AKG K712 Pro Review – Rich And Balanced Sound Profile

AKG offers an extensive range of high-quality headphones. Capable cans that can tackle a wide array of potential applications. In this review, we check out the AKG K712 Pro. An impressive pair of headphones that offer a lot to people that produce music.

The AKG K712 Pro studio headphones are a top-tier set of cans. that deliver in several areas. But as with most headphones, there are a few issues worth highlighting. Below are the highlights before we dive into the details.

Features

The AKG K712 Pro is among the best studio cans you can pick up today. Below we take a closer look at what these offer so you can determine if these headphones are right for you.

Sound Quality 

AKG has a strong reputation for delivering exceptional sound quality across its line of headphones. The K712 Pro is no exception, with a detailed and rich sound profile that is both accurate and satisfying.

Let’s get the raw specs out of the way. These offer a frequency response range of 10Hz-39.8kHz. They hit low and high in equal measure and can represent a wide breadth of sound.

But looking deeper reveals that where these headphones shine is how neutral they are across the range. The bass and mids are exceptionally tight. Things do tend to stray a little in the top end, but much of it is beyond hearing range.

Lightweight headphones with fantastic sound.

Focusing on the bass highlights how satisfying these are. There is plenty of punch and warmth without any overt emphasis that can lead to muddy output. It’s tight and accurate, which is ideal for making decisions around this sometimes tricky frequency band. No, it won’t blow your head off, but these are studio headphones. The accuracy is welcome and, in most cases, more satisfying than over-hyped cans.

The mids are also outstanding. Once again, the neutrality is on full display. Generous and vivid in presentation. Plus, the clarity here is superb. The mid-range is essential to any production, so having this precision up your sleeve is fantastic.

Moving into the top end, it retains good clarity in the lower trebles, but as you creep upwards, it does present more sharpness than I would like. They are quite forward and sometimes a little harsh on the ears. After many years of loud music, this could be my sensitive hearing, but several other people seem to agree.

Despite this hyped top-end, the overall presentation is fantastic. I’m in love with the level of detail these headphones offer. Highly recommended for serious studio work where you want confidence behind your decisions. But even from a causal listening perspective, these perform well. A rich sound profile that is ultra revealing.

Perhaps some may see this level of precision as a drawback for casual listening. If the source material was mixed poorly or the file quality is subpar, these headphones will highlight the issue. There is nowhere to hide with these headphones.

These open-back headphones also offer a wide and substantive soundstage. Detailed compositions hit with a new level of intrigue that is a joy to behold. But at no point does the sound seem distant or hollow.

These pack a powerful punch at a max SPL of 105 dB. Ample headroom with next to no distortion, even when pushed aggressively.

These studio headphones tick all the right boxes. A detailed and accurate sound that isn’t lifeless and dull. They are equally capable of serious work in the studio as they are for kicking back and enjoying your favorite albums. And while the highs are a little sharp for my liking, these are still among the best you can buy today.

Comfort 

This is another area where the AKG K712 Pro exceeds expectations. These comfortable headphones are ideally suited to long stints in the studio.

The ear cups are quite large and offer plenty of room, even for people with larger-than-average ears. However, the large ear cups might not sit cleanly on some head shapes.

The padding on the ear cups is also fantastic. Thick and plush for a relaxed and sweat-free fit. Breathability is also high, thanks to the open-back design.

Large earcups with comfortable padding.

Moving onto the headband, there is a lack of padding here. A solitary strip of leather may appear to be uncomfortable at first glance. But once you have these on your head, you’ll realize that these don’t need padding.

The combination of low weight plus even distribution ensures that the headband strap never irritates your head. The adjusting guide rails also deliver to guarantee a worry-free head feel.

I have a shaved head, so I often pay additional attention to how a headband feels since there is no hair to help buffer any issues. I can see these being comfortable for most people if they are comfortable for me.

The clamping force is also relatively relaxed. Enough to provide a secure fit, but excessive movement will see these slip and slide about. But for most day-to-day studio applications, you won’t have any issues.

Large ear cups with comfortable padding and the headband combine for a high level of comfort. Excellent execution and a joy to use day in and day out.

Design 

Appearance is subjective, so I’ll present my opinions. Take them with a grain of salt. I’m not exactly a fashion expert! For my taste, the AKG K712 Pro is a fantastic combination of functionality and aesthetics. 

The splash of color is a welcome departure from the gamut of plain headphones that dominate the market. It adds character and flair without resorting to cheap or tacky gimmicks. If anything, the only possible complaint is the sheer size of these. They are large and bulky, which may not appeal to some people.

Attractive design combined with high-quality components.

Looking beyond superficial judgments on appearance, some other notable design elements are worth mentioning.

The first is the detachable cables. I think headphones with detachable cables will always be superior to hardwired options. You get the flexibility to change cable styles but also have the opportunity to replace just the cable if it gets damaged.

And flexibility is precisely what the AKG K712 Pro provides. You’ll have access to two cables. A straight and coiled version. Each is long at 9.8 ft. (3 m). The quality is high, and they lock in securely. The straight cable is orange while the coiled is black.

Impedance is also approachable at 62 ohms. Ideally, a headphone amp is always the best choice to get the most out of studio headphones. But at 62 ohms, these still perform relatively well with lower-powered devices like a smartphone.

The open-back design does leak sound and also lets sound in. You need to expect this from open-back headphones, but it is always worth mentioning. If you work in a noisy environment or don’t want to distract people around you, these are not the right choice for you.

These headphones also don’t fold, so they are not the best choice for travel. Even in a studio setting, they are large and will take up some space when not in use. How much this will be an issue for you will depend on your circumstances.

Durability 

The AKG K712 Pro studio headphones offer a high level of precision engineering and quality components. These are not cheap headphones, so my expectations will always be high, but these passed with flying colors.

Highly durable studio headphones.

These are remarkably lightweight at just 0.51 lbs. (231 grams). This might make you think they are flimsy, but you would be mistaken. Nothing feels cheap or low-quality. Instead, you have premium materials that don’t weigh the headphones down.

The frame is dependable, and the padding is equally great. These are headphones that are up to the rigors of frequent and intensive sessions in the studio. If you need reliable headphones, these will deliver.

Value 

I’ll be the first to admit that these headphones are quite expensive. There are cheaper headphones out there that also provide a neutral response that is ideal for studio work.

The K712 comes with two cables and a storage pouch.

But just because these headphones sport a high price tag doesn’t mean they are not worth it. These are premium headphones with impeccable attention to detail. Both in sound and build quality. They are an investment but one that is worth it.

Plus, considering how durable these are, you’ll unlikely need a replacement pair anytime soon. Sometimes it works out cheaper to pay a little more at the outset than constantly buying new cans.

Customer Reviews

The AKG K712 Pro is a popular pair of studio headphones with a staggering amount of positive reviews. And it is not hard to see why. Spend some time with these, and you’ll likely also agree. From casual listeners to working professionals, these headphones score top marks.

Pros And Cons Of XLR Locking Cables

The AKG K712 Pro features a mini XLR connection point at the ear cup. I’m a big fan of these cables, but you should be aware of some noteworthy pros and cons.

XLR cables offer excellent resistance to interference and are always a good choice for studio gear. They also lock into place via a small clip, providing a secure connection that will not unplug at inopportune times.

XLR and TRX are the most common connection types for studio gear.

But this exact locking mechanism can be an issue. If the cable is caught on something, your headphones can be yanked right off your head. This can lead to damage. This is where durability becomes exceptionally important.

The AKG K712 Pro is robust enough and features flex within the frame to handle the occasional bump. While it is still best to avoid these situations, there is a high chance they’ll survive.

Knowing how rough you tend to be and your studio setting will highlight whether locking cables will benefit or hinder you.

Other Options

Studio headphones are a broad category with a plethora of enticing options available. Below we highlight some other choices that might suit your needs.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Review

The DT 1990 Pro from Beyerdynamic is another premium pair of open-back headphones. These offer a fantastic sound profile that is perfect for music production.

• Clean, rich, and neutral sound along with a broad soundstage.
• High level of build quality from a brand with an impeccable reputation.
• It does feature exposed wires which could catch and lead to damage.

Shure SRH1540 Review

If you prefer a closed-back set of studio headphones, the SRH1540 from Shure is a good alternative. Slick styling and high-performance sound make these a solid choice for any studio.

• A super flat response that retains clarity and integrity. Perfect for analytical work.
• Firm yet comfortable fit that provides a good level of isolation.
• The low-end isn’t as well-rounded as the AKG K712 Pro.

Sennheiser HD 400 Pro Review

The price tag of the AKG K712 Pro is high, so if you want something a little cheaper, the HD 400 from Sennheiser is worth exploring. Good balance between price and functionality.

• The crisp and detailed sound is faithful to the source material.
• An excellent level of comfort for long sessions in the studio.
• The higher impedance means you’ll want to run these through an amp.

Should You Buy?

The AKG K712 Pro is a sensational pair of headphones. The sublime sound is perfect for both casual and professional use. Even the slightly bright top-end doesn’t stop me from giving these a high score. The combination of comfort, durability, and sound results in a near-perfect set of studio cans.

While the price is higher, these are still reasonable when lined up against competitors. A worthwhile investment that will deliver for years to come.

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