Main advantages
Using professional headphones is essential when it comes to studio applications and stage performances if high-quality results are desired, but getting headphones that ensure satisfying results without breaking your budget might not be that easy.
Thankfully, the market offers models such as this one from AKG that packs noteworthy features while remaining within a price range that even budget-conscious buyers might feel good about. Given the nature of this product and the purpose behind its development, this pair of headphones is meant to perform nicely from a sonic point of view.
To deliver superior sound quality, as well as a dynamic range and increased sensitivity, the AKG K240 MKII headphones are equipped with 30 mm XXL transducers and Varimotion diaphragms. These features and benefits render them suitable for production environments and studio applications, including mixing, recording, and editing.
The headphones are thus worth considering if you need such a product for applications that require high accuracy and clear details. For example, they will help you identify inconsistencies in a mix quite well, which proves to be essential in studio work. Since they were built to deliver such results, these headphones have become a standard in terms of studio recording gear.
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Main disadvantage
Since this model was built with studio recordings in mind, the headphones are designed accordingly. Portability was probably not one of the main priorities when this product was designed and built and, thus, the item might be a bit uncomfortable to carry from one place to another.
Although they are lightweight, their length, width, and height render them less suitable for portable use. Moreover, the cable they come with is long and relatively heavy, which further makes it uncomfortable for everyday on-the-go use. Not to mention that, since they are intended for studio applications, they sound better when employed for recording, mixing, and editing.
Main features explained
Sound quality
Headphones are designed and built to serve one’s listening needs. They fall into various categories ranging from professional recording headphones to models designed for everyday casual use. The AKG K240 model is part of the first category mentioned and is suitable for those interested in using it for studio applications.
Such activities involve recording, mixing, and editing, and, therefore, high accuracy and clear details are the ones most producers, musicians, and engineers are after. To serve these needs, the manufacturer equipped these headphones with 30 mm XXL transducers and Varimotion diaphragms.
These additions make it possible for the unit to deliver a noteworthy dynamic range, as well as superior sensitivity. Such results play an essential part in studio and production environments. That’s why this model has become very much of a standard in recording-related activities.
What’s more, the superior accuracy and clear details offered by this model will help you highlight inconsistencies in a mix, for example, and tweak your musical piece even more until you get the version that meets your preferences and requirements.
The sounds delivered are not only clear but also well balanced, but again, some users might find this to be relative based on their preferences. Although the bass sounds are pleasant, some might consider that a bit of extra bass would have been a nice addition. The headphones might also sound a bit bright. However, this depends on the type of applications you intend to use them for, your listening preferences, and the sound details you’re used to.
Also, for this price point, the response is fairly flat. Engineers and producers might also appreciate the layered mids as well as the impressive vocal range ensured by these headphones. Since recording vocals plays a central role in many production environments, getting such a vocal range is a benefit that cannot be overlooked.
Semi-open over-ear design
Since recording and studio sessions might stretch over hours, using equipment that is comfortable as well holds great importance. Although they are not intended for casual on-the-go use, their design ensures a comfortable experience even when using them for a long time.
To achieve this, the manufacturer carefully chose the materials employed for the unit’s construction and used them in such a way to enhance the user’s comfort. The final result is thus a pair of lightweight headphones featuring a semi-open over-ear design that, despite being large, shouldn’t feel uncomfortable even if you wear them for longer recording sessions.
The headphones come only in one size, but the manufacturer added a self-adjusting headband to enable most if not all users to find a comfortable fit. This also provides users with a wide resting area that adds to your comfort by being gentle to the upper side of your head.
Still, it is best to measure your head and check the dimensions of the headphones carefully before ordering. It is even better to try them on and see how they feel and if they meet your comfort requirements as some users might still find them to be a bit too bulky despite their low weight.
The over-ear pads should cover your ears nicely, though, and the materials used should not affect your comfort. What’s great about this model is that it comes with two velvet ear pads and two leatherette ear pads, which means that you can use the ones you feel most comfortable with.
If you want to avoid sweating when using the headphones, it is probably a good idea to go for the velvet pads as they absorb sweat better. Changing them might be a bit fiddly, but practice makes perfect and, after you do this once, it should be easier.
Construction quality and durability
The headphones might sound well and help you cater to your recording needs nicely, but without a durable build, you wouldn’t get to benefit from those advantages for too long. This model comes with a combination of metal and plastic that should keep with countless studio sessions according to the description available on the manufacturer’s official website.
As we’ve said before, the box also includes two velvet ear pads and two leatherette ear pads. If you use them alternatively, they should probably last you for quite some time. However, if they break, and you thus need to replace them, finding new ones won’t be difficult.
There are two main aspects to consider when it comes to the durability and overall build quality of these headphones. Firstly, the unit is lightweight, and thus finding materials that are lightweight, durable, and cheap might not be that easy.
Secondly, the headphones are decently priced; in fact, you can hardly find headphones that deliver such performance within this price range. That’s why the manufacturer had to make some compromises somewhere. The materials might not be the most durable, but they aren’t flimsy or easily breakable.
As long as you handle them with care and ensure the needed maintenance, you shouldn’t find yourself needing new headphones anytime soon. The metal accents are a nice addition as far as both durability and aesthetics are concerned. Plus, the velvet ear pads have a soft feel and should provide you with a comfortable experience for a decent amount of time.
Keep in mind the price point, which sets these headphones among the most affordable on the market. Considering that, they perform nicely and last perhaps even more than one could expect from such a decently priced product.
Cable, accessories, and other considerations
Besides the benefits mentioned above, what’s also great about this pair of headphones is that the pack includes the accessories needed to use the product immediately upon arrival. You will thus get the AKG K240 MKII headphones, two velvet ear pads, two leatherette ear pads, a 16-foot/5-meter coiled cable, and a 10-foot/3-meter straight cable.
If you decide to give this product a try, you will also receive a convertible jack plug so that you can easily connect various pieces of equipment. Thanks to the two cables included, you can cater to your various needs, and switching between them is easy and quick.
Both cables have a 3.5mm gold-finish jack plug, which is worth mentioning, given that this is a budget-friendly model. The cables have a rubber coating that adds to their durability and protects them from various external elements. Despite being thick and robust, the cables are flexible. The headphones also feature a mini XLR connector.
Another thing you should keep in mind when it comes to these headphones is that they have a rated impedance of 55 ohms and, therefore, can be used with a greater variety of audio equipment. To avoid any unpleasant situations, it is best to check the equipment you want to use the headphones with before buying to make sure they’re compatible.
Using them is nothing complicated, and you can find further information and service manuals on the manufacturer’s official website. Since they feature a semi-open design, sound isolation might not satisfy all users since the headphones let noise in and out.
To sum up, if you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly pair of headphones for studio monitoring and HiFi listening, the AKG K240 MKII is worth considering. The product is equipped with features that should help you cater to your studio needs pleasantly and do so for many sessions.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($89.95)
