KRK KNS8400 Studio Headphone Review

The build is almost entirely plastic, apart from the headband adjustment mechanism, which includes steel rails. However, the plastic feels very sturdy and joints don’t make a lot of noise when handled. Overall build quality doesn’t raise immediate concerns for durability. The headband cushions are wrapped in leatherette, as are the memory foam ear pads. Ear cups rotate 90 degrees, so headphones can be folded flat for packing and storing. One feature that sets these KRK’s apart from most other headphones is the separate cable with dedicated volume control that also serves as a cable extension.

KNS 8400’s boost bass and high frequencies like most of the headphones and the mid-range dip is also a common trait. It’s the high-mid range where it gets more interesting. Usually, here you’ll find a cut, but for KNS 8400 the 3 – 5 kHz region gets a noticeable boost of about 3 dB. The high frequencies are elevated by about 5 dB’s, which is relatively conservative. The overall perceived sound coloration these KRK’s apply to the signal is more severe than a quick glance at the graph might suggest. Two main factors that contribute to this are the aforementioned high-mid boost and the elevated bass that extends up to about 300 Hz and is followed up by an abrupt dip at 400 Hz. The spiky highs don’t help either.

On average pair of KNS 8400 channels are close to identical which is quite exceptional for the price. Two out of ten pairs measured had inconsistencies though, in worst cases reaching 4 dB in some frequency bands which drags the score down.

Comfort wasn’t an issue for any of the testers so while KNS8400 are not the most comfortable studio headphones out there, with short breaks they can be worn for hours. Eyeglass wearers also were satisfied with the way KRK’s fit.

KNS 8400 is a quality set of studio headphones that offer high versatility. KNS 8400 isn’t exactly overpriced yet there are other offerings, such as Mackie MC-250 that deliver similar value for less money.