[Cardioid] These are the most outstanding headphones I've ever used. Phenomenal sound (paired with a Dragonfly Red). robust construction, incredibly comfortable. Strongly recommend if you're in the market for a midrange headphone.

[Cardioid] Very open, clear and accurate microphone. Sounds really beautiful and well balanced. It's good for both instruments and vocals from classical to pop music. The quality of this microphone is exceptional and it's definitely worth than the price. I am now mainly using this microphone along with Neumann and DPA microphones. I highly recommend this modernized amazing cardioid condenser microphone to all musicians.

[Solid-State] Just as good as Neumann mic. The app is just the cherry on top.

[Cardioid] These are, by far, the best headphones I have ever used. I have heard things that I've never heard before in music I've been listening to for 40 years! They are very comfortable and solidly made as well.

[Cardioid] I bought a pair of these to use as dedicated drum overheads, and they're great in that capacity. I have the -20 db pad engaged to better utilize my preamp. The only problem is that I keep taking one of the mics down to use on other sources. They sound great on guitar cab and incredible on my voice.

[Plug-In Power] B&H took care of my purchase with ease. Quick shipping and a good price!

[Mono] This is my second Austrian Audio product (I also have an OC18), and I can say for sure that the company has a commitment to build quality. These things are absolutely gorgeous. They are also fairly light weight and incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods while working (for me, typically, 6-10 hours a day). Another concern was ear cup size, as I've got fairly large ears, but there's plenty of room in there.



As for the sound, I love them, with one big caveat: In my opinion, these are not at all for someone who casually wants to sit down and listen to music. While they have a great soundstage for closed-back cans, they are neutral and very clinical. You're not going to get that huge bass bump, and smoothed out highs that you find in the consumer-focused market. You will hear every fault with both the performance and mixing/mastering. That said, I do enjoy them when I've had music on in the background when I was too lazy to swap them out for my Beyerdynamics.


I'm using these primarily for audiobook production/post-production work, and they suit me perfectly. Both in the booth while recording and out of the booth for proofing and editing, they are bang on. In the booth, they allow me to hear my voice (which is in the baritone range) quietly, while accentuating mid-and high-range noises that might be easier to rerecord, rather than deal with in editing. Also, the leather ear cups are tight enough to prevent any bleed into the mic, while still remaining unbelievably comfortable.


During post-production, again, they help block out unwanted external sound so I can hear what I'm working on, while providing a focused reference for what is happening in the recording--good and bad.


While I can't speak to how they would work in a studio setting for musicians, I can absolutely recommend them for VO recording/post-production.

[Side Address] My reference for years has been the Sennheiser HD650, and I've been an open-back guy ever since I first heard them. But the AA Hi-X55 is better in nearly every way, especially in comfort and detail. It may lack just a bit of that airiness that is the signature of open-back 'phones, but in staging and definition it's a significant step up. I can't speak to durability--only a week in--but so far I am thrilled. Highly recommended.

[Plug-In Power] I upgraded to these from a cheap pair of headphone. What a difference. Now it seems like I am there whatever music I am listening to. Never expected such a vast difference. And comfortable too.

[Plug-In Power] So far I am impressed. These are nicely neutral but sound more expensive than others in its category. Not brittle like the AKG 414. Warm bottom end. You can tell they have AKG heritage. Top quality build. Great for vocals and orchestra/choir as stereo pair. Excellent design that allows output on both capsules simultaniously. This allows it to serve as 2 mics and also changeable pattern in post. Can add natural room reverb to taste. Very happy with my purchase.