Sennheiser HD 800 S
When looking for headphones, there are many different types to choose from and they vary as widely as most products. Some are built for gaming, some for talking on your phone, others for leisurely listening to music, and then there are professional sets. These are not intended for just listening in on a good tune or talking with friends.
If you have ever worked at, or are working at a studio, then you are likely going to know what we mean when we are talking about the need for high definition sound. Like a drawing, when you are putting together a music file, they come in layers, and you will want to know you are catching every single layer. With these, you will likely have little doubt. So, what do they offer? Let’s find out.
Great sound quality
Balanced
Comfortable
Durable
Layered sound quality
Need amplifier to really get the best
Activities for Use
This set is built specifically for making music and as such it does block out much of the noise around you, however, it is built for studio wear. That means you would wear this while standing at a microphone or soundboard rather than at a desk, and it doesn’t have a built-in microphone itself. This is for use with other sound building equipment, not as a standalone piece of equipment.
Basic Features
The most basic use you could try to put it to is just to listen to your music or videos. While it can be used for that, this product is not being put to its full potential when used for leisure listening. Looking to its advanced hardware and uses are where you will actually come to understand what this pair actually does and what defines it.
Advanced Features
The delivery system is built of layers of sound-producing pieces rather than a single part like most headsets are designed to do. If you were to pull open a single earpiece you would find more than one layer of tech delivering the music and effects. It even has the built up exoskeleton to contain all of what makes this pair go and sets it apart from your average set.
A steel weave is used with the exoskeleton to prevent fingers from accidentally tampering with the insides of this set so that nothing gets damaged while allowing airflow for extensive use. There is also a perfected use of padding to prevent it from gaining the appearance of your usual large ‘at home’ sets as well while still remaining very comfortable to the wearer. The complete surface area for each earpiece is large to allow for long-wearing periods as well.
They also have a cable which completely disconnects from both the device being listened to and the set itself. This is not a wireless headset however, this is to allow special cords needed for soundboard equipment to be plugged in exchange for the cord it comes with. It also has special built-in drivers to give you the most immersive sound you can get with the pair alone.
If you are purchasing them for a studio, however, it is still recommended that you use extra equipment to boost the sound quality even further. The reason for this is that while they already provide some of the best quality possible, there are some levels that remain to quiet to pick apart.
Sound Quality
The HD that this provides in sound is best when you are somewhere quiet and can fully take in uninterrupted sound from the pair. While quieter sounds, like keyboard tapping, will be blocked out from just how loud and how much sound this pair produces, you won’t block out other louder noises. They can immerse you into the world of your games, however, and something like Skyrim may blow your mind with a set like this. Not only will you see everything in great detail due to the graphics, but you will feel like you are facing whatever direction the sounds would come at you from as they are. In other words, if it sounds like it is behind you, it probably is.
Of course, the resounding agreement is that having a quiet room is the best way to enjoy the effects since they don’t block out outside noises like videos and talking. Instead, they simply amplify what is in the sounds you are listening to. This is great to get the effect, but not as good when other sounds are competing.
Connectivity
When working in a studio, you will need different ends to hear different types of equipment, so of course, the cord it comes with detaches from both ends. This allows you to get the right ends for whatever it is you want to connect with.
Comfort
The cushioning was developed to work without being excessive in appearance as well. It has just the right amount to allow for a comfortable fit without going out and away from the set itself. There is just the right amount of pressure as well to allow for comfortable wear while not allowing them to slip from where you need them.
Of course, they won’t be good if you are up and moving around a lot, they are bigger and bulky making them a pair for wearing while sitting or standing but not really moving. They can be used for listening to music on your devices, or in-game easily. They are intended for the best quality of layered sound over anything else as stated, and the physical design shows this.
Style
The style also optimizes their performance in ways that might not be immediately obvious. By having the shape and open earpieces, this pair has room for all of the construction to give you that layered sound instead of cramming it all into a single piece. It also allows for the open-air flow despite tightly cupping around the ear. The open wire mesh venting in the exoskeleton allows air to reach your ear as well as keeping the set from overheating.
By staying to this unique looking design, this pair offers optimum performance with a great look for studio headsets. So, if you want a more unique look to your set, you will definitely have it with this pair.
Durability
The only downside seems to be in the joint areas. Those who have been using them for a while, or who have had the opportunity to test the set say that the joints seem to be a bit on the loose side. This could mean that they are fragile, but it could just need a little tightening.
The main complaint about durability seems to come from the fact that, for their price, there was more plastic involved in the build. This hasn’t proved to be an issue however since the quality there still holds out as being less prone to break under proper use. Again, though, loose joints are the main concern and might be something to consider.
Ease of Use
The more complicated part of using these is if you intend to use them with mixing equipment. You’ll need different cords and amplifying devices to get the best sound quality possible for mixing. This still is relatively simple when it comes to the headset though, plug in the right cord to the right device and you are ready to go.
Power Source
If you wanted the top quality that this set can provide however, you would need a higher amp cord, an none of the devices mentioned could truly power it. This would be more for a mixing table or other large music/sound table device which has the ability to supply the needed power and quality.
Price
The good news is their warranties are standard 2-year warranty’s, which means you can get them fixed or replaced. Unfortunately, these are out of country builds, so doing so may prove to be a bit of a hassle.
Key Features
-Built for the studio performance
-Interchangeable cords
-Comes with everything
-Comfortable