The equipment for working with sound is constantly being improved, providing high acoustic performance. Technological progress affects both amateur devices and professional equipment, but manufacturers still strive to separate the two segments. Nevertheless, headphones are increasingly being found that occupy a peripheral position - we can say these are semi-professional devices that combine the advantages of both categories. One of the most striking models of recent times in this niche was the development of Sennheiser HD 380 PRO. A review of the modification will help to form an opinion on the advantages, disadvantages and features of this proposal.
Model Overview
Sennheiser cannot be called a debutant in the semi-professional headphone segment. Her previous development of the 280 series received a lot of critical reviews, which prompted developers to approach the creation of the HD 380 model more thoroughly. In addition to minor improvements, the manufacturer also made major improvements to the signal processing and reproduction facilities. The use of better materials in the decoration of the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO also increased sound insulation. In addition, the company decided to significantly increase the power to 110 dB, which attracts not only the attention of music lovers, but also specialists.
Headphones are not burdened with unnecessary accessories, but, by modern standards, it looks decent. It includes, in addition to the main device, a removable cable, a carrying case and an adapter from a standard mini-jack to a connector with a standard size of 6.3 mm. As a result, the user receives standardly equipped headphones, the price of which is 7-8 thousand rubles.
Model Features
How justified the cost of this proposal can be judged by the declared characteristics. It should be noted that not every amateur model has similar parameters. If you compare with options from the professional segment, then you can meet higher rates, but the price will almost rise at times. So, Sennheiser HD 380 PRO headphones have the following characteristics:
- Type of cups - covering ears.
- The type of acoustic conversion is dynamic.
- Headphone weight - 220 g.
- Headphone design is closed.
- The resistance is 54 ohms.
- The frequency range is from 8 to 27,000 Hz.
- Noise reduction ability - up to 32 dB.
- Maximum power - 500 mW.
- The acoustic pressure indicator is 110 dB.
- The length of the cord is 3 m.
- The plug is a standard mini-jack with an adapter for a 6.3 mm format connector.
Appearance and ergonomics
Plastic predominates in the materials of manufacture, and the metal is represented by individual elements. For example, the headband arc and articulated parts are made of it. Massive Sennheiser HD 380 PRO ear cushions tangibly fit your head, covering your ears tightly. The landing is generally comfortable, but it is especially worth noting the free rotation of the cups with the possibility of bending from the main position. You can stay in the headphones for a long time without experiencing discomfort. The only negative - depending on the air temperature, the skin sweats under them.
There is another offensive miscalculation, which this time is associated with the identification of the right and left cups. Traditionally, the cable moves away from the left earphone, but the letters L and R in this case are hardly distinguishable - they were squeezed out on a hinge. This solution does not cause any particular problems, in any case, you can get used to it, but nevertheless eminent brands usually do not save on such trifles. But the cable for the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO is high-quality and does not cause concern. Moreover, if necessary, it can be replaced through a special connector.
Sound quality
In the process of sounding, sharp hues with unfocused and deep bass are observed. As for the high ranges, they turn out muffled. Mid frequencies are a little forced - perhaps this nuance also provides sharpness when playing vocal parts. In general, vocal compositions are legible, although unnaturalness can also be traced. The dynamic range of the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO model is wide enough, which gives reason to attribute it to universal devices. In addition, the headphones do a good job of working out the stereo panorama. This is a rarity for closed models, but in this case there is good localization and sufficient sound volume.
If we single out the genres closest to this unit, then light music will come to the fore, although the model will cope well with “heavy” compositions. Again, in this class of devices, the proprietary ability is precisely the work with the upper and middle frequencies. Therefore, the HD 380 option in terms of playback is worthy of attention, at least for high-quality sound on bass.
Combination options
Tracking new trends in the development of acoustic equipment, the German manufacturer decided to try his hand at mixing headphones with mobile devices. This feature of the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO model sounds loud in advertising, but in practice it's not so simple. In particular, many users report poor compatibility with some Apple iPhone series. This is due to the lack of source power - as a result, the user is forced to adjust the volume to maximum. In addition, forcing the midrange when connected to smartphones becomes even more noticeable due to the poorly developed low-frequency register. This problem is probably due to the weakness of the amplifier.
Positive headphone reviews
For most users, the advantages come to the fore in the form of smooth playback in a wide frequency range. If you do not go into the nuances of different preferences, then you can characterize the sound of the headphones as clear and balanced. There are many positive opinions regarding the ergonomics of the device. In this context, there is a comfortable headband with a soft arc, and comfortable ear cushions, and pleasant materials of manufacture. Separately, the cable characteristics that are supplied with the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO model are separately noted. Reviews emphasize not only its 3-meter length, but also the rigidity of the material, which inspires confidence in the strength and durability of the cord.
Negative reviews
Critical reviews also pass through all the characteristics of the model. As for the sound, here users note the weakness of the high frequencies, despite their purity. There are opposing opinions regarding the fixation of cups with a headband. Indeed, the headphones are quite large and for some owners it is inconvenient. The same thing happened with the cable. On the one hand, it is durable and wear-resistant, but you have to pay for it with an increase in thickness, which is uncomfortable if you listen to music on the street. Users also note the weight of the cable - it is especially felt when you put on your headphones. The price is 7-8 thousand rubles. also seems unreasonably high for this model. True, there are not many competitors in the German development. This is either professional entry-level devices, or models for amateurs, which, however, may not reach the version of HD 380 for a number of indicators. As a rule, the options from the first group are more expensive, so the offer from a German company justifies itself as a product in which both performance indicators and functionality with ergonomics are balanced.
Conclusion
The model will be the best option if you plan to use headphones at home. They are comfortable and provide decent sound - even against the background of professional counterparts. For the street, the Sennheiser HD 380 PRO model is not suitable due to weak ergonomic capabilities. It affects the mass of cups, and a thick cable, as well as flaws in compatibility with mobile music sources. Another important factor in evaluating these headphones is reliability. Nevertheless, Sennheiser has been present in this segment for several years and has raised the assembly quality of its products quite high. Model HD 380 is a confirmation of the responsible approach of the creators to the choice of materials, and to design the design of the headphones. The result is a device that is convenient to use, durable and provides high-quality sound.