Overview

The Sennheiser HD 560S are open-back, over-ear headphones developed for users requiring a neutral sound profile and detailed sound reproduction. Released by Sennheiser, a company founded in 1945, these headphones are positioned for critical listening applications, including music production, mixing, mastering, and analytical audio assessment. The open-back design is a core characteristic, allowing air to pass through the earcups, which contributes to a wider perceived soundstage and improved spatial accuracy compared to closed-back alternatives. This design choice inherently sacrifices passive noise isolation, making the HD 560S less suitable for noisy environments but more suited for quiet listening spaces where sound leakage is not a concern. The HD 560S feature a frequency response range of 6 Hz to 38 kHz and an impedance of 120 Ω, indicating a design intended for use with dedicated headphone amplifiers or audio interfaces capable of driving higher impedance headphones, although they can function with standard consumer devices. The earcups are equipped with velour pads, designed for extended comfort during long listening sessions, a factor important for professionals and serious hobbyists in audio production. The detachable cable system provides flexibility for replacement or upgrading, contributing to the longevity of the product. The sound signature is characterized by a relatively flat frequency response, particularly in the mid-range, which is crucial for accurate vocal and instrument reproduction, and a controlled bass response that avoids overemphasis, as noted in technical reviews by Rtings.com. For gaming, the HD 560S's open-back design and soundstage characteristics are beneficial for competitive players who rely on precise positional audio cues to identify enemy locations in titles such as first-person shooters. The comfort features also support extended gaming sessions without discomfort. The neutral sound profile ensures that in-game audio is presented without artificial boosts to bass or treble, allowing for a more accurate representation of the game's sound design. While not equipped with a microphone, the HD 560S are frequently paired with external microphones by streamers and competitive gamers for their audio output capabilities. In music production, the neutrality of the HD 560S is critical. Mixing and mastering engineers require headphones that provide an uncolored representation of their audio, allowing them to make informed decisions about equalization, dynamics, and spatial placement. The wide frequency response ensures that both sub-bass frequencies and high-frequency details are audible, which is essential for identifying issues and making precise adjustments. This makes the HD 560S a tool for monitoring and final quality control, complementing studio monitors in a professional workflow. The HD 560S are a suitable choice for developers and technical buyers seeking an analytical audio tool, rather than a consumer-grade entertainment device with an emphasized sound profile.

Key features

  • Open-back design: Facilitates a wide, natural soundstage and improved spatial accuracy, beneficial for critical listening and positional audio in gaming.
  • Neutral frequency response: Engineered to provide an uncolored sound profile across the audible spectrum, crucial for accurate audio monitoring and mixing applications. This design choice aims for a balanced presentation, as detailed in objective measurements by Rtings.com.
  • High impedance (120 Ω): Optimized for use with dedicated headphone amplifiers or professional audio interfaces, allowing for optimal power delivery and signal integrity.
  • Detachable cable: A 3-meter detachable cable with a 6.3mm jack and a 3.5mm adapter provides flexibility for connecting to various audio sources and allows for easy replacement.
  • Velour ear pads: Designed to offer comfort during extended listening or gaming sessions, reducing pressure points and heat buildup.
  • Lightweight construction: The headset's design prioritizes a low mass, contributing to long-term comfort and reducing fatigue during use.

Pricing

Pricing for the Sennheiser HD 560S is subject to regional variations and retailer policies. The table below reflects typical manufacturer's suggested retail pricing as of May 2026.

Product MSRP (USD) As Of Source
Sennheiser HD 560S $199.95 May 2026 Sennheiser HD 560S Product Page

Common integrations

  • Audio Interfaces: Connects to professional audio interfaces (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett, Universal Audio Apollo) via 6.3mm or 3.5mm jack for studio monitoring and recording setups.
  • Headphone Amplifiers: Pairs with dedicated headphone amplifiers (e.g., Schiit Magni, Topping L30II) to drive the 120 Ω impedance effectively, ensuring optimal sound quality and volume.
  • Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Used for monitoring audio within DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or Pro Tools during music production, mixing, and mastering workflows.
  • Gaming PCs/Consoles: Connects directly to sound cards or front-panel audio jacks on PCs for gaming, or to console controllers (with appropriate adapters) for in-game audio.

Alternatives

  • Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: An open-back, high-impedance headphone known for a V-shaped sound signature and durable build, often used for mixing and casual listening.
  • Audio-Technica ATH-R70x: A high-impedance, open-back reference headphone designed for professional monitoring, featuring a neutral sound and lightweight construction.
  • HIFIMAN Sundara: A planar magnetic open-back headphone offering a detailed and expansive soundstage, often favored for critical listening and audiophile applications.

Getting started

The Sennheiser HD 560S are analog headphones. Integration primarily involves physical connection to an audio source. For optimal performance with higher impedance headphones like the HD 560S, a dedicated headphone amplifier or an audio interface with a robust headphone output is recommended. The following example demonstrates a basic studio setup configuration.

# Basic Studio Setup with Sennheiser HD 560S

1.  **Connect Audio Interface to Computer:**
    *   Connect your audio interface (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) to your computer via USB.
    *   Install necessary drivers for the audio interface.

2.  **Connect Sennheiser HD 560S to Audio Interface:**
    *   Locate the headphone output on your audio interface (typically a 6.3mm jack).
    *   If the HD 560S's cable has a 3.5mm jack, use the included 6.3mm adapter.
    *   Plug the HD 560S's cable (with adapter if needed) into the audio interface's headphone output.

3.  **Configure Audio Settings (Windows Example):**
    *   Right-click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select "Sound Settings."
    *   Under "Output," select your audio interface (e.g., "Focusrite USB Audio").
    *   Adjust the master volume for the audio interface.

4.  **Configure Audio Settings (macOS Example):**
    *   Open "System Settings" > "Sound."
    *   Under the "Output" tab, select your audio interface.
    *   Adjust the output volume.

5.  **Test Audio:**
    *   Play audio from your computer (e.g., music, DAW project).
    *   Adjust the headphone volume knob on your audio interface to a comfortable listening level.

# Note on Impedance:
# The HD 560S has an impedance of 120 Ω. While many devices can drive them, a dedicated headphone amplifier or a capable audio interface will provide sufficient power to achieve optimal volume and dynamic range without distortion.