Mackie MC-100 Closed-Back, Over-Ear Headphones

Glad I decided to get this brand, the Mackie MC-100, for .32. Did my research, among other sites, for brands of headphones plus lowest prices. My last 2 were Sennheiser, but now I'm open to other brands, not sticking to them, although the sound was good. I paid .50 for my last Sennheiser just 2 years ago, and ended up hating them in no time. The most annoying factor was the folding by itself. I didn't realize this would be a dealbreaker at first. Every time I picked it up, it folded itself! Why did it need to fold? It's all over the box, first thing it shows folding, yet I bought it. Didn't realize it was self-folding. Never again. Also, I wear glasses, so the temples rip the coverings for each earpiece. I finally learned from my mistakes. No more Sennheiser. Any brand is good for under .50, which is all I'll pay. You don't have to pay .300 for decent headphones. This should last a few years at least. Things I like that are better than the last one (which I'm keeping for backup): wider, cushioned headband, long 10' thick cable with straight connector (I don't want wireless due to constant recharging), bigger cushy earpieces, good sound. Earpieces spin around top to bottom, but only if you push them. Not a problem. I also got socks for covering the earpieces to keep them from ripping from my glasses, 50 pairs from a brand called Auray, also, for about .15. They're like a thin mesh, don't interfere with the sound in the least. So, I hope I've helped in your making your decision for good headphones. I also got free delivery. I used to go in person all the time, but now I have mobility issues, so I do what's easiest. I ordered on a Monday, they shipped on Tuesday, I received both packages on Wednesday.

I don't even know where to begin with this personal review of the Mackie MC-100 headphones, because I'm quite astonished with the audio performance capabilities of this supposedly entry-level unit. More so, with one simple modification/addition, all of a sudden this MC-100 becomes a strong contender for other far more expensive headphones - including some well known planar models! As is always the case - with any personal review - opinions are subjective based on a number of variables that include gear used, hearing capabilities (and constraints), the quality of the recordings being reviewed, and so much more! As a matter of background information, I do quite a bit of review blogging about various entry level and/or budget gear to determine their price vs performance levels. And whenever I discover an audio component that defies comparisons and punches far, far above its weight vs its ridiculous low price, I have to give it a shout-out to the world. Such is the case with the MC-100. I decided to purchase this MC-100 because I read some of the reviews and at only .29.95, I figured, why not. After all, to be honest, I was expecting the MC-100 to be just so-so set of headphones, assuming that at that price, it couldn't possibly be a contender, but boy was I wrong. Upon receiving the headphones, I was correct in assuming that it was not going to have first-rate build qualities, yet it's not overly cheap feeling either. It's a stylish unit with oval ear pads that can be easily removed. I also realized that at such a low price point, a fixed headphone cable would be part of the deal. The MC-100 comes with a 10' cable permanently attached, with a 3.5 MM connector on the other end - which also comes with a 1/4 screw-on adapter, so you'll be ready for any scenario. The types of music I tend to evaluate audio gear with includes classical, jazz, big band, Latin Jazz, and other larger, multi-instrumental groups. Why? The more instruments the better, as this is the best way to evaluate either speakers or headphones to determine areas encompassing instrumental timbre, imaging, air around the instruments, etc. Since the MC-100 are considered entry level headphones, I elected to use a variety of lower cost gear to include the following for the listening evaluation: DAC'S: iFi ZenDac Soundavo HP-DAC1 SMSL Sanskrit 10 Mk II with the xDuoo MT-602 Tube Preamp/Headphone amp Schiit Modi 3+ with the Douk Audio P1 Tube Preamp/Headphone Amp SMSL M100 with the Douk Audio U3 Mini Headphone Amp All DAC's were connected to a desktop PC using AudioQuest USB cables (Pearl Models). RCA cables used were either AudioQuest, World's Best Cables, or Blue Jeans Cables. Speakers used were the powered Presonus Eris E5 XT monitors and the Mackie CR8S-XBT 8 inch powered subwoofer. Listening to the Mackie MC-100 headphones right out of the box, on various DAC's, they sounded fairly pleasant, but nothing out of the ordinary - in fact, they came off as sounding a bit bland. To my ears, they were lacking a palpable upper midrange and high frequency presence, and in some familiar recordings, I felt that the highs were missing In addition, upon first listening, I never felt musically moved in any way and then mistakenly assumed that these headphones might be just be good for entry level gamers or just plugging into your phone or other cheaper devices. As I always do, after first listening - which I never trust right off the bat - I went to bed the evening I received them, realizing that I'd have better clarity in the morning. The next day I began listening again, yet the same results ensued - nothing special, much rather bland, etc. In looking over the headphones I decided that they definitely needed an ear-pad change, specifically those ear pads that were thicker and moved the ear away from the drivers somewhat. Remember, the MC-100's use oval style ear pads (not round) and the ear opening is oval also. The stock pads are not thick at all and bring your ear a bit too close to the drivers in my judgement. So I then chose a set of pads that I instinctively surmised would be an improvement. I've uploaded a photo to this review of the ear pads I used - which are about 1.5 deep and plush with the same oval characteristics. After exchanging the stock (narrow) ear pads for the ones I referenced above, I was stunned (in a very positive way) on how everything had now substantially changed for the better. With the new pads attached (which was a simple exercise), all of a sudden the MC-100's became an audiophile grade instrument that was capable of projecting music in a very convincing manner. With the new ear pads attached, the sound became: 1. Sound-staging, Imaging and Depth: The sound staging was projected forward (in front of you), with imaging that was superb. You could easily pick out where instruments were in that sound stage. Musical depth became uncanny in that you were now literally transported to the center of the performance - as if you were there. Each instrument - no matter how small or silent - could be heard, with tremendous air around each instrument, allowing you to feel and hear the ambience of a given venue. 2. Bass Performance: Improved substantially - became more dynamic, solid (without being mushy). Superb recordings with excellent bass were rendered with a dynamic response that could be eye-opening. 3. Midrange and Highs: Here is where the music really opened up. With the new ear pads, the midrange and upper frequency instruments were now more airy, more open - and instruments such as brass had that prerequisite (realistic) bite, free of any colorations. If you had a good recording, highs - in particular such as stringed instruments - had a silky sheen to them. In addition, if ever there was one instrument that can be used as a strong reference point to determine audio coloration, it's the cymbal. The cymbal - in any scenario - is often colored (yet, we never really pay attention). With that being said, cymbal reproduction - whether in classical music, jazz, or other musical genres, now came through with a clarity and sizzle that was immediately recognizable as realistic and accurate. 4. Instrumental Clarity in general. Each instrument can now be heard clearly (in good recordings of course). I kept looking at these headphones, shaking my head in disbelief that these cans only cost .19.95 to .29.95 (depending on if they're on sale or not). What's interesting to note is that coupled with the replacement ear pads, even if the MC-100's were to cost .100+, I still would regard them as a bargain. And now I'm going to state something perhaps, a bit unbelievable. With the new ear pads attached (the ones I referenced), the overall musical presentation and impact was overall more pleasing and open than my recently acquired HiFiMan 400i 2020 version Planar headphones - there, I said it! So as you can tell, the MC-100, with one small modification/addition, will transform these entry levels cans into a contender. These are now one of my favorite headphones (I currently have 27 headphones in my collection). Need I say more - I strongly suggest that you go out of your way to purchase these and follow what I suggested here with regard to the ear pads - just to see what a transformation these go through with that one simple modification. In the end, the quality of audio performances being reviewed, are the result of a synergistic combination of a variety of gear you may use in your listening evaluations. If you are going to plug these headphones into a phone, or a cheap stereo, or whatever, then you probably really won't get to appreciate them. If however, you have the type of audio gear that I referenced above, you will be pleasantly surprised at the results you will garner. Alright - enough said. I give these MC-100 an easy 5 stars - uncanny, realistic/accurate, and highly moving (with the ear pad modification of course).