Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Sennheiser HD 400S
Technical assessment of Sennheiser’s affordable closed-back on-ear headphones
Sennheiser
- Headphones
- This is what customers who viewed this product bought
- Accessories & matching items
- 34Customer ratings
- Compare options
- Smart Navigator
Spec Sheet
- Dynamic
- Closed
- Circumaural
- Foldable
- Maximum sound pressure level (1 kHz / 1V RMS): 120 dB
- Impedance: 18 Ohm
- Frequency range: 18 – 20000 Hz
- Distortion factor (1 kHz): <0.5
- Cable with 1-button remote control and microphone
- 1.4 m Cable with 3.5 mm angled jack plug on one end
- Weight: 217 g
Studio Log
| Available since | February 2019 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 457953 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | On-Ear |
| System | CLosed Back |
| Impedance | 18 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 18 Hz – 20000 Hz |
| Adapter | No |
| Replacable Cable | Yes |
| Marrone/Argento | Black |
| Sensitivity | 120 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Weight | 217 g |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Overview
The Sennheiser HD 400S presents itself as a budget-conscious option for those seeking closed-back, on-ear headphones with solid audio performance. Released in early 2019, these headphones are priced at approximately £43, aiming to provide a balanced listening experience for everyday use. The design is lightweight, weighing just 217 grams, and offers foldability for easy transport. This review explores their technical merits and real-world usability.
Design and Build Quality
The HD 400S sports a classic black finish with silver accents, giving it a simple yet understated aesthetic. The headphones have a closed-back circumaural design, intended to provide decent passive noise isolation. The ear cups are padded generously but are relatively small and narrow, which affects comfort for wider ears or prolonged wearing sessions.
The plastic build feels adequate for this price range, although it leans towards the lighter and less robust side. The folding mechanism is functional, allowing the headphones to collapse neatly for storage, typically accompanied by a protective carry pouch. The detachable cable features a 3.5mm angled mini-jack connector and includes an inline microphone with a single-button remote, which works well with smartphones but is less compatible with some laptops.
Comfort
While the padding on the ear cups is thick, the material does not breath well, causing warmth around the ears after an hour of use. The headband is relatively thin and applies noticeable pressure to the top of the head, which some users found uncomfortable during extended listening sessions. Individuals with smaller ears are likely to find these headphones more comfortable, but those with larger ears or who wear glasses may experience discomfort more quickly.
Sound Performance
The HD 400S delivers a sound profile that can be described as balanced with a slight warmth in the mids and a robust bass presence. The frequency response covers a broad spectrum from 18 Hz up to 20 kHz, supported by an impedance of 18 Ohms, making it compatible with low-power devices such as smartphones and portable music players.
- Bass: The low frequencies are adequately pronounced without overwhelming the rest of the spectrum. While not ultra-precise or clearest, the bass holds solid impact suitable for genres that benefit from punch.
- Mids and Highs: The midrange is warm but somewhat veiled, which results in vocals occasionally sounding a little unnatural or less detailed. The treble is clear but slightly lacking in brilliance or airiness, leaving high-frequency content with less sparkle.
- Volume and Sensitivity: With a sensitivity rated at 120 dB and low impedance, the headphones achieve sufficient loudness even when connected to smartphones or similar devices. This makes them practical for casual listening and monitoring at home.
Distortion remains below 0.5% at 1 kHz, which is acceptable at this price level and contributes to an overall clean sound.
Practical Considerations
The removable cable is an appreciated feature for durability, allowing easy replacement if damaged. However, its length (approximately 1.4 metres) may feel restrictive when used in setups with an extended distance between the audio source and the user, such as connecting to a bass amplifier. Users may need to purchase an extension cable for certain applications.
The headphones offer reasonable noise isolation, but some external sounds can be perceived until music is played back. The inline remote and microphone provide simple call and playback control, which functions well on mobile devices but offers limited utility on computers.
Summary
- Pros: Balanced and pleasant sound with an emphasis on bass, lightweight and foldable design, detachable cable with microphone, competitive price.
- Cons: Small ear cups that may cause discomfort on larger ears, headband pressure on the crown, short cable length, modest build quality that may feel fragile, slightly veiled midrange affecting vocal clarity.
, the Sennheiser HD 400S is an effective option for users seeking affordable, portable, and lightweight headphones with a sound profile leaning towards warmth and bass presence. While its comfort limitations and cable length may deter some, it remains a capable pair for casual listening and light monitoring with smartphones or compact audio interfaces. Those requiring extended wear comfort or more natural vocal detail may need to consider alternatives. Overall, it offers solid value for its price bracket.
