Audeze MM-500
Developed with 11-time Grammy-winning mixer Manny Marroquin specifically as a mixing tool. Used to mix Kendrick Lamar's #1 album 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' at Larrabee Studios. Its key strength is translation—mixes made on the MM-500 consistently sound right on speakers, earbuds, and car stereos.
Our Verdict
The professional's choice for mixing. Developed with Grammy-winning mixer Manny Marroquin and used on Kendrick Lamar's #1 album. Its key advantage is translation—mixes made on the MM-500 consistently translate well to speakers, earbuds, and car stereos. Open-back only: NOT for tracking/recording.
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- •90mm planar magnetic drivers
- •Exceptional mix translation to other playback systems
- •Sub-bass accuracy rivals mastering rooms
- •Developed with Grammy-winning mixer
- •Low impedance (18Ω) works with most audio interfaces
✗ Cons
- •Very expensive at $1,699
- •Heavy at ~500g
- •Open-back only—NOT for tracking/recording (sound leaks into microphones)
- •Overkill for bedroom producers
Specifications
| Driver Size | 90mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 18Ω |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-50kHz |
| Weight | ~500g |
| Design | Open-back |
| Connector | Mini-XLR to ¼" TRS |
Who Is This For?
Best For
- ✓Professional mixing engineers
- ✓Mastering engineers
- ✓High-end home studios
Not For
- ✗Tracking/recording sessions (open-back leaks sound)
- ✗Budget studios
- ✗Casual listeners
Where to Buy
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Customer Reviews
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