If you’re not familiar with Austrian Audio, then you should be. The company was formed by 22 core employees of AKG, who created a new business based in Vienna after AKG shut down its Austrian facilities five years ago. And with Austrian Audio’s 350 years of cumulative experience designing and manufacturing precision pro audio transducers — notably microphones and headphones for the studio, broadcast, sound reinforcement and high-end consumer market — the company has focused on that niche with great success.
Enter the Hi-X60
One of Austrian Audio’s latest releases is its Hi-X60 reference headphones. These take the natural sonic signature of its Hi-X6 series, but in an over-the-ear, closed-back design that’s ideally suited for loud environments, like front of house and monitor mixing.
Manufactured in Vienna, the Hi-X60 headphones feature metal hinges, a tough composite body and earcups that swivel inwards for flat storage. The replaceable earpads are soft and, combined with two soft headband cushions, make for a comfortable fit, even over long periods. The left earcup — both have large “L” and “R” markings — has an input jack for either of the 3-meter and 1.2 meter 1/8” TRS cables (plus ¼” adapter) that come with the unit. Overall, it’s a nice package with a quality feel throughout. A cloth storage bag is included and an HXHC semi-hard case — which would really be a must for live sound users — is a $35 option, which seems a lot, especially given the Hi-X60’s $429 street price.
Under the hood, the Hi-X60 utilizes a “Hi-Xcursion” (high-excursion) technology, which features a large, stiff (non-resonant) 44mm diaphragm driver and a powerful ring magnet. This maximizes airflow, while its copper-clad aluminum voice coil reduces the overall diaphragm weight for faster impulse response.
The result is a wide, smooth and natural 5 Hz – 28 kHz frequency response and a ultra-efficient sensitivity of 110 dB/V. The latter is VERY loud (much higher than competing models) and is immediately noticeable, especially when driven by a typically feeble headphone amplifier in a console or from a laptop.
For me, this really was a game changer, because whether soloing an input during a live mix or honing in on an individual IEM mix in monitorworld, such isolation is essential when you need to focus on the task at hand while not hearing the ambient stage or house sounds. And here the combination of the Hi-X60’s acoustical isolation and high SPL capacity was just the ticket.
The Hi-X60 offers smooth and accurate audio performance with plenty of punch, and while the $429 street price will dissuade some buyers, these phones will certainly appeal to serious users who need to hear in difficult environments.
At a Glance:
Loud & Clear
Austrian Audio expands its successful Hi-X6 headphone range with the high-output, closed-back Hi-X60 model that’s ideal for live sound applications.
Austrian Audio
Hi-X60 Reference Headphones
PROS
- Accurate sound
- Loud (super-efficient)
- Comfortable fit
- Great isolation
CONS
- Storage case is $35 option
- Pricey ($429/street)
STATS
- Frequency Range: 5 Hz – 28k Hz
- Sensitivity: 110 dB SPL/V
- Impedance: 25 ohms
- Input Power: 150 mW
- Cables: 3 meter & 1.2 meter
- Weight: 320 grams
- Price: $429/street
Manufacturer
Austrian Audio
More Info: www.austrian.audio
