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In this monoprice monolith closed back planar headphones review, we look at the M565C model. It uses a 66mm planar magnetic driver inside a closed-back enclosure. This combination aims to deliver detailed audio while blocking outside noise. The design focuses on isolation, keeping your music contained and external distractions out. You get a sturdy build with specific dimensions for a secure fit. The headphones are built for studio use, prioritizing sound clarity and comfort during long sessions. We will explain how these specs translate to your listening experience.
- 66mm planar magnetic driver for detailed audio reproduction
- Closed-back design for excellent audio isolation
- Over-ear fit with faux leather earpads
- Symmetrical magnet structure for improved efficiency
- Weighs 2.53 pounds for a solid build
Good fit for
This headphone suits studio professionals and audiophiles who need strong noise isolation. The closed-back design helps you focus on your mix or music without external interference. If you listen in moderately noisy environments, the isolation keeps the sound clean. The over-ear fit and padded headband support long mixing or critical listening sessions. You will appreciate the planar driver’s clarity if you value precise sound staging in a controlled setting.
Who can skip it
You should skip these if you need portability. At 2.53 pounds, they are heavy for travel. The closed-back design also means they do not leak sound well, but they may feel warm during extended wear. If you prefer open-back headphones for a wider soundstage, this closed design will feel confined. The weight and size make them less ideal for casual, on-the-go listening compared to lighter alternatives.
Verdict
The Monoprice Monolith M565C offers strong isolation and detailed planar sound for studio or home use. Its weight and closed design make it best for stationary, critical listening rather than portable enjoyment.
Monolith M565C Key Specs Explained
Driver: Planar Magnetic
Planar magnetic drivers use a thin, uniformly coated diaphragm suspended in a magnetic field. This design often provides faster transient response and lower distortion than traditional dynamic drivers. You get detailed sound reproduction with precise imaging. This technology suits listeners who prioritize accuracy and clarity in their audio setup. It is a step up from standard moving coil designs found in many consumer headphones.
Back Design: Closed-Back
A closed-back enclosure seals the ear cups completely. This blocks external noise from entering and prevents sound from leaking out. You benefit from better isolation in noisy environments like offices or studios. It also helps maintain bass response by containing the acoustic energy. Choose this style if you need to focus on your music without distractions or disturb others around you.
Fit: Over-Ear
Over-ear headphones feature large ear cups that fully surround your ears. This design distributes pressure evenly across the head and ears. You experience less fatigue during long listening sessions compared to on-ear models. The seal around your ears also aids in noise isolation. Look for this fit if you want comfort and effective passive noise cancellation for extended use.
Use: Studio
Headphones rated for studio use are built for professional audio monitoring. They offer a flat and accurate frequency response for mixing and mastering. You can hear details in your music that consumer headphones might color or hide. This makes them ideal for producers, engineers, and critical listeners. Select this category if you need reliable reference sound for work or detailed listening.
Build, Materials, and Physical Size
The Monolith M565C features a closed-back design with black coloring. According to the listing, the earpads use faux leather material. This choice supports the stated goal of extended listening comfort. The headband includes padding to distribute weight. The overall layout is an over-the-ear fit. This form factor aims to provide better isolation than on-ear models. The closed-back construction helps keep outside noise out. It also keeps your music from disturbing others. This makes the unit suitable for studio use or noisy environments. The listing specifies the physical dimensions as 10.2 inches wide, 9.84 inches long, and 3.94 inches high. The unit weighs 2.53 pounds. This mass comes from the large 66mm planar magnetic driver and the symmetrical magnet structure. The weight may feel substantial during long sessions. However, the padding helps manage this. The design prioritizes acoustic isolation and driver efficiency. You get a robust build that suits stationary listening. It is less ideal for portable, on-the-go use due to size and weight. The materials focus on durability and comfort rather than lightweight travel. This is a dedicated listening tool for fixed locations.
Setup And Daily Use Guide
The Monoprice Monolith M565C is an over-ear headphone designed for studio environments. You connect these headphones directly to your audio source. There are no wireless features or built-in batteries mentioned. You need a dedicated amplifier or a device with a strong headphone output to drive the planar magnetic driver effectively. The listing highlights a redesigned symmetrical magnet structure. This engineering choice improves efficiency within the closed-back enclosure. You do not need complex pairing procedures. You simply plug the cable into your audio interface or amplifier.
Daily use involves managing the physical weight. The unit weighs 2.53 pounds. This is heavier than many standard dynamic headphones. The padded headband helps distribute this mass across your head. The large faux leather earpads provide a seal around your ears. This seal is critical for the closed-back design. It ensures that outside noise stays out and your music stays in. You get excellent audio isolation. This makes the M565C suitable for listening in less than silent environments.
The closed-back design also means you will not disturb others with your audio. You can listen at higher volumes without leakage. The planar magnetic driver offers detailed sound reproduction. You benefit from precise imaging and fast transient response. The setup is straightforward. You connect the cable, adjust the headband for a secure fit, and begin listening. The physical dimensions are 10.2 inches in width and 9.84 inches in length. These measurements ensure the earcups fully cover your ears for optimal isolation.
Before You Buy These Headphones
You need to ensure your amplifier can drive these planar magnetic drivers effectively. The listing notes a redesigned symmetrical magnet structure for better efficiency, but planar designs often demand more power than standard dynamic headphones. Check your current setup to verify it delivers sufficient voltage and current. These headphones are built for studio use, so they pair best with dedicated audio interfaces or high-quality DACs rather than casual phone outputs. The closed-back design provides excellent isolation, making them suitable for noisy environments, but you must maintain the faux leather earpads to preserve comfort during long sessions. Keep the headband padding clean to extend the product's lifespan. When comparing this model to other options in the Headphones category, consider whether you prioritize isolation and detailed imaging over wireless convenience. If you need portability without an amp, look elsewhere. If you want precise sound in a quiet or controlled space, these fit well alongside other studio-focused choices.
Check before you buy
- Verify your amplifier has enough power for planar magnetic drivers.
- Check if your workspace benefits from closed-back noise isolation.
- Confirm you have space for over-ear storage and maintenance.
- Ensure you prefer wired connections over wireless convenience.
- Assess if studio-grade detail matches your listening priorities.
Monoprice Monolith Closed-Back Planar Headphones
Best for: studio isolation and planar accuracy
- Form Factor
- Over Ear
- Back Design
- Closed-Back
- Driver
- Planar Magnetic
- Use
- Studio
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 9.84 × 10.2 × 3.94 inches
The Monolith M565C features 66mm planar magnetic drivers in a closed-back over-ear design. This configuration delivers strong audio isolation, keeping outside noise out and music in. The build includes large faux leather earpads and a padded headband for extended comfort. Weighing 2.53 pounds, it suits studio use where sound separation and driver efficiency matter more than lightweight portability.
- 66mm planar magnetic drivers with symmetrical magnet structure
- Closed-back design provides excellent audio isolation
- Large faux leather earpads and padded headband for comfort
- Engineered for efficient performance in a closed enclosure
- Heavy build at 2.53 pounds
- Large physical dimensions measuring 10.2 by 9.84 by 3.94 inches
- You need strong isolation from outside noise
- You prioritize planar magnetic driver accuracy
- You listen in environments that are not silent
- You prefer lightweight headphones under two pounds
- You need a compact design for travel
- You want open-back soundstage
Verdict: Monoprice Monolith M565C Planar Headphones fit studio engineers and audiophiles who need isolation and planar accuracy. You should choose this if you value sound separation over portability.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Monoprice Monolith Closed-Back Planar Headphones |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Back Design | Closed-Back |
| Driver | Planar Magnetic |
| Fit | Over-Ear |
| Use | Studio |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 9.84 × 10.2 × 3.94 inches |
| Weight | 2.53 pounds |
| Size | Headphone (Over the Ear) |
| Model | M565C |
Frequently asked questions
Are the Monoprice Monolith M565C headphones comfortable for long studio sessions?
The M565C uses an over-ear fit with faux leather earpads to support extended listening. The headband includes padding to help distribute the weight of the 2.53-pound chassis. You should plan for breaks, as the closed-back design traps heat. The physical dimensions are 10.2 by 9.84 by 3.94 inches, which may feel bulky compared to lighter dynamic models.
What size amplifier do these planar headphones require?
These headphones need a dedicated amplifier capable of driving planar magnetic drivers effectively. The listing notes a redesigned symmetrical magnet structure for better efficiency, but planar designs generally demand more power than standard dynamic headphones. You should check your current setup to ensure it can handle the load without distortion or volume limitations.
Do the Monolith M565C support wireless Bluetooth connectivity?
No, the Monoprice Monolith M565C does not feature wireless Bluetooth connectivity. You connect these headphones directly to your audio source via a wired connection. There are no built-in batteries mentioned in the specifications. You need a dedicated amplifier or a device with a suitable headphone jack to use them in a studio environment.
How well do these headphones isolate outside noise?
The closed-back enclosure is designed to block outside noise and provide studio isolation. This design keeps your music contained and prevents sound leakage. You should choose this model if you value sound separation over portability. The physical build aims to deliver detailed audio while maintaining a secure seal around your ears for accurate monitoring.
What is the weight of the Monoprice Monolith M565C?
The Monoprice Monolith M565C weighs 2.53 pounds. This is heavier than many standard dynamic headphones due to the planar magnetic driver and closed-back construction. The over-ear fit helps distribute this mass across your head. You should consider this weight when deciding between studio use and portable listening scenarios.
Are these headphones suitable for mixing and mastering?
Yes, the Monoprice Monolith M565C is best for studio isolation and planar accuracy. The planar magnetic driver often provides faster transient response and lower distortion than traditional dynamic drivers. You get detailed sound reproduction with precise imaging. This makes them a strong choice for studio engineers who need accurate monitoring and noise isolation.
What color options are available for the M565C model?
The Monoprice Monolith M565C is available in black. The listing specifies this color for the closed-back design. The earpads also use a black faux leather material. You do not have other color variations listed for this specific model number. The aesthetic is designed to be neutral for professional studio environments.