AKG K240 MKII

The K240 has more than a quarter of a century behind it nowadays, remaining a solid recommendation for listeners looking to appreciate a more balanced, rounded sound with an extra measure of crisp bass. The 240 is already a tribute to the legendary K240, first released in 1974 which, although no longer in production, remains an iconic piece of kit. With the K2340 MKII, AKG readies for the launch of another sound standard to get us all excited. However, things aren’t always plain sailing, with this anticipated follow-up facing significantly more market competition than the heyday of its predecessor.

Look & Feel

AKG see the MKII has a studio headphone, with this working model showcasing a much more stripped-back aesthetic. Gone is the delicate filigree of previous models, instead replaced by robust mechanics. In actual fact, the MKII uses almost the same basic frame as its predecessor, with metal brackets serving as the foundation, along with automatic headband adjustment that should be familiar to anyone with a passing knowledge of the first version in the series. However, where artificial leather would have been used in the past, now you’ll find plastic as the standard. In theory, this shouldn’t be a problem as the fit itself is a good one and the materials picked offer a pleasant level of contact with the skin. The two half-open earpieces integrate the current generation of Varimotion-XXL convertors and are incredibly comfortable to wear. The half-open construction and wise pick of materials means wearing the K240 MKII for several hours at a time won’t cause any noticeable discomfort, particularly unwanted overheating of the ears themselves. Also, you don’t feel encased and clamped in with these headphones, unlike many other closed models on the market.
Visually, the MKII is hardly a trendsetter, with the subtle changes to the established design the sum of style notes. It’s certainly a case of function taking precedent over design, but that’s exactly the way you want it with a pair of headphones with potential studio applications.

Sound Properties and Mapping

Fans of the K240 have always appreciated the headphone for its purity of sound and quality spatial resolution. With the MKII, these basic design philosophies have remained firmly in place. However, they haven’t really built upon the solid foundations that lay before them. Basically, the MKII’s acoustic reproduction can be described as a balanced one. The highs sound pleasant, allowing proper assessment of audio. Mids are clearly defined and reveal plenty of detail, although this is also due to a superior spatial resolution. The bass is its own animal. Things are very good indeed when it comes to bass, with plenty of refinement, even if the MKII draws a somewhat rounder sound than what you might experience from the competition. If you decide to mix with the MKII, you’ll have to train your ear very carefully to the bass range in particular. Do so, however, and you’ll be treated to something that satisfies. There’s always room for improvement, however.
If you don’t have to worry about the responsibilities of a music critic or sound professional, then the K240 MKII is a much easier choice. Reproduction is more accurate and authentic to the original recording. However, if you’re after more vibrancy, AKG’s Hi-Fi models are more than likely a better fit for you. That being said, the K240 MKII performs very well in the context of an all-rounder for use at the studio and back at home.

Application Areas

The AKG K240 MKII not only brings plenty to the mixer, but also brings pleasure aplenty to the musician. Although the sound damping ranks average and can only isolate crosstalk sources to a limited degree, the instrumental itself sounds fresh and punchy. As such, the MKII is a good choice for use both in front of and behind the microphone. It’ll certainly cut a fine figure when brought into editing suites thanks to its wearing comfort and good sound quality. p>