A new contender has joined Audeze’s LCD line of high-end headphones, the LCD-MX4.
The LCD-MX4 are a pair of open-backed headphones driven by Audeze’s patented Fluxor planar magnet design, which Audeze claims a frequency response of 5Hz to 20kHz extended out to 50kHz. The headphones push 1.5 Tesla (a unit of magnetic measurement) on the 20 ohm impedance, which means the headphones can be used without the need for a headphone amp, making them compatible with everything from studio equipment to even laptops. It’s an impressive list of specs, to be sure, and seems to be in keeping with the high-performance of previous LCD headphones we’ve checked out, such as the LCD-3 and LCD Sine.
The MX4’s exterior is also impressive. The ear cups are crafted with durable magnesium housings and padded with leather, while the headband is built from carbon fiber. The MXAs are also the lightest pair of headphones in Audeze’s LCD line, making them more portable than previous models.
In addition to the LCD-MX4 announcement, Audeze has also announced a new set of free plug-ins known as Reveal, designed for mixing and mastering with the MX4 on Windows 7 and above, and MacOS 10.10 and up. The company claims that the Reveal plugins will “enhance the music creation experience with Audeze Headphones,” thanks to specific presets that “are not meant to fix any issues, but rather to enhance the listener’s experience” by mimicking the acoustic properties of reference studio monitors in acoustically treated rooms. That said, Audeze is confident that users will enjoy listening and mixing/mastering even without the presets enabled.
Reveal is available now in AU, VST, or AAX formats, making the plugins compatible with most digital audio workstations and playback software. You can download it from Audeze’s official Reveal page.
You can pick up a pair of these for a cool $2,995 from Audeze’s online store, or select dealers. The package include a quarter-inch to dual 4-pin mini XLR cable and a travel case. Should you decide to buy directly from Audeze, the company provides a 30-day trial period for checking out the headphones, and will let you return them for a full refund in case you’re not happy with them, which makes the idea of shelling out three grand a little more palatable.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.