Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Open-Back Studio Headphones (Leather)
Audeze LCD-X Planar Magnetic Open-Back Studio Headphones (Leather)
The Audeze LCD-X is the open-back planar magnetic headphone that has become a fixture in mix and mastering rooms since its launch in 2013. It pairs large 106mm planar magnetic drivers with low distortion and a neutral tuning, so you can check balance, reverb tails, low-end and stereo placement on headphones and trust what you hear when the mix goes back to the monitors.
Because the LCD-X is low impedance (20 ohms) and efficient (103dB/1mW), it doesn't need a dedicated headphone amplifier to sound right. It runs happily from the headphone output of most audio interfaces, consoles and monitor controllers. A good amp will still open it up further.
Who the LCD-X is for
- Mix and mastering engineers who want a second reference alongside their monitors, or a reliable way to work late without disturbing anyone.
- Producers working in untreated rooms, where headphones take room acoustics out of the equation.
- Tracking and editing in the control room, where you need fine detail on edits, noise and fades.
- Critical listeners and audiophiles who want a neutral, detailed open-back headphone.
Sound and technology
Each earcup holds a 106mm planar magnetic transducer with an Ultra-Thin Uniforce diaphragm driven by a neodymium N50 magnet array. Audeze's Fazor waveguides manage the phase of the sound leaving the driver, which helps imaging and keeps instruments and vocals precisely placed. Frequency response runs from 10Hz to 50kHz, with THD below 0.1% at 100dB SPL, so the low end stays tight and clean at mixing levels.
The open-back design gives a wide, natural soundstage. Note that open-back headphones leak sound, so the LCD-X suits control-room monitoring rather than tracking next to a live microphone.
Comfort for long sessions
The LCD-X uses a suspension headband to spread its 612g weight evenly, and deep, well-cushioned leather earpads. The neutral tuning and low distortion help reduce listening fatigue over long sessions.
Pairing with Reveal+
The LCD-X is supported by Audeze's Reveal+ plug-in, which uses a personalised map of your hearing to recreate the experience of mixing on speakers in a treated studio.
What's included
- Audeze LCD-X planar magnetic headphones (leather earpads)
- 1.9m braided OCC copper 4-pin XLR combo cable with 6.35mm (1/4") single-ended adapter
- 6.35mm (1/4") to 3.5mm adapter
- Audeze travel case
- Certificate of authenticity and warranty cards
Specifications
- Style: Over-ear, open-back
- Transducer type: Planar magnetic
- Magnetic structure: Proprietary magnet array
- Phase management: Fazor
- Magnet type: Neodymium N50
- Diaphragm type: Ultra-Thin Uniforce
- Transducer size: 106mm
- Frequency response: 10Hz to 50kHz
- Maximum SPL: >130dB
- THD: <0.1% @ 100dB SPL
- Sensitivity: 103dB/1mW (at Drum Reference Point)
- Impedance: 20 ohms
- Maximum power handling: 5W RMS
- Minimum power requirement: >100mW
- Recommended power level: >250mW
- Cable: 1.9m, 4-pin XLR with 6.35mm (1/4") single-ended adapter
- Wire material: 20 AWG high-purity OCC copper
- Weight: 612g
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a headphone amp for the Audeze LCD-X?
No. At 20 ohms and 103dB/1mW, the LCD-X can be driven by most audio interface and console headphone outputs. Audeze recommends at least 250mW for best results, and a dedicated amp will give more headroom.
Is the LCD-X good for mixing and mastering?
Yes. Its neutral tuning, low distortion and accurate imaging are why it's widely used as a reference headphone in professional studios.
Can I use the LCD-X for recording?
It's ideal for monitoring in the control room. Because it's open-back, sound leaks out, so a closed-back model such as the Audeze LCD-XC or the Audeze LCD-S20 is a better choice for performers tracking near a microphone.
What's the difference between the LCD-X and the LCD-XC?
The LCD-X is open-back, for a wider, more natural soundstage. The LCD-XC is the closed-back version, with more isolation and less leakage.