The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor and Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones are two of the well-valued over-the-ear listening and sound monitoring devices in the market. Headphones come in varied sizes, designs, and functionalities providing you with a multitude of choices of the Best Headphones Under 100 with Mic.
Headphones are undersized listening devices worn around the head and the ears. These convert electric signals into a user’s ear.
Headphones are designed such that only a single user will hear sounds from an audio source. These come in different styles and designs, each of which produces varied sound qualities.
1. Audio-Technica Best Headphones Under 100 with Mic
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a foldable over-the-ear headphone with 90-degree swiveling earcups allowing for easy one-ear sound monitoring. It has a circumaural design that follows the contour of the ears for great sound isolation amidst a noisy environment. It has a removable cable.
Product Specifications:
Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 10 x 4.1 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Drivers: 40 mm earth magnet and copper-covered aluminum wire voice loop
Cables: 3.5 mm
Earcup: 90-degree
Design: Foldable
Pros
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great listening device if you are aiming for superior sound quality. You can expect crisp highs in exceptional detail when using this device. Its design allows for a good level of comfort since the circumaural contour fits the ears in well.
This design also provides good sound isolation even if you are situated in loud surroundings. The device is best for sound monitoring with its 90-degree earcups allowing you to supervise sound with a single ear. The build of the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is very durable.
The headphone end has a locking connector that prevents the cable from getting snagged in case it gets pulled or stepped on. Its features are most suitable for professional studio tracking and mixing as well as sound monitoring.
Cons
Built mainly for sound monitoring, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x does not have a mic, remote, or option for Bluetooth connectivity. The bass response is not weak, but it is also not strong. The bass response can be regarded as mediocre due to the small driver size of 40 millimeters.
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is an impressive pair of headphones. It is great for professional sound monitoring and also for listening to music. However, it is not suitable for other purposes outside due to the limited features of the device. But if you are looking for a good headphone worth its value, this model is a reasonable purchase.
2. Sony MDR7506 Best Headphones Under 100
The Sony MDR7506 is a foldable closed over-the-ear headphone with a 9.8-foot coiled cord and 40 mm drivers. It has excellent noise reduction features and durable materials. This device is perfect for use when travelling since it easily folds up into a soft case included in the product package.
Product Specifications
Product Dimension: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight: 8.1 ounces
Magnet Type: Neodymium
Driver: 40 mm
Cord Length: 9.8 feet
Plug Type: Gold stereo unimatch ¼ and 1/8 inches
Sensitivity: 106 decibels/mW
Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
Power Handling Capacity:1000 mW
Pros
The Sony MDR7506 is comfortable for prolonged wearing. It is lightweight, which does not put too much pressure on the ears. Even though the earcups are not thickly padded, the headphones were very comfortable to wear for extended hours due to the moderate head clamping pressure of the headband.
When it comes to sound, there is nothing to complain about the Sony MDR7506. It has a high level of accuracy in the bass-midrange-treble balance. This device provided a natural sound and better noise isolation. This model is perfect for professional studio recording and mixing.
Cons
The Sony MDR7506 has some drawbacks with mobile usage with its lack of in-line remote and microphone. The design is not as durable as other headphones, with the ear pads lasting just a few years. However, the pads are easily replaceable and are inexpensive.
Conclusion
The Sony MDR7506 is an affordable pair of headphones worth its price. It’s excellent sound quality despite some downsides on its mobile-friendliness and long-term durability is worth the money you pay for it. This is a favorite of sound engineers and recording professionals because of its good noise isolations and detailed sound features.
Types of Headphones
- Earbuds
Pros: Portable, compact, affordable
Cons: Not good at blocking external noise, mediocre sound, poor ear fit, cheap quality, design can hurt the ears
- In-Ear-Canal Headphones
Pros: Portable, compact, good noise isolation, good sound quality
Cons: can be uncomfortable for some people, blocks sounds around the wearer
- Canalbuds or In-Ear Headphones
Pros: Portable, compact, comfortable design, good sound, excellent bass response, great noise isolation, affordable—you can find the Best Headphones Under 100 with Mic
Cons: not suitable for prolonged use, great quality canal buds are expensive
- Lightweight Headphones
Pros: Portable, comfortable design, good bass response
Cons: Not compact
- Full-Size or Over-the-Ear Headphones
Pros: with enough power, it can produce superior sound quality, solid bass response, comfortable design, optimum noise isolation, durable, reasonably priced models with the best over ear headphones under 100
Cons: huge, bulky, audio tradeoffs for closed designs, low noise isolation and sound leaks with open designs, not for outdoor use, power-hungry
- Noise Cancelling Headphones
Pros: comfortable design, good noise isolation, and cancellation
Cons: big, bulky, not reliable in audio quality, circuitry for noise cancellation is audible, battery is required for some models
- Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
Pros: Portable, comfortable design, great for use when exercising, wireless, inexpensive with the best bluetooth headphones under 100
Cons: wireless interference, low sound quality
- Wireless Headphones
Pros: Easy to bring with the best wireless headphones under 100, great to use for situations when wires are disruptive
Cons: Runs on batteries, low sound quality
How to Use Headphones
When connecting any type of headphone, you need to turn down the volume of the device first. Connect the headphone plug to the output jack of your phone, computer, or any other gadget. Place or insert the headphones to your ear ensuring the right and comfortable fit. You can gradually change the sound settings to attain the best level of loudness for you.
Review Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Studio Monitor and Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphones are two different devices, which are also similar to each other. They are both of good value to your money but their sonic differences are distinct.
The ATH-M40x is more suitable for sound monitoring and casual music listening. On the other hand, the Sony MDR7506 is a more versatile model for professional recording and mixing in different studios.