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An introduction to Austrian Audio Hi-X15, 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-X15 delivers clear, honest sound and reliable performance.
— Austrian Audio official site
What is Hi-X15?
The Hi-X15 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone from Austrian Audio of Austria. It is positioned as the more affordable model in the company's Hi-X line, and the official page presents it as a versatile and affordable option for a studio, rehearsal space or home setup. The page also notes that it was designed in Vienna.
The core technology is a driver called Hi-Xcursion (High Excursion). Every Hi-X model has a 44 mm driver and a ring magnet system, and the maker says a copper-clad aluminum voice coil reduces diaphragm weight for a quicker response. The membrane is described as ultra-stiff to damp resonance.
For fit, it combines a lightweight, foldable build with slow-retention memory-foam earpads and headband. The official page cites comfort for late-night practice and at-home tracking sessions. The cable is detachable with a 3.5 mm connection, and the standard length is 1.4 m.
The specifications are a frequency range of 12 Hz-24 kHz, sensitivity of 113 dBspl/V, impedance of 25 ohms and input power of 150 mW. The low 25-ohm impedance suggests it can be driven from the headphone output of a computer or audio interface. Weight is 225 g without the cable.
The ear pads and headband pads on the Hi-X15 use slow-retention memory foam. The headbow is described as flexible and durable, and because the headphones fold they are easy to carry in a bag.
The official page says the Hi-X line was developed with support from the Vienna Business Agency. The company's lineup also includes the Hi-X55 and Hi-X65 and the Bluetooth Hi-X25BT, and the Hi-X15 is positioned as the more affordable closed-back model.
Four official accessories are sold separately: a headphone 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 replacement kit (Hi-XBCUK). The kit also fits the Hi-X25BT, Hi-X20, PG16 and PB17.
Closed-back over-ear design
The closed-back cups cover the whole ear, limiting outside sound coming in and sound leaking out. This type is used when you want to keep headphone sound from bleeding into a microphone while recording.
44 mm Hi-Xcursion driver
Every Hi-X model has a 44 mm driver and a ring magnet system. The maker says the ring magnet and copper-clad aluminum voice coil lighten the diaphragm to aim for a quick response.
Lightweight and foldable
It weighs 225 g without the cable and folds, which makes it easy to carry in a bag. For people who work at home and also bring headphones to a studio, the low weight may help during long sessions.
Memory-foam padding
Memory foam is used for both earpads and headband pad. The official page cites comfort during long practice and at-home tracking sessions. A replacement ear cushion kit (for Hi-X25BT/20/15) is sold separately.
Detachable cable
The 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) connection lets you detach the standard 1.4 m cable. A separate 3 m cable (2.5 mm lockable TRS to 3.5 mm TRS) is available, making replacement or length changes easy.
25-ohm specification
Impedance is 25 ohms and sensitivity is 113 dBspl/V. A low impedance and relatively high sensitivity are figures that point to easy volume from a computer or interface headphone output.
Four official accessories
A case, a 1.4 m cable, a 3 m locking cable and an ear cushion kit are available from the maker, which makes it easy to replace wear items over time.
Designed in Vienna
The official page says the headphones are designed in Vienna, Austria, and the Hi-X line shares the proprietary High Excursion driver.
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 | 1.4 m, detachable |
| Connector | 3.5 mm (1/8") |
| Dimensions | 250 x 170 x 80 mm |
| Weight (without cable) | 225 g |
| Warranty | Up to 3 years (as stated by the maker) |
| Pad material | Slow-retention memory foam (ear pads and headband) |
| Folding | Yes |
| Cable connector | 3.5 mm (detachable at the headphone) |
| Voice coil | Copper-clad aluminum |
| Membrane | Ultra-stiff design to damp resonance |
What is included and system requirements
- Headphones with a detachable 1.4 m cable (the official page has no contents list; a quick start guide is provided)
- Sold separately: 3 m cable (2.5 mm lockable TRS to 3.5 mm TRS) and 1.4 m cable
- 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 supplied 3.5 mm cable firmly into the headphone jack.
- Plug the other end into the headphone output of the audio interface, computer or player; use an adapter if you need a 1/4-inch plug.
- Put the headphones on and adjust the headband length.
- When monitoring a recording, raise the interface's headphone volume gradually from a low setting.
- For long sessions, check how the pads sit and keep an ear cushion replacement kit in mind.
- Fold them when not in use, and use a case if you carry them around.
- To change the cable, pull it out of the jack and plug in the new one.
- To change the cable, unplug it at the headphone and insert the new one. The 3 m cable has a locking 2.5 mm connector, so secure the lock.
Monitoring while recording vocals or instruments
As a closed-back model, it may suit monitoring while recording vocals or guitar. The 25-ohm impedance is easy to drive, and the low weight may help during long takes.
Checking mixes at home
The maker positions the Hi-X line for studio and home environments. Beyond tracking, it could also be used to check mixes at home.
Working on the move
Being foldable and lightweight, it may suit working in places such as cafes or rehearsal rooms. The case is sold separately.
Monitoring for streaming and video editing
With its low impedance it is easy to use from a computer's output, so it may work for monitoring in streaming or video editing.
Late-night practice and home tracking
The official page cites late-night practice and at-home tracking. Being light and foldable, it may also be handy when moving between rooms.
Carrying to rehearsal rooms
Folded and placed in the optional case, it may be easy to take to studios and rehearsal rooms.
Who it may suit
- People looking for a closed-back headphone for monitoring while recording vocals or guitar may find it suitable.
- Those who want a light headphone for both home work and carrying around may find it suitable.
- Users who want to keep the price down while having a detachable cable and replaceable pads may find it suitable.
- Beginners looking for a first studio headphone before considering higher models in the same line may find it suitable.
Good to know before you buy
- The standard cable is 1.4 m. If you record a bit away from the desk, you may need the separate 3 m cable.
- The 3 m cable uses a 2.5 mm lockable TRS to 3.5 mm TRS connection, which may not match the cables of other headphones.
- 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.
- 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-X20
Hi-X15: 225 g, 1.4 m cable, $149. Hi-X20: 255 g, 3 m cable, $169 (both per Austrian Audio). Frequency range, sensitivity and impedance are the same.
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80Ω
Hi-X15: 25 Ω, 12 Hz-24 kHz, detachable cable. DT 770 PRO 80 Ω: 80 Ω, 5-35,000 Hz, 96 dB, fixed cable, about 375 g including cable, $199.99 (per beyerdynamic).
Price
$149 (Austrian Audio official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Hi-X15 on the product page
Sources: austrian.audio north-america.beyerdynamic.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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