KRK KNS 8400 Studio Reference Headphones

Product Information

The rotatingear cupsfold flat for storage, but the headphones are a tad too bulky for non-studio use. Utilizing the latest in acoustic memory foam technology ensures class leading performance in both reproduction and isolation. We recommend replacing theear cupswith aftermarket options, especially if you want better passive isolation.

This latest addition to the ‘Professional’ series replaced the Focal Spirit Pros that had some issues with the fit. For the longest time, I didn’t have a pair of studio monitors. My only pair of speakers was a home theatre system and that was good enough for me to mix my music with.The Sony MDR 7506 headset, as most audio engineers would agree, has become an (unofficial) industry standard for recording, broadcasting, and mixing.

The KRK KNS 8400Headphones are purpose-built to match up with Focusrite's VRM Headphone Monitoring solution. Thanks to their accuracy and wide dynamic range, the KRK KNS 8400 Headphonesrespond well with their vintage monitor emulation software. The M50x has 180-degree swivelear cupsand adetachable cable. It ships with 3 cables – 1.2m and 3m straight, and 1.2-3m coiled. In other words, you are going to need to have a volume level of critical listening that just isn’t available unless you’re working with some quality DJ monitoring headphones or a dedicated pair of studio headphones. The headset has a snug fit and chunky frame. The leakage is negligent and the padding makes it comfy enough for long periods of use and the coiled cable is robust but heavy, which is why you won’t see these too often on the subway.

Everything is plush,durable, and thoughtfullydesigned for consistency and performance. The ergonomic frame is crafted using carbon fiber and aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. If you’re deciding between the KNS 8400 vs. the M40x, then you really can’t go wrong with either one. The M40x has been tuned flat and is designed for mixing use in home studios, and I couldn’t tell a huge difference between the two pairs. The price points, build quality and general fit are roughly the same as well. Flip a coin to decide which one you want, and call it a day. The problem? I didn’t have enough cash to pay for a decent pair of monitors. And because of that, I decided I needed a compromise.

As I’ve mentioned, the KNS8400s are a joy to use for those of us cursed with having to wear glasses, and I really do think you’ll find them to be very comfortable for daily studio use. I wouldn’t use them for DJing because the bass just isn’t “there” for me to be used in a performance situation, although this is precisely why it’s more tailored for production.They want their items to be used by DJs and music gear producers but they also want the critical listening experience to be good. As a result, some will often lean more on the quality improvements of the headphones. Comfort: Outstanding. There's really nothing more to say. These things are as comfortable as my old Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro's, which were the most comfortable headphone I've used. There were some complaints about the headband on the 8400, which uses two separate pads which some people complained could cause pressure points. On my head, at least, this simpy is not an issue with the similarly-designed 8402 headband.. Clamping for is just right, the seal is excellent, and the headphones don't seem sensitive to placement on one's head. I wear glasses and they seem to have no effect on the sound quality. The KNS 8400s are, according to KRK, designed to reproduce the experience of listening on studio monitors as closely as possible — specifically, the experience of listening on KRK studio monitors. In some respects, I felt this claim was justified. For instance, I often find that it's harder to hear when things are out of tune on headphones than it is on speakers, but this was not the case with these headphones. The KNS 8400s also seem to mimic the tonal quality of some American monitors, with a very strong upper‑mid range. The low bass and extreme high end are certainly present, but it's the frequencies between about 1.5 and 4 kHz that jump out at you. The Top End wide frequency response range is smoother than the original 8400, making it a better listen when doing more prolonged music sessions. This is a stark contrast to the 8400, which could get harsh and a bit exhausting over time. While the jury is still out on what type of headphones are the “best”, there are a few key signs that tell you whether the headphones you’re using are worth your time; namely, the audio accuracy and sound clarity. Are the KRK KNS 8402 DJ headphones any good? (in short)