Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Yamaha HPH-MT5W
Technical assessment of Yamaha’s HPH-MT5W closed-back over-ear headphones
Yamaha
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Spec Sheet
- Suitable for studios, for music production and for listening to music
- Three-dimensional adjustable arm construction
- Sturdy ABS protective cover as well as aluminum die-cast support arms
- Removable ear cups allow for one-ear monitoring
- Circumaural
- Closed
- Impedance: 51 Ohm
- Frequency response: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Rated power: 1600 mW
- SPL: 100 dB / mW
- 40 mm CCAW voice coil driver
- Sided cable routing
- Faux leather
- 3 m straight cable with 3.5 mm jack and 6.3 mm adapter
- Weight with cable: 250 g
- Colour: Black / White
- Includes pouch
Studio Log
| Available since | December 2016 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 403849 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | CLosed Back |
| Impedance | 51 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20000 Hz |
| Adapter | Yes |
| Marrone/Argento | Black/Silver |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB |
| Max. SPL | 100 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Weight | 250 g |
| Colour | Black/Gray |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Introduction to Yamaha HPH-MT5W
The Yamaha HPH-MT5W is a closed-back, over-ear headphone model introduced in December 2016. Priced at around £105, it targets users in studios, music production, and casual listening environments. Featuring a 51 Ohm impedance and a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, the MT5W aims to deliver a balanced audio experience. Its construction incorporates a 40 mm CCAW voice coil driver, which contributes to its claimed sound performance.
Design and Build Quality
The MT5W’s design focuses on durability and user comfort. It features a sturdy ABS protective cover with aluminium die-cast support arms, enhancing structural integrity while keeping the weight low at 250 grams including the cable. The headphones offer a three-dimensional adjustable arm, allowing users to find a comfortable fit. The circumaural ear cups are sizeable enough to entirely cover most ears, and the use of faux leather padding ensures a snug seal, which also supports good sound isolation typical of closed-back designs.
The cable provided is a 3-metre straight cable with a 3.5 mm mini jack connector and a 6.3 mm adapter. It is detachable, which is a practical addition for studio environments since cables tend to be the most vulnerable part. A soft, tailored pouch is included for portability and protection, complemented by foldable ear cups for easy storage.
Comfort and Fit
Users have generally reported that the MT5W sits comfortably over the ears. The large ear cups help avoid pressure points on the ear itself, but the headphones do press noticeably on the head after extended sessions, which may cause discomfort. The pads maintain a decent balance between firmness and softness, although some have noted that the faux leather material can start to crack and degrade after prolonged use, potentially affecting comfort and seal.
The headphones weigh lightly, making them suitable for extended usage periods with minimal fatigue, though warmth build-up can occur due to the closed design and the materials used in padding.
Sound Performance
Sound reproduction on the Yamaha HPH-MT5W aims to be neutral and clear, appropriate for studio monitoring and music production. The 40 mm driver produces a crisp output across the entire frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Bass frequencies are described as present and punchy, without overwhelming the mids or highs.
- Lows: The bass response is well-defined and “knackig” (crisp), making it suitable for bass-centric monitoring tasks like electric bass or kick drum tracking in studios.
- Mids: Mid frequencies retain clarity, providing good vocal and instrument detail.
- Highs: Highs are well articulated without excessive brightness or harshness.
A notable aspect is the special capsule design that enhances sound focus, resulting in a stereo image that differs from other common headphones. This design yields a deep audio presence crucial for mixing decisions but requires users some time for adjustment.
Because of the closed-back nature, external noise isolation is very effective, recommended for noisy environments or dormitory situations. However, the isolation can be a drawback when vocalists need to hear themselves naturally while recording, as minimal voice bleed back allows little self-monitoring without latency.
Practical Usage Notes
- The MT5W’s removable ear cups support one-ear monitoring, an important feature for musicians and DJs.
- The headphones’ cable robustness has been praised, surviving accidental snags with minimal damage.
- They perform reliably in live rehearsal settings as well as studio environments.
Durability and Longevity
The build quality is mostly regarded as solid, thanks to the aluminium components and hard ABS shell. However, the faux leather on the ear pads has shown to degrade over time, cracking after a year of regular use in some cases. Replacement pads may be necessary to maintain comfort and acoustic isolation over the long term.
The foldable design and included pouch facilitate storage and transport but the headphones are relatively large, which can be cumbersome for users wearing them around the neck or carrying them for long stretches.
Summary
The Yamaha HPH-MT5W delivers a clean, fairly neutral listening experience well-suited to studio monitoring and casual listening. Its closed-back design provides excellent sound isolation, helpful in noisy environments, though it may not be ideal for situations requiring precise self-monitoring in vocal recording.
Comfort is generally solid but not exceptional, with some pressure felt after extended wear and minor heat build-up from the pads. Sturdiness and the detachable cable are definite benefits, though the ear pad material may limit long-term durability without replacement.
For a price close to £105, the HPH-MT5W represents a quality investment for home and project studio users seeking a durable, functional monitoring headphone. Its performance remains competitive, particularly in bass response and overall sound clarity, with build quality well suited to prolonged professional use.
