Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Yamaha HPH-MT5
Technical assessment of Yamaha’s HPH-MT5 studio headphones performance
Yamaha
- Studio Monitor Headphones
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Spec Sheet
- Suitable for studios, for music production and for listening to music
- Three-dimensional swivel arm construction
- Sturdy ABS protective cover and die-cast aluminium support arms
- Movable earcups allow for single-ear monitoring
- Circumaural
- Closed
- Impedance: 51 Ohm
- Frequency response: 20 – 20000 Hz
- Power rating: 1600 mW
- SPL 100 dB/mW
- 40 mm CCAW voice coil driver
- Single-sided cable routing
- Synthetic leather
- 3 m straight cable with 3.5 mm jack plug and 6.3 mm adapter
- Weight with cable: 250 g
- Colour: Black
- Includes bag
Studio Log
| Available since | December 2016 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 403844 |
| 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 |
| Max. SPL | 100 dB |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Weight | 250 g |
| Colour | Black |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Overview of Yamaha HPH-MT5 Headphones
The Yamaha HPH-MT5 is an over-ear, closed-back headphone designed mainly for studio applications, music production, and general listening. With a retail price around £102, these headphones have been available since December 2016 and target users looking for a balance between affordability and performance.
Key specifications include a 51 Ohm impedance, a frequency range covering 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, and a maximum sound pressure level of 100 dB. The headphones weigh 250 g and come with a 3 m straight cable featuring a 3.5 mm mini-jack plug alongside a 6.3 mm adapter, allowing compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment.
Build Quality and Design
The construction of the HPH-MT5 mixes sturdy ABS plastic with die-cast aluminium support arms, producing a robust yet lightweight frame. The headphone cups are circumaural, providing a wrap-around fit designed to help isolate external noise, though isolation is moderate rather than absolute.
A three-dimensional swivel arm enables earcups to rotate, facilitating single-ear monitoring, a feature appreciated in recording settings. The headphones fold inward for convenient storage, aided by the included carrying bag. The cable attaches on one side only, via a single-sided routing system, which also features a locking mechanism to secure the connection.
Financially, the build impresses for the price point with a generally solid and well-made feel, although some users have found the cable not particularly durable and replacement options expensive.
Sound Quality
The Yamaha HPH-MT5 delivers a clear, balanced sound with a neutral profile. Its 40 mm CCAW voice coil drivers allow detailed reproduction, especially helpful for critical listening in home studios. Mids and highs are generally well defined, with clarity that aids in discerning fine details in mixes.
Bass response is present but somewhat restrained, lacking the deep punch found in some competitors at this price. High frequencies can occasionally sound a little sharp or piercing, which may be fatiguing over prolonged sessions.
For its intended purpose as a monitoring headphone, it performs admirably, providing an accurate enough representation of audio to facilitate mixing and recording tasks. However, some users mention that the sound can be a bit “thin” or lacking warmth, and the noise isolation does not fully block out ambient sound, which could be an issue in noisy environments.
Comfort and Usability
With a weight of only 250 g and synthetic leather padding on the earcups, the HPH-MT5 is fairly comfortable for extended use. The padding surrounds the ears completely, and the headphones do not exert excessive pressure on the head. However, prolonged wear beyond four to five hours can cause some discomfort, especially for users who wear glasses, due to pressure on the ear cushions.
Its single-sided cable and foldable design make it transport-friendly, and the inclusion of a high-quality 6.3 mm adapter extends compatibility with professional audio interfaces. The headphones lack an adjustable headband with defined click stops, so fit adjustment relies on manual flex, which some may find less precise.
Practical Application and User Feedback
Users commonly employ the HPH-MT5 for home studio recording, keyboard practice, and casual listening. Reviewers appreciate the headphone’s clear sound and effective spatial reproduction, noting it as well suited for vocal tracking and instrument monitoring.
Notable positives include durable build quality, neutral audio reproduction without excessive colouring, and the foldable design for easy storage. Some have praised its accuracy in representing the mix, facilitating decision-making during recording or overdubbing.
On the downside, a significant number of users report discomfort during prolonged use and find the ear pads not thick or soft enough, occasionally leading to headaches or irritation, especially with glasses. The cable’s non-detachable nature and its fragility over time have also drawn criticism, with replacement parts costing disproportionately much.
Sound isolation is moderate; ambient noise reduction is limited compared to other closed-back models, which might be a drawback in louder studio or live settings. Additionally, while the headphones are good for monitoring, they are not ideal for detailed mixing, where more refined frequency balance could be required.
Conclusion
The Yamaha HPH-MT5 is a competent studio headphone that offers solid performance and build quality for its price. It fits well into home recording setups where budget and reliability are factors, delivering a clean and neutral sound suited to monitoring and general music production tasks.
Comfort is adequate but not exceptional, with some users needing to swap out ear pads for extended sessions. Sound isolation and cable durability are areas where compromises were noted.
Overall, the HPH-MT5 stands as a worthy choice in a crowded category, especially for those invested in Yamaha’s ecosystem or looking for a practical, no-frills headphone with decent sonic accuracy and a compact form factor. Those prioritising absolute comfort or requiring professional-grade mixing fidelity should consider alternatives at a higher price point.
