The Kiwi Ears Division headphones promise a dual functionality: studio monitor and DJ headphones. This review dives into whether these budget-friendly wired headphones deliver on this ambitious claim. From the outset, conflicting marketing messages regarding a balanced sound versus bass-heavy emphasis raised concerns about their suitability for professional audio applications. The packaging, while unremarkable, did reveal a surprising inclusion of two cables – a 3-meter cable and a shorter one with an integrated microphone. However, the actual color of the headphones differed from the advertised image.This review explores the design, build quality, and most importantly, the sound signature of the Kiwi Ears Division headphones. We'll delve into whether they offer a neutral listening experience suitable for studio monitoring, or if their marketed "bass-lover" appeal compromises their accuracy. The comfort, fit, and overall listening experience across various genres will be assessed, ultimately determining whether these headphones are a worthwhile purchase for casual listening or a viable option for professional use. The question remains: do they succeed as versatile all-rounders, or fall short in both their intended applications?
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Easily replaceable ear padding
- Two cables included (one short with microphone, one long)
- Includes a 6.35mm adapter
- Punchy bass, especially good for electronic or bass-heavy music
- Affordable ($50)
- Mostly plastic construction
- Not suitable for studio monitoring (bass-heavy sound)
- Earcups may not fit larger ears
- High frequencies are not emphasized
- Hinges may not be durable enough for frequent use
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Initial Impressions and Marketing Claims
The Kiwi Ears Division headphones arrived in an unremarkable box, but the packaging did highlight its dual nature: marketed as both studio monitor and DJ headphones. This immediately raised questions for me, as the ideal sound signatures for these two use cases are vastly different. Studio monitors prioritize a neutral, balanced sound to accurately reflect the audio being produced, whereas DJ headphones often prioritize durability and a punchier, more impactful sound to cut through the noise of a club environment.
The box and website advertised a balanced sound with a 40mm dynamic driver, suitable for studio monitoring and live DJ use. Further, it specifically targeted ‘bass lovers’ suggesting a sound profile that might compromise neutral monitoring capabilities. This conflicting messaging is what sparked my initial skepticism.
The Importance of Neutral Sound in Studio Monitoring
The core function of studio monitor headphones is to deliver a neutral sound signature. This ensures that producers and engineers hear an accurate representation of their work, free from any coloration or bias introduced by the headphones themselves. Any emphasis on particular frequency ranges could lead to a final mix that sounds drastically different on other playback systems.
For example, if the headphones overemphasize bass, the producer might end up under-mixing the bass in the final track because it sounds loud in their headphones. This would result in a track that's bass-light on other systems, leading to an inaccurate representation of the final product. Therefore, a balanced, neutral response is paramount for accurate monitoring.
Unboxing and Physical Design
The headphones themselves are surprisingly lightweight and entirely plastic, with no metal components. This construction is consistent with their budget-friendly price point. The cable situation was a pleasant surprise, as the packaging only mentioned a 3-meter cable, but the box actually included both a 3-meter cable and a shorter one with a built-in microphone.
The color of the headphones turned out to be different from what was expected. While the reviewer anticipated black, they received a different color. The earcups are easily removable, which is beneficial for cleaning and replacement. However, the overall design is quite plasticky which is to be expected with the price.
Listening Test and Sound Quality
The listening test revealed that these headphones were far from neutral studio monitors, as initially suspected. Instead, they offer a fun, bass-heavy sound profile, ideal for genres like electronic music. The fit was comfortable despite the reviewer’s ears being slightly too large for a perfect seal. The lightweight design contributes significantly to the comfort.
While the bass is impressive, it compromises the clarity of the highs and mids. This makes them less suitable for genres like classical music where precise detail and sound staging are critical. The emphasis on bass, however, makes them a lot of fun for bass-heavy music.
Final Verdict
The Kiwi Ears Division headphones, while not studio-grade, offer a surprisingly enjoyable listening experience for their price point. Their strong bass response and comfortable lightweight design make them a good choice for those who prioritize a fun, impactful sound, particularly for genres like electronic or bass-heavy music. The easily replaceable ear pads are a definite bonus.
However, the lack of neutrality makes them unsuitable for studio monitoring or critical listening. The build quality also feels a little flimsy. Overall, they are a fun, affordable option for casual listening, but not a serious alternative to dedicated studio or DJ headphones.