Testing the limits: An honest take on OLLO Audio X1 headphones
No hype. No harshness. Absolutely no artificial edge. The X1 headphones from OLLO Audio have genuinely changed the way I listen to and work with music.
Over the past month, I've wrapped up several projects, including a rock album, a short film soundtrack, and even a 45-minute immersive audience installation. That’s incredible. No matter what I threw at them, the X1 headphones handled it all with effortless precision, responding instantly to every adjustment on my deck.
They are truly capable of capturing every single transient with pinpoint accuracy, delivering seamless performance. This says a lot about the quality of these headphones—and about a company that genuinely cares about audio.
I still remember sending my mixes out to clients and being amazed at how minimal their feedback was. Everything translated beautifully with the X1 headphones, and I was astonished at how well the mixes worked across multiple systems. That’s when I realized these headphones are the real deal.
Matteo Marciano’s review of the X1 headphones after a month of use 🎧
People often discuss the differences between mixing audio with speakers in an acoustically treated room versus using headphones. What’s best? Should we mix with headphones? Some argue that headphones alone aren’t ideal.
Generally, a well-balanced mix made with speakers will sound good on headphones, but the reverse is often more difficult. Headphones can reveal a level of detail and allow decisions that are sometimes essential when refining a mix. However, not every pair of headphones can translate that detail accurately.
There are also practical reasons why headphones like the X1 are a go-to choice. First and foremost, they bypass the challenges of an imperfect room, saving you the significant investment needed to build a well-treated space.
That said, I wouldn’t suggest replacing speakers entirely, but when you have headphones like the X1 by OLLO Audio that translate audio this well, they become an invaluable companion. This could be one of the best investments you make for yourself.
