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The new COMPLETELY REDESIGNED passive isolation headphones from Extreme Headphones.

For a broadcaster, headphones are like shoes. …well, not exactly like shoes, but some fit and some don’t

In a professional environment, headphones need to feel comfortable, they also must sound great and be durable.

In Studio1A, I’ve been fortunate enough to try a lot of headphones. Like microphones, each have their own characteristics. A while back, I had an opportunity to try Extreme Isolation headphones, by Direct Sound. These phones were quite comfortable, but after sampling other makes and models, I found the original lacked a bit of high-end. This was natural, since they were created by a drummer and used by many drummers, The low-end of the frequency spectrum sounded very rich. The passive sound isolation was fantastic.

I then came across several other brands of reference headphones that I still find amazing. The original Extreme Isolation phones have been used by Laura for every show, but I moved on to others that had a more robust high-end response.

After almost 2 years, I received a call from the folks at Direct Sound, makers of Extreme Isolation headphones. Direct Sound has completely revamped their Isolation phones with 2 models. Even though the large EX-29 looks the same, it is completely redesigned from the ground up.

First; the high-end response is very nice in the new models. No longer is there a trade off between isolation and frequency response. Of course, isolation is needed when you really need to hear sonic detail without ambient distractions or mic leakage.

The quoted PASSIVE isolation of the EX-29 is 29db, while the slightly smaller EX-25 is spec’d at 25db. Those are impressive numbers. While I didn’t measure on a scope, I will say that I couldn’t hear Laura calling my name rather loudly just a few feet away with my EX-29’s on.

Active isolation (or noise cancellation, which requires a power source) usually induces its own noise footprint or artifact and is not ideal for a studio situation, although great for flying. Active isolation can be accomplished though (smaller) electronics vs. physical dampening.

The Extreme Isolation headphones are completely passive and are offered in 2 models. The EX-29 is quite large, but very comfortable with a reduced weight. The EX-25’s are a bit smaller and more conducive to travel. For studio work, I like the EX-29’s. With either set of phones, you’ll get a very generous 9′ long cable, gold-plated connector and 1/8″ to 1/4″ connection adapter along with a very comfortable fit. Most importantly, both the 25 and 29 offer an incredible improvement in sound quality.

I have many ‘favorite’ headphones, most of them in the $200 to $500 range. The EX-25’s hold their own with headphones costing 4 times their price ($64.95 for the EX-25 and $119 for the EX-29).

Of course, it’s a personal preference, but I preferred the fit of the larger EX-29’s. To my ears, the EX-29’s offer an unbeatable combination of sound detail, isolation and rugged construction. The smaller (and less expensive) EX-25’s still offer an incredible amount of isolation with good sound quality. The EX-25’s didn’t sound quite as full as the EX-29’s, but I would rather travel with the smaller 25’s.

I was blown away by the new, crisp sound and lighter weight of the new-model Extreme Isolation Headphones. Direct Sound has dramatically improved and tweaked the performance of these products.

Best,
MarkJensen

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