Sony MDR-V6 is a large diaphragm folding pair of headphones, the initial entry in Sony's Studio Monitor headphones, one of the most popular model lines among professional audio engineers. The product line was augmented by the MDR-V600, the MDR-7506 and then the MDR-7509HD models, which continue to be popular for audio editing, live sound and broadcast applications. The four models use a closed, circumaural sealed-ear design with a coiled, telephone-like oxygen-free copper cord, tipped with a combination ¼″ (6.35 mm) and ⅛″ mini (3.5 mm) TRS connector. As a product line, the MDR-series Studio Monitor folding headphones have been noted as a "favorite of sound professionals because they're reasonably flat sounding, inexpensive, compact, and they can take a lot of punishment."[1]
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The MDR-V6 was introduced in the 1980s and became popular with sound engineers and disc jockeys (DJs). The headphones were listed as having a very wide 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz frequency response and were convenient for travel as they could be folded and carried in an included leatherette bag. In 1987, audio industry journalist Daniel Kumin wrote, "Throw away your loudspeakers. There is now what may be the most perfect transducer yet made by man. Recently I auditioned a pair of Sony MDR-V6 Studio Monitor headphones, then purchased them. There are not enough superlatives in the dictionary to describe the performance of these headphones. Listening to them with a good CD recording is like being in the center of a live performance."[2] Consumer Reports wrote in 1989 that "there seems little reason to look beyond the check-rated Sony MDR-V6. That model combines the highest accuracy we've measured in headphones, comfortable design, moderate weight, and enviable bass reproduction."[3] They wrote that the headphones listed for $100 but could be found for $80.[3] In 1992, CD Review listed their price as $69.[4]
In 1993, the headphones were described as "almost-industry-standard" for the monitoring of location sound recording for film and television.[5] When newer designs were introduced by Sony, the MDR-V6 continued to be produced. By 2003, the headphones were so well known that Electronic Musician magazine, recommending headphones with a "fold-up design", called the MDR-V6 "venerable".[6] In a comparison of many headphones models, Dave Rat introduced them as "one of the most popular live sound headphones", and tested them to be "a little low on the top end, a little low on the bottom; definitely close" to neutrally flat.[7]
First reviewed in 1993,[8] the MDR-V600 was designed to satisfy DJs who wanted a greater emphasis on bass. To help DJs in cuing songs with one ear, the MDR-V600's earcups can be swiveled around backwards. Electronic Musician wrote in 2005 that "the MDR-V600s are excellent headphones for the price".[9] In a test of virtual surround on a portable DVD player, using the movie House of Flying Daggers, the MDR-V600 was praised: "the imaging, separation, and clarity of sound was impressive".[10] Many people have reported that the removal of foam plugs within the cups gives a much warmer sound and fixes complaints with overwhelming treble response inherent with these headphones.
The Sony MDR-V6 was superseded in the mid-1990s by the Sony MDR-7506 with only minor cosmetic differences such as the latter being provided with a gold plated headphone connector, in addition to replacing the samarium-cobalt magnet utilized for the MDR-V6[11] with the slightly more powerful neodymium magnet for the MDR-7506.[12] The MDR-7506 listed a flat frequency response of 10 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Intended for professional use, the MDR-7506 was priced higher as it carried a more complete warranty, with fuller support in parts and service.
In 1997, EQ magazine wrote, "Most people will use Sony MDR-V6 or similar headphones, such as the professional version Sony MDR-7506 or Koss Pro-4A. These Sony headphones have a reputation for loud sound and for blocking out at least some outside noise.[13] A 2001 web audio book listed the MDR-7506 as "the industry favorite".[14] Similarly, a 2007 book on podcasting technique suggested the MDR-7506 as "the favorite among broadcasting professionals" at $100.[15] Cliff Truesdell, in listing "moderately priced" headphones for digital audio production, started with the "highly recommended" MDR-7506 followed by the MDR-V600, and then other offerings by companies such as Sennheiser and Audio-Technica.[16]
The next model in Sony's pro line, the MDR-7509HD, uses a larger driver.[17] Truesdell included the MDR-7509HD in his list of "top-of-the-line" headphones for digital audio production, under other models by Bose and Beyerdynamic.[16] In 2008, The Sound Effects Bible listed the earlier MDR-7506 as essential for the "standard recording package", and the MDR-7509HD best suited to the "professional recording package", calling them "top-of-the-line Sony High Definition headphones".[18]
Light-weight monitor headphones designed to offer both style and professional sound quality Highly recommended by Japanese music makers as "[for] private studio music creator who seeks the pure sound quality". Designed and manufactured by Sony Music Entertainment Japan (not Sony Electronics) best suited for monitoring resolution, and is made in Japan.
| Sony MDR-V6 | Sony MDR-V600 | Sony MDR-7506 | Sony MDR-7509HD[19] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Circum-aural, closed | Circum-aural, closed | Circum-aural, closed | Circum-aural, closed |
| Driver Units | 40 mm dia., dynamic | 40 mm dia., dynamic | 40 mm dia., dynamic | 50 mm dia., dynamic |
| Impedance | 63 ohms at 1 kHz | 45 ohms at 1 kHz | 63 ohms at 1 kHz | 24 ohms at 1 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB/mW | 106 dB/mW | 106 dB/mW | 107 dB/mW |
| Watts | 0.5 W | 0.5 W | 0.5 W | 1.0 W |
| Power handling capacity | 1 W | 1 W | 1 W | 3 W |
| Frequency response | 5–30,000 Hz | 5–30,000 Hz | 10–20,000 Hz | 5–80,000 Hz |
| Cord | 3 m (extended length) coiled cord | 3 m (extended length) coiled cord | 3 m (extended length) coiled cord | 3 m (extended length) coiled cord |
| Plug type | Stereo unimatch, 1/4" and 1/8" | Gold plated Stereo unimatch, 1/4" and 1/8" | Gold plated Stereo unimatch, 1/4" and 1/8" | Gold plated Stereo unimatch, 1/4" and 1/8" |
| Weight | Approx. 230 g (without cord) | Approx. 258 g (without cord) | Approx. 230 g (without cord) | Approx. 300 g (without cord) |