OneOdio Monitor 60 Review – Great Value Studio Headphones

Recently I had the chance to review the OneOdio A71, a budget-priced pair of headphones suitable for new DJs. But OneOdio also offers more higher-end options. In this review, we check out the popular OneOdio Monitor 60. These headphones aim to deliver great sound for studio work while still offering an affordable price point.

The OneOdio Monitor 60 is a closed-back pair of headphones with some unique features. But as with all aggressively priced options they are not without some issues. Below are the quick pros and cons before we dive into the review.

Features

The OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones occupy an interesting spot in the market. Studio headphones can be expensive so I was very curious to see what a more affordable option had to offer.

Sound Quality 

As always the first check is sound quality. It doesn’t matter how good or how cheap a pair of headphones are. If the sound quality is poor you’ll instantly have buyer’s remorse. I’m happy to say that the OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones perform better than expected.

The 50mm drivers deliver some serious sound with a max sensitivity of 110dB. More than enough volume. Plus at just 38ohms impedance these can crank out the sound across a variety of devices including smartphones. The frequency range of 20Hz-40kHz is also in line with what you’d expect from a decent pair of headphones.

The OneOdio Monitor 60 offers good quality sound considering its price.

Now onto the details. The lows in particular were impressive. There is plenty of body and weight to the lower end. You can’t expect rumbling sub-bass from headphones. But the mid-bass is often where headphones need to deliver. In this regard, the OneOdio Monitor 60 does a great job. Meaty and punchy and a little boosted.

The mids were more than acceptable for a pair of headphones at this price. While not quite as balanced as I would like there is enough detail and presence here. They don’t get lost and overpowered by the boosted low-end.

But the most disappointing element would be the highs. They are a bit too sharp for my ears. Not too the point of tinniness but certainly more forward. It can lead to ear fatigue over longer sessions.

The OneOdio Monitor 60 sounds good even when using low-power devices.

Likewise, the balance is not as neutral as some may want. These still carry a certain V-shape curve in their sound profile. For serious analytical work, you’ll need to look elsewhere (and spend a lot more). But they are more balanced than other options at this price point.

Soundstage and imaging were also reasonable when factoring in the price. Not as expansive as open-backed options but also not claustrophobic.

It’s a solid showing from a brand that offers affordable alternatives to other headphones. If you like a slightly boosted low-end these will satisfy you. But if you need something a little more precise you may come away disappointed.

Comfort 

This is one area where the OneOdio Monitor 60 shines. The thick ear padding is very comfortable. There is just the right amount of give in the padding for these to mold to your head shape. Retention of shape is also strong which leads me to believe these will continue to be comfortable even after a lot of use.

The OneOdio Monitor 60 offers thick padding that is comfortable.

The headband padding is also reasonably thick. This allows them to sit comfortably without digging into your head.

A big part of the comfort level here is how lightweight these headphones are. This is due to the predominantly plastic build.

But it is nice to not have a bulky pair of headphones placing pressure on your head. The headband also adjusts with satisfying increments across the thin metal band.

The clamping force is a little on the tighter side of things. It helps to deliver a secure fit and minimize sound leakage. But if you do wear glasses the force might be a little more than you’d like. I’ve got a fairly large head so I always try to take that into account when judging comfortability. For me, these were fine for long sessions.

For an affordable pair of closed-back headphones, these are better than I expected. 

Design 

OneOdio has opted for a more refined and professional appearance for the Monitor 60. The all-black design is a departure from their more flamboyant options. These do not look out of place in a studio environment. But just because they are all-black doesn’t mean they are bland.

There is a distinct and effective use of silver trimmings to give these headphones some extra character. The combination of textured plastic with the menacing grille looks great. But don’t let the grille fool you, these are closed-back headphones.

The large drivers deliver good sound and a sleek appearance.

Beyond appearance, the OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones also offer a range of other functional features. The earpads swivel allowing for single-ear monitoring. This makes them an appealing option for DJs. The earcups also collapse for easy transport in the included pouch.

What sets the OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones apart is the ingenious cable system. You’ll have access to three cables. A 3 meter (9.8ft) coiled option, a 3 meter (9.8ft) straight option, and a shorter 1.2 meter (3.9ft) straight cable with an included microphone. The microphone itself is pretty good making it a decent option for gaming and conference calls.

The OneOdio Monitor 60 collapses for easy transport.

So far this is not exactly revolutionary, but there is more than meets the eye. The jacks on these cables offer a new level of flexibility. The coiled cable has both a ¼ inch and ⅛ inch connection point. With dual connectors on the headphones, you can easily use the correct jack for your gear without the need for adapters. You can also daisy-chain headphones together which other headphones don’t offer.

It’s an interesting design choice. One that makes the OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones one of the most versatile headphones available at this price point.

Durability 

Durability is always a concern when it comes to affordable headphones. While these are better than the A71’s from OneOdio they still retain some of the same issues.

At this price point, it is not uncommon to see a predominantly plastic build. And that is true for the Monitor 60s. While it does offer an ultra-lightweight feel it also means these are not super-durable. You’ll have to make sure that you don’t drop these or apply too much pressure. There is a decent amount of give in the plastic with minimal creaking. But one solid fall will likely spell the end for these headphones.

The headband offers a good amount of flex.

The faux leather padding will also be prone to eventual wear and flaking. This is the case for all headphones in this price range but it is still worth mentioning. The hinges are reasonably reliable and will be able to withstand regular sensible use.

Despite the thin plastic these certainly don’t look overly cheap. Treat them with care and you should get plenty of use out of them. And at this price point, it is hard to be too critical.

Value 

There is no denying that the OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones offer great value for money. Large drivers that deliver respectable sound. A smart and attractive appearance. Plus a host of included extras. The three cables and pouch add a lot of value. 

The OneOdio Monitor 60 comes with a great range of accessories.

These go above expectations in this price bracket. If you want flexibility with a range of useful features the Monitor 60 ticks all the right boxes. All at a more than reasonable price.

Customer Reviews

The OneOdio Monitor 60 is a very popular pair of headphones. There are countless 4 and 5-star reviews. If you approach these with the right expectations you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Are Expensive Headphones Worth It?

Getting value for money is often at the top of everyone’s list when setting up a home studio. It is very easy to go overboard and spend too much on gear that you will likely not use to its full potential. When you are setting up your studio take some time to think about what you want to get out of it.

If you are a serious professional that needs to work from home it makes sense to spend more. But if you are a casual enthusiast you can still have an enjoyable experience with cheaper gear. Making savings in certain areas also allows you to spend more on the gear that is critical to you. 

Headphones like the Monitor 60 offer a great balance between price and features.

That is why I love to see affordable options available. For a long time, there was a big gap between pro gear and budget options. In recent years the amount of affordable alternatives to industry staples has exploded. They may not be as premium in both sound and build quality. But what they do provide is excellent value for money while still delivering satisfying results.

So are expensive headphones worth it? Yes and No. If you need it for work or have the extra money it is worth exploring more expensive options. But for most people, there is no need to overspend. 

Other Options

If you are looking to pick up a pair of closed-back headphones there are plenty of choices available. Below we take a quick look at 3 alternatives to the OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones.

Mackie MC-350 Review

If you want a more premium set of headphones, the MC-350 is a worthy investment. With robust construction, these are a dependable pair of cans that can withstand the rigors of frequent use.

• High-quality sound profile with excellent balance and plenty of punch.
• Durable construction with solid components throughout.
• The microphone on one of the included cables isn’t the best.

512 Audio Academy Review

The 512 Audio Academy is another budget-priced closed-back option. It also works well with lower-powered devices like smartphones.

• Natural sounding audio output with plenty of punch in the low end.
• Very comfortable with just the right amount of clamping force.
• Bland and uninspired design without much character.

Sony MDR-7506 Review

The MDR-7506 is another popular set of closed-back headphones from Sony. These lightweight headphones are a good option for people who produce more so than for DJs.

• Impressive neutrality for headphones in this price range.
• Good balance between sound quality and price point. But still more expensive than the Monitor 60.
• Doesn’t feature detachable cables like the Monitor 60.

Should You Buy?

I’ll be honest, at first glance I wasn’t expecting these headphones to be able to stack up to other options out there. But after having a chance to give these a solid run I’ve come away impressed.

No these are not ultra-analytical headphones for detailed studio work. But there is plenty to like. A decent sound profile that delivers plenty of punch. Fantastic accessories and an intelligently designed cable system. A high comfort level and of course an aggressive price.

As an affordable pair of headphones for light studio work, DJing, or casual listening the OneOdio Monitor 60 headphones are worth considering.