Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Behringer BH 470
Technical Assessment of Behringer’s BH 470 Closed-Back Studio Headphones
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Spec Sheet
- Circumaural
- Closed-back design
- Foldable
- Dynamic 40 mm driver
- Frequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 102 dB (+/- 3 dB)
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Padded earcups
- Adjustable headband
- 3 m spiral cable with 3.5 mm jack plug and 6.3 mm adapter
- Weight without cable: 228 g
Studio Log
| Available since | October 2019 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 470592 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Closed Back |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 20 Hz – 20000 Hz |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Replaceable Cable | No |
| Colour | Black/Brown |
| Max. SPL | 102 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Weight | 228 g |
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QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Introduction to the Behringer BH 470
The Behringer BH 470 is an over-ear, closed-back headphone launched in October 2019, retailing at approximately £16.90. It targets musicians, audio engineers, and general music enthusiasts needing an affordable pair with reasonable performance. Key features include a 40 mm dynamic driver, 32 Ohms impedance, and a 3-metre coiled cable with a 3.5 mm mini-jack and 6.3 mm adapter.
Design and Build Quality
The BH 470 sports a classic circumaural design with black and brown faux leather ear pads and headband that provide a vintage aesthetic. Weighing 228 grams (excluding the cable), these headphones are lightweight and foldable, making them portable and suitable for mobile use. The adjustable headband and padded earcups emphasise comfort during extended sessions.
Construction is primarily plastic, yet incorporates a metal reinforcement in the headband, improving durability over purely plastic alternatives. The cable is permanently fixed and non-replaceable but benefits from a spiral design to provide slack and reduce accidental disconnections. Despite this, some users have noted the cable length (3 metres coiled) is limiting in certain setups and the lack of a detachable cable reduces long-term convenience.
Sound Performance
The frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, delivering a broad audio spectrum with a sensitivity of 102 dB and max SPL at a safe 102 decibels. The 32 Ohm impedance suits portable devices such as smartphones, laptops, and audio interfaces without requiring a dedicated amplifier.
Sound quality divides opinion notably. The headphones produce a pronounced low-end response, with boosted upper bass and low-mid frequencies creating a warm, bass-heavy profile. While this can be enjoyable for casual listening and gaming, it results in a somewhat “muddy” or “boxy” sound when precision is required. The high frequencies tend to be recessed, causing a lack of brightness and airiness in the soundstage.
Numerous listeners have reported that the raw audio quality is unsuitable for monitoring or mixing tasks without equalisation. Applying EQ adjustments, particularly reducing frequencies around 80 to 950 Hz and boosting highs near 15 kHz, can substantially improve clarity and balance the tonal signature. This makes the BH 470 usable for tracking and general listening but it remains an inadequate choice for detailed studio mixing or mastering.
Comfort and Usage
The soft, padded leatherette earcups envelop the ears comfortably, though the tight fit can cause discomfort over long durations, especially for those wearing glasses. The adjustable headband offers a good range to fit various head sizes. The closed-back design provides decent ambient noise isolation, useful in noisy environments or home studios.
Because of their lower impedance and reasonable sensitivity, these headphones perform well with a variety of devices, including mobile phones and portable music players. The foldable hinges allow moderate portability, though they do not fold completely flat, which limits packing convenience slightly.
Strengths and Limitations
- Strengths: Attractive styling with vintage tones, lightweight build, comfortable padding, good isolation, useful included 6.3 mm adapter.
- Limitations: Subpar unbalanced sound stage with bass emphasis, non-replaceable cable, short cable length for some studio tasks, plastic construction affects long-term durability.
Practical Applications
For musicians needing affordable headphones to loan out in studios or for musicians tracking performances, the BH 470 performs sufficiently. It is also suitable for casual music listening with minor EQ tweaking. However, it falls short in delivering the accuracy demanded in professional editing, mixing, or mastering environments.
Those on a tight budget seeking a robust, comfortable headphone for general music enjoyment or gaming may find the BH 470 a compelling value for money. Users who require durability and sound precision should consider investing in higher-tier models.
Conclusion
The Behringer BH 470 offers an attractive package for the very low price of around £17. It features ergonomic comfort, versatile device compatibility, and a design that belies its modest retail cost. Sound quality needs adjustment to overcome bass-heavy and muffled tendencies but can then provide a decent all-rounder for casual and some semi-professional contexts.
Ultimately, the BH 470 is best suited for entry-level users and those needing affordable, functional headphones for tracking or basic listening rather than definitive studio monitoring. Its value is found in comfort and cost rather than audiophile-level fidelity or rugged build. Considering the caveats, it remains a notable contender in the budget closed-back headphone segment.
