AKG K121 Studio

The AKG K121 Studio are professional entry-level headphones for various applications, such as Project Studios and Home Recording. These semi-open, are true headphones for all-around use. The adjustable AKG headband ensures good comfort. The K121 Studio headphones come with a 3.5/6.3mm stereo adapter and are designed for ambitious use.

AKG K121 Studio

General specifications.

Inside the purchase package (rather simple, but with detailed information) there are no special accessories. Besides the headphones, only the 6.3mm adapter jack and the instruction booklet.

The AKG K121 are headphones constructed mostly of metal. They are very sturdy and definitely built to last. The headband, which is covered with leatherette, tends to sag very little.

This is on the one hand a plus because it does not fall off the head easily, but also a flaw because it can be a bit tight for some people. They are quite lightweight, so once the headband has given a little, it will almost feel like you are not wearing them.

The design of the headphones is quite understated and they are pleasant and original to look at. Their color is black and gold with the 3.5mm jack (and the 6.3 jack separately) echoing the gold plating of the pads. Also very nice are the logos and lettering, again printed in gold to give a sense of harmony to the headphones.

One of the flaws found, however, which is often seen in headphones sold below a certain price, is the fact that the audio cable is not removable and therefore not replaceable when needed. Fortunately, it is straight and quite long (3 meters) and thus allows for some mobility.

The pads are supra-aural, well padded and also covered in easily cleanable leatherette.

Audio features

The AKG K121 are semi-open headphones, ideal for home recording and personal studio recording. This does not deny that they also perform well for everyday use, but it does mean that they are designed to perform a certain kind of work.

They need a few hours of break-in to open up to all kinds of sounds.  Sound isolation is good and they fit well with any audio playback device.

Frequency response ranges from 18 to 22500 Hz and impedance is 55 Ohms (as also well imprinted on the headphone pads). Headphone sensitivity: 114 dB. AKG K121s are generally recommended for those who do not like overly powerful bass. These in fact tend to be flattened and a good amplifier is needed to improve their depth a bit. The mid-high tones, on the other hand, come out very well.

They are clear, detailed and warm, especially in singing parts. Even in audio playback of movies the performance is excellent and you are swept up in the sound much more than with other headphones of a higher price.