AKG K 240 Studio Reviews

Jaime
from Houston, TX USA
June 8, 2012Music Background:
Student

Some of the best headphones I've ever purchased

Completely fantastic. For the price, totally more than perfect. The semi-open style may not work for some people with certain projects, but as far as a personal pair for casual listening and the occasional mixing these are the best around.

David Goddard
from Ashburn, Virginia USA
June 5, 2012Music Background:
Professional Musician, recording engineer for over 40 years

Great Headphones for the Buck

My other Sony MDR V-6's gave up the ghost so I started the quest of finding a set of phones that were accurate, comfortable and NOT flat response. I tried the comparable Sennheiser phones and they were uncomfortable and heavy mid-range. Wayne, my Sweetwater agent, recommended the AKG K240 phones. I then remembered using AKGs many years ago in several recording studios and gave them a try. First thing I noticed was absolutely ZERO ear fatigue! Even after several hours use, it was like they were a part of me. Also they are extremely comfortable with great overall balance of frequencies.I mostly mix from monitors but these give a wonderful perspective of the overall mix. For the price, they can't be beat.

Kevin
from Franklin, TN
February 15, 2011Music Background:
Electronic, Worship, Conceptualizing

Stunning

I bought these last week to upgrade from a pair of Sennheiser HD 205s. WOW they are amazing. I love the flat sound. The acoustics are amazing! Get yourself a pair of these! =]

Joe Bae
from Bergen County, NJ, USA
December 29, 2010

Mind Blowing Accuracy

1) Super flat frequency
2) Super comfortable

What more could you ask for in a pair of studio headphones? They're also cheap without being cheaply built!

James Gardner
from Norfolk, VA
February 13, 2010Music Background:
Composer

Beautiful Sound

I bought my first pair of AKG K 240's when I was 15. Since then, the improvement of the detachable cord makes it a 5-star product. Excellent range from lows to highs; the treble is the best I've heard in any headphones.

Clay
from Covington, IN USA
December 25, 2009Music Background:
guitarist, DAW production, recording, hobbyist, bassist, intermediate, student

The best sound and the most comfortable!

Wow! These have the best sound of any pair of headphones I've ever used. At first I thought the flat sound might be boring to mix and listen to with, but now I'm enjoying music like never before. Also, when i went to Sweetwater, they had a pair of these in each of there recording rooms, so you know they're great. Now that these are $100, they beat all of the other ones of the same price, so why look any further? also these are probably the most comfortable headphones out there. Way better than my last pair of sennheiser phones, that's for sure. I will never buy a different pair ever again.

Ernest Buckley
from NY
November 9, 2008Music Background:
Singer-Songwriter, Producer

The Best of the Best

The 240s were my first official studio headphones and since the onslaught of new phones, I went out and purchased several other brands that were good but none are as good as these. The 240s are light and comfortable. They also sound the most true to the source. Theres a reason these phones are still around...

Quaid
from USA
March 17, 2008Music Background:
Southern Gospel live & recording engineer.

K 240

My land, these are phenominal! I'm getting a better reference of my mixes on these than on my monitors.
They are so light and comfortable, that I often forget I have them on.
By far, the best pair of headphones I've ever worn.
The only downside is that the cord is long enough that I ,unaware of it, end up tangeling my leg or my chair up with it. So when I move, it crashes onto a brick floor. That has probably happened more often than the times I've put the phones on my head.
BUT, the best part is, they just keep on working like normall. They must be built like a tank!
So, I'll work on not triping on these. I have room for improvement. But I honestly don't see how the AKG K240's could be improved.

Craig Anderson
from Tacoma, WA USA
January 14, 2008

BEST HEADPHONES for the money...

I'm sure you could spend more (lets face it; A LOT More) and get better, but why? Besides being studio standards, and the sonic clarity of these headphones... My first reactions were of COMFORT! As soon as I put these on and experienced the 'Self-adjusting headband' I just new these would be very comfortable... and sure enough after a few hours in the studio my initial reaction was confirmed. They are just so light and the way they fit over your ears, you hardly even know they are on, and I'm sure they would fit most everyone the same. If your looking for great headphones GET THESE!!

D. Scott Hampton
from Jacksonville, FL
June 28, 2007Music Background:
Recording Technician, Musician.

One of the best for over two decades

I purchased my first two pairs of K240s back in 1985 for a small studio. Even with all the changes in technology since then, these are still one of the best in the market . Audio detail, frequency response, and accuracy compare to headphones costing much more. I've owned and used Sony, Sennheiser, Grado, and other brands over the years, and I still use the 240's on a regular basis. One other thing, last year I was easily able to purchase replacement parts for those same 20 year old 240's from AKG. Talk about product support! Try doing that with some other vendors!

Rad
from Boston
June 28, 2006Music Background:
Musician, recording engineer

Five stars for the AKG

As far as I know these have been a staple in any large commercial studio for the past 10 years. Exceptionally good frequency response goes down to 15 Hz and up to 25 kHz, now I am able to hear sonic detail that I didn't even know existed in my CDs and recordings. These are intended to be used professionally with good equipment and have a balanced TRS cable, so if you are someone who will use them on a Walkman just don't even bother. These things have to be used with state-of-the art studio facilities, this is where they belong. Putting them on a walkman or mp3 player is a waste of time since these devices don't even have the full frequency response for the headphones to reveal what they can do.

Kyle
from United States
November 5, 2012Music Background:
Hobbyist

AKG K240 Studio Headphones

This is the first pair of professional studio headphones I have owned so I'm not to familiar with the competition. Overall I was blown away. They are very light compared to any other headphones I have worn and the sound is extremely clear. The only reason I didn't give it 5 was because I felt like the bass was a little lacking but I don't know if that is because of my sound card or the head phones. My monster in ear phones have a little more bass than these but I would rather wear these for long listening sessions.

Jason Fitts
from Jackson, TN
July 5, 2012Music Background:
Pro Musician

Your Standard Workhorse Headphones

These headphones are the Yamaha NS10s of headphones. They are used in almost every studio as the 'go to' hp monitors for musicians and vocalists. Make the right choice and get these. You'll be glad you did

Russ Johnson
from Canon cty CO
March 25, 2012Music Background:
former radio broadcaster

30+ years with K240s

This is pair number 3 since my first in 1980. My first pair were the absolute best. Back then, they used the sextett diaphragm design which gave a slightly better and defined bass than the current single diaphragm design. But these are mighty close, and remember I paid about $100 for the first pair in 1980.

I use them for personal listening and adjusting audio for website broadcast. I have used them in on-air work, but for that application I didn't like them as well as cheaper phones. I couldn't hear myself in the mix with the K240s as with a cheaper set.

Going to the replaceable cord is the best move they've made. For me, at least, the achilles heel of the K240s was that the cord would stiffen near the earpiece. I have oily skin so that may have been a factor. This would cause the solders inside the phones to fail after about 10 years of use. If not for that, I might still be on pair number 1!

Rick Grover
from Portland, Or
October 19, 2010Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Studio Musician

Just what I needed

My wife just purchased these for me for our anniversary. These are flat, dead flat, and that's amazing. For those times when im mixing late into the night I know I can slip these on and still get a great mix. I haven't tracked with them, and because of the open design there might be a little more bleed than closed headphones, but I haven't tried that yet. I highly recommend these to any one who wants to take that next step in gear and buy these, it is worth your money, and it will become a great reference for your mix.

David Moore
from NH
January 9, 2010Music Background:
Semi-pro Musician/Engineer/announcer

Excellent open headphones

The advantage of the open design is they are comfortable for long periods of time. The disadvantages are that you don't get much, if any, isolation and if you are working close to a mic, either working on your singing or doing radio announcing, they can feed back, especially if you turn your head, perhaps to queue a cd.

So if you need to work close to a mic or if you need to be able to hear a mix in a loud room - recording a live band for example - I recommend the Sennheiser HD280 pro which gives you 30db of isolation.

There is a lot to be said for having a pair of each. The AKGs clearly win on comfort. You can easily forget you have them on - just as well they stand up to abuse. Both have excellent, though somewhat different, sound.

robert acton
from hackettstown, new jersey usa
July 3, 2009Music Background:
radio station dj/ host of Beatles/Dylan Hour...

For over 20 years k 240 have served me well.

The AKG k 240 headphones are truly outstanding! Have used them as a dj for a radio station since the late 80's. The skinny cable I have run over dozens of times with the chairs and they still work as well as the day I bought them. In fact, the price today is cheaper than what I paid over 20 years ago. Very warm sounding and comfortable. One thing, I do have to turn up the 'headphone volume' alot higher than the cheaper Sennheiser headphones the radio station uses. Not sure if this is an impedance thing, or my ears because of my advanced age. Would highly endorse these headphones to anyone looking for long lasting and great sound. Looking for an excuse to buy a new pair, but these babys still work like a charm.

Dan Mahoney
from Buffalo NY
May 28, 2008Music Background:
Recording Engineering Student

Good Mix Translation

For "Listening" these things are exciting. You'll notice very subtle details, pan effects, hidden doubling and delays etc. that you never noticed before in songs youve heard thousands of times.

For "Mixing" I dont have a WELL Treated room and i find that if my MONITOR mixes arent translating to the car very well, Ill go back and use these to tweak the mix and its always just extremely accurate. I even started doing most of the mix on these cans and making minor modifications on the Mackies.

BUT DONT LET ANYONE SEE YOU WEARING THESE, THEYRE MONSTROUS

Christopher Lopez
from Denton, TX
April 17, 2008Music Background:
Amateur Music Engineer

Very Good, So Far

I almost gave them a 4.0 because of ear fatigue. Sound quality is great. I can hear most every nuance of sound clearly. Actually every nuance. I love them every minute I monitor music through them. However after an hour and a half or so I need to set them down for a few minutes because I start to notice major ear fatigue and need to take a break. So they're great, & most people might not experience this fatigue. I still advise everyone to own a pair of these.

Dan Mahoney
from Buffalo, NY
February 25, 2008Music Background:
Music and Production student, 6 years home studio exp.

So Detailed, So Smooth

These Phones are F"ing Amazing. They are so detailed, all of the sudden I can hear Tiny TINY nuances ive never heard before in songs ive listened to a thousand times. On the same tip, they show me little imperfections in my vocal tracks that I WOULD NOT have noticed on my monitors. GREAT GREAT!.

ALSO
I'VE RUN OVER THE CORD WITH MY STUDIO CHAIR 30 TIMES AT LEAST AND DROPPED EM HALF A DOZEN TIMES AND THEY SOUND AS MAGICAL AS EVER.

Alexanderre
from Kyiv, Ukraine
April 5, 2007Music Background:
Pro Musician(Guitars, Basses), Recording Engineer

Bought and calmed down

Didn't give it 5 - there are some better ones. Well, maybe :) But I'am completely satisfied with this amazing product. Superb detailed sound, it's tat honest, that sometimes I start to dislike some records I've enjoyed before because of finding some crappy moments :) Every time I put them on the world of people is blown away. It's time for music. Nothing else.

DCee
from Philadelphia, PA
February 15, 2013Music Background:
Producer, Beat-Maker and Composer

I love these headphones

Good headphones to use when mixing and recording vocals. I can hear every piece of sound clearly on these. Awesome.

Dennis R. Miller
from Upstate New York
April 24, 2012Music Background:
Musician, recording hobbyist

hooked on these headphones

Light, comfortable, with a warm, full sound. I love the AKG K 240 studio phones.

Troy Stoner
from Savannah, GA
October 12, 2008Music Background:
Amateur Composer/Engineer

Quality without sacrificing the Benjamins

These were my first pair of "professional" headphones and ever since then I have been an AKG headphone fan. If you are looking for quality under $100, these are it. Sony's to me are a bit bass heavy, and Sennheisers are top heavy, these are just right. Only drawback is for certain soundcards and ipods they don't get loud enough. One may need a headphone amp or a soundcard with proper monitor levels. Overall though a great buy.

Ryan
from Austin, TX
December 10, 2010Music Background:
Freelance Engineer, Drummer

Great for reference, Terrible for Tracking

These sound fantastic if you're in a quiet room. They sound natural due to their semi-open design, however this is also the source of its major problem.

These are NOT made for tracking. You WILL have scratch-track/click bleed through if you use these. Also, they tend to pull your hair out if you have long hair.

+ Sound Quality
- Click Bleed-through
- rips hair out

LEB
from Midwest
May 13, 2008Music Background:
Hobbyist

Comfortable, Good Sound, Affordable

This is my third pair of AKG K-240s. I like the way they fit (not too tight, not too heavy), I like the way they sound (accent on bass, decent mids, good enough highs), and I like the new Sweetwater price.

For the same money, I think my Sennheiser HD 280 Pro sounds a lot better, but it fits way too tight for me to wear for long periods.

When I want to concentrate on sound, I'll listen to my HD 280 Pro. When I want to relax and enjoy the music, I'll wear my AKG K-240 Studio.

from
November 18, 2012

AKG K 240 Studio Headphones

I have used this headphone for both radio broadcasting and music production. Bottom line...great! Wonderful freq. response and flat response.
For the money...can't beat it!!!

Benjamoon
from portland, Oregon
May 13, 2008Music Background:
pro producer/ composer

Mix killer... don't believe the hype

The two and half stars are generous. I really hope this review gets posted because the reviews that I have read about these headphones are simply misleading. These headphones are so flat and empty it's pathetic. Having a flat response is one thing, taking all the fun out of the process is another. The highs and lows are nowhere to be found and the definition is muddy at best. They are uncomfortable, clunky, and bleed TONS! I bought these on the recommendation of a friend and because of the reviews I read here. I don't blame the sweetwater reps at all, but I would hate for someone else to make the same mistake I did because of fluffy reviews. My roommate has the Sony
MDR-7506s and what a difference! They much more resemble the sound coming from my monitors and make working in cans enjoyable and rewarding. These AKGs are no good. I own other AKG products and have had no complaints.

chris
from dallas
April 21, 2010Music Background:
bassplayer/drummer

there going back

I was grealty disappointed. If these are studio standard that explains all the over modulated recordings over the years. They are dead sounding. The sound nothing like a pair of monitors.

Hiroyuki Ikezi
from Rancho Santa Fe, CA
January 5, 2012Music Background:
Recording engineer

Reliability problem

I have been using four of AKG K240 at my studio. ( I do not remember from which store I bought them. ) After a few years of use, one lost cable connection and another one has unreliable connection. The sound quality is OK for the musicians to monitor their own sounds during their play. But, this is not suitable for monitoring mixing, because the frequency response is not good enough.

Carl
from Portland, OR
January 6, 2010Music Background:
Recording Engineer, Musician

Caution

Okay sound for the price but both pairs I bought shorted out at the plug with very little use. I replaced with Sony 7506, same price, better match with my monitors and much more durable. I won't buy these AKG again.

Paull Miller
from Los angeles
January 12, 2006

A must have ! ! !

I've had these baby's for a month now, and I must say, they are AMAZING!!!! Whenever I get a new piece of gear, I like to try it out on everything. Recently, my roommate was showing off his new $700 M-Audio Pro Keys 88 keyboard. He handed me his new $60 headphones he had plugged straight into the back of the keyboard and played for me. I said wow, this thing sounds great! I then ran to my room and grabbed my new AKG K240's and plugged them into his keyboard and he played the same thing. OH MY GOD,I said, I asked him if he had changed the settings, he said no. The sound was so rich,full and tight. After letting him try my K240's, he grabbed the phone and called Sweetwater to exchange his new $60 pair of headphones for the K240's, and no this is not an ad for sweetwater...lol, I'm a real costumer who did the same thing your doing now, researching and reading reviews.
These baby's are strong too, very light weight and are made to flex. They fell off the desk and barely made a sound. For critical listening during mixing, I was amazed how clear I heard the beginning and end of each note, and that goes for any instrument, be it kickdrum or vocals!!! The AKG k240 studio headphones are a must have in the studio. I,ve also used them when playing my PC games...WOW

Anonymous
February 1, 2005

AKG K240

These are awesome headphones! I reciently bought an iPod and was unhappy with the sound quality of the headphones i had, so i decided to take a chance and buy these. I was more than impressed, they really surpassed the quality i ever thought I could get with a pair of headphones. The earcup covers your whole ear and they are the most comfortable headphones ive ever worn. If you think the price is too high or not worth it, think again because you wount be let down.

Alejandro Lobos
from Mexico City, Mexico
February 1, 2005

Great sound and feel

I liked so much them that I'm recommending them to my friends! Great for hours and hours of continuous use. Best feature? Don't have to adjust them like all others. Just put them on and they fit perfectly. They're LOUD! Connect them to a computer and you'll notice they sound louder than other headphones. With these I noticed stuff in most recordings (including mine) I didn't hear with other phones or near-reference monitors. Just what you would expect for best reference for mixing your recordings.

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