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An introduction to Austrian Audio Hi-X55, 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-X55 is built for critical listening and precise decisions. High Excursion drivers deliver detailed mids, tight lows, and honest, revealing sound.
— Austrian Audio official site
What is Hi-X55?
The Hi-X55 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone from Austrian Audio of Vienna. The maker positions it as a tool for critical listening, meaning careful checking while mixing and recording.
It uses the company's own 44 mm High Excursion driver. A ring magnet, a copper-clad aluminum voice coil and a very stiff diaphragm are combined so that the membrane can move freely while unwanted resonance is damped, according to the maker.
For comfort it has a pressure-reducing head bow and slow-retention memory foam ear pads, aimed at long mixing sessions. The hinges and the bow are metal, and the headphone folds up.
The 3 m cable is detachable and ends in a 3.5 mm plug, with a 6.3 mm adapter in the box, so it can go straight into an audio interface headphone output. The design is serviceable, and parts such as ear pads are sold separately.
44 mm High Excursion driver
Shared by the whole Hi-X line, this in-house unit pairs a ring magnet with a lightweight copper-clad aluminum voice coil. The aim is wide membrane travel with controlled resonance, which may suit checking midrange detail while mixing.
Mid-forward closed-back design
The maker describes it as a mid-forward closed-back headphone. The closed shell keeps outside noise out, which may help with late-night work or monitoring while tracking vocals where leakage into the mic matters.
Pressure-reducing bow and memory foam
The head bow spreads pressure and both ear pads and bow pad use slow-retention memory foam. This may help anyone who wants less strain over multi-hour mixing or mastering checks.
Metal hinges, folding, detachable cable
Hinges and bow are metal and the headphone folds for transport. Because the cable detaches, a worn cable can be replaced on its own, or swapped for the optional 1.2 m or 3 m cables.
5 Hz to 28 kHz frequency range
Listed specs are 5 Hz to 28 kHz, 25 ohms impedance and 118 dBspl/V sensitivity. The relatively low impedance may make it easy to drive from an interface headphone output.
Serviceable with spare parts
The maker calls it 100% serviceable. Ear cushion sets, cables and a case are sold separately, so buyers planning long-term use can check parts availability.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed-back over-ear |
| Driver | 44 mm High Excursion |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz – 28 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 118 dBspl/V |
| THD (1 kHz) | <0.1% |
| Impedance | 25 ohms |
| Input power | 150 mW |
| Cable | Detachable, 3 m |
| Connector | 3.5 mm (6.3 mm adapter included) |
| Dimensions | 200 x 170 x 85 mm |
| Weight (without cable) | 305 g |
| Made in | Austria |
What is included and system requirements
- Headphones
- Detachable cable (3 m, 3.5 mm)
- 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter
- Quick start guide (available to download)
- Sold separately: headphone case (HXHC), 1.2 m / 3 m cables, ear cushion sets
How to use it
- Plug the supplied 3 m cable into the socket on the left ear cup.
- Connect the other end to the headphone output of your audio interface (use the 6.3 mm adapter if needed).
- Open your DAW and set its output to that interface.
- Start playback with the volume turned low.
- Position the pads so they cover the ears fully and adjust the headband length.
- Play a few tracks you know well to get used to the headphone as a reference.
- Fold the headphone for transport and store it in an optional case.
- Replace the cable or ear pads with the optional spare parts when they wear out.
Checking mix detail
It may help when you want to check midrange balance or noise that room acoustics make hard to hear on speakers.
Late-night tracking
As a closed-back design it may suit monitoring while recording vocals or instruments, and the closed shell may be worth considering in apartments at night.
Post-production and voice editing
It may suit hunting for breaths and clicks in voice edits, and the fit is designed to be comfortable over long sessions.
Streaming and everyday listening
Being wired, it can serve as a streaming monitor and may double as a listening headphone.
Who it may suit
- People looking for a wired closed-back headphone to check mixes and masters at home
- Those who want one headphone for vocal monitoring and editing
- Users who value a design intended for long wear
- Anyone who wants to keep a headphone going by swapping pads and cables
Good to know before you buy
- Wired only; there is no Bluetooth.
- The cable uses a 3.5 mm plug; use the supplied adapter for 6.3 mm outputs.
- Case, shorter cable and replacement ear cushions are sold separately.
- The maker lists up to 5 years of warranty; check conditions on the official page.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Hi-X25BT
The Hi-X55 is wired only with a 5 Hz to 28 kHz range, 305 g and a detachable 3 m cable. The Hi-X25BT offers Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C and analog connections, lists 12 Hz to 24 kHz, weighs 270 g and has a built-in mic.
Price
$349 (Austrian Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Hi-X55 on the product page
Sources: austrian.audio (checked 2026-10-27)
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