AKG K371: Closed-back Studio Headphones with 50mm Drivers
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
AKG K371 at a glance: closed-back design, 50mm titanium drivers, Reference Response Tuning, and frequency response up to 40 kHz for studio and on the go.
The AKG K371 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone that Harman positions as a studio monitor for production and mixing. Instead of Bluetooth, it relies entirely on wired operation, making it ideal for anyone who needs reliable, neutral playback in the studio or on the go – from music producers to podcasters and streamers.
At a glance
- Closed-back, oval over-ear design with foldable hinge
- 50mm drivers with titanium-coated diaphragm and pure copper voice coil wire (OFC)
- Frequency response 5 Hz to 40 kHz, impedance 32 Ohm, sensitivity 114 dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz
- Weight 255 grams, three cables plus jack adapter included
Tuned to the AKG Reference Response Curve
The core of the K371 is its tuning to the so-called AKG Reference Response Curve. According to the manufacturer, this target curve resulted from a multi-year study by Harman, which investigated how test subjects perceive sound and what tuning they find balanced across various playback systems. The K371 is designed to come so close to this curve that mixes monitored on it will also work on other systems.
Closed-back Design for Studio and Recording
The closed-back, oval ear cup construction is designed to effectively shield external noise and prevent bleed during instrument or vocal recordings – a reason why closed-back headphones are preferred over open-back models during recording sessions. The oval foam ear pads and an adjustable, calibrated headband are designed to ensure long-wearing comfort, supported by a metal-reinforced, lightweight housing.
Drivers, Connections, and Accessories
With 50 mm, the built-in drivers are among the largest in their price class, according to the manufacturer. The titanium-coated diaphragm in combination with a pure, oxygen-free copper voice coil (OFC) is designed to ensure precision across the entire frequency range. The K371 connects classically via a 3.5mm jack; according to the technical data sheet, the scope of delivery includes two straight cables (3.0 m and 1.2 m), a coiled cable (3.0 m), a 6.3mm adapter, and a protective pouch for on the go.
| Design | Closed-back, over-ear, foldable |
|---|---|
| Driver size | 50 mm, titanium-coated |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm |
| Sensitivity | 114 dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz |
| Weight | 255 grams |
| Connection | 3.5mm jack, 6.3mm adapter included |
“K371 headphones are meticulously engineered to match AKG's Reference Response Curve, the result of an extensive 5-year study by HARMAN that tested hundreds of subjects on how they perceive audio.”
“50 mm titanium-coated drivers, tuned to the AKG Reference Response Curve, provide superior performance with an extended frequency response of 5 Hz to 40 kHz.”
FAQ
Who is the AKG K371 suitable for?
The manufacturer names music production, studio monitoring, as well as podcasting, vlogging, and game streaming as application areas – i.e., all areas where neutral, wired playback is required instead of a consumer sound with emphasized bass.
Can the K371 be used wirelessly?
No, the K371 is a purely wired headphone. It connects via a 3.5mm jack, optionally with one of the included cables and the supplied 6.3mm adapter for studio equipment.
If you're interested in studio gear, you'll find another headphone comparison in our article on the Sennheiser HD 400S, and if you prepare your sets with it, you can read more about harmonic mixing with the Camelot Wheel.
Source: AKG K371 Sell Sheet, AKG/Harman, AKG official product page
