Austrian headphones
Austrian headphones
Hi-X headphones provide a 25Ω impedance and feature Austrian Audio’s proprietary 44mm Hi-X driver
Austrian Audio has entered the headphone market with the debut of the Hi-X (High Excursion) headphones. The series is formed of the on-ear Hi-X50 and over-ear Hi-X55 versions. The manufacturer, which started its life in 2017 with a staff roster comprising 22 former AKG employees, is known for its microphones. Its first foray into the headphone space sees it put its expertise in manufacturing drivers to use.
‘Much like our coveted OC818 and OC18 microphones, the core comes from a proven Viennese team,’ said Austrian Audio CEO, Martin Seidl. ‘We’ve designed a fresh take on an ultra-adjustable and wide-range head-bow for maximum comfort during the longest sessions, for the biggest engineers to the smallest bedroom producers.’
While both sets of Hi-X headphones are said to provide a 25Ω impedance and feature Austrian Audio’s proprietary 44mm Hi-X driver, the supra-aural Hi-X50 on-ear variant is designed for users requiring perhaps a more portable and compact option. Meanwhile, the Hi-X55 circum-aural headphones are better suited to use over long periods of time inside a studio with an over-the-ear design intended for added comfort.
Speaking of the 44mm Hi-X driver, product manager Philipp Schuster explained: ‘It ensures optimal performance in the Hi-X by moving a lot of air and eliminates “wobbling” of the diaphragm. It’s all about controlled sound.’
Austrian Audio’s ring magnet system, which can be found in headphones from other brands, is present in the Hi-X models and has undergone a redesign. It now reportedly offers improved airflow and the strongest magnetic field from the manufacturer to date. The ring magnet structure is paired with a copper-clad aluminium voice coil to decrease the moving mass. The manufacturer’s three-ply membrane is included to increase stiffness while reducing undesired resonances. A double acoustic wall is added for damping.
A detachable cable is bundled with the Hi-X50 and Hi-X55, and each headphone comes with a 3.5–6.3mm adapter.