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Sony MDR-M1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Reference Monitor Headphones

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Sony MDR-M1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Reference Monitor Headphones
90-Second Intro
Key Features
  • For Professional Music Production
  • High Sound Isolation, Precise Monitoring
  • Ultrawideband Playback: 5 Hz to 80 kHz
  • Accurate Sound Localization
Hear the finest details of your mix with MDR M1 from Sony, a pair of over-ear, closed-back headphones designed to provide excellent sound isolation and accurate sound localization. With specially tuned drivers, MDR M1 offers a wide and accurate frequency response between 5 Hz and 80 kHz and optimized transients for tight, potent bass.
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Sony MDR-M1 Overview

Professional Closed-Back Reference Headphones
Hear the finest details of your mix with MDR M1 from Sony, a pair of over-ear, closed-back headphones designed to provide excellent sound isolation and accurate sound localization. With specially tuned drivers, MDR M1 offers a wide and accurate frequency response between 5 Hz and 80 kHz and optimized transients for tight, potent bass.

The closed-back design makes the MDR M1 headphones perform consistently in a variety of production environments. The headphones sport a lightweight design (only 7.6 oz) while retaining reliable durability thanks to machined aluminum connectors for the convenient, detachable cable. The soft, well-insulated earpads are comfortable and replaceable, enabling lengthy mixing sessions and long-term sustainability. The MDR M1 headphones include two different length detachable cables and a 1/4" TRS screw-on plug adapter.

Studio Sound, Unleashed
Ultrawideband playback and a closed acoustic structure with high sound isolation allows for detailed and precise monitoring, for a wide range of audio production workflows.
Ultrawideband Playback
The uniquely designed driver unit balances low distortion with reproduction of low frequencies to high frequencies for ultrawideband playback and accurate reproduction from 5 Hz to 80 kHz.
Made for the Long Haul
The thick, soft earpads are designed to provide a reassuring, comfortable fit throughout even the longest sessions.
Professional Connectivity
The MDR-M1 is supplied with two detachable cable lengths for different studio configurations. The verstile screw-on 1/4" plug adapter makes it easy to connect to devices with either 1/4" or 3.5mm jacks. The cable connection to the earphones uses a screw system, allowing for secure attachment and cable replacement.
In Collaboration with Creators
Sony collaborated with renowned industry engineers to achieve a sound that accurately reproduces the creative intent. This includes accurate sound localization for precise mic distance detection, superior sound isolation, advanced earpad insulation, and a well-balanced frequency response from 5 Hz to 80 kHz.
UPC: 027242930612

Sony MDR-M1 Specs

Key Specs
Wearing Style
Dual Ear with Headband
Foldable: Yes
Earpiece Swivel: Yes
Open/Closed-Back
Closed-Back
Active Noise Cancellation
No
Frequency Response
5 Hz to 80 kHz
Built-In Mic
No
Audio Connector
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS
Included Adapter
1/4" TRS
Headphone
Wearing Style
Dual Ear with Headband
Foldable: Yes
Earpiece Swivel: Yes
Earpiece Design
Over-Ear (Circumaural)
Open/Closed-Back
Closed-Back
Sound Field
Stereo
Driver Type
Dynamic
Active Noise Cancellation
No
Frequency Response
5 Hz to 80 kHz
Volume Limiting / Child-Safe
No
Built-In Controls
No
Microphone
Built-In Mic
No
Connectivity
Wired Audio Connector
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS
Included Adapter
1/4" TRS
Cable Design
Detachable / Straight
Physical
Color
Black
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.035 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.2 x 7.4 x 2.4"

Sony MDR-M1 Reviews

Great headphones

By Bryon
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-05-03

Quick review of my experience so far. Wonderful range and very good bass. Will be great for music and video editing for bands.

It is worth the price

By Blake
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-26

I held off writing a review for 3 months to give me time to compare them with my old MDR V6 Sony set, which I still own. Let me tell you a story. But first, if you just want to know if this is worth 3 times the cost of the v6, absolutely. 11 years ago I bought my Sony mdr v6 set. I had just gotten into music production and wanted something to monitor my mixing. I did a bunch of research and behold those were my choice. What I didn't know then was that you cannot mix on studio headphones. I produced a whole album just to find out I had many problems. Most of it was due to phase cancelation issues and the low end blowing out the entire mix. Why? Because headphones don't show you phase cancelation, and the v6 has a dip in the low end. I compensated and I ruined everything. But the headphones showed me all the frequencies present that I could not hear on say a sound system (pc speakers, car speakers, etcetera). The v6 is a great set to hear things, but doesn't give an accurate representation of volumes. They weren't supposed to. You probably know this. I live, I learn. And so last, they weren't fun for casual listening either. Now enter the MDR M1. These don't have a low end dip from any of my experimentation. If so, it's negligible. They also isolate the sound so it's easier to hear everything. Something my old v6 set doesn't do. This makes mixing a lot easier. The overall sound on the m1 is just beautiful in comparison for a lack of finding the right word. This makes casual listening fun a joy. It's like listening to a finalized master copy where the mdr v6 was like listening to a rough draft. Could you mix with the mdr m1's? You probably shouldn't do a final mix with them. But I would be comfortable up to a certain point. Remember, headphones won't be as transparent concerning dynamics and will never show you phase cancelation. As far as studio monitor headphones go, the MDR M1 will not disappoint. They still show you everything, but also sound amazing.

See any errors on this page?

No storage bag?

No storage bag?
Asked by: Rolf
No they do not but they fit very well into any decent headphone case you can find online.
Answered by: Gary and Eleanora
Date published: 2024-11-30
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