Original AKG K72 Headphones Professional Closed Monitoring Recording Feverish Fidelity Headset

Original AKG K72 Headphones

The AKG K72 headphones are a budget-friendly option for those looking for closed-back studio headphones. They have some unique features and benefits that make them worth considering.

The AKG K72 headphones may not offer the same level of sound quality as some of AKG's higher-end models but they still provide a good performance for their price range. 

These headphones are also comfortable, they are durable, can be easily used with multiple devices and they deliver a balanced and accurate sound. 

Original AKG K72 Headphones Breakdown and Review

The AKG K72 headphones are an entry-level, closed-back model designed for home and studio use. They feature a dual rail headband design with flat steel arches for added durability. The large circular ear cups provide excellent comfort, and the headphones are lightweight, weighing only 200 grams without the cable.

The sound quality of the AKG K72 headphones has received mixed reviews. Some users find the sound to be taut, expansive, and wide, with a sufficiently tight low-end response. Others, however, have criticized the frequency response, stating that it is not neutral like studio headphones should be, and that certain frequencies are too loud while others are under-emphasized. The headphones have a frequency response range of 16Hz - 20kHz and an impedance of 32.

The AKG K72 headphones are made primarily of plastic, but they feel sturdy and not as cheap as some other budget options. One downside is that the cable is not removable, which may affect the longevity of the headphones with heavy use. The headphones come in a matte black finish and have a professional, understated design.

Pros

1. The K72 headphones offer a taut, expansive, and wide sound with a sufficiently tight low-end response. They provide decent sound considering their price.
2. The large circumaural ear cups and lightweight design make the K72 headphones comfortable to wear for extended periods.
3. The K72 features a dual rail headband design with flat steel arches, which adds to its durability compared to other budget studio headphones.
4. The K72 is one of the cheapest headphones in AKG's lineup, making it a budget-friendly option for home and studio use.
5. Despite being mostly made of plastic, the K72 headphones feel sturdy and well-constructed.
6. The closed-back design of the K72 provides decent noise isolation, making them suitable for tracking and monitoring in a studio environment.
7. The K72 comes with a long cable, which can be beneficial for studio use.

Cons

1. The K72 headphones have a slightly vague and cloudy midrange, and their frequency response is not suitable for studio use or consumer audio. The mids are also lacking, which may not be ideal for some listeners.
2. Unlike higher-end studio headphones, the K72 does not have a removable cable, which may affect its longevity.
3. Some users have reported that the K72's ear cups struggle to form a good seal, which can affect the overall sound quality and noise isolation.
4. The K72 headphones are not easy to EQ to improve their sound quality, further limiting their versatility.

Original AKG K72 Headphones Specifications

DESIGN AND BUILD

The AKG K72 headphones have a self-adjusting headband and lightweight design that ensures hours of comfortable use.  The headphones weigh only 200 grams, making them easy to wear for extended periods.

Like all AKG products, the K72 headphones are put through stringent mechanical, electric, and acoustic tests to ensure they can withstand a lifetime of use. They feature metal construction and replaceable earpads, protecting your investment for years to come.

The K72s provide an exceptional level of audio isolation due to a new acoustic chamber between the ear cup and the hinge that connects to the headband. The closed-back design of the K72 headphones helps to prevent sound leakage, making them suitable for use in recording environments.

The K72s have a low-impedance design and come with a screw-on 3.5 mm (1/8-inch)-to-6.3 mm (1/4-inch) adapter, making them compatible with a broad range of playback devices, from professional studio gear to portable music players.

The K72 headphones do not fold down, but they do offer some movement where the ear cup housings meet the arms to adjust your fit. The K72 headphones come with a long cable, providing flexibility in your listening setup.

PERFORMANCE

The sound quality of the AKG K72 headphones has received mixed reviews. Some users find the sound to be taut, expansive, and wide, with a low-end response that is sufficiently tight and not over-emphasized.

However, others have criticized the frequency response, stating that it is not neutral and that certain frequencies are too loud relative to others. The headphones have a 40mm dynamic driver, and the sound is generally considered more suitable for home and studio use rather than for professional mixing and mastering.

The AKG K72 headphones are generally praised for their comfort. They have a self-adjusting headband and lightweight design, making them suitable for long listening sessions. The ear cups are large enough to accommodate most ears, and the cushioning is soft and comfortable.

The AKG K72 headphones have a closed-back, circumaural design and are primarily made of plastic, although they do not feel cheap or creaky. One drawback is that the headphones do not have a removable cable, which may affect their durability.

CONNECTIVITY

The headphones come with a single-sided non-detachable 3.5mm TRS 9.8' cable. This cable has a 3.5mm plug and a 1/4" adapter, allowing you to connect the headphones to a variety of devices. The cable is long enough to provide flexibility in your listening setup.

The AKG K72 headphones have a 3.5mm plug, which is the standard size for most audio devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The package also includes a 1/4" screw-on adapter, which can be used with audio interfaces, mixers, and other professional audio equipment.

The AKG K72 headphones do not have built-in Bluetooth or any other wireless connectivity options. They are designed for wired connections only.

WHO IS IT BEST SUITED FOR?

• The AKG K72 headphones are a budget-friendly option for home studio users who want a decent pair of headphones for tracking and monitoring instruments.
• The K72 headphones are also suitable for casual listening, thanks to their lightweight design and comfortable fit.
• The AKG K72 headphones are one of the most affordable options in AKG's lineup, making them a great choice for those on a budget who still want a decent pair of studio headphones.
• The K72 headphones feature a dual rail headband design with flat steel arches, which adds to their durability compared to other budget studio headphones that use plastic rails.

Alternatives to the AKG K72 headphones

VERDICT

Overall, if you are primarily looking for a pair of headphones for studio use or electronic drumming and are on a tight budget, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones could be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for headphones for casual listening or extended periods of use, you may want to consider other options that offer better comfort and sound quality.