Adam H715 reference

The ADAM Audio H715 Reference is an open-back studio headphone designed for mixing, mastering, and reference listening. They feature 40 mm dynamic drivers with titanium-plated PEN diaphragms, a circumaural design, and connections compatible with both studio equipment and compatible hi-fi systems. Their modular design and monitoring software tools round out their professional approach.

Key Features

• Open-back, circumaural design for working in a quiet environment, without significant isolation from external noise.
• 40 mm dynamic drivers with titanium-plated PEN diaphragms, designed for reference listening applications.
• Sonnox software suite announced, featuring headphone calibration and mix control tools.
• Hi-Fi mode with a 4.4 mm Pentaconn connection for use with a compatible balanced headphone output.
• Adjustable headband, memory foam ear cushions, and a claimed weight of 302 g without the cable.
• Modular design with replaceable ear pads, headband padding, and cables.

Open-back design and sound reproduction

The H715 Reference is based on an open-back acoustic architecture. Air and sound flow through the ear cups, which limits passive isolation and also allows some of the signal to escape outward. This design is primarily intended for mixing, mastering, and listening in a quiet environment. It is less suitable for vocal recording in close proximity to a microphone.

Its 40 mm dynamic drivers feature a titanium-plated PEN diaphragm and neodymium magnets. ADAM Audio specifies a frequency response of 9 Hz to 40 kHz, though no tolerance is specified in the available information. The angled drivers, woven steel mesh structure, and ventilation system all contribute to the headphones’ acoustic design. Absorptive materials surround the drivers to control internal resonances.

Sonnox Monitoring Software

The H715 Reference is bundled with software tools developed in collaboration with Sonnox. The Headphone Utility plug-in offers headphone-specific calibration and an adjustable crossfeed function. This feature blends some of the information from the left and right channels to alter the stereo perception and bring certain aspects of headphone listening closer to that of listening on speakers.

The ListenHub app complements the aforementioned monitoring tools. In particular, it allows you to compare a mix to musical references, adjust levels to facilitate comparison, and examine the mono and stereo components of the signal. These features provide additional verification tools during mixing and mastering, without replacing listening on speakers.

Studio Connections and Hi-Fi Mode

The H715 Reference offers two connection configurations. For studio use, a single-input unbalanced cable connects the headphones to a compatible headphone output. The ability to connect this cable to either the left or right ear cup makes setup easy, depending on the layout of your audio interface or workstation.

For a Hi-Fi-compatible setup, a 3-meter dual-input cable, terminated with a 4.4 mm 5-pin Pentaconn connector, enables a balanced connection. A recessed button on the left ear cup, operated with the provided tool, selects this mode. It separates the return connections of the two channels to allow their use with a compatible balanced headphone output. To return to standard mode, simply press the button again.

Comfort and Fit

The H715 Reference features a spring steel headband with centrally cut padding designed to distribute pressure points across the head. Its over-ear memory foam ear cushions wrap around the ears and are available in soft fabric or faux leather. Both materials allow the user to customize the fit to their preferences.

The CNC-machined anodized aluminum ear cup mounts contribute to the headset’s structure. Its advertised weight of 302 g without the cable makes it ideal for long sessions, though comfort also depends on the headband adjustment and the wearer’s head shape. The ear cups fold flat for easy storage in the included hard case.

Maintenance and Modular Design

The H715 Reference features a design that allows for the replacement of several wear-prone components. The ear pads, headband padding, and detachable cables can be replaced individually. This modularity makes it easy to maintain the headphones without having to replace the entire unit.

The connectors on both ear cups also allow you to switch from a studio connection to a balanced hi-fi configuration. The included hard carrying case helps protect the headphones when they are not in use.