SONY MDR-M1 and MDR-M1ST Series Compared: MDR-M1, MDR-M1ST by Official Specs

Sony’s MDR-M1 and MDR-M1ST are both closed-back monitor headphones. In this article we compare the two models. In this article we compare the 2 models using only the specifications the manufacturer publishes, and rank them on the same criteria as the other 14 monitor headphones on this site.

Disclosure: This site takes part in affiliate programs. Specifications are as of the date we checked them and can change.

In short: which one to choose

• MDR-M1 (rank S): a pair of closed-back monitor headphones. Strong on low-frequency range, high-frequency range, lightness and suitability for recording (sound leakage).
• MDR-M1ST (rank S): a pair of closed-back monitor headphones. Strong on ease of driving, low-frequency range, high-frequency range, lightness and suitability for recording (sound leakage).

The highest score among the 2 models is MDR-M1ST (rank S, average 4.8). But the model you need depends on how many things you record at once and which features you use. You do not need to choose a higher model for inputs, outputs or features you will not use.

Main features of the SONY MDR-M1 and MDR-M1ST series

Both play an ultra-wide 5 Hz to 80 kHz

The MDR-M1 and MDR-M1ST are both closed-back and play from 5 Hz to 80,000 Hz. The MDR-M1 is said to achieve this range with a dedicated diaphragm that combines softness and stiffness.

MDR-M1: easy to use for both recording and mixing

The MDR-M1 is a closed-back model that keeps the headphone sound from getting into the microphone while recording and reduces surrounding sound when you work outside. The cable is detachable, and two (1.2 m and 2.5 m, stereo mini plug) come with it, along with an adapter to a standard plug. The thick low-resilience urethane ear pads are easy to replace.

MDR-M1ST: a professional studio model

The MDR-M1ST is a professional model built by hand, one at a time, by skilled workers at Sony Taiyo, and is said to combine thick midrange with a sound that lets you survey the whole. Silicone rings at the joints reduce noise when you move. Its impedance is low, at 24 Ω.

A note on repairs for the M1ST

The MDR-M1ST is sold by Sony Music Solutions, and because it is a professional product, no free-repair period is set and all repairs are said to be paid.

Where it is useful

• Listening to the backing track with little leakage while recording a cover
• Checking from the lows to the highs in a mix
• Working with the same headphones at home and on the go (the MDR-M1’s two cables)

Differences in specifications (comparison table)

Model	Rank	Ease of driving	Low-frequency range	High-frequency range	Lightness	Suitability for recording (sound leakage)
MDR-M1	S (4.4)	50 Ω (3 points)	5 Hz (5 points)	80,000 Hz (5 points)	216 g (4 points)	closed-back design (5 points)
MDR-M1ST	S (4.8)	24 Ω (5 points)	5 Hz (5 points)	80,000 Hz (5 points)	215 g (4 points)	closed-back design (5 points)

How we score (Monitor headphones)

Criterion	Basis	5 pt	4 pt	3 pt	2 pt	1 pt
Ease of driving	Impedance (the lower it is, the easier to reach a good volume from a small amplifier)	≤32	≤40	≤55	≤100	>100
Low-frequency range	Lower limit of the frequency response	≤5	≤8	≤15	≤20	>20
High-frequency range	Upper limit of the frequency response	≥40000	≥30000	≥25000	≥22000	<22000
Lightness	Weight (cable excluded)	≤200	≤220	≤250	≤290	>290
Suitability for recording (sound leakage)	Closed-back or open-back (closed-back keeps sound out of the microphone while you sing)	Closed-back	—	—	—	Open-back

Scored only on the body specifications published by the manufacturer. Price and accessories are not part of the score. Ease of driving is compared by impedance (Ω), which every manufacturer publishes. The lower the number, the easier it is to reach a good volume from the headphone jack of an audio interface or a smartphone, so a headphone amplifier is less likely to be needed (sensitivity is shown in the table for reference). "Suitability for recording" scores closed-back headphones higher because the sound is less likely to leak into the microphone while you sing. If you choose open-back headphones for mixing, you can ignore this item.

Rating of each model

MDR-M1

• They are closed-back. They leak little sound, so they are also easy to use for recording vocals.
• The impedance is 50 Ω. The impedance is on the low side, so it is relatively easy to reach a good volume even from the headphone jack of an audio interface. For reference, the sensitivity (loudness per 1 V) is 115 dB/V.

MDR-M1ST

• They are closed-back. They leak little sound, so they are also easy to use for recording vocals.
• The impedance is 24 Ω. The impedance is on the low side, so it is relatively easy to reach a good volume even from the headphone jack of an audio interface. For reference, the sensitivity (loudness per 1 V) is 119.2 dB/V.

Compared with other monitor headphones

Click a heading to sort. On a phone, the table scrolls sideways.

SONY MDR-M1 and MDR-M1ST series: connection and getting started

Connection	MDR-M1: stereo mini plug (adapter to a standard plug included), detachable cable / MDR-M1ST: cable of about 2.5 m
In the box	MDR-M1: two cables (1.2 m and 2.5 m), adapter / MDR-M1ST: headphone cable
Other	The MDR-M1ST has no free-repair period (all repairs are paid, according to Sony’s official page)

Checked on the manufacturer’s official pages on September 27, 2026.

Related reading

• Monitor headphones compared
• How to choose monitor headphones
• How we rate specifications