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An introduction to Austrian Audio Hi-X20, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
The Hi-X20 delivers pro-level clarity in a compact, everyday design.
— Austrian Audio official site
What is Hi-X20?
The Hi-X20 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone from Austrian Audio. The official page presents it under a "small frame, full detail" tagline and positions it as a compact, affordable model for audio professionals, content creators and music enthusiasts. It is also described as one of the newest members of the company's headphone lineup.
On the sound side, it uses the Hi-Xcursion (High Excursion) driver shared across the Hi-X line. The maker says the design aims for balanced mids and highs with controlled bass, fast transients and low distortion. The combination of a 44 mm driver, ring magnet and copper-clad aluminum voice coil is common to the whole Hi-X line.
For uses, the official page lists tracking, monitoring, mixing and use on the move. The idea is to cover both work and everyday listening with one headphone, with a lightweight, durable build. The cable is detachable, and a 3 m cable is the standard one, which can make handling easier in some recording situations.
The specifications are 12 Hz-24 kHz, 113 dBspl/V, 25 ohms and 150 mW input power, the same as the Hi-X15. Weight is 255 g without the cable. The stated size is 205 x 170 x 80 mm, a different footprint from the Hi-X15.
The Hi-X20 is positioned as the compact, lightweight model for people who carry their headphones around. The official page calls it a reliable day-to-day companion and lists tracking, monitoring, mixing and everyday listening for one pair.
The shared technology is a 44 mm driver, a ring magnet, a copper-clad aluminum voice coil and an ultra-stiff membrane meant to damp resonance. The page says the Hi-X driver design was supported by the Vienna Business Agency.
Four official accessories are shared with the Hi-X15: the case (HXHC), a 1.4 m cable (HXC1m4), a 3 m cable with a locking 2.5 mm TRS to 3.5 mm TRS connector (HXCB3) and an ear cushion kit (Hi-XBCUK). Because the Hi-X20 ships with the 3 m cable, the shorter 1.4 m cable is a useful option.
Compact closed-back design
It is a closed-back over-ear design which the maker calls compact and suited to everyday use. This type is used when you want to limit leakage while monitoring a recording or block surrounding noise.
44 mm Hi-Xcursion driver
A ring magnet and a copper-clad aluminum voice coil move a 44 mm diaphragm with less mass. The maker says the frequency response is designed for fast transients and minimal distortion.
From tracking to mixing
The official uses include tracking, monitoring, mixing and use on the move. For someone who wants to start with one headphone rather than buying separate ones for recording and mixing, it is an option.
Detachable 3 m cable
A 3 m cable is standard and detachable. A 1.4 m cable is among the official accessories if you prefer a shorter one. The connection is 3.5 mm (1/8-inch).
Easy to drive at 25 ohms
An impedance of 25 ohms and sensitivity of 113 dBspl/V indicate that volume is easy to obtain from the headphone output of a computer or audio interface. Input power is 150 mW.
255 g and replaceable pads
It weighs 255 g without the cable. An ear cushion replacement kit (for Hi-X25BT/20/15) is sold separately, so you can replace worn pads and keep using the headphones.
Pro closed-back in a compact size
The maker presents it as a compact, affordable model for audio professionals, content creators and music enthusiasts.
Official accessories and replaceable pads
A case, two cables and an ear cushion replacement kit are available from the maker, so pads can be replaced for longer use.
Quick start guide available
A quick start guide and the Declaration of Conformity (English and German) can be downloaded from the official page.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed-back, over-ear |
| Driver | 44 mm Hi-Xcursion |
| Frequency range | 12 Hz – 24 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 113 dBspl/V |
| Impedance | 25 Ω |
| Input power | 150 mW |
| Cable | 3 m, detachable |
| Connector | 3.5 mm (1/8") |
| Dimensions | 205 x 170 x 80 mm |
| Weight (without cable) | 255 g |
| Warranty | Up to 3 years (as stated by the maker) |
| Voice coil | Copper-clad aluminum |
| Membrane | Ultra-stiff design to damp resonance |
What is included and system requirements
- Headphones with a detachable 3 m cable (the official page has no contents list; a quick start guide is provided)
- Sold separately: 1.4 m cable and 3 m cable (2.5 mm lockable TRS to 3.5 mm TRS)
- Sold separately: headphone case
- Sold separately: ear cushion replacement kit (for Hi-X25BT/20/15)
- Official accessory part numbers: case HXHC, 1.4 m cable HXC1m4, 3 m cable HXCB3, cushion kit Hi-XBCUK
How to use it
- Push the 3.5 mm cable firmly into the headphone jack.
- Plug the other end into the headphone output of the audio interface or computer, using a 1/4-inch adapter if needed.
- Put the headphones on and adjust the headband.
- Raise the headphone volume on the interface gradually from a low setting to a comfortable level.
- When monitoring a recording, check that no headphone sound leaks into the microphone.
- If the 3 m cable is too long, you can swap it for the 1.4 m cable (sold separately).
- To carry them, unplug the cable and put the headphones in a bag, or use the separate case.
- The 3 m cable has a locking 2.5 mm connector. Lock it after inserting, and unlock before removing.
Monitoring vocals and instruments at home
With a 3 m cable included, it may be easy to handle when singing in front of a microphone or playing an instrument a little away from the desk. Being closed-back, it may also help limit leakage.
One headphone for tracking and mixing
The official uses range from tracking to mixing. It may be an option for people who want to handle both with a single pair.
Checking tracks on the move
At 255 g it is light, and the official page mentions use on the move. It may help if you want to check a work-in-progress song while traveling.
Streaming and video production checks
Since it is easy to drive from a computer's output, it may also be used to check streaming audio or video edits.
Checking mixes on the go
Being light, it may suit reviewing tracks and checking mixes away from the studio. The maker lists use on the move.
Recording with a longer cable
The standard 3 m cable may help when you perform some distance from the interface.
Who it may suit
- People looking for monitoring headphones for recording vocals or instruments at home may find it suitable.
- Those who want a single headphone for both recording and mixing may find it suitable.
- Creators looking for a closed-back model they can also take outside may find it suitable.
- People who need a long cable when recording may find it suitable.
Good to know before you buy
- The standard cable is 3 m. It is handy for handling, but may feel long for carrying, which is why a 1.4 m cable is sold separately.
- The headphone case and ear cushion replacement kit are sold separately.
- The official page has no contents list; a quick start guide can be downloaded.
- Many specifications are shared with the Hi-X15; weight (255 g), size (205 x 170 x 80 mm) and cable length differ.
- The price is from the official site (US) and may differ by region.
- The warranty is listed as up to 3 years.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Austrian Audio Hi-X15
Hi-X20: 255 g, 3 m cable, $169. Hi-X15: 225 g, 1.4 m cable, $149 (per Austrian Audio). Frequency range, sensitivity and impedance are the same.
Price
$169 (Austrian Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Hi-X20 on the product page
Sources: austrian.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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