Audeze MM-500 Manny Marroquin Headphones - With Case and 6.3mm Cable

A Studio Tool That Works Just as Well at Home

Audeze built the MM-500 with Manny Marroquin, an eleven-time Grammy-winning mixing engineer, for one purpose: making decisions you can trust, so a mix that sounds right here should sound right everywhere else.

That same honesty is why the MM-500 works outside the studio, too. If you want to hear a recording as it was actually finished rather than as a manufacturer thinks you'd enjoy it, this is that kind of headphone.

The chassis is machined aluminum with a spring steel headband and a wide leather-padded suspension strap that spreads the weight evenly, built for daily professional use rather than occasional listening.

Where the 90mm Planar Driver Earns Its Keep

Three Audeze Technologies, Working Together

Instead of a cone pushed by a voice coil at its center, the MM-500's planar magnetic driver uses a large, ultra-thin diaphragm driven evenly across its whole surface, so less of it flexes out of step.

Audeze adds Uniforce voice coils to cut distortion, Fazor waveguides to manage how sound leaves the driver, and Fluxor magnet arrays for efficiency — three technologies working together rather than in isolation.

Easy to Drive, Built to Wear All Day

At 18 ohms and 100dB per milliwatt, the MM-500 is among the easiest planar headphones to power, running from an audio interface, a console, a home amplifier, or a decent portable without a specialist amp.

At 495 grams these are not light, but the load is distributed across a wide suspension strap rather than concentrated at the top of your head throughout a full working day.

Who Is the MM-500 Best For?

• You want accuracy, not flattery: these are tuned to be truthful, so poor recordings sound like poor recordings
• You mix or master and need translation you can trust: Manny Marroquin's decade of Grammy-winning experience shaped this tuning directly
• You're set up with an interface or console already: the included 6.3mm cable connects straight in without needing an amplifier upgrade
• You want a headphone built for daily professional wear: the machined aluminum chassis is designed for years of studio use
• You want Manny Marroquin's studio reference tuning — the MM-500 is the mixing-desk standard

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The supplied braided cable connects to the headphones and plugs directly into your interface, amplifier, or DAC via a 6.3mm (1/4") plug — no batteries, no software, no break-in ritual required.

For a phone or laptop's smaller jack, you'll need a simple adapter, though these are genuinely built around professional gear with a standard-size output first.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around an MM-500:

• Headphone amplifiers — a better source still improves what you hear, even at this driver's easy-to-drive specs
• Digital-to-analog converters — a clean digital source feeding your interface matters as much as the interface itself
• Headphone cables — an adapter or aftermarket cable adapts the 6.3mm termination to smaller devices
• Headphone stands — a proper resting spot between mixing sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

Not necessarily. At 18 ohms and 100dB per milliwatt these are unusually efficient for a planar design, so most interfaces and amplifiers drive them properly without any special upgrade required.

How do these compare to the LCD-X?

Both are Audeze planar headphones aimed at professional use. The MM-500 was built later, with Manny Marroquin's direct input, around mix translation specifically for engineers.

Has the MM-500 been discontinued?

Audeze has introduced the MM-520 as its successor, adding SLAM bass technology and magnetic detachable pads. The MM-500 remains available here as the previous generation, still in current production.

Can I use these for tracking with a microphone?

Not ideally. Open-back headphones leak sound, which a live microphone will pick up. Use a closed-back pair for tracking and save these for mixing, mastering, and listening.

Is the earpad material leather?

Yes, the MM-500 ships with leather earpads glued in place, matched to the machined aluminum housing for a seal that stays consistent across long working sessions.

Where is the MM-500 made?

Handcrafted and tested at Audeze's Southern California workshop, the same facility responsible for every headphone in Audeze's current lineup.

See It in Action

Streaky presents Audeze MM-500 Headphone Review.

Independent reviewer presents Audeze MM-500 Manny Marroquin Headphones - With Case and 6.3mm Cable.

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about planar magnetic headphones, headphone amplifiers, or getting the most from an open-back design? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.