Audiophiles and consumers are starting to pay attention to the pro market when it comes to headphones; Audeze knew this long before it introduced the MM-500 in 2022 and it is now following up with the MM-100 that is significantly less expensive at $399 USD.
Why is this happening?
A growing number of audiophiles and consumers are gravitating to studio headphones for their neutrality and long-term durability. Expensive headphones remain out of reach for most of the population, but studio quality headphones remain far more affordable.
Whether these are being used for mixing, mastering, or by performers during recording sessions — they represent what pro audio professionals are hearing when they create our favorite music.
The tuning almost always favors a more neutral tonal balance and presentation; in some cases the exact opposite of what consumers have become accustomed to hearing when listening to music over headphones.
Audeze’s more affordable MM-100 planar magnetic headphone made in collaboration with 17-time Grammy-winning engineer/producer Manny Marroquin will feature their innovative planar technology in a much lighter design.
The MM-100 is based on the highly successful MM-500 ($1,699), which has earned praise from acclaimed recording professionals since its debut at NAMM 2022. The MM-100 carries forward the highly regarded tuning from Audeze’s 90mm planar magnetic drivers.
These efficient, low-impedance drivers make the MM-100 easy to drive from any console, interface, or laptop. The newly-designed chassis features premium materials but weighs only 375 grams, ensuring comfort over long sessions.
Key Features:
- Industry-tested and refined by top recording artists at would-famous Larrabee Studios in Hollywood
- Carefully tuned for accuracy across the audible frequency spectrum to deliver consistent results professionals can rely on
- Audeze’s Uniforce™ diaphragms, Fazor™ waveguides and Fluxor™ Magnets provide great clarity with class-leading low distortion, and high efficiency to excel with a wide range of audio equipment and techniques
- Lightweight, premium chassis with magnesium/aluminum housing, gel-filled leather earpads, suspension strap, and spring-steel headband for long-term durability and comfort; folds flat for storage or travel
“I’m so excited to make studio-quality sound available to a broader audience,” stated Manny Marroquin. “Everyone working in audio needs a headphone they can rely on, inside or outside the studio,” he added.
“The goal of the MM-100 is to set a new standard in headphone performance for a wide range of users,” stated Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram. “We worked with Manny to ensure that our professional products work optimally in the most demanding situations,” he added.
Comparison
| MM-500 | MM-100 | |
| MSRP | $1,699 | $399 |
| Style | Over-ear, open-back | Over-ear, open-back |
| Transducer type | Planar Magnetic | Planar Magnetic |
| Magnetic structure | Fluxor™ magnet array | Fluxor™ magnet array |
| Phase management | Fazor™ | Fazor™ |
| Magnet type | Neodymium N50 | Neodymium N50 |
| Diaphragm type | Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ | Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ |
| Transducer size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Maximum SPL | >130dB | >120dB |
| Frequency response | 5Hz – 50kHz | 10Hz-50kHz |
| THD | <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL, 1kHz | <0.1% @ 100 dB SPL, 1kHz |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point) | 98 dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point) |
| Impedance | 18 ohms | 18 ohms |
| Max power handling | 5W RMS | 5W RMS |
| Min recommended power | >100mW | >100mW |
| Recommended power level | >250mW | >250mW |
| Earpads | Premium Leather | Gel-filled Leather |
| Weight | 495g | 385g |
Price & Availability
The Audeze MM-100 is assembled in the U.S.A. and will retail for $399 at audeze.com, with first shipments expected in May 2023.
Asa
April 12, 2023 at 4:22 pm
Sometimes there can be so much coloration in a can (or speaker) that what a user hears in the end can be quite different, especially with strong bass emphasis.
I’m glad you brought up the point about this type of headphone and how it’s used. People are used to such bass-heavy listening that with anything less, they think that something must be wrong.
Dominik
April 13, 2023 at 11:15 am
The frequency response ot the Audeze MM-100 is 20Hz – 25kHz according to Audeze:
https://www.audeze.com/en-int/products/mm-100
… and not 10Hz – 50kHz as stated on the table above.
I agree with Asa, the coloration of consumer headphones can be an issue leading to a wrong perception of music.