective at blocking out external noise (okay, so they're not Bose, but they're pretty dang good!)
ONLY CON
Wear and tear on the ear pads - the vinyl fabric covering the ear pads starts cracking and crumbling eventually (takes 2-3 years depending on how much you use them). The bonus is that you can purchase the replacement ear pads for just a few dollars from Full Compass online.
Obviously, you can get much better headphones by paying lots more money, which some people need to do because of their usage needs. However, for this price range, I haven't found anything better. If they ever break, we'll be replacing them with the identical pair - they are that good.
These things are incredible
I've had my hands on a lot of headsets, and this is by far one of the nicest I've put on my head. I like the closed-ear phones, and they are studio quality.
They're EXTREMELY comfortable, and the sound range is fantastic! Picked them up on an Amazon special and boy, what a bargain!
If you want a set of phones with a clean, rich sound, you can't go wrong with these. They have incredibly clear lows and crisp, clean highs.
I would buy another set of these without even thinking about it.
