Overview

The Sennheiser HD 560S is an open-back dynamic headphone designed for analytical listening, mixing, and critical evaluation at a price point that makes reference-grade performance accessible to home studio producers and audio enthusiasts. It features a 38mm transducer with a lightweight aluminum voice coil, delivering a frequency response from 6 Hz to 38 kHz with a tuning that emphasizes neutrality and honesty across the spectrum. The bass is clean and well-extended without the warmth or emphasis found in consumer-oriented headphones, the midrange is transparent and revealing with natural vocal reproduction, and the treble is detailed and airy with enough presence to expose mixing issues without becoming harsh. At 120 ohms impedance, the HD 560S is efficient enough to be driven adequately by most audio interfaces and headphone outputs while benefiting from a dedicated amplifier for optimal dynamic performance. The open-back design produces a wide, natural soundstage with precise imaging that aids in evaluating spatial relationships within a mix. The velour earpads are soft and breathable, and the overall construction is lightweight at 240 grams with a padded headband that remains comfortable over long sessions. The detachable cable terminates in a 3.5mm jack with a screw-on 6.3mm adapter. These headphones are ideal for home studio producers and budget-conscious audiophiles seeking honest, analytical performance. The lightweight plastic construction, while durable enough for desk use, feels less robust than premium metal-and-leather alternatives.

Headphones

Open-back analytical headphone with neutral tuning and wide soundstage, making reference-grade performance accessible for home studio producers and audiophiles.

Instrument Details

$199 Intermediate
Brand Sennheiser
Type Open-Back Reference Headphones
Made In Ireland
Year 2020
4.6 1 vote

AI Reviews

4.6 /5
Sennheiser's HD 560S fills a critical gap for the home producer who needs clinical accuracy without the HD 600 price tag. While the all-plastic chassis feels utilitarian compared to high-end boutique sets, it's remarkably robust and lightweight"perfect for those marathon mixing sessions where neck fatigue is the enemy. Sonically, these are unapologetically dry. The transducers deliver a surprisingly linear sub-bass extension that outperforms the legendary HD 650, though they lack that lush, intimate mid-range 'magic' Sennheiser is often known for. Instead, you get a bright, airy top-end and a wide, clinical soundstage thanks to the angled driver alignment. Transients are snappy, making it easy to spot compression artifacts or subtle timing issues in a vocal take. The velour ear pads and open-back design provide excellent breathability, though the high-frequency peak around 4-6kHz can be slightly fatiguing for sensitive ears during casual listening. This is a tool, not a toy. If you're a bedroom producer or an audiophile seeking a 'flat' baseline, the HD 560S is arguably the best value in the sub-$200 bracket. It trades the warmth of its siblings for a surgical transparency that tells you exactly what's wrong with your mix.

Category Ratings

Headphones
4.6
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Google API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more