Rather than spending an extra $20 for a nominal comfort upgrade, you can spend $10 for a softer earpad material altogether. Accurate and natural across the frequencies…, That is the first impression you get, but let’s look a little closer…. If you listen to these outside or in a loud space, you’ll think they’re a bad pair of headphones—which absolutely isn’t the case. Made for critical listening, the sound is outstanding, balanced, and defined. Something that you might expect you would get from a set of headphones bearing the name AKG. It has nothing in the way of padding and is just a simulated leather-look band. Their headphones are found in studios all over the world. The Koss Porta Pro are semi-open headphones that have been around for decades. While there were many features we were extremely pleased with, there were a few things we thought AKG could’ve worked on. Take Survey Our Top Picks Best of the Best AKG Pro Audio . The very flexible steel inside allows it to fit comfortably. The AKG K240 Studio has an all-plastic build from the suspension mechanism to the ear cup exteriors. It is, though, it must be said, a quality polymer-type plastic. It isn’t supposed to look pretty. The AKG K240 Studio MKII is available in black/blue, instead of black/gold. Check out: Budget King #1: The open back Philips SHP9500 Review! Sextetts, Monitors, all good, but these are great. That will be enough to satisfy a lot of people. What I like most about these headphones is how great they sound. Unless black and blue happens to be your favorite color combo, you’re better off getting the AKG K240 Studio headset instead of the AKG K240 MKII. They were once almost exclusively the tools of people in various working environments. From this destruction, some great companies evolved. AKG K240. They are a great-sounding set of phones that are very detailed. In ’75, the K240 monitor. It is not going to snap or wear. 2. The result of this is a set of headphones that give you accurate highs and the detailed lows that an open-back design gives you. From the box, you’ll get two ear cushions, a user-manual, adapter, and … The AKG K92s use gold highlights in place of silver ones for a more provocative style. This gives the AKG K240 Studio a great throwback feel while also serving a function: you hear a more realistic representation of sound and ventilation is better than with closed-back headphones. Classic rock sounds great too. It is a suspension strap held in its tension by small cylinders and elasticated stringing. You get to experience audio much differently than you do with standard closed-back headphones, meaning a realistic perception of 3D space in our music. This, while it is being recorded, and then again in playback. This may prove less comfortable, particularly if you wear glasses. They were sold with pleather pads that get hot and cant keep the original size after all these years, but veloure pads can be ordered from AKG that make these headphones much more comfortable. But before we get to our AKG K240 Studio Review, who are they? The AKG K240 Studio has earned its keep as one of the go-to headsets among enthusiasts and professionals. The lightweight, circum-aural headphones use internal acoustic-resistance elements to flatten out bass peaks so as to eliminate … They have a dual purpose in their design. Sounded good, but bass was weak. Read on to find if the AKG K240 studio headphones are the … The design and the build of the AKG K240 Studio headphones is a great balance. This serves to help lock the 3.5mm cable into place. The Grado SR80e is a completely open-back headset and rests on your ears, instead of around them. Though, as we said, stay with us. This also means that your ears are not going to get hot after many hours of use. AKG Pro Audio. You may also be interested in some other studio favorites, the Sony MDR 7506 or the Beyerdynamic DT990. I am a full time professional musician, and I use these for the above applications, and also … 🐥🐥🐥Black Friday Deals Week🐥🐥🐥 - Save Up to 96%! The AKG K240 Studio and K240 MKII use the same drivers and have the same frequency responses. Would we recommend them? Comfortable suspension headband No playing around with controls or using and pulling extendable arms here. Headphones that the professionals use are another. Not the case here at all. But here we may lose a few readers. These headphones remain one of the most popular vintage options out there, and I often see them on the subway and when walking through the Chicago Loop. The AKG Model K240DF is essentially an improved version of the Model K240 headphones, which have been a part of the AKG line for some time. The AKG K52s are all-black, losing the silver ear cup caps and also the ridged texture of the K72’s cups. All headphones from this fresh series are specifically designed for use in the studio, with the open-back version particularly suited for long production tasks and listening sessions. Brittany Howard’s low-register vocals sound excellent and stand out from the surrounding instrumentation. Another thing I love about this one is it comes with interchangeable wires and … The earpads themselves also do not look like they are well-padded. Probably more accurate to call it a head strap. Grado is a well-respected brand among audiophiles, and if you only have $100 to spend, this is a great alternative. The AKG K702 share the same style and build as the AKG K701 and AKG K712 PRO. This makes it less resonant and creates accurate mids and well-defined highs. If this happens, you can always get a replacement or reach out to an AKG rep and see if they’re feeling generous. This means the AKG K240 Studio is a great, cheap headset for listeners who subscribe to streaming services like Amazon Music HD, Deezer, and Tidal HiFi. The bass has been rolled off quite dramatically. Features. They deliver a very wide dynamic that is incredibly accurate. Harmonizing “Ohs” toward the end of the song (2:03) are hard to discern from the din of the electric guitar and drum hits, though. When you match that desire with great designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and innovative ideas, you get AKG. In actual fact, the MKII uses almost the same basic frame as its predecessor, with metal brackets serving as the foundation, along wi… Your email address will not be published. On the face of it, the styling might not look so impressive but stay with us. We have written the complete AKG M220 Review and features of AKG M220. If you want a pair of portable studio headphones, consider the AKG K371 or Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Tried a good OTL tube … They weigh just 0.53 of a pound. The K271S is also a closed headphone and as such it provides isolation. The open-back design is advantageous because it allows you to listen to music while remaining aware of your surroundings—think of it as a safety feature. It is there, but it is not punching hard. There aren’t a lot of products these days, especially in the realm of electronics, that can claim to have been in production for nearly 50 years on the same design, but that’s just how good the AKG K240 headphones are. The head strap itself is not what you might call padded at all. Replaceable parts. Considering that they are designed for studio use, they will deliver a nice, flat frequency sound that doesn’t have any sound coloring or enhancement of certain frequencies for flavor, which can misrepresent the sound. The plugs are convertible if necessary. They are designed for mixing and mastering and for excellence of sound in the playback stages. Noticeable, especially with keyboards, drum machines, and other external devices. Yes, glad you’ve been paying attention. During the AKG K240 Studio review period, I grew increasingly dubious of headband rails and plastic pivot points. The included mini-XLR to 3.5mm cable feels sturdy because both terminations taper into reinforced stress-relief pieces. Any big bass sound is not present. This gives an increase in bass response because of its flexibility. The semi-open design structure and the very efficient transducers give you a dynamic range that is very wide with great sensitivity. The sound just seems to float around you. Since these are wired headphones, you can take full advantage of lossless audio files like FLAC. Lightweight A semi-open design recreates a more natural listening experience. Microphones that are industry leaders and the measure to which others aspire are just part of it. This gives an open sound that is very natural. Sub-bass response is lacking, so if you a more neutral response across the frequency spectrum, keep looking. It's a semi-open that presents extremely detailed mid and high frequencies. Headphones you still find in many recording studios all over the world. And it’s that, that drives them onwards to perfection. Fortunately, now we mere mortals can share in the audio experience. If you have landed on our article you are probably a music producer or an audiophile who wants to know if the AKG K-240 are any good. Someone once said of AKG phones, if you are not a pro don’t bother. From our 1 year experience with them, we can already tell you that the AKG K240 are perfect for some and horrible for others. We don’t think you will find another set of headphones perform at this level for even twice the price. AKG see the MKII has a studio headphone, with this working model showcasing a much more stripped-back aesthetic. And with being so lightweight, courtesy of its largely plastic build, they give a great performance. The performance level reaches a professional level, even in your home studio. The design function works well, and they are flexible and very lightweight. COPYRIGHT © 2020 SoundGuys, All Rights Reserved. If you like orchestral or acoustic-based music, you will be enthralled. Unlike higher-end models, AKG does not provide an assortment of cables or a protective case. With the AKG K240 Studio series, the cable and earcups are all replaceable. But wait, didn’t I say earlier that open-back headphones aren’t good for public use? What you do not want is phones that are heavy. However, the AKG K550’s portable power is all spoilt a bit by the cable. 13 October 2010 I've been using the AKG K240 headphones for probably 7 years now, and finally upgraded to the MK II just a few months ago. Both ear cups have uniform vents, giving the headset its semi-open status. When AKG makes headphones, they make them sound how they think music should sound. The weight. So why the use of plastic instead of metal? The AKG K240 review will be a perfect read for you. To optimize the open-back qualities of the headphones, listen in a quiet environment. Apart from being affordable — though slighlty less than the K92 — the AKG K240 has gained popularity for the following reasons: It sports the classic AKG design that many appreciate; It has a detachable and long chord; It has great “soundstage” It’s the cheapest model to feature AKG’s Varimotion technology They have a frequency range of 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz. These represent a sound you would expect to get from a much more expensive set of headphones. This is more a feature of the headset than a detriment to performance, but only if the headset is being used correctly. They are semi-open, over-ear headphones that are designed to work in professional environments. Minimal clamping force also makes these a great option for bespectacled listeners. At this price, we’d ideally like to see a removable cable used. Unfortunately, they're not the most versatile headphones. They have a strong yet flexible build, and the non-twisting headband allows you to use one ear at a time for listening if required. If you’re looking to stay within a $75 budget and want all of that money to go to sound quality, the AKG K240 is the best headset for you. Anyone near you will easily hear what you’re listening to. There is a 3-meter input cable that is detachable. Since these hits don’t originate from the actual kick drum (sub-100Hz), they’re reproduced with great accuracy. While the ‘phones retain that 1970s nostalgic design, sound quality holds up even in 2020. Most definitely! Auditory masking is a heck of a phenomenon, though, and the louder sounds of your environment will massively degrade your ability to perceive any musical detail. The K240 “Sextett”, the K340 Hybrid Electrostatic, to the legendary K1000. Do not take these headphones out for a spin on the train: you and everyone around you will have a bad time. Open-back headsets are usually intended for studio use, but the Koss Porta Pro is meant to be transported. The Vocal sounds were clear and precise, drums, cymbals, and orchestra near-perfect and the guitars just great. Seeing how this headset isn’t meant for travel, many listeners give the dubious durability a pass. AKG M220 is a semi-open technology the bass of this headphone is so deep, and it also has a very low range bass too. It uses a standard mini XLR socket, so you can replace the cable if you don’t get on with the coiled style, but only the one cable is included. Best Studio Headphones for Home Recording, Top 8 Best Guitar Amplifiers Under $500 For Your Consideration In 2020 Review, Top 10 Best Sheet Music Stands For The Money 2020 Reviews, Top 10 Best Portable Outdoor Radios in 2020 Reviews, Top 8 Best Dynamic Microphones For Your Budget 2020 Reviews, Top 16 Best Single-Coil Pickups On The Market 2020 Reviews, Top 7 Best Xbox One Headsets You Should Buy In 2020 Reviews. Note: If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we may receive a commission but at no extra cost to you. Learn more. The AKG K240 headphones are some of the best you can get for under $100. AKG K240DF. Finally, though, we come to the price point. AKG knows not to mess with a formula that works, which is why the K240 Studio has remained relatively unchanged since its 1970s debut. Something you may have to get used to. AKG K245 - The K245 is the open-back addition to AKG’s new range of foldable studio headphone models, which also includes the K175 and K275. This gives the AKG K240 Studio a great throwback feel while also serving a function: you hear a more realistic representation of … The brand ranks the AKG K240 STUDIO as a professional model for mixing, mastering and playback with inherited … But as stated earlier, they need voltage to get the bass right. But they also have to have a comfort level that is quite high and not be too heavy or uncomfortable to wear. Headphones that after a couple of hours of listening, feel like you have a brick in your head. K240 MKII. Both headsets use identical Varimotion 30mm XXL transducers with a 15Hz-40kHz frequency response, making them sound nearly identical. What they are about is sound, and these do the business on that front. Go to awesomeness ranking Go to consumer score ranking … But they’re still predominantly there for one reason – to listen to music. The left ear cup houses a mini-XLR input with a small, flat divot. The AKG K240 cans are regarded as the music industry standard for professional reference headphones (mixing, monitoring), and for several good reasons: relatively flat frequency response, comfortable fit, robust construction, and affordable. They became one of the most used sets of headphones in recording studios all over the world. The entire sound signature is calm, peaceful, and laid back while still remaining effective in what it sets out to do. We were very wrong about that, and we think the reason for that is the suspension-style headband. The 3.5mm cable is well-reinforced but users have reported breakage after just a few months. Your email address will not be published. You can hear every nuance present in the music. Jun 09, 2020. Please take our 3-minute survey, and give us feedback about your visit today. The headband being self-adjusting does make for a naturally comfortable fit. Admittedly, my initial reaction was that these were to be quite painful with glasses due to the thin earpads, but that’s not the case at all. The ear cups have metal-looking rings, but we think they are plastic as well. Long-term users have voiced otherwise, though, citing that their cables snapped or frayed within just a few months. Sub-bass notes are heavily attenuated, anyone coming from Beats headphones may feel bass is nonexistent, but listeners whose music libraries are laden with instrumental and vocal-heavy tracks will appreciate how bass notes kowtow to mids. AKG K240 STUDIO is a nice pair of over ear headphones in golden-black pattern. Both ear cups have uniform vents, giving the headset its semi-open status. They are though very light, and the band and the cups soon conform to your head shape. The treble is detailed an… The open back ear cups are large and circular and covered in a suede-like padding that gives the headphones a premium appeal. These headphones descend from the original AKG K240, which debuted when bell-bottom jeans and Huckapoo shirts were unironically trendy. In our awesomeness score Akg K240 ranks #220 out of 472 and OneOdio Fusion Over Ear ranks #52 out of 472. These have a build that is worth some consideration. Are You Looking For More Excellent Options? $119. For those unfamiliar with how open and semi-open headphones work, this goes both ways. Owners of these headphones love the sound quality that they deliver. AKG M220 is professional, stylish diaphragm DJ semi-open high definition over-ear studio headphone. AKG K240 MKII review. They're comfortable to wear and deliver an immersive audio reproduction. Because if you like your music bass-heavy, it is time to move on elsewhere. If you for some quality headphones for the studio, it’s worth checking out our in-depth reviews of the Best Studio Headphones for Home Recording or even the Best Headphones for Rock Metal Music on the market. As Tina Turner once said, ‘Simply the Best’ and she was probably using a pair of AKG headphones when she recorded it. I had the chance of hearing many great headphones (W5000's, SR-007, SRS-3030, GS-1000 etc) but the K340's are the … They are bright and crisp, and some might think they are a little thin if you’re used to other phones with a heavier soundstage. Let’s see why these headphones are still championed today. In this review, we are going to be looking at the AKG K240 Studio headphones. The soundstage of these headphones is quite remarkable. The benefit is they’re more compact and can be stowed away because the ear cups rotate flat. An important point to note. In Europe in 1947, countries were still coming to terms with the aftermath of a war that had torn the continent apart. AKG K240 STUDIO review. Towards the center, the diaphragm is thicker and less flexible. The design is functional and made to go to work. The only differences would be that the K240S has more bass and the K271S is more refined overall. But, not anymore. I have been using the AKG K 240 mk ll's for 4 months. From the very beginning, they have had this appreciation of what sounds good. As we said, designed for critical listening, these show up everything, good and bad — a masterclass of sound reproduction. The self-adjusting headband uses a suspension mechanism to ensure a comfortable fit. They have become the property of the consumer. Headphones you still find in many recording studios all over the world. Established in Vienna in Austria in 1947, they have become legends in the audio industry with the professionals. AKG K 240 MKii for Mixing and Studio Listening The K240's legendary design has been around for almost 50 years. AKG has achieved both we think with a headband that is self-adjusting and ear pads that sit nicely over the ears. Vocals sound excellent Required fields are marked *. As we have already said, this is possible, but the design required doesn’t affect the comfort level. AKG is one of the world’s best with a reputation few can match. The frequency range goes from 15Hz to 25Khz, which wil… They will work for most styles, but in some genres, they might sound a little different. We can connect our phones and have worldwide connections. Clarity is great for a pair of cheap headphones, but it’s even better with the Grado SR80e or Monoprice Monolith 1060. Gone is the delicate filigree of previous models, instead replaced by robust mechanics. Customers like Akg K240 noticeably more Akg K240, the pricier option, tends to get more favorable reviews than OneOdio Fusion Over Ear [4.7 vs 4.5 ]. This may well be one of the most staggering elements of this review. This newer 55-ohm lower impedance version gives you substantially higher volume levels in a studio environment. Instead, you’re left to your own devices if the cable frays meaning you can either repair it or buy another when the time comes. For those that like their headphone construction metal-based, there will be some disappointment here. AKG K240 MKII review Comfortable, and sound spacious, but you can do better for the money Tested at £100.00 By What Hi-Fi? These are predominately plastic in their build. The circular ear cups completely encompass your ears. On popular demand, our team has put together the AKG K240 review. Yes, the AKG K240 Studio headphones are great for eyewear because of their lightweight build. If you want something iconic, the Koss Porta Pro semi-open headset is the only way to go. For some reason, I’m much more comfortable working with gear I … Sounds like a dream, yeah? The detail is exceptional, and it really comes down to one aspect. They are represented ... Read More. High Points • The k240's build quality is exceptional and its looks, while retro, should appeal to both young and old. But now we move on to what AKG really does best. The result is the mids never get crowded and are allowed to shine. Jun 09, 2020. He doesn’t draw unnecessary attention to himself, but is always there to help with sound advice (no pun intended). #gear #studio #guitar #akgheadphones The AKG K240 Studio Headphones are good cheap studio headphones for under 100$! Besides that, MKII version includes a coiled cable and more comfortable ear pads, which may be important if you listen for hours at a time. The cable is made from 99% oxygen-free copper, and each end has gold plated plugs. The distinction in frequency response is more remarkable since in the case with AKG K52, it is 18 Hz - 20 kHz and AKG K240 works in a range of 15 Hz - 25 kHz. The lower frequencies that are present are very gentle and well-defined. Flexible but strong, tough enough to handle rough handling, AKG got the comfort versus strength equation about right. Perhaps they sound how the music actually sounds and not how some manufacturers of headphones want us to hear it. I also have a pair of Sony MDR-V700DJ which are also nice headphones, but in comparison, don't perform like the K 240's. The cable and the phones have mini XLR connections that give you good secure contact and fit. The pro-style cable won’t stop you from using the AKG … The mids are excellent. And the quality with which we can now listen has become very sophisticated. This ensures a smooth adjustment to fit. They feature a semi-open-air design with 30mm XXL transducers with AKG’s patented Varimotion diaphragms. The AKG K240 MKII are semi-open, critical listening headphones with an above-average sound. The K240 mirrors this effect. That is not what AKG is about. It combines a high-end top of the range open-back design with a standard closed-back sound. AKG K240DF Headphones Review. I picked these up to complete my vintage K240 "collection". The AKG K240s are the best mixing and mastering headphones. There might be a reason why all this sounds so good. We always think that headphones with this design of headband do not look very comfortable. I first used a decent discrete component amp that indicated plenty of power, 190 mW at 600 ohms. … BestReviews wants to be better. AKG K240 vs. Samson SR850; AKG K240 600 Ohm vs. 55 Ohm; Hi there friend and Welcome!! The simple packaging is convenient and it isn’t time-consuming as well. Quality wise, they're just slightly better than the original K240 - the bass is a little more clear with these. As with most things, items can wear out or get accidentally broken. During the AKG K240 Studio review period, I grew increasingly dubious of headband rails and plastic pivot points. The AKG K240 Studio headphones are the updated version of the legendary classic AKG K 240 Monitor. Lengthy listening periods will not then be a problem. They leave that to others. By my standards, the AKG K240s are the best mixing and mastering headphones. No. The AKG K550 use a non-removable rubber-topped cable. They are very similar in sonic character to the AKG K271 Studio [see my review of them here]. You are not good enough to appreciate how good they are. They produce a detailed audio experience that is not going to suit some, but for us is outstanding. Find out on which camp you are on … Comfort levels are good, which is enough, and they are lightweight. Having one of these as your main reference headphone is like being friends with that quiet old soul who’s intelligent but yet humble. The AKG K240 Studio headphones are the updated version of the legendary classic AKG K 240 Monitor. So whilst it is light on padding, it is a comfortable fit. The K240 Studio professional over-ear, semi-open studio headphones are designed for professional applications such as mixing, mastering and playback. Perhaps padding isn’t actually needed because of the headband’s suspended design. Read about the high points and low points of the AKG k240 on Page 2. The AKG K240 Studio is another trusty studio headset that’s proven its worth time and time again over the past 30 years. Another example of the quality of headphones that are available today. If you want, you can really splurge by spending $10 on a pair of velvet replacement ear pads. The open-back build is great for listening in quiet, controlled environments, but your music leaks out from the back of the ear cups. They have to be tough enough to take the many hours of use that they are likely to get. This is assisted by a venting design that is acoustically-tuned. Its truly amazing. They perform poorly in loud environments and their bulky, cumbersome build is a bit … The adjustments are plastic, as are the tubes over the headband. Cymbal hits sound slightly “distant” due to the de-emphasis from 3-5kHz but I never felt like I was straining to hear them. They come with interchangeable ear pads, two cables (a 3 meter coiled cable and 5 meter straight cable) and an adapter that allows you […] They are semi-open, over-ear headphones that are designed to work in professional environments. Some studio people like to use one ear to hear certain aspects of playback. A legacy headset that’s easy on the wallet. Before the K550, the K701/K702/Q701 was the latest model to represent the top-of-the-line AKG, and I was never extremely impressed with it, even when it was still one of the three hottest headphones in the market. Yes, the AKG K240 Studio has stood the test of time and will continue to do so because of its excellent sound quality-to-price ratio. AKG K240 Studio Monitor: http://amzn.to/1SVlsUn Join us on Steam: JustKiddingGamer http://steamcommunity.com/groups/JustKiddingGamer Follow … I’m always in search of a headset that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down, and found just that in the AKG K240 Studio. They carry on the AKG K240 Monitor tradition in that respect. It is quite amazing how these can be offered at such a price. The Varimotion technology produces a diaphragm that is thinner and very supple towards the outside. In ’74 came the 140. The overall unboxing experience of AKG K240 is amazing and you’ll love it. We all have them in varying degrees of quality, and we use them in the gym out running and even in the water. The AKG K175s’ cable connector is much chunkier than that of a consumer pair and it has a locking mechanism to avoid being pulled out. One of the best studio headphones available on the market today. That means no screaming kids, no chatty spouse, and no background TV—just you and the headphones. I’ve stated in multiple product reviews that I don’t like recommending products that I’d be afraid to break. There are pros and cons to this: it decreases cost while increasing comfort, but it also means it’s less durable than metal-reinforced alternatives like the AKG K371. In recording studios, TV and working for airlines, the armed forces and telephone companies. The semi-open design promotes accurate sound reproduction. Full Review. Don’t use this headset in a crowded office or while working in close proximity to your roommates at home. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, isolation is largely ineffective with semi-open back headphones like the AKG K240. AKG was one of them. Budget King #2: The closed back Sony MDR-7506 Review! Since the 70s, they have set the bar very high in professional headphone standards. There is nothing flamboyant about the AKG K240 Studio in its design or the way it sounds. The company does, however, include a ¼” adapter to plug the K240 into a guitar amp or audio interface. The AKG K240 Studio’s dynamic drivers accurately replicate frequencies within the 100Hz-1.2kHz range. The Alabama Shakes’ song Rise to the Sun opens with a light drumroll, sans-crescendo, that’s soon followed by powerful drum hits. In the last 50 years, headphones have changed. The sony's can get muddy towards the bottom end where the akg… They have a foam interior covered with a leatherette material. The K240 Studio is a great option for anyone working on a shoestring budget who can’t afford to compromise sound quality. I found out that the mentioned devices have pretty similar sensitivity, as the model K240 has 104 dB and K52 has 110 dB. If you need them for something else, then how about the Most Comfortable Headphones, the Best Waterproof Bluetooth Headphones, the Best Waterproof Headphones, the Best Headphones with Microphone, the Best Headphones and Earbuds for Sleeping, or the Best Headphones under 100 dollars on the market. Without the clamping action, we also previously mentioned, you can use them for hours. With the size of the transducers comes a sound that is three-dimensional and more lifelike. So Hip-Hop or Drum and Bass adherents are going to need to look at other potential alternatives because these are not going to fit the bill. We mention again the gimbal-type suspension of the ear cups that lets them conform to the size of your ears. They are not using too much clamping to remain in position, so do not feel tight. AKG is a massive headphones manufacturer and part of the HARMAN Group, with plenty of iconic and classic headphones such as the AKG K701, AKG K712 PRO and the AKG K240 STUDIO as well. The headphones are virtually identical, except the AKG K240 MKII has blue accents instead of gold ones. The ear cups have gimbals that rotate smoothly and feel like they belong to a more expensive set of phones. It combines that with the isolation that is needed for tracking, making them, in many ways, the perfect design. This is part of my “Budget Kings” Series, which takes a look at some of the best options for under $100. The headband is actually one of the few parts that have a metal design. The earpads are circumaural, which means they are around the ear, and they cover the ears nicely. They have two-tone navy blue and silver color scheme and an old-school retro design that will work for some.