Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Review

We’re going to talk about the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones today. Many people find these headphones divisive; let’s examine why they’re so divisive. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro are neither the most comfy nor accurate headphones, but they have become the benchmark in their field. The Sennheisers are an excellent choice for tracking because of their middle clarity and noise suppression.

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Specs

Pros

• Superior construction
• Sound that sounds fairly agnostic
• Accumulated more high-frequency range
• Neutral frequency response

Cons

• Low-level adaptability issues
• The cable is not removable.

Overview

These cans have a very negative connotation in Head-Fi circles. Although I seldom visit this site due to the elitist atmosphere surrounding headphones, I purchased them after reading overwhelmingly favourable ratings on Amazon and Best Buy.com. I don’t understand the origin of the widespread bad perception.

The sound character is quite neutral, but it sounds excellent at high volumes; details in songs I’ve heard hundreds of times suddenly stand out as if for the first time. They feature a balanced tone with sparkling highs and powerful bass when needed. So, a DAC is a great way to improve the sound character. A further advantage? Since their impedance is only 64 ohms, they may be easily powered by your iPod, Cowon, or Android device.

They’re comfortable, lightweight, and fold up neatly. Even “portable” Sennheisers from other brands are none of these things. One more thing in favour of these cans. They’re quite cosy, even with the extra padding on the headband. Most hats are too small for my enormous head, and neck issues prevent me from wearing them, but these are perfect. They were clamping at first, but once I stretched them out, the problem went away. You won’t feel too constricted in them. Like other Sennheiser goods, they are solidly constructed out of the trademark hard plastic, and the cord/connection appears quite sturdy; I doubt it will tear. And if they do, swapping out the cable is a breeze; no soldering is required.

Make it last

Despite being made entirely of plastic, the construction is very sturdy. The robust and reliable joints that allow the ear cups to rotate are another example of this. This headband has a solid hold, yet some give. Taking them by the ear cups, you can bend them in almost any direction without hearing any cracking or clicking from the hinges. While it’s great that Sennheiser has improved the HD 280 Pro, it’s a huge letdown that they’ve opted to retain the connection attached permanently. The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro, a competitor to the HD 280 Pro, is superior in terms of construction and pricing in some areas to the HD 280 Pro’s.

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Sound

For a set with a closed back, the curvature is surprisingly well-shaped. The HD 280 Pro’s colouring is insignificant because the response is constant within +/- 5dB over most of the range, and the curve is reasonably smooth. There is significant potential for them to be a fantastic tool for many activities if the adaptiveness difficulties were not as damaging.

Comfort

There is always a compromise to be made, and HD 280 Pro prioritises passive sound isolation above extended session-wearing comfort. HD 280 Pro employs reasonably significant clamping force to promote passive sound isolation. However, the excessive strain applied to the listener’s head becomes tired pretty quickly. Maybe Joe Rogan is tougher than the rest of us, but he can keep them on for hours when presenting his podcasts.

The right amount of balance on each channel

It seems there is room for development in terms of production uniformity. One of our pairs had a 5 dB left-to-right frequency shift below 80 Hz, significantly attenuating the bass in that frequency range. Above 10kHz, the same pair likewise experienced difficulties due to a tight frequency band. Aside from that, the middle notes were the same throughout all combinations.

Comfortability

The comfort level of these headphones is around average. Although the earcups are roomy, we did not find the cushioning very generous. The headband, however, is somewhat constricting. Some people want a tighter fit, but we can understand how that may get annoying, especially for lengthy periods.

Stability

They’re not ideal for sports or other activities where you’ll be moving around because they tend to fall off your head. They’re reliable enough for the recording studio, but there is one flaw. The inability to remove the cable may prove problematic if it becomes entangled in machinery.

Anti-Noise Technology

The HD 280 Pro excels at reducing background noise. Since low-frequency noise from traffic and trains isn’t being actively cancelled, they’ll likely drown out your music. However, they can provide isolation in the middle of around 11 dB and at the high end of over 30 dB. In other words, tracking performance with these headphones is superb.

FAQs

What are the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones?

 The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is a pair of closed-back, over-ear headphones designed for professional audio monitoring and studio use. They are known for their comfort, durability, and high-quality sound reproduction.

What is the price range for the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones?

The price of the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones can vary, but they are generally considered to be in the mid-range price category.

Are the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones suitable for mixing and mastering music?

 Yes, the HD 280 Pro headphones are often used by audio professionals for mixing and mastering due to their accurate and detailed sound reproduction. They offer a flat frequency response, which is essential for critical listening.

Are the ear cushions replaceable?

 Yes, the ear cushions on the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are replaceable. Sennheiser offers replacement ear cushions and headband padding, so you can extend the life of your headphones.

Do the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones have a detachable cable?

No, the HD 280 Pro headphones do not have a detachable cable. The cable is coiled and fixed to the headphones.

What is the cable length of the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones?

 The coiled cable of the HD 280 Pro headphones is approximately 3.3 meters (about 10 feet) when fully extended.

Are the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones noise-canceling?

 The HD 280 Pro headphones are not active noise-canceling headphones. However, their closed-back design provides good passive noise isolation by blocking out external sounds.

Are these headphones suitable for use with smartphones or portable devices?

 While you can technically use the HD 280 Pro headphones with portable devices, their impedance is relatively high (64 ohms), which may require more power to drive them to optimal volume levels. It’s recommended to use them with studio equipment or headphone amplifiers for the best performance.

Are the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?

 Many users find the HD 280 Pro headphones comfortable for extended periods of use due to their padded ear cushions and adjustable headband. However, comfort can vary from person to person, so it’s a good idea to try them on if possible.

Can I use the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones for gaming?

While the HD 280 Pro headphones are primarily designed for audio monitoring and studio use, they can be used for gaming. However, they lack features specific to gaming headphones, such as a built-in microphone. You may need to use an external microphone for gaming communication.

Conclusion

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pros are a decent pair of comfortable and affordable headphones. While Sennheiser advertises these headphones as suitable for mixing and recording, we preferred using them for tracking. Due to its limited adaptability, the low-end response can be unpredictable, making it difficult to achieve a balanced sound. The intense clamping force, which aids in tracking, makes them uncomfortable to use for long periods. However, the HD 280 Pros might be useful for mobile production and mixing if you purchase them for tracking and find that the perceived low-end response is balanced for you.