Audeze MM-520 Reference Open-Back Planar Magnetic Studio Headphones
The Audeze MM-520 are premium open-back planar magnetic studio headphones developed for professional recording, mixing and critical monitoring. Built around Audeze’s advanced planar driver architecture, they combine an extended 5 Hz to 50 kHz frequency response with proprietary SLAM, Fluxor, Fazor and Uniforce technologies for precise control across the frequency spectrum.
At the heart of the MM-520 are large 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, engineered and calibrated by Audeze in Southern California. Unlike conventional dynamic drivers, their ultra-thin diaphragm is driven across a broad surface area, allowing fast transient response and highly controlled movement with very low distortion.
Audeze’s SLAM technology is designed to improve low-frequency performance, delivering controlled bass extension while preserving definition and transient impact. This allows low-end information to remain clearly distinguishable during critical mix decisions rather than becoming blurred or excessively emphasized.
The magnetic system incorporates Fluxor technology with N50 neodymium magnets, maximizing magnetic flux density around the diaphragm and improving driver efficiency. The Uniforce diaphragm architecture distributes the driving force more evenly across its surface, supporting linear movement and consistent reproduction at different listening levels.
Audeze’s Fazor technology manages the acoustic wave as it leaves the driver, reducing diffraction and phase-related interference. This contributes to improved spatial definition, allowing engineers to evaluate stereo positioning, depth, ambience and separation between individual elements within a mix.
The open-back architecture further supports a spacious and natural presentation by minimizing acoustic reflections inside the earcups. For mixing and critical monitoring, this creates a more open soundstage and reduces the tonal influence of the headphone enclosure itself.
With an impedance of only 18 ohms and sensitivity of 102 dB / 1 mW, the MM-520 can operate with a broad range of professional audio interfaces and headphone amplifiers. Audeze specifies a minimum recommended amplifier power of 100 mW, while the headphones can handle considerably greater power when used with suitable equipment.
Maximum sound pressure exceeds 130 dB SPL, while total harmonic distortion remains below 0.1% at 100 dB SPL / 1 kHz. These specifications support clean reproduction and precise monitoring even when working with demanding, highly dynamic audio material.
For extended studio sessions, the MM-520 use redesigned memory-foam ear pads that distribute pressure around the ears. Magnetic mounting allows the pads to be removed quickly for cleaning or replacement without requiring tools, while the adjustable headband accommodates different head shapes and listening positions.
The supplied connectivity and transport accessories make the MM-520 suitable for professional studio and mobile production workflows. A 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter is included alongside both a protective hard travel case and a soft carrying bag.
Combining 90 mm planar magnetic drivers, ultra-low distortion and Audeze’s proprietary acoustic technologies, the Audeze MM-520 are designed as a high-resolution reference monitoring system for producers and engineers who require detailed low-frequency control, accurate spatial information and precise reproduction during recording and mixing.
Specifications
- Brand: Audeze
- Model: MM-520
- Type: professional reference studio headphones
- Acoustic design: open-back
- Driver type: planar magnetic
- Driver diameter: 90 mm
- Diaphragm technology: Uniforce
- Magnetic technology: Fluxor
- Acoustic waveguide technology: Fazor
- Low-frequency technology: SLAM
- Magnets: N50 neodymium
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 50 kHz
- Impedance: 18 Ω
- Sensitivity: 102 dB / 1 mW
- Maximum SPL: >130 dB
- Total harmonic distortion: <0.1% at 100 dB SPL / 1 kHz
- Minimum recommended amplifier power: 100 mW
- Maximum power handling: 5 W RMS
- Ear pads: memory foam, magnetically attached
- Adjustable headband: yes
- 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter: included
- Hard travel case: included
- Soft carrying bag: included
- Primary applications: recording, mixing and critical monitoring