Recording - September 2021 - 49

REVIEW
Austrian Audio
Hi-X65 Professional
Open-Back Over-Ear
Headphones
A new open-back model joins this
popular Austrian headphone family
REVIEW BY ALEX HAWLEY
A
ustrian Audio has added to its Hi-X series of professional
headphones with the Hi-X65. I recently reviewed both of its
predecessors favorably; each has its own distinct sound. The HiX50
(reviewed January 2021) is a closed-back, on-ear design that sounds
mid-forward with a very controlled bottom end. The Hi-X55 (reviewed
May 2020) is a closed-back, over-ear design with a much brighter and
open-sounding tonality. Both have a very rugged build as well as a
comfortable fit. With this variety of sounds already in the Hi-X family, I
was very curious to get my hands on the new Hi-X65 to hear where it
lands in comparison. I've spent the last month using these headphones
daily, mainly in the context of mixing and critical listening.
Overview
The new Hi-X65 is made in Austria
and, unlike the other Hi-X models, features
an open-back (over-ear) design.
They're built for detailed and precise
listening for mixing and mastering purposes.
All three Hi-X models utilize the
same high excursion drivers, but what's
interesting is, Austrian Audio notes the
drivers were first designed with open
headphones in mind. So, the Hi-X65
represents perhaps the most optimal integration
of Austrian Audio high excursion
drivers yet.
The drivers are built around a ring
magnet system that resembles a loudspeaker
design (not typical for headphone
drivers). This system is paired
with a copper-clad aluminum voice coil
46 RECORDING September 2021
to reduce the membrane's weight and
allow for a more dynamic reproduction.
The design eliminates any 'wobbling' of
the diaphragm, reducing unwanted resonance;
the result is a 44mm driver that
is fast, accurate, and can move twice as
much air as standard driver designs. The
frequency response is listed as 5 Hz -
28 kHz, with an impedance of 25 ohms.
It comes with two detachable 1
/8
for storage or travel.
Build
When I reviewed the Hi-X55, I was
quite impressed by its balance between
comfort and strength. They remain one
of the most comfortable (and durable)
headphones I have reviewed to date.
" cables
(4', 10'), a 1/4 " adapter, and a soft bag
Luckily, the new Hi-X65 shares the
same build and comfort as its over-ear
sibling. The ear cups are made out of
super-soft, low-retaining foam that conforms
to the shape of your head. The
pads are large enough to fully enclose
the ears without putting any pressure
directly on them, which is helpful to
stay comfortable during long mixing
sessions. While the ears feel roomy
inside the pads, it still creates a snug,
even seal on your head, which helps
with reducing some external noises despite
its open design. The headband
is padded with the same low-retaining
foam and is evenly balanced to keep
pressure points off the top of the head.
The only downside to its plush padding
is heat; my ears have gotten a bit toasty
during marathon sessions where I have
needed to take them off for some time
to cool down. All the foam is removable
for easy cleaning.
The build quality is excellent, as we've
come to expect from Austrian Audio. All
critical components, such as the hinges
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