Наушники — Austrian Audio Hi-X50

The Hi-X50 is a closed-back on-ear headphone from Austrian Audio, the Vienna company founded by former AKG engineers. Everything in it, including the drivers, is developed by Austrian Audio in Austria rather than bought in, and it belongs to the Hi-X (High Excursion) series aimed at music production. Its over-ear sibling is the Hi-X55.

Key specs that matter

It uses a 44 mm dynamic driver. Frequency range is 5 Hz to 28 kHz, sensitivity is 118 dB SPL/V, impedance is 25 ohms and THD at 1 kHz is below 0.1%. Input power handling is 150 mW. The detachable cable is 3 m long with a 3.5 mm plug and a 6.3 mm adapter. The headphone weighs 285 g without the cable and folds to 190 x 170 x 70 mm.

Engineering and use context

Austrian Audio's measurements and listening tests settled on 44 mm as the optimum driver size for this design, large enough to move plenty of air without the diaphragm wobbling. The driver uses a ring magnet system, which improves airflow around the diaphragm and gives what the company describes as the strongest magnetic field in its class. Combined with a copper-clad aluminium voice coil, it reduces the mass of the moving parts, so the membrane changes direction faster. The membrane is very stiff while damping unwanted resonances. A double acoustic wall provides damping in the earcup, and the earpads were redesigned for sealing and comfort, using slow-retention memory foam. Being closed, the earcups block outside noise and keep sound from escaping, which matters when recording with microphones nearby. Austrian Audio pitches the on-ear Hi-X50 at DJ sets and front-of-house mixing, where it can be slipped on and off quickly, and it is made in Austria and fully serviceable, with replacement pads and 1.2 m or 3 m cables sold separately. Hinges and headband are all metal for durability, and the headphone folds for storage and transport. Austrian Audio designed the Hi-X series specifically for the conditions of modern music production, where long sessions and varied source equipment are common. The launch price was USD 249 or EUR 199.95, and the Hi-X series also includes the Hi-X60 and Hi-X65 models.

Pairing

Phones, laptops and audio interfaces can drive the Hi-X50 to high levels. Because it is closed and folds, it works both in studios and on the move.

Alternatives

Austrian Audio's Hi-X55 is the over-ear version of the same design with the same driver.