Sony has announced the MDR-M1, a new high-end pair of closed-back studio monitor headphones, designed to bridge the gap between the more affordable MDR-7506 headphones and the premium open-backed MDR-MV1. These reference closed monitor headphones are targeted at musicians and sound engineers, offering accurate sound production and monitoring in any environment.
Sony developed the MDR-M1 in collaboration with renowned sound engineers like Mike Piacentini of Battery Studios and Akihiro Nishimura of Power Station at Berklee NYC, ensuring the headphones deliver an authentic and enriching music experience. While they do not feature noise-cancelling technology, the MDR-M1 utilises a closed acoustic structure that provides high sound isolation.
The headphones also adopt a closed-back design similar to the MDR-7506, though its ear cup design resembles the brand’s consumer-level WH-1000XM4 and XM5 models. Sony emphasises comfort, stating that the headphones are designed to fit snugly and be worn comfortably for extended periods.
Based on its specifications, the newer headphones’ playback response far exceeds that of the MDR-7506, offering a frequency range of 5Hz to 80kHz compared to the latter’s 10Hz to 20kHz. Sony attributes this to the new driver, which features a soft edge shape for reproducing low frequencies with volume and minimal distortion, alongside a hard dome shape to accurately replicate ultra-high frequencies.
The MDR-M1 comes with two cables: a detachable cable with a stereo mini-plug and an adapter, and a shorter cable for specific equipment and environments, providing flexibility for different use cases. Additionally, Sony says the headphones will also work seamlessly alongside its 360 Virtual Mixing Environment service. It is available now for RM1,199 via the brand’s official website and authorised dealers nationwide.
(Source: Sony Malaysia press release / official website)
