For more than forty years, Sony has been supporting sound engineers, musicians, and content creators with equipment designed to reproduce every detail of a recording. Today, Son-Vidéo.com is introducing a new selection of professional gear, including the Sony IER-M500 IEMs, the Sony MDR-M1 closed-back headphones, and the Sony MDR-MV1 open-back headphones. These three complementary options are designed to meet the demands of both the studio and the stage.
Sony, a long-standing leader in professional monitoring
For several decades, Sony has played a major role in the world of professional audio. The Japanese brand develops everything from microphones, mixing consoles, cameras, and broadcast solutions to monitoring headphones. This expertise is evident at every stage of the production chain, from recording to mastering.
In the early 1990s, the Sony MDR-7506 headphones quickly became the gold standard in recording studios, broadcast control rooms, and film sets. Around the same time, the Sennheiser HD 25 also helped make professional headphones more accessible to sound engineers, reporters, and DJs thanks to their dual headband, excellent fit, and ability to handle very high sound levels. These two models played a key role in the rise of modern monitoring thanks to their reliability, precision, and durability.
Sony MDR-M1: next-gen closed-back monitoring headphones
As the successor to the renowned MDR-7506, the Sony MDR-M1 headphones meet the needs of sound engineers, musicians, and creators seeking accurate sound reproduction in environments that require effective sound isolation. The closed-back design blocks out external noise and ensures the confidentiality of recordings, while minimizing sound leakage to microphones.
The 40 mm HD transducer covers a frequency response range of 5 Hz to 80 kHz and is Hi-Res Audio certified. This wide frequency response ensures precise reproduction of transients, from the bass to the highest frequencies. Beat Response Control technology also enhances bass response to help you better control the rhythm and impact of percussion. Weighing just 216 g, with two detachable cables and replaceable ear pads, the Sony MDR-M1 headphones are the perfect companion for long days spent in the studio or recording booth.
Sony MDR-MV1: the precision of open-back monitoring
The first open-back monitoring headphones developed by Sony for professionals, the MDR-MV1 are designed for mixing, mastering, and new immersive productions. The open-back design minimizes internal resonance and creates a particularly wide soundstage, making it easier to pinpoint the location of instruments and vocals.
Their 40 mm HD transducers also deliver a frequency response ranging from 5 Hz to 80 kHz and are Hi-Res Audio certified. Compatible with the 360 Reality Audio format, the MDR-MV1 reproduce spatial information with great precision—a major advantage for binaural content, Dolby Atmos Music, and new immersive listening experiences. Their lightweight design at 223 g, ear pads covered in breathable suede, and 2.5-meter lockable cable are perfectly suited for long mixing and mastering sessions.
Sony IER-M500: high-precision stage monitors
Designed in collaboration with sound engineers and artists, the Sony IER-M500 support singers, musicians, and technicians during both rehearsals and live performances. Their closed-back in-ear design provides effective passive isolation to ensure a perfectly clear monitor signal, even in the most demanding environments.
The 5 mm transducer, combined with a large-volume acoustic chamber, delivers a frequency response ranging from 10 Hz to 40 kHz and is Hi-Res Audio certified. This design delivers controlled bass, precise mids, and detailed highs, allowing you to clearly distinguish each instrument and voice.
The numerous isolating ear tips, ear hooks, and clips ensure excellent stability during movement on stage. This design facilitates extended performances while maintaining a consistent audio feed.
Which Sony Pro headphones should you choose?
The new Sony Pro lineup caters to three distinct use cases. The MDR-M1 is designed for recording and monitoring in isolated environments. The MDR-MV1 is intended for sound engineers seeking a very open soundstage for mixing and mastering. The IER-M500, meanwhile, is designed for artists and technicians seeking precise, discreet, and exceptionally stable on-stage monitoring. Each model is tailored to a specific work environment, ranging from on-stage monitoring to mixing and mastering.
| Model | Type | Strength | Price |
| Sony IER-M500 | In-ear monitors | Stage monitoring | €119 |
| Sony MDR-M1 | Closed-back headphones | Isolation and precision | €238 |
| Sony MDR-MV1 | Open-back headphones | Mixing and spatialization | €399 |
With this Sony Pro lineup, all professional monitoring needs—from live performance to mastering—are covered. True to the legacy of the legendary MDR-7506, this series combines precision, comfort, and durability to provide long-lasting support for creators of music, video, and immersive content.
