Some may counter that headphones and pure playback devices are products, so to speak, which are not part of the creative field, but rather the “sound-technical monitoring apparatus” and therefore do not have the cult status of the protagonists mentioned above.
However, this must be countered by the fact that a similar mental dance is carried out around high-quality listening as is the case with the corresponding recording products, although this is “only” the same category....
Be that as it may, nothing in the studio works without it, so today we want to take a look at a product from AKG's mid-range, the K141 MKII. AKG is one of the few companies that still manufactures in its home country of Austria and does not have its production done in China, as almost 80% of the music industry now does.
Construction:
The K141 is a dynamic headphone designed with a semi-open design. This means that some of the ambient noise can be heard despite using the headphones. The advantage, as with open systems, lies in communication with the “outside world”, which can be made much easier from a psychological and practical perspective than with closed systems.
The headphones have the AKG standard appearance, a solid optical black and silver balance ensures an elegant overall impression. Once again, the removable cable makes the user very happy. Using a small push button, you release the lock that secures the connection cable, which is only routed on one side. Gone are the days of tying up cables, stuffing them into the case and the associated cable breaks when storing the device.
The scope of delivery of the K141 can be described as extensive. In addition to the screw-on 6.25 mm gold-plated plug (the factory plug is a 3.5 mm mini jack), 2 alternative velor ear cushions and a 5 meter long spiral cable are included.
I particularly liked the spiral cable. How many times have I stepped on my headphone cable in the studio and accidentally torn it off my head while uttering harsh curses, followed by a medium tantrum, because of course the recording was screwed up.
The basic tension of the spiral cable generates a direct path to the insertion point, so the cable is almost never on the ground. For people like me, who float in a completely different world while recording and barely notice their surroundings, this is a blessing!
With a nominal impedance of 55 ohms, the K141 is pleasantly low and can therefore fully exploit its sensitivity of 114 db SPL / V and its nominal load capacity of 200 mW. With its weight of 225 g, it is within the standard range.
Like most AKG headphones, the K141 MKII also has the “cable solution” for optimal placement of the headphones on the head. The imitation leather strap is optimally placed on the head using two threads on each side using a return system on the two guide rails and thus adapts to almost any head shape.
However, you cannot vary the pulling force of the cables and have to make do with the value set at the factory.
Practice:
When you put the K141 MKII on for the first time, you immediately notice the rather tight alignment of the headband, but you get used to it after a while, especially since this rating is purely subjective and of course varies from head shape to head shape.
The advantage of this orientation is that the listener is held securely on the head, even if it is accelerated by rapid head movements. No matter how wildly I moved my head sideways or backwards, the headphones couldn't be shaken off, the product sat like it was welded on! The wild bangers in the studio will be happy ;-)
The headphones rest on the ear cups and, on the other hand, their tight fit causes a certain degree of blood congestion in the ear cups. As I said, it all depends on the shape of your head, but after just a few minutes I felt a moderate itch in my ears due to the reduced blood flow.
If you put on the velor ear cushions that are included in the delivery, this value becomes significantly better, although the headphones then move a little more on your head, but this does not have a negative impact.
In terms of sound, the K141 MKII has a strong midrange presence in the upper range, which gives it a strong dose of harshness, but also offers it good assertiveness at high ambient volumes. The experienced FOH will be happy to hear it, as they usually have concerns about listening to a channel solo if necessary with the appropriate room volume.
The basses are positioned tightly and do not clog the overall sound with excessive softness, but you have to know the sound of the listener in order not to make a misjudgment during monitoring. As is typical for AKG, the highs are a little brighter than its direct competitors. Here, too, you need some AKG experience, which you acquire quite quickly after using the headphones for a while.
Personally, I don't see the strengths of the K141 MKII in a reference role as much as the recently tested K702, for example, but rather in an uncomplicated "shot from the hip" concept that can be used for almost anything can be taken for rough measure.
In addition, the headphones have a very high volume when necessary, which sometimes requires caution. It's good to know that in an emergency you can accelerate quickly without it destroying the converter.
Conclusion:
The K141 MKII is a real workhorse! He carries out his duties in a good-natured manner, without attracting attention in any way due to his weak points. In terms of processing technology, the Austrian scores highly across the board and its detailed solutions are, as they have been for decades, a real enrichment to the market.
Its detachable cable and one-sided cable routing make it ideal for mobile use, especially since its semi-open design means it can be used in pretty much all areas, from monitoring to recording to playback.
Like the SM58 among microphones, so is the K141 among headphones. In case of doubt, to be used for everything and everyone.
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Additional Informations:
The company offers a wide range of headphones and headsets for various applications, all featuring the distinctive AKG sound¹.
## Professional Headphones
AKG's professional line of headphones is trusted by sound engineers, musicians, and DJs¹³⁴. These headphones are meticulously built to deliver the most accurate and precise sound that professionals demand³⁴.
### Studio Headphones
AKG offers a range of studio headphones, including the K361 and K371, which are closed-back, foldable studio headphones². The K712 PRO and K612 PRO are reference studio headphones². The K275, K245, and K175 are foldable studio headphones with different designs².
### Reference Class Headphones
The K701 and K702 are reference class headphones². These headphones embody the AKG ideal of presenting music with absolute purity and neutrality².
### Superior Reference Headphones
The K812 and K872 are superior reference headphones². These headphones provide a wonderfully open and musical audiophile experience².
### Other Professional Headphones
The K271 MKII and K240 STUDIO are professional studio headphones². The K182 is a professional closed monitor headphone². The K92, K72, and K52 are closed headphones². The K15 is a high-performance conference headphone². The IP2 are powerful in-ear headphones².
## Consumer Headphones
In addition to the professional range, AKG also offers a variety of consumer headphones¹.
### On-Ear Headphones
The Y50 and Y500 are on-ear headphones⁴. These headphones are popular for their sound quality and comfort⁴.
### Bluetooth Headphones
The Y50BT is a Bluetooth version of the Y50⁴. These headphones offer the convenience of wireless listening without compromising on sound quality⁴.
### Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The N60NC are noise-cancelling headphones⁴. These headphones are designed to provide a superior listening experience by reducing ambient noise⁴.
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The AKG K141, a professional semi-open, on-ear headphone, was an advanced version of the legendary K141 headphones¹. It was ideal for studio monitoring and was known for its patented 30mm XXL transducers with Varimotion technology, which delivered higher sensitivity, a wide dynamic range, and an incredible SPL¹. Despite its popularity and advanced features, the K141 has been discontinued¹.
## The AKG K141: A Brief Overview
The K141 MKII headphones featured gimbal suspended leatherette and velvet ear cups and a self-adjusting headband for great fit and maximum comfort, even in long work sessions¹. A professional mini XLR connector allowed quick replacement of the cable¹. The headphones were optimized for single-ear use as well, which kept the familiar sound and made intonation easier¹.
## Reasons for Discontinuation
While the exact reasons for the discontinuation of the K141 are not publicly stated by AKG, there are several factors that could have contributed to this decision.
### Technological Advancements
Over time, technological advancements often lead to the development of new products that offer improved performance and features. It's possible that AKG decided to discontinue the K141 to focus on newer models that incorporate more advanced technology¹.
### Market Demand
Changes in market demand can also lead to the discontinuation of a product. If the demand for the K141 decreased over time, perhaps due to the introduction of newer models or changing consumer preferences, AKG may have decided to discontinue it¹.
### Production Costs
Another possible factor could be the cost of producing the K141. If the production costs were too high compared to the profit margin, discontinuing the product would be a logical business decision¹.
## Impact of Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the K141 has left some users searching for a replacement that offers a similar sound²⁴. Some users have tried the AKG K121, K240, and K141 MK2, but found that none of them sound quite like the K141²⁴.
## Conclusion
The discontinuation of the AKG K141 is a reminder of the constant evolution in the field of audio technology. While the K141 was a popular and well-regarded product, the factors leading to its discontinuation likely involved a complex interplay of technological advancements, market demand, and production costs. Despite its discontinuation, the K141 leaves behind a legacy of quality and performance in the AKG product line¹.
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Faux leather, also known as synthetic leather or artificial leather, has gained significant popularity in various industries and applications over the years. This versatile material is engineered to replicate the look and feel of genuine leather while offering numerous advantages. In this in-depth article, we will explore the myriad benefits of faux leather in different sectors, from fashion to interior design, and beyond.
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8. Availability and Consistency:
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9. Ethical Considerations:
Faux leather aligns with ethical principles by not contributing to the demand for animal leather products. This aspect appeals to individuals who prioritize animal welfare and want to reduce their ecological footprint.
10. Customization:
Faux leather can be customized to meet specific requirements, such as flame resistance, UV resistance, or antimicrobial properties. This adaptability makes it suitable for specialized applications in healthcare, automotive, and hospitality industries.
Conclusion:
The advantages of faux leather extend far beyond its cost-effectiveness. With its sustainability, durability, easy maintenance, and versatility in design, faux leather has established itself as a formidable alternative to genuine leather. Whether in fashion, furniture, or various industrial applications, faux leather continues to gain prominence as a practical, ethical, and environmentally friendly choice. Its growing popularity underscores its enduring appeal in today's world.
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