Austrian Audio Hi-X65: Open-back reference headphones for mixing and mastering
Austrian Audio expands its line of headphones with the Hi-X65. The company’s first open-back, over-ear reference headphones are designed for professional mixing and mastering applications. Can Austrian Audio make a good first impression in this highly competitive market?
Austrian Audio Hi-X65
Founded by former AKG engineers, Austrian Audio has quickly made a name for itself. The company’s line of microphones includes the innovative OC818, whose multiple polar patterns can be controlled using the Polar Designer App. Austrian Audio introduced its first headphones, the Hi-X50 and Hi-X55, in 2020. Unlike those two, however, the new Hi-X65 is an open-back design for professional mixing and mastering applications.
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 · Source: Austrian Audio
As such, the Hi-X65 headphones aim to deliver an honest, transparent sound that reproduces every nuance and helps to make critical mixing decisions. Austrian Audio says that the Hi-X65 uses the company’s proprietary 44 mm high-excursion driver (Hi-X) to achieve a transparent sound and linear frequency response. They claim that the driver’s low movable mass ensures a quick response and high dynamic resolution.
According to Austrian Audio, the Hi-X65 features a frequency response of 5 Hz to 28 kHz, a sensitivity of 110 dB SPL/V and a 25 Ω impedance. Total harmonic distortion (THD) at 1 kHz is below 0.1 %.
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 · Source: Austrian Audio
The hardware seems to be built to high standards, with a metal yoke and hinges and newly designed memory foam ear pads. Austrian Audio says that the new pads allow more space for the ears without increasing the external dimensions, for lasting wearing comfort. All cushions are replaceable. The Hi-X65 comes with two detachable cables (1.2 m and 3 m).
Austrian Audio Hi-X65 · Source: Austrian Audio
Price and availability
Austrian Audio says that the Hi-X65 will become available in the second half of May 2021, with an MSRP of €349.
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