Sennheiser HD 400 PRO

Are Sennheiser’s studio reference cans ideal for casual users too?

- By Sam Lewis

Hear the name Sennheiser and you instantly think of audio technology. The company is a powerhouse in this respect, covering most bases for commercial, leisure, and professional peripherals. The HD 400 PRO is the latest addition to its HD headphones lineup—labeled as studio reference headphones, are they the ideal companion for music producers, or do they fail to make the cut?

The HD 400 PROs look sleek, with a style that's unmistakably aimed at the music production market. The all-black color scheme is subtle enough not to stand out in a crowd and their profile means they don’t weigh down on your head over long periods. However, they don’t feel as premium as you might expect at the price, with the plastic construction of the headband and the earcups feeling a little cheap. The cups are designed to swivel, but give them a gentle shake and they start to rattle.

Although the construction means the headphones are lightweight, they aren’t the most comfortable pair we've tested at this price. The top of the earcups can become a little tight on your head after a long session. Aside from the cheapfeeling plastic, the other materials used offer a more premium experience. The velour ear cushions and the pads on the inner headband are soft, and the meshed open back metal on each earcup makes these headphones feel durable.