Overview

The Audeze MM-100 is a professional-grade, open-back planar magnetic headphone designed specifically for creators, engineers, and serious listeners who require studio-level accuracy in a more portable and affordable package. Developed in collaboration with 11-time Grammy winner Manny Marroquin, the MM-100 is engineered to provide a neutral, transparent sound signature that allows for critical mixing and mastering decisions. With its magnesium and aluminum chassis, it is built to withstand the rigors of professional use while remaining comfortable enough for grueling all-day studio sessions.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The MM-100 is a significant release because it brings the DNA of the flagship MM-500 into a price bracket that is accessible to more musicians and enthusiasts. In our testing, we found it to be exceptionally "honest"—it doesn't hype the bass or sparkle the treble, which is exactly what a producer needs to ensure a mix translates well to other systems. The lightweight, magnesium-reinforced frame is a welcome change for Audeze, making these some of the most wearable headphones they've ever produced. For someone who needs a reliable reference tool that won't break the bank, the MM-100 is the new gold standard for entry-level professional planars.

Best for the Audeze MM-100: take advantage of the single-sided cable design by plugging it into whichever ear cup (left or right) makes the most sense for your workspace layout, reducing cable clutter on your desk. While these are efficient enough to run off a laptop jack, we recommend a quality audio interface or DAC to fully realize the tight imaging and low-frequency texture that these planar drivers are capable of delivering.

More Details

Why It Wins

• Studio Reference Tuning: Voiced by professional engineers to provide a flat, uncolored response that is ideal for critical monitoring and content creation.
• Magnesium & Steel Build: Uses premium, lightweight materials to ensure long-term durability in professional environments without the excessive weight of older planar designs.
• Ultra-Thin Uniforce Diaphragms: Features Audeze’s patented driver technology to deliver high-resolution detail and lightning-fast transient response.

What Makes It Different

The MM-100 stands out by prioritizing ergonomics and efficiency alongside its high-fidelity sound. It features a new, more compact driver layout that allows for a slimmer profile than the traditional LCD series, making it much more practical for travel. The gel-filled earpads are a standout addition, designed to stay cool and maintain a consistent seal around the ears, which is critical for accurate bass reproduction. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Manny Marroquin tuning ensures that you are listening to a sound signature that is trusted by one of the world's top mixing engineers.

Technical Highlights

• 90mm Planar Transducers: Optimized for high efficiency, allowing these headphones to perform well with a wide variety of sources, from high-end consoles to mobile devices.
• Fazor Waveguides: Incorporates Audeze’s Fazor technology to reduce interference and improve phase response for a more natural, holographic soundstage.
• Gel-Filled Leather Earpads: Provides a premium fit and superior heat dissipation for extended comfort during long creative sessions.
• Flexible Connectivity: The cable can be connected to either the left or right ear cup, offering a small but meaningful improvement to studio workflow.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The Recording Engineer: Professionals who need an accurate, durable headphone for tracking, mixing, and on-site recording.
• The Serious Content Creator: YouTubers and podcasters who want to ensure their audio quality is consistent and professional.
• The Aspiring Audiophile: Listeners who want to experience the speed and detail of planar magnetic technology without the four-figure price tag.

Ideal Use Case

• Home & Professional Studios: A perfect secondary or primary reference tool for making critical EQ and compression adjustments.
• On-the-Go Production: Compact and efficient enough to be used with a laptop or portable interface while traveling or working remotely.
• Analytical Music Listening: Ideal for those who enjoy "hearing into the recording" and discovering the fine details in their favorite tracks.

What To Pair It With

• Quality Audio Interface: Units like the Universal Audio Apollo or Focusrite Scarlett will provide the clean gain needed for professional work.
• Audeze LCD Travel Case: While it comes with a soft bag, we recommend a hard case if you plan on taking these between different studio locations.
• Sonarworks SoundID: Using calibration software can further refine the MM-100's response to an even flatter, "perfect" reference standard for mastering.

Alternative Options

The MM-100 is Audeze's professional entry point. If you want the ultimate version of this sound with even higher resolution and better materials, the Audeze MM-500 is the top-tier flagship of the Manny Marroquin series. For those who prefer a more "musical" and warmer sound for enjoyment rather than work, the Audeze LCD2 Classic is a better fit. If you require total isolation for recording in the same room as a live microphone, the closed-back Audeze LCD-XC would be the necessary studio alternative.