AKG K712 Pro

Processing and Handling

AKG remains true to their pride for premium workmanship and top-tier design with the K712 PRO. Popular elements like the self-adjusting headband and single XLR connector make a welcome reappearance with this model, even if you’re left pining for a folding mechanism. The AKG logo is stamped so it’s easy to spot, while the leather clad headband adds another layer of style and adds to the comfort levels. The headband itself is easily adjusted until you find a fit that works, although the earpieces themselves might give you cause for concern when you see how they’re attached to the main body. However, there’s no need to fret. Things might look fragile, but they’re anything but. The temples are flexible, but there’s a robust quality at the core of these headphones, with plenty of support against strain in all the right places. The black and orange colour theme isn’t a wholly original creation, but it’s still a chic win. The shells enclosing the earpieces are attached to a sturdy ball joint, allowing for a comfortable fit that keeps things feeling firmly fitted and secure. There’s also an eye-catching honeycomb effect that makes these AKG headphones instantly recognisable, while the black velour cushions feel great against the skin, even if they’re prone to dust and lint build-up.

Wearing Comfort

Comfort has clearly been a key consideration in the design of these headphones. It’s obvious from the self-adjusting elements took top priority in this effort, with things feeling incredibly secure when worn for longer listening sessions, but avoiding the usual fatigue and discomfort that can accumulate at the temple and other parts of the head. Admittedly, I found the size of the earpieces themselves to be a little on the awkward side, with a large design that ends up resting on my jaw bone. That being said, I’m reaching for gripes about an all round great execution.

Sound

With its powerful and controlled bass, the K712 delivers a warm and spacious acoustic atmosphere. Nevertheless, the transient imaging is pure and pacey. When playing audio back throughout the rest of the frequency range, things are relatively linear and balanced. This makes for a sound that’s differentiated, unadulterated and a treat for the ears. Highs and mids are very deliciously detailed, without them ever struggling against the other for presence. In fact, no frequency range is overemphasised here.

What’s more, I didn’t notice any sound ripples or resonances in the transmission, with the headphones giving an unstressed sound. The stereo centre is both bombproof and unmistakably present. There’s a very authentic dimensionality to the sound here, without ever the feeling of things sounding artificial. These headphones offer an authentic sound and astonishing depth, something you can’t always assume as standard. The only downside of the open design is of course the lack of insulation against external noise. As such, it’s nigh on impossible to use these headphones as a monitoring device in the studio for recordings or vocals.

Accessories

The K712 comes with three metre spiral you can utilise, although there’s a conventional alternative coming in at the same length. Both are connected to the headphones themselves via AKG’s typical mini-XLR connector. At the other end of each cable, you’ll find a 3.5mm jack which can be increased to a 6.35mm one with the relevant adapter. Also included in the package accessories is a velvet carry bag for the headphones, protecting your new investment against accumulation of dirt and dust. These little essentials are all well and good, but I’d expected a little bit more from the manufacturer considering the price bracket these headphones fall into.