Headphones have a variety of purposes depending on the user. Some are designed for travel, exercise or listening to music, while others are meant for professional podcast recording. The Sony MDR-7506 has been a popular choice for decades, but is it still the right choice for podcast use?
In this review, we will take a closer look at the features of the iconic Sony MDR-7506 headphones.
About Sony MDR-7506
If you have ever experienced a professional recording studio, you have encountered a set of Sony MDR-7506s. They have been the choice of audio engineers for many years and are renowned for their dependability.
The MDR-7506 Closed-Back Professional Headphones from Sony are popular among musicians, audio engineers, and music fans worldwide. They are highly durable, dependable, and provide excellent sound quality. Due to their comfort while listening for long periods and reliable sound, they have earned a permanent place in the audio engineering industry. Furthermore, they are very affordable, making them ideal for budget studio use and radio, podcast, and video productions.
Features Of The Headphone
- 40mm Neodymium Drivers
- Swiveling Earcups
- Closed-back design
- Fully adjustable headband provides maximum comfort
- Durable folding design
- Stereo UniMatch plug allows you to plug into both 1/4″ and 1/8″ headphone jacks
- Gold connectors and oxygen-free copper cord
- Frequency response extends from 10Hz to 20kHz
- Includes a handy soft case
Build & Comfort
The Sony MDR-7506 has kept its classic, no-frills design, featuring the plastic and vinyl construction and vintage lettering of professional audio equipment of the past. It’s unmistakable “professional” and “dynamic stereo headphones” text on the housing underscores its classic design.
The casings for these Sony MDR-7506 headphones are made of painted aluminum and can be folded for portability. Blue and red “L” and “R” symbols are printed on either side of the shells, hinting at their left and right components. Despite their delicate look, these headphones are surprisingly sturdy and durable.
The headphones are designed with foldable hinges, allowing them to take up minimal space and maintain a lightweight of 230g (excluding the cable). The ear cups can rotate to ensure a snug fit, while the 3m coiled cable is robust. Unfortunately, it is not removable. The 40mm drivers provide a few degrees of horizontal adjustability.
You can wear the MDR-7506s practically without realizing they are even on as they rest gently and lightly on the head. The thick cushions provide an excellent listening experience. And the fact that they fold and adjust to fit makes them a great choice for on-the-go use. The headband design is perfect for larger head sizes, as it does not clamp too much, and smaller head sizes can be adjusted to fit securely.
However, it does feel a bit harsher against the skin than the padding on more high-end models. Another disadvantage of these headphones is that the cable cannot be detached, so if it malfunctions, the user will have to either attach a new cable or replace the headphones entirely.
Sound & Performance
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are renowned for their predictable and neutral sound. Despite the 100Hz and 4 – 10kHz boosts, their overall sound is relatively flat with few resonances, and the mid-range is consistent with no abrupt spikes or dips.
For podcast production in the studio, these headphones are a great choice. They provide the clarity needed to get the best mix possible without breaking the bank. The bass response is completely neutral, resulting in an uncolored sound that will stay true to the original. Mids are placed, so they do not muddy up the typical crossover areas. The highs may appear too bright to some, but they are well-balanced for live sound, recording, and monitoring purposes.
Noises below 500Hz will be heard with little attenuation. However, sound frequencies are significantly attenuated above 2500Hz, ranging between 20 and 40 dB. This attenuation performance effectively reduces higher-frequency sounds to a more comfortable listening level.
For audio activities like recording, podcasting, and connecting to electronic instruments, the Sony headphones are an ideal choice. Their exceptional sound quality makes them a top choice for any audio-related tasks. The Sony name is synonymous with quality, making these headphones a great investment.
Specifications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technical
Sound
Design
Connectivity
Power
Dimensions
Final Verdict On Sony MDR-7506
 PROS |
 CONS |
| Durability that stands the test of time | No detachable cable. |
| High-quality sound production | Poor noise isolation. |
| Incredible comfortability | Earpads prone to peeling prematurely. |
| Collapsible and adjustable design | Feels flimsy. |
| Lightweight and comfortable to wear | |
| Minimal sound leakage | |
| Good compatibility | |
| Fluid frequency response. |
The Sony MDR-7506 is an excellent pair of headphones for podcasting, offering exceptional sound quality and affordability. The extended frequency range and capacity for blocking outside noise making it ideal for accurate recording sessions. Its ergonomic design and adjustable headband make it comfortable for long-term use. Despite potential drawbacks, many find these headphones comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. Thus, making them a viable option for activities such as broadcasting, podcasting, and some tracking where comfort is prioritized over good accuracy.
Overall, the Sony MDR-7506 is an excellent choice for podcasting and other audio applications.
If you liked the article, please leave your feedback.
