The Sony MDR-7506 was released in 1991 (oh yes, it’s that old!) and managed to remain an industry standard for professional audio monitoring for over 30 years.

Recognized for their clarity and neutrality of sound, these headphones have remained a staple in studios since their debut.

In this review, I take a closer look not only at why they continue to stand out, but also at what makes them suitable for podcast production.

With strong competition in the market, let’s examine whether they still hold their place among audio professionals and podcasters alike.

N.B.: We don’t participate in any affiliate programs: the links to the manufacturer’s site are purely to provide more information, with no financial benefit for us. What truly matters to us is your trust.

Key Features

Type: Closed-back, over-ear

Driver Size: 40mm, dynamic

Frequency Response: 10Hz - 20,000Hz

Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW

Impedance: 63 Ohms

Max Input Power: 1000 mW

Cable: Coiled, fixed (9.8 feet with 1/4" adapter)

Weight: 230 grams

Price: Approximately $100 - $120

Design or build quality

The MDR-7506 has a simple, classic design focused more on function than esthetics.

These headphones fold compactly, and Sony includes a soft carrying pouch, making the MDR-7506 convenient for both in-studio and remote podcast recording setups

Personally, I’d prefer to get a hard case over a soft bag, but you can't have it all.

The headband is adjustable, with metal reinforcements for added stability, and should fit most head sizes securely.

Although made largely of plastic, the MDR-7506 still feels durable and lightweight enough to be comfortable during long studio sessions.

The earpads seal effectively around the ear and are thinly wrapped in faux leather.

This is one of the few drawbacks of this popular model, as according to some users, over time, these parts can wear down, peel, or even disintegrate, especially with frequent or prolonged use.

Fortunately, it’s not a big issue: replacements are very easy to find, which does extend the life of the headphones.

While the coiled cable is durable and offers some stretch, it can feel heavy and restrictive. Its non-detachable nature is another drawback, as it limits repair options if the cable is damaged.

The headphones are foldable, and Sony provides a soft carrying pouch to sweeten the deal, making the MDR-7506 fairly easy to take along with you, either from the studio out into the field or vice versa.

Sound Quality

Because of its flat frequency response, the MDR-7506 has gained a reputation for tasks requiring clarity and accuracy, such as editing and mixing podcasts.

Let’s now give a close look into the sound characteristics of these headphones:

• Bass: The low frequencies are well-represented, tight, and controlled. Although they lack the heavy bass often found in consumer headphones, the balanced bass response allows for accurate monitoring without muddying the mix.

• Mid-Range: The mids are where the MDR-7506 truly shines. Vocals and instruments are clear and natural, providing a reliable reference for spoken word recordings, like podcasts.

• Treble: The treble is sharp and can sometimes become harsh or sibilant, especially at higher volumes. While this brightness helps highlight details in the recording, it may become fatiguing over long periods.

How This Headphone Works for Podcasters

When it comes to podcasting, the MDR-7506 is a powerful tool for capturing and refining audio.

Its clarity in the mid-range makes it very helpful in detecting issues in voice recordings, including background noise, plosives, and sibilance common in vocal-heavy content like podcasts.

The closed-back design grants good passive noise isolation, which is helpful for recording or editing in non-soundproof environments.

This will be particularly useful for podcasters working from home or shared spaces where external noise might otherwise seep into recordings.

The Sony MDR-7506 is lightweight, considering it's fitted quite tightly, and is fairly comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

So here comes another small negative point: people with larger heads, or those who wear glasses, are very likely to get some discomfort after long use due to pressure from the headband and ear pads on the head.

If you think this factor could be an issue, make sure to try the headphones before purchasing them.

Durability and Serviceability

The MDR-7506 has earned its reputation for durability: many users said their headphones served them for years and even decades with minimal to no issues.

This is also thanks to the availability of replacement parts for the ear pads and headband.

Such incredible longevity is so welcome to professionals, who would have to work with a tool that they do not often need to change.

This incredible longevity is particularly appealing for those professionals who require a reliable tool that will not need frequent replacement, but also for new podcasters on a budget.

Replacement earpads and other parts are easily available either from Sony or third-party resellers, providing for the long-term maintainability of the headphones.

Although the coiled cable is fixed and durable, it has its limitation: since it is not detachable, users cannot easily replace it when damaged.

This has been one of those complaints from users who enjoy the flexibility of a detachable cable.

Comparison to Competitors

Here are some competitors to the Sony MDR-7506 in the same price range:

Sony MDR-7506

• Closed-back

• $100.00

• Lightweight, balanced sound, durable build

• Podcasters, sound engineers, mobile recording

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

• Closed-back

• $150.00

• Detachable cable, deeper bass response

• Music producers, bass-heavy listeners

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

• Closed-back

• $159.00

• Excellent isolation, stronger bass

• Mix engineers, bass-focused music listeners

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

• Closed-back

• $99.00

• Durable, good noise isolation

• Entry-level studio use, podcast editing

Shure SRH440A

• Closed-back

• $99.00

• Detachable cable, accurate midrange sound

• Budget-conscious podcasters, studio engineers

Each of these models is strong in one respect or another. For instance:

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Known for its excellent sound quality, with a bit more bass emphasis than the MDR-7506. It also features a foldable design and comes with detachable cables, which many users prefer.

2. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro: These headphones are widely appreciated for their durability and noise isolation. They are often favored by professionals for studio monitoring.

3. AKG K240 Studio: These semi-open-back headphones are known for their balanced sound, making them popular for mixing and mastering. They are more comfortable for longer sessions, but due to the semi-open design, they lack the same level of sound isolation as closed-back models like the MDR-7506.

4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: With excellent sound isolation and deep bass response, the DT 770 Pro is a popular choice among professionals for both studio and live sound work. It has a durable build and comfortable ear pads, which are highly praised for long-term use.

5. Shure SRH440: Positioned as a slightly more affordable option, the SRH440 offers detailed sound quality with a focus on mid range accuracy. It also features a detachable cable and is often recommended for those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to higher-end studio headphones.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

1. Clear, balanced sound with strong mids

2. Lightweight and foldable for portability

3. Durable and serviceable for long-term use

4. Good value for the quality

Cons

1. Ear pads may deteriorate over time

2. Treble can be fatiguing at high volumes

3. Non-detachable coiled cable can be restrictive

4. Not ideal for listeners seeking strong bass

Final verdict

The Sony MDR-7506 has survived time as one of the most popular pairs of headphones, chosen by audio professionals, podcasters, and enthusiasts alike.

Their balanced sound profile, solid construction, and practicality make them particularly useful in podcast production, where clarity and comfort are paramount.

They may lack some of the more progressive features of newer models, such as cables that can be detached or noise cancellation, but the reliability and good sound quality of the MDR-7506 keep it a bestseller in today's market.

For podcasters and audio editors who need accurate sound reproduction without overspending, the Sony MDR-7506 remains a great investment in 2024.

What Do Users Think? - Reviews and Feedback

The Sony MDR-7506 has obtained fantastic reviews from nearly 26000 users from a major online selling platform, and from many others.

The rating is outstanding! it's hard to believe that a product on the market for so long can still be so popular, but it absolutely is!

Most customers confirm that these headphones have good sound quality, a comfortable fit, and good build quality.

They play back recordings accurately with warm vocals and a well-balanced sound.

In many ways, they are professional corded headphones that last long and thus are reasonably priced for audio work.

Although most of the customers are satisfied with how well the headphones function, there is some mixed feeling about the cord length and the fit.

To be fair, the number of unsatisfied or less satisfied customers is minimal, making it clear that these headphones are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced podcasters alike

User’s rating: 9.4/10

Still unsure how to choose the best headphones or mics for your podcast? If so, read our guides:

How to choose the best podcast headphones (2024)

How to Choose the Best Microphone for your Podcast

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