Sony launched the MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones, designed for music creators, audiophiles, and sound engineers, a few weeks back as the successor to MDR-7506. It has a lightweight design, and comfortable fit, reducing ear fatigue during extended use and utilize a specially developed driver unit that achieves ultra-wideband playback from 5Hz to 80kHz. Here we have the review of the headphones.
Box Contents
- Sony MDR-M1 headphones in Black colour
- Headphones cable (Approx. 1.2m/2.5 m – Stereo mini plug)
- Plug adaptor (Stereo standard plug ⇔ Stereo mini plug)
- User manual
Specifications
| Sony MDR-M1 | |
| Impedance | 50 ohms at 1Khz |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 80,000 Hz (IEC) |
| Sensitivities (dB/mW) | 102 dB/mW |
| Driver Unit | 40mm |
| Jack plug | 3.5 mm jack plug with 6.3 mm adapter |
| Weight | 233 g |
| Acoustic principle | Closed-back |
| Ear pad material | Memory foam |
Build quality and design
The Sony MDR-M1 headphones exhibit a high level of craftsmanship with their professional-grade build and sleek, functional design. At approximately 216 grams, these headphones are lightweight, which is especially beneficial for long studio sessions or daily casual listening.
The closed-back acoustic structure significantly reduces external noise while minimizing sound leakage. This makes the MDR-M1 ideal for professional settings like recording studios, where sound isolation is crucial, and it helps maintain focus on the audio without distractions.
Comfort is a strong point for the MDR-M1. The soft, replaceable earpads ensure prolonged wear without discomfort, a necessity for users in professional environments. The ability to replace the earpads means that the headphones will retain their usability for many years, adding to their value.
The detachable cables with a screw design are a thoughtful addition, allowing for varied usage lengths and preventing accidental disconnection through a screw-in design. These also offer long-term durability.
The ergonomic headband design that complements the overall comfort and usability of the headphones. The headband is designed to minimize pressure on the user’s head, allowing for extended wear during long sessions or casual listening without causing discomfort.
The headband has a faux leather finish, which is thin, and could wear out on prolonged use. Otherwise, the build quality is solid, and offers a perfect fit and comfort without getting fatigued for several hours of use, during my editing work or casual music listening.
Audio quality
When it comes to audio performance, the Sony MDR-M1 truly shines. Built for professionals, the headphones deliver an accurate and balanced sound signature across the spectrum. The driver units, exclusively designed for the MDR-M1, offer exceptional fidelity, with clear and precise reproduction of both low and high frequencies.
The headphones boast ultra-wideband playback, covering a frequency range of 5Hz to 80kHz. This broad range allows users to experience rich, detailed audio, particularly beneficial for high-resolution formats.
Sony’s Beat Response Control technology further enhances the experience by optimizing low-frequency response, ensuring punchy and accurate bass performance. This is particularly useful for rhythm-heavy music genres or any work requiring precise low-end clarity, making the MDR-M1 a versatile choice for a wide range of audio applications.
The MDR-M1 headphones are designed to minimize distortion, ensuring that the sound is reproduced accurately without any unwanted coloration or artifacts.
Overall, the Sony MDR-M1 headphones offer exceptional audio quality thanks to their ultra-wideband playback, high-fidelity sound reproduction, low distortion, balanced sound, and clear and detailed sound. These are way better than the MDR-7506 when it comes to audio quality.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sony MDR-M1 are excellent Closed Monitor Headphones that stands out in the professional audio market. The combination of superior build quality, comfort, and outstanding sound performance makes them ideal for a variety of users, from audio engineers and producers to hobbyists and content creators.
The lightweight and durable design, along with advanced features, offer a high level of versatility. However, compared to the predecessor, the MDR-7506, these are priced a bit on the higher side.
Pricing and availability
The Sony MDR-M1 is priced at Rs. 19,990, but you can get it for Rs. 17,990 until October 31, 2024 as a part of launch offer. These are available from Sony Centers, authorized dealers, and should also be available from e-commerce platforms like Amazon.in, and major electronic stores across India.