Austrian Audio headphones, which one fits you best?

Austrian Audio headphones are professional headphones, designed and made in Vienna, Austria. These European quality headphones are designed with the unique Hi-X Driver technology, so you can expect great sound. Furthermore, the headphones are solidly built and come with a lot of technical features. Which gadgets? And which headphones are best for you? We'll explain below.

In short; the sound quality and sturdy construction. All Austrian Audio Hi-X series headphones feature a powerful 44mm driver with a ring magnet system. The design of this system provides improved air displacement and gives the strongest magnetic field in its class. The ring magnet combined with a copper clad aluminum voice coil reduces the weight of the diaphragm. This allows the diaphragm to move or change direction more quickly which provides a responsive impulse response and thus tight low-end reproduction and very low THD distortion at low frequencies. The driver has a very linear frequency response plus an open and transparent sound. The headphones have a very transparent and analytical character, making them ideal for live sound monitoring, studio mixing and mastering.

Austrian Audio's Hi-X headphones are characterized by a clear and pure sound. To dive a little deeper into technology, an important measure of sound is Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), which measures the amount of unwanted harmonic distortion that a sound production system causes in an audio signal passing through it. THD is usually measured at 1 kHz, where the Hi-X65 scores a perceived value of <0.1%. But when THD is measured at lower frequencies, say around 60 Hz (e.g. kick drum), the Hi-X65 headphones are even more impressive.

The headphones score THD values that are up to three times better than those of competing headphones from similar or even significantly more expensive price ranges. This results in an unparalleled pure and detailed bass reproduction.

The Hi-X headphones are made for comfort and portability with a folding hinge design. Metal parts are used for all critical elements for longevity even under harsh conditions, such as in studios, FOH as well as on tour. Thus, ideal tools for the live-sound sound engineer. In addition, the headphones are easy to fold, making it easy to carry in your case.

Thanks to good ventilation and ear pads made of slow retention memory foam, the headphones stay comfortable even during the longest mixing or mastering sessions. For longevity and hygiene purposes, the ear pads and headband are replaceable.

• Superior, analytical sound thanks to proprietary Hi-X (High Excursion) technology that gives a linear frequency response and a transparent, open sound

• Very low THD distortion, even at lower frequencies

• The included 3-meter cable is detachable and replaceable. An optional 1.2-meter cable is also available (some models include both cables).

• Metal hinges and headband for maximum durability and stability.

• High comfort in its class with special slow retention memory foam ear pads and excellent ventilation. For high comfort even during the longest studio and live sound sessions.

• Replaceable ear pads and headband for longevity and hygiene.

• Foldable construction for easy storage

• Designed and made in Vienna, Austria. So European quality!

Now that we've discussed the Hi-X series in general, we'll zoom in on the specific versions found in the series. Which headphones are best for you seems like a tricky question, but fortunately the Austrian Audio Hi-X series line consists of several different versions. We list the options for you below with what makes each headphone special. This way you can choose the headphones that suit you best.

The Hi-X15 is a closed-back headphone and the workhorse of the Hi-X series. With crystal clear sound and a precise listening experience through the High Excursion technology for everyday use at a very attractive price. Good for the studio, on stage, in the rehearsal room, at home or during your tour. The Austrian Audio sound at a friendly price!

The closed-back design also makes these headphones ideal for use as musicians' headphones in the studio during recording sessions. Because of the closed design you minimize the crosstalk in your recording microphones. Also perfect as monitor headphones for musicians on stage or in the orchestra pit.

The Hi-X15 variant is there for you when you need good sound and you know that things can get rough. These headphones can take a beating, especially for this price range. And when you're on the road, these headphones fold up easily and can be taken with you.

• Frequency range: 12 Hz - 24 kHz
• Sensitivity: 113 dBspl/V
• Impedance: 25 Ω (so also very suitable to use on your tablet or smartphone)
• Power: 150 mW
• Cable (detachable): 1.4 mtr
• Connector: 3.5mm2 TRS mini-jack
• Incl. 3.5 mm2 to 6.3 mm2 jack adapter
• Dimensions: 205 x 170 x 80 mm
• Weight (without cable): 255 gr.
• Made in Vienna, Austria

The Hi-X25BT is the closed headphone with Bluetooth, making it the hybrid model of the series. You can connect the headphones in different ways: analog, digital or wireless. With the same precision and clarity as the other headphones in this series from Austrian Audio but with added ease of connection.

The Hi-X25BT headphones set a new standard in diversity of connections. With a classic analog connection via mini-jack, a digital connection via USB-C and a wireless Bluetooth connection that, thanks to its internal batteries, can last you 30 hours.

The touch-sensitive controls on the ear cups allow you to start, pause, fast forward and rewind, adjust the volume and answer an incoming call. When you connect the headphones to a phone, the sound is also crystal clear during your phone call.

When using Bluetooth the headphones use an SBC audio codec. SBC divides the signal into multiple frequency bands and encodes each band independently. This results in good sound quality. It may not be the very-very-best codec, but it is very universal. And you are assured of a reliable audio connection, up to 8 to 10 meters away, the connection still works. This codec reaches between 192 and 320 kbps, which is a good sound quality, especially in this class. Another big advantage is low latency (delay), up to about 10 ms. This is great if you are using the headphones to watch a movie or play games, for example.

• Frequentie bereik: 12 Hz – 24 kHZ
• Gevoeligheid: 113 dBsl/V
• Impendantie: 25 Ω
• Vermogen: 150 mW
• Batterijduur: 30 uur
• Bluetooth® versie: 5.0, met prima SBC audio codec
• Ondersteuning van A2DP, AVRCP, HSP en HFP.
• Met Touch Control
• 3.5 mm2 TRS mini-jack kabel, 1.4 mtr.
• USB-C kabel: 1.2 mtr.
• Incl. USB-C® naar USB-A adapter
• Incl. 3.5 mm2 to 6.3 mm2 verloop adapter
• Ingebouwde Lithium Polymer oplaadbare batterij
• Afmeting: 205 x 170 x 80 mm .
• Gewicht (zonder kabel): 270 gr.
• Gemaakt in Wenen, Oostenrijk

These headphones are similar in sound. The Hi-X50 is an on-ear model and the Hi-X55 is an over-ear model.

So you can choose from two different wearing styles: over-ear and on-ear. Over-ear headphones better seal your ears from the outside world and on-ear headphones sit on your ears and are lighter in weight than over ear headphones.

The Hi-X50 on-ear headphones rest on your ears. It is somewhat smaller and lighter than over-ear headphones, making it easy to transport. Ambient noise is still audible to a limited extent. Because the ear pads press lightly on your ears, on-ear headphones can sometimes be more annoying than over-ear headphones during long studio sessions.

The Hi-X55 is the over-ear version and therefore falls over your ears. This means you hear less ambient noise, which is nice in noisy environments like live-sound. Because the ear cups are a lot larger than with on-ear headphones, you can't take them with you in your bag or case. Because over-ear headphones do not press on your ears, they are often more comfortable during a long listening session.

Both models are closed-back headphones designed for recording and mixing. They give an analytical sound and are very suitable for sound monitoring.

Both headphones are solidly built and therefore very suitable for live-sound applications. The Hi-X50 has a very tight seal due to its over-ear closed design; ideal for an FOH position or monitor island.

• Frequency Range: 5 Hz - 28 kHz
• Sensitivity: 118dBspl/V
• Impedance: 25 Ω
• Power: 150 mW
• Cable (detachable): 3 mtr.
• Connection: 3.5mm2 TRS mini-jack (1/8")
• Incl. adapter: 3,5mm2 to 6,3mm2 (1/8" to 1/4")
• Made in Vienna, Austria

Hi-X50:

• Dimensions: 190 x 170 x 70 mm
• Weight (without cable): 285 gram

Hi-X55:

• Dimensions: 200 x 170 x 85 mm
• Weight (without cable): 305 gram

The Hi-X60 are closed, over-ear headphones of exceptionally high sound quality and are also built to last.

Closed-back headphones are great if you're looking for a pair of headphones that seal you off from the outside world, so you can listen to the sound properly. Ideal in a loud environment.

Do you have a critical singer in the studio? Then you can use these headphones perfectly. Because of the closed design there will be little crosstalk (leakage) to your recording microphone. This way your artist has the very best sound.

We recommend these headphones for professional live sound mixing. This is a serious tool for the sound engineer. A PFL 'must have' with your mixer on FOH or monitor world.

The headphones fold up very compactly, so it's easy to take with you in your case.

And did we mention it's built to last? Tour-grade quality!

• Frequency range: 5 Hz - 28 kHz
• Sensitivity: 110 dBspl/V
• THD (@ 1kHz): < 0.1%
• Impedance: 25 Ω
• Power: 150 mW
• 2 cables (detachable): 3 mtrs. + 1,2 mtr.
• Connection: 3.5 mm2 (1/8") TRS mini jack
• Adapter (included): 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm (1/8" to 1/4")
• Dimensions: 200 x 170 x 85 mm
• Weight (without cable): 320 gr.
• Designed and built in Vienna, Austria

The Hi-X65 open headphones are, as far as we are concerned, Austrian Audio's finest sounding headphones. This over-ear model is again rock solidly built.

The open-back design provides a natural and spacious sound that perfectly captures the placement and character of the individual elements in the mix. The headphones provide an accurate aural perspective with very high resolution and are an essential tool for professional mixing and mastering.

As mentioned earlier, the Hi-X 44mm drivers move a lot of air. You might conclude that they might be a bit punchy as a result, but in fact the balance is actually very good as a result, with excellent, tight low-end reproduction. Unbelievably beautiful!

The headphones have a fine fit and are very comfortable, even during longer mix sessions. An open headphone is less suitable for the recording room, because the open model gives some noise crosstalk to a recording microphone.

We recommend these headphones for those who do professional studio mixing, mastering and for when you just want to enjoy the music. Because of the low impedance you can easily connect these headphones to any playback device, including your tablet or smartphone.

• Frequentiebereik: 5 Hz - 28 kHz
• Gevoeligheid: 110 dBspl/V
• THD (@ 1kHz): < 0,1%
• Impedantie: 25 Ω
• Vermogen: 150 mW
• 2 kabels (afneembaar): 3 mtr. + 1,2 mtr.
• Aansluiting: 3.5 mm2 (1/8") TRS mini-jack
• Adapter (meegeleverd): 3,5 mm naar 6,3 mm (1/8" naar 1/4")
• Afmetingen: 200 x 170 x 85 mm
• Gewicht (zonder kabel): 310 gr.
• Ontworpen en gebouwd in Wenen, Oostenrijk

So within the series there is a lot of variation in functionality, application and price range. We recommend you to consider what and in what circumstances you will use the headphones and make your choice accordingly. With each headphone you are assured of good sound, a solid construction and comfortable design.

In short:
The Hi-X15 is a closed, robust over-ear headphone. Good for the studio, on stage, in the rehearsal room, at home or during your tour. The Austrian Audio sound for a friendly budget!

The Hi-X25BT is a closed over-ear headphone which you can connect in different ways, including wirelessly via Bluetooth. Great for when you need professional sound quality on-the-go, in any situation and anywhere.

The Hi-X 50 and 55 are equal in sound and unprecedented in this price range. With a very tight low end and a sound free of distortion, even at loud volumes. Choose which model is most comfortable, a Hi-X50 on-ear or Hi-X55 over-ear. These headphones are ideal for music producers, studio - and livesound technicians. Solidly built, compactly foldable and handy for the Pelicase!

The Hi-X60 is a closed, over-ear headphone for the critical, professional sound engineer and studio engineer. With a very analytical, balanced sound, a nice, tight low end, low distortion and very transparent. Indispensable tool.

Finally, the Hi-X65. An open-back headphone. This is for the audiophiles who only want to hear the very best sound. Very tight low end and very transparent sound. Ideal for mixing in the studio or as mastering headphones. Sits very comfortable and is suitable for long mixing sessions.

We hope to have helped you choose! The perfect headphones for you are sure to be among them. Not sure yet? Just give us a call or drop by and we'll be happy to help!