AKG K712 Pro Review (Open-Back Headphones)

For years, the AKG K700 series has intrigued audio enthusiasts, and the AKG K712 Pro is no exception. With an open-back design, a 62-ohm impedance, and a 105dB SPL sensitivity dynamic driver, these headphones promise a unique listening experience. In this article, I’ll delve into the intricate details of these $300-$499 headphones. 

Design and Comfort

Weighing a reasonable 235 grams, the K712 Pro features a suspension headband design instead of the usual adjustable headbands. The leather suspension felt a little stiff to me initially, causing discomfort, but after some breaking in, it became more flexible. The plastic construction raises durability concerns compared to competitors like Sennheiser and Beyerdynamic.

The large, round ear cups, adorned with upgraded memory foam pads, contribute to acceptable comfort. The large ear cups house plush memory foam ear pads, ensuring a good fit for a variety of head sizes. Included with the headphones is a luxurious velvet carrying pouch and two cables – a 3-meter straight cable in a matching orange color and a coiled cable. However, the latter’s stiffness may disappoint.

One feedback I have for AKG is that there could be a tighter suspension arm, as the headphones tended to slip during extended use. 

Sound Performance

I found the K712 Pro’s sound to be open and natural. Staging, imaging, and openness make these headphones stand out, giving a compelling experience in various genres. While the bass might be perceived as light, it maintains clarity and articulation, avoiding muddiness. I suggest these, especially for setting the width, space, sound localization, and three-dimensional quality of the sound due to their impressive positional accuracy. 

I also use the Sennheiser HD 650, which lies in somewhat the same league as the K712. As compared to the HD 650, the K712 Pro is slightly brighter and has less warmth. I loved the overall mid-range performance of the headphones, with a flat response up to around 1 kHz, resembling the HD 650.

The low midrange is boosted, introducing an unusual warmth to vocals and guitars. Moving into the upper midrange, a peculiar tuning with peaks and valleys adds character to the sound, providing an exciting and lively sonic signature. The upper mids and treble exhibit some irregularities, creating a nuanced but not overly bright profile. However, it’s not about accuracy here; it’s about creating a distinctive flavor.

The headphones handle various genres well, with vocals standing out and instruments maintaining separation. What works for the K712 is the surprisingly expansive soundstage, creating a distant yet detailed audio experience. That is primarily because of its sophisticated, open-back design. 

Overall, the highs, while bright, maintain a smooth quality, and the mid-range exudes a silky texture. The bass, though not overwhelming, offers a smooth roll-off that complements the overall sound signature.

Pros & Cons

Thanks to its remarkable soundstage representation, these headphones are pretty solid for consumer audio with spatial requirements, like mixing/producing film and game audio and sound design.

For music producers and audio engineers, I suggest using these headphones for creating and monitoring pan, width, and spatial effects while mixing vocals, guitars, and other instruments. I will not suggest these for mixing bass as they have a light low-end output.

That being said, the AK712, for open-back headphones, impressively handles low frequencies and exhibits clean, fast, and well-defined low-end characteristics. Coming to more cons, an important aspect to note is the AKG K712 Pro’s appetite for power. With 62 ohms impedance and a sensitivity of 105 decibels, it would be good to get amplifier, though it’s not condition.

You must ensure sufficient power for an optimal listening experience. Next, I felt that for a price of almost $500, the headphones have low build quality.  The plastic-heavy build raises concerns about long-term durability.

The mid-range tuning, though providing a unique flavor, deviates significantly from neutrality, making these headphones less suitable for users who prioritize accurate and flat responses.

The treble peaks at 6k and 11k might pose challenges, particularly with brighter genres, and require adjustment through EQ. Additionally, the included carrying bag, while present, might not offer sufficient protection for the headphones, leaving you wishing for a more robust storage solution.

Conclusion

The AKG K712 Pro may not be the most robustly built headphones in their class, but they certainly stand out in terms of sonic character. Offering a departure from neutrality, these headphones bring a touch of excitement with their unconventional mid-range. In a market flooded with options, the AKG K712 Pro dares to be different. 

For those who work with sound design and spatial audio, the K712 Pro’s soundstage and accuracy make them a solid contender. I hope this article was of value and helps you make a more informed decision.