Audeze LCD-X
Summary
Abstract
The Audeze LCD-X is a planar magnetic open-back headphone popular among mix engineers for its exceptional low end and low-mid response. The 2021 revision improved the frequency response somewhat, but the model retains a notable dip around 2.5k-4k that requires corrective EQ for reliable mixing. Weight and build quality remain concerns.
Key Characteristics
- Open-back planar magnetic design
- Excellent low end extension and low-mid clarity
- Significant dip at 2.5k-4k (approximately 13 dB at 4kHz per measurements)
- Heavy weight — some users find they do not clamp well, feeling like “two small speakers hanging off the sides of my head”
- Inconsistent build quality for the price point
- Benefits greatly from corrective EQ (Sonarworks or similar)
Use Cases
- Mixing reference for low end and low-mid decisions
- Critical listening (with EQ correction)
- Checking compression behavior — “first headphones I can hear compression clearly on” (shaunobi)
Settings & Sweet Spots
- Throw corrective EQ on the output of your interface (e.g., RME parametric EQ)
- Sonarworks correction profile helps even out the upper-mid dip
- The Manny Marroquin signature model is essentially the LCD-X with the 3k dip filled in and lighter weight
Comparable Alternatives
| Headphone | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Audeze MM-500 | ~$1700 | More “correct” upper midrange, similar character |
| Sennheiser HD650 / HD6XX | ~$200-350 | Better translation overall per some users |
| Audio-Technica ATH-R70x | ~$350 | Loved for mixing, less low end |
| HEDDphone | ~$1800 | Less hyped midrange |
Common Mistakes
- Mixing without corrective EQ and ending up with too much energy in the 2-4k range
- Expecting the build quality to match the price
- Not testing fit before buying — the weight and clamp force are divisive
See Also
Source Discussions
Adam Thein
“I know the LCD-X really well and they seem to be an improved version especially in the upper midrange where I have a really hard time with these.”
Rob Domos
“I love my LCD-Xs, but you’re right that the upper mids are a little weird. Sonarworks has helped even that out though for the most part for me.”
Josh
“The LCD-X were extremely uncomfortable for me. They were too heavy and didn’t clamp down on my noggin like other headphones do.”
Bryan DiMaio
“The LCD-X and the MM-500 were both good and on my head the mids felt better on the 500.”
Discord Source
Channel: 🔈monitoring-talk Messages: 7 Date range: April 2021 – March 2022 Key contributors: Rob Domos, David Fuller See also: monitoring-talk Channel Summary