Austrian Audio Hi-X65

Hi-X65: The Open-Back Variant Within the Hi-X Range

Designed and manufactured in Austria, the Austrian Audio Hi-X65 belongs to the Hi-X family, known for its precise reproduction and studio-oriented approach. While a closed-back headphone prioritizes isolation, this open-back model focuses on a more airy listening experience and a more "speaker-like" perception of space, particularly useful for refining panning, reverb, and spectral balance decisions. It is a coherent choice for those seeking a neutral and breathable reference without sacrificing the robustness of a professional tool.

A Reference Headphone for Mixing, Mastering, and Analytical Listening

The Hi-X65 targets mixers, mastering engineers, producers, and demanding home studio users looking for a monitoring headphone capable of highlighting relevant details: attacks, sibilance, low-mid resonances, fine dynamics, and left/right coherence. Its circumaural design promotes comfort over extended periods, while its foldable construction and detachable cables facilitate transitions from studio to home or from one control room to another without hassle.

What Sets It Apart: Neutrality, Clarity, and Professional Build

An Open-Back Design Serving Accuracy

Thanks to its open architecture, the Hi-X65 limits internal resonances and offers a sense of space particularly useful for evaluating stereo image and mix depth. This airy presentation helps detect frequency conflicts, excessive effects, and panning imbalances more quickly while maintaining a smooth listening experience. Its stated frequency response of 5 to 28,000 Hz supports reliable spectrum playback, with bass that remains informative and articulated rather than flattering.

Low Distortion and Clean Transients

For critical work, transient clarity is essential: compression, saturation, clipping, or simple harshness in the upper mids become quickly audible when the headphone follows without smearing. With a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.1% at 1 kHz, the Hi-X65 aims for a clear reproduction, useful for making decisions on equalization, de-essing, limiting, and micro-dynamic variations.

Long-Lasting Comfort and Daily Reliability

A studio headphone must withstand handling, transport, and long days. Austrian Audio relies here on a solid construction with metal hinges and headband for an immediate feeling of durability. The circumaural fit, stable hold, and a lightweight design of 310 g allow for longer focus without excessive pressure or rapid discomfort.

Practical Connectivity and Versatile Use

With an impedance of 25 ohms and a sensitivity of 110 dB SPL/V, the Hi-X65 is easily driven by most audio interfaces and headphone amplifiers, while remaining suitable for listening on more compact devices. The removable cables simplify maintenance and adaptation to different contexts: a long cable for the control room, a shorter one for close listening. The 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack output integrates naturally into modern studio setups.

Technical specifications