Audeze MM-520

The Audeze MM-520 is a purpose-built open-back planar magnetic headphone for recording, mixing, and serious reference listening. Developed as the next evolution of Audeze’s Manny Marroquin Signature Series, the MM-520 builds on the MM-500 with deeper bass definition, tighter low-end control, more accurate midrange expression, and upgraded comfort for long studio sessions.

Designed in collaboration with 18-time Grammy-winning engineer Manny Marroquin, the MM-520 is made for one thing above all else: translation. It gives engineers and creators a reliable monitoring tool that can move from the studio to a laptop, interface, console, or travel rig while keeping the mix honest. The result is a headphone that feels focused, direct, and dependable, whether you are balancing low end, shaping vocals, checking automation, or making final decisions away from your main monitors.

A Signature Tool for Mixing

The MM-520 was built for the daily reality of studio work. It is revealing enough for deep listening, fast enough for detailed editing, and practical enough to use outside a fully treated room. Audeze’s planar magnetic driver platform gives the MM-520 the speed and low distortion needed for precise decisions, while its tuning keeps the midrange clear and trustworthy.

That matters most where mixes live or die. Vocals need to sit correctly. Kick and bass need to lock without getting bloated. Reverb and delay tails need to be easy to place. The MM-520 gives you a more confident read on those decisions, with the kind of low-end definition and midrange focus that helps work translate across speakers, headphones, cars, earbuds, and real-world playback systems.

SLAM Technology for Tighter Bass and Better Space

The biggest acoustic upgrade in the MM-520 is Audeze’s SLAM™ technology, short for Symmetric Linear Acoustic Modulator. SLAM is designed to manage air pressure inside the earcup, helping improve low-frequency impact, bass accuracy, and spatial transparency without sacrificing the midrange neutrality that made the MM-Series a studio staple.

The effect is a more physical, more controlled low end. Bass digs deeper and hits with better shape, but it stays useful for mix decisions rather than turning into extra hype. The MM-520 gives engineers more confidence when judging kick weight, bass guitar density, synth low end, and the space around those elements.

Planar Precision from Audeze

The MM-520 uses 90mm planar magnetic drivers with Audeze’s Fluxor™ magnet array, Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ diaphragm, Fazor™ phase management, and SLAM acoustic management. This driver system is built for low distortion, fast transient response, and clean detail across the frequency range.

With a 5Hz to 50kHz frequency response, maximum SPL above 130dB, and THD below 0.1% at 100dB SPL, the MM-520 has the technical headroom needed for demanding professional work. It can stay composed when mixes get dense, while still making small EQ moves, compression changes, and panning decisions easier to hear.

Studio-Quality Sound, Anywhere

The MM-520 is easier to integrate into a working setup than many high-end planar magnetic headphones. With 18 ohms impedance, 102dB/1mW sensitivity, and a minimum recommended power requirement above 100mW, it can be driven by audio interfaces, consoles, laptops, portable DAC/amps, and dedicated headphone amplifiers.

That makes it useful as a studio reference and as a travel-ready monitoring tool. You can use it at the desk, take it to a session, check a mix away from your main room, or keep it close when you need a reference you can trust outside the studio.

Comfort and Convenience for Long Sessions

The MM-520 is designed for marathon mixing sessions, with upgraded memory foam earpads that improve comfort during long hours of focused listening. The pads attach magnetically, making cleaning, maintenance, and replacement easier.

The over-ear open-back design gives the MM-520 a spacious, natural presentation while helping reduce the closed-in feeling that can make long headphone sessions fatiguing. It is a serious studio headphone, but one built to be used for full workdays, not just quick checks.

Key Features

• Manny Marroquin Signature Series professional open-back headphone
• Designed for recording, mixing, deep listening, and mix translation
• Built on the award-winning MM-500 foundation
• Audeze SLAM™ acoustic technology for tighter bass and improved spatial detail
• 90mm planar magnetic drivers
• Fluxor™ magnet array
• Ultra-Thin Uniforce™ diaphragm
• Fazor™ phase management
• Low distortion performance rated below 0.1% at 100dB SPL, 1kHz
• 5Hz to 50kHz frequency response
• 102dB/1mW sensitivity at Drum Reference Point
• 18 ohms impedance for easy pairing with studio and portable gear
• Minimum recommended power above 100mW
• Upgraded memory foam earpads for long-session comfort
• Magnetic earpad attachment for easy maintenance and replacement
• Includes travel case and MM-Series soft carry bag