Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Honest Comparison In 2022
When we listen to music or watch movies, headphones are the first choice. Headphones are the most preferred instrument for listing and there are several premium quality headphones available on the market. Two of those headphones we have chosen for comparison are Sennheiser Hd 280 Pro Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x.
The main difference between Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is that the Sennheiser HD 280 has better bass and mid-accuracy which is good when listening to music but might not be helpful while mixing. Audio Technica ATH-M40x has better treble accuracy and gives you more honest sound and vocals which is preferred for mixing and editing.
There are many headphone manufacturers on the market but both Sennheiser and Audio Technica are some of the top leading manufacturers of premium headphones. Sennheiser Hd 280 Pro and Audio Technica Ath-M40x are designed for professional studio use and thanks to their sound quality and accuracy they are still very popular.
When selecting between them, people get confused due to the similarities in both models. Therefore, this detailed comparison between them will aid you in making a more knowledgeable and informed decision.
Quick Comparison:
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| Models | Sennheiser Hd 280 Pro | Audio Technica ATH-M40x |
| Type | Closed-back | Closed-back |
| Impedance | 64 Ohms | 35 Ohms |
| Frequency Range | 8 Hz – 25 kHz | 15 – 28,000 Hz |
| Weight (without cable) | 285 g | 240 g |
| Wire length | 3 m | 3m Detachable |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB | 98 dB |
| Case | Soft pouch | – |
| Wire design | Coiled | Coil 1 and non-coil 1 |
How do they differ in design | Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Vs Audio-Technica ATH-M40x:
Although they both are studio monitoring headphones in terms of design they are different but share many similarities. Sennheiser HD 280 pro has a slightly bulky design with slightly larger ear cups. While Audio Technica ATH-M40X has a more streamlined and smooth design it has a black all-black color with only the logo on the earcups of audio technical in silver color.
Another clear difference between both headphones is their headbands. The headband of the ATH-M40X is thicker in comparison and completely covers the headband while Sennheiser Hd 280 pro has two pad supports in the middle which is also detachable.
Which is heavier?
Weight is an important factor that is often overlooked especially when selecting the first headphones due to the overwhelming and priority of the other features over the weight. Both headphones are very lightweight in comparison to other headphones of the same class and value. But in relation to each other ATH-M40X is 45 grams more lightweight 240g in total while Sennheiser weighs 285g without the cables. Although this may not seem like much difference, if you are wearing these headphones for hours, it might add up, but it’s still lighter than other headphones.
Which offers more Comfort?
The overall comfortability of a headphone depends on many factors including the clamping force, the softness of the ear cups and the headband, and the ease with which parts can be replaced. Sennheiser HD 280 pro and Audio Technica ATH-M40X both are designed keeping the comfortability of the user in mind. But which one is for you depends upon your preference.
Earcups and Earpads:
The ATH-M40X has a more comfortable clamping force but the earpads are made from soft material but have a little stiff feel to them which might be slightly discomforting. On the other hand, HD 280 pro have relatively comfortable ear cups due to the thick padding but the clamping force of this headphone is a little more which is noticeable when used for a long time.
The earpads on the HD 280 pro are larger than the ATH-M40X which is convenient because it easily covers the ear and does not add pressure on the ears which is the most common issue for someone that has large ears.
The ease of replacing the parts of the headphone like ear cups or headbands is very handy. Both Sennheiser HD 280 pro and Audio Technica ATH-m40x ear cups are easily replaceable and available on the market but the headbands are different stories. The headband on the Sennheiser headphone is detachable making it replaceability easier although the headband on the M40X is not.
Sound Quality:
With these headphones, you’ll get very high-quality sound, which is no surprise since they are meant for professional and studio use. The sound profile on both of them is well balanced but that does not mean it sounds the same.
The Sennheiser HD 280 has better bass and mid-accuracy which is good when listening to music but might not be helpful while mixing. Audio Technica ATH-M40x has better treble accuracy and gives you more honest sound and vocals which is preferred for mixing and editing.
In terms of frequency response, HD 280 pro offers wider ranges both in maximum and minimum while 8Hz to 25 Khz while M40X offers 15hz to 24KHz which is more than the frequency response expected from a good professional headphone.
What is their driver size?
The driver is the main component responsible for creating the sound in the headphone. Along with a few other similarities, both headphones feature the same driver size 40mm. This size is very common among the many professional studio headphones. A neodymium magnet is also used in both headphones for creating maximum Sensitivity and Sound Pressure levels.
Impedance: which is louder?
In impedance Sennheiser HD 280 pro headphone is 64 ohms which allow it to connect to your smartphone and laptop without any issue. But the Audio Technica ATH-M40X has the upper hand in the impedance and has only 35 ohms which means you don’t need an amplifier and the sound will be very loud. An impedance value is the amount of resistance the device shows in a circuit when current flows, so low values mean louder sounds and high values mean lower sounds.
You can use them with mobile but both don’t feature the microphone and for studio monitor headphones it is not an essential requirement.
Noise isolation:
Noise isolation on these headphones is just decent but still better than the open-back headphone since both 280 pro and M40X have a closed-back design. In relation to each other, Sennheiser 280 pros have slightly better noise isolation.
A look at the leakage rate shows that m40X performs averagely and stops sound from escaping, while 280 pros are capable of stopping sound leakage a little more. So in terms of noise isolation and leakage 280 Pro is slightly better this could be due to the large and thicker ear pads that completely cover the ears creating a good seal.
Portability:
They are studio headphones built for indoor use since they don’t feature a wireless connection instead they have a wired design. But their foldable design makes them easy to carry while traveling you can put them in your luggage.
M40X comes with a traveling pouch that will save it from scratches 280 pros, on the other hand, does not feature any pouch or case.
Connectivity:
The type of connectivity makes sure you can enjoy your favorite music or movies with ease and on every medium. Both Sennheiser HD 280Pro and Audio Technica ATH-M40X feature 3.5 mm audio connectors which is the universal pin for every audio device. As for the studio equipment, you also get the ⅛ inches screw-on adapter so you can connect it to any drive since most studio-grade equipment commonly has ⅛ inches audio jack. Moreover, both models of connectors and adaptors are gold-plated, making them more corrosion resistant, and gold is a superior conductor of electricity, providing better signal quality as well.
How long is the wire?
Both models of the headphone feature the 3-meter long wire which is decently long and will allow you to listen to the audio and the music without being not rested in one place. Both come with the coiled wire which doesn’t let the wire tangle which is very handy since it doesn’t create a mess. The coiled feature also helps with mobility because it will not immediately pull the headphone if you move slightly.
But Audio Technica ATH-M40X offers more instead of a single wire. These headphones come with two wires one coiled and the other uncoiled for studio use where you have to stand and recode or listen to the audio file, both wires are 3m each in length.
Both also come with a warranty of 2 years which gives the user the relive that their headphone is will last longer and is insured
Pros/Cons SENNHEISER HD 280PRO:
Pros/Cons AUDIO TECHNICA ATH-M40X:
FAQ’S:
Q) Are Ath-M40x good for mixing?
Q) Are earpads on the HD 280 pro and ATH-m40x replaceable?
Conclusion:
Everything ultimately depends on the preferences of the user. This comparison of the Sennheiser Hd 280 Pro Vs Audio Technica ATH-M40x should give you a clear understanding of the differences and similarities between the two devices.
Both headphones are designed by keeping in mind the need and preferences of the professionals but both models have slight differences in the audio profile, impedance, earpads, and headbands replaceability and comfort which we have explained in this article you can choose which feature you prefer over the other.
