AKG K701

The AKG K701 is an open-back, over-ear reference headphone known for its wide, natural soundstage and accurate, uncoloured response. Engineers use it to check a mix's balance, stereo image and reverb tails, where closed headphones tend to sound boxed in.

AKG's two-layer Varimotion diaphragm and flat-wire voice coil give quick, detailed transients and smooth highs without harshness. At about 235 g with large over-ear cups, it stays comfortable through long editing, mixing and mastering sessions.

Because it is open-back, the K701 lets sound in and out: it is made for quiet rooms, not for tracking next to a live microphone or monitoring on a noisy set. At 62 ohms with a 105 dB SPL/V sensitivity, it runs from an audio interface or laptop, but a good headphone amplifier brings out its full dynamics. A solid choice to rent in Montréal for a mix, a post-production job, or a second pair of reference ears.

Technical information

• Type: Open-back, over-ear, dynamic
• Frequency range: 10 Hz to 39.8 kHz
• Impedance: 62 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL/V
• Maximum input power: 200 mW
• Cable: 3 m, 3.5 mm plug with 6.3 mm (1/4") adapter
• Weight: 235 g