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.
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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 |
Quick Answers
What is the driver size of the Audeze MM-500?
Audeze MM-500 driver size: 90mm planar magnetic.
What is the impedance of the Audeze MM-500?
Audeze MM-500 impedance: 18Ω.
What is the frequency response of the Audeze MM-500?
Audeze MM-500 frequency response: 10Hz-50kHz.
What is the weight of the Audeze MM-500?
Audeze MM-500 weight: ~500g.
What is the design of the Audeze MM-500?
Audeze MM-500 design: Open-back.
What is the connector of the Audeze MM-500?
Audeze MM-500 connector: Mini-XLR to ¼" TRS.
How much does the Audeze MM-500 cost?
The Audeze MM-500 lists at $1,699 at Amazon as of February 8, 2026. Prices change often, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
Who is the Audeze MM-500 for?
It suits professional mixing engineers, mastering engineers, high-end home studios. It is not the right pick for tracking/recording sessions (open-back leaks sound), budget studios, casual listeners.
Is the Audeze MM-500 worth buying?
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. It ranks #1 in our Top 5 Over-ear Headphones for Studio. 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.
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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