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AKG K712 Review: Who Is It For?!

by Stuart Charles Black
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Ah, the K712. The pretty boy of the 700 line. Who is the headphone for? What does it sound like?

How do the Terminator and Solid Snake play in? All of these answers and more, comin’ up.

Greetings bass head and Welcome aboard. Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience that will make you fall in love with music (NOT gear), all over again, so…

At A Glance

Preview
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Title
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Color
Black/Orange
Weight
8.3 Oz. (235g)
Fit
Circumaural (Around-Ear)
Type
Open Back, Dynamic
Materials
Plastic, Velour
Connector
3.5mm Jack with 1/4" Adapter
Headband Style
Hammock Style (Self Adjusting)
Impedance
62 Ohms
Sensitivity
84-88dB/mW
Frequency Response
10Hz to 39,800 kHz.
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming, Film, Lighter Genres
Cable Length
9.8 ft.
Cable Detachable?
Folding?
Amplification Required?
Prime
-
Price
$297.99
Details
Preview
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Title
AKG Pro Audio K712 PRO Over-Ear, Open-Back, Flat-Wire, Reference Studio Headphones
Color
Black/Orange
Weight
8.3 Oz. (235g)
Fit
Circumaural (Around-Ear)
Type
Open Back, Dynamic
Materials
Plastic, Velour
Connector
3.5mm Jack with 1/4" Adapter
Headband Style
Hammock Style (Self Adjusting)
Impedance
62 Ohms
Sensitivity
84-88dB/mW
Frequency Response
10Hz to 39,800 kHz.
Primary Use
Mixing, Mastering, Reference, Gaming, Film, Lighter Genres
Cable Length
9.8 ft.
Cable Detachable?
Folding?
Amplification Required?
Prime
-
Price
$297.99
Details

AKG K712

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In The Box

AKG K712 Pro Reference Studio Headphones

Mini XLR Connector Cable

Mini XLR Coiled Cable

Carrying Bag

Limited 2-Year Warranty

Note: This is a loaner unit lent to me by a good friend Marko from Finland.

He wasn’t able to/didn’t have everything to send which is completely fine! The cable and case pictured are aftermarkets as well. 🙂

Specs/Graph

AKG K712

Graph: Crinacle

Specifications

  • Type: Open back.
  • Color: Black & Orange.
  • Fit: Circumaural.
  • Frequency response: 10Hz to 39,800 kHz.
  • Impedance: 62 Ohms.
  • Sensitivity: 84-88dB/mW
  • Material: Leather headband, plastic, memory foam.
  • Audio Connector to Source: 1/8″ / 3.5mm TRS
  • Adapter Included: Yes, 1/4″
  • Cable: Detachable Mini-XLR
  • Cable Length: 9.8′
  • Weight: 8.3 Oz. / 235g

Sound

AKG K712 Review

The K712 is super relaxed and detailed, with excellent Soundstage and instrument separation.

It continues the tradition of a somewhat lean bass but still doesn’t feel or sound excessively rolled off.

You’ll likely find there’s just enough thump here to keep you satisfied.

I think the 712 strikes a nice middle ground between too rolled off and too boosted.

In other words,

there is a slight roll-off but still digs fairly deep.

It can sometimes sound slightly hazy or wooly, but I think it mostly depends on the song and how it was recorded, mixed, and mastered.

The mid-bass, like the K702’s, works incredibly well for Jazz (drums specifically) and comes forward a bit without sounding overdone like your mom’s meatloaf.

Everything about these headphones is mellow yet still detailed and present. It’s hard to explain.

You never quite feel like it’s trying too hard, but you’re also never bored.

It’s the perfect headphone if you want to kick back for hours and listen to music (especially Jazz) without fatigue of any kind, musically or otherwise.

Mid-Range

The mid-range is almost perfectly done.

The gradual decline after 1kHz does remind me of a Sundara in that it can sometimes feel a tad too relaxed, but it’s a minor nitpick.

The K712, like most audiophile-type headphones, opts for a rise back up around 2kHz which kind of ends up balancing the mids out.

Vocals and instruments still stand out well and sound correct; something AKG headphones always tend to excel at.

AKG K712 Review

The treble here is also pretty relaxed and not sibilant in the slightest but could stand a tiny bit of added sparkle.

Most companies end up ruining the treble by placing too much emphasis around 8-10kHz, but the 712 for me is another breath of fresh air.

There’s nothing artificial or contrived about its response, but there are times when it could benefit from a livelier, more energetic response.

That said, Hi-hats sound natural and lush, cymbals and crashes never put a grimace on my face, and there’s absolutely zero fatigue due to a metallic, artificial-sounding overall portrait.

Genre Pairing

Because of those things, I think the K712 works very well for Classical, and should primarily be used for Gaming, Film, and lighter genres, but I still think it works well for somewhat bass-heavier stuff like Hip-Hop, Indie Pop, EDM, etc.

Just don’t go in expecting it to melt your face off.

There’s this ever so slight notion that the 712 is maybe a tad veiled at times; as if there’s an incredibly thin sheet over the sound (like the one you sleep with).

It also isn’t the tightest-sounding signature around, but it still excels marvelously for the most part.

Out-of-your-head moments aplenty, it’s the type of headphone you’ll want to explore the intricacies of all day because you can keep it on your head almost indefinitely.

Speaking of, let’s get into comfort and build.

Comfort & Build

AKG K712 Review

The pads here are just a tad bit softer than the ones on my K702, but it’s almost awash.

Comfort levels on both are about the same; i.e. phenomenal. The clamping force is very similar as well.

The headphones also don’t move much when they’re on your head, even as I sit here trying to get it to move and looking completely silly in the process. xD

I’d say the K712 fits a tad more snug like a bug in a rug, but the difference is fairly minimal if we’re being honest.

Hammock Style Adjustment

The much-preferred hammock style adjustment with dual overarching brackets makes their return (this time in orange), and the headphone sits incredibly well on your head as usual.

There’s no padding on the headband, but you won’t need any.

It’s lightweight and nimble enough to where you’re rarely feeling it on the top of your dome piece either.

What’s also interesting to note is that the headband’s shape deviates slightly from some of the older models.

It’s more narrow but the stitching on either side is still present.

L and R are in the same spot, but this time AKG’s logo appears on the lower circle rather than the text on the 702.

The cups are circular and I’m finding my ears sit pretty comfortably inside without touching the edges or drivers.

The outside of the cups reveals “AKG Reference Headphones” as with the others, but you’ll also notice “K712” right below on the outside of the driver housing.

AKG K712 Review

AKG K712 ReviewAKG K712 ReviewThe headphone’s left side reveals a detachable mini-XLR and terminates in your standard 3.5mm jack.

The headphone comes with 2 cables: one coiled and one straight.

Amplification

Will you need an amp?

Most certainly yes. The K712 has a somewhat low impedance at 62 Ohm but is also incredibly inefficient at around 84-88dB; even lower than the K702 at 91dB/mW.

It’s important to note that nearly all websites advertise AKG headphones by the Volt for whatever reason (105dB/V), but this tends to confuse people because they end up thinking it’s very sensitive (and thereby efficient) when it’s not.

In short, the K712 is not Sensitive at all (read: it’s incredibly inefficient) and does need a bit of power to get pumping.

I wouldn’t go ape sh** over it though, as the “Power-Hungry” claim parroted by everyone and their Grandma over the last 5-10 years is a bit overdone like.. you guessed it, your mom’s effing meatloaf.

A K5 Pro, K7, G6, DragonFly Red, and iFi Zen, etc. are all great options.

Comparison to the K702

Gaming & Film

For the official comparison/shootout: AKG K612 vs. K712 vs. K702 vs. K701 vs. Q701

Gaming is more of the same and similar to the experience I had with the K702.

You’ll get those same out-of-your-head moments in film as well, as the K712 spaces things out quite well.

Width and depth are fairly excellent, and you’ll be able to pinpoint where sounds are coming from rather quickly and easily.

If I was forced to choose, I may pick the 712 over the 702 for film, but I like the 702 a bit more for gaming as it’s not quite as laid back.

I think the crisp, snappy nature of the 702 tends to perform just a hare better when you’re trying to hear what’s going on, but the 712 is right there.

It’s just a matter of the 712 being a bit warmer/glossier and thus perhaps a bit more difficult to discern footsteps and the like; again, not a huge discrepancy but should be noted.

One thing I noticed in Terminator 2 that I had never heard before was the subtlety of the music in the background.

There are a lot of tense moments in the film with more complex musical scores than you would think; especially with a headphone like the K712.

Video game designer Hideo Kojima has always been inspired and influenced by James Cameron’s work, and Terminator 2’s Judgment Day is no exception.

Kojima pays homage to The Terminator. Metal Gear Solid 2: Son’s Of Liberty (2001).

T800’s introduction. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).

Aside from the clear homage/reference to Arnold’s T800 in Sons of Liberty via Solid Snake’s character, there’s a very subtle hint that Harry Gregson Williams also borrowed a bit from Judgment Day’s music in his amazing score.

It’s one of those things that you likely won’t notice unless you’re a die-hard fan of the Metal Gear Solid franchise (as I am), but it’s there nonetheless.

Here you can compare and decide.

Don’t listen to the rhythm or beat, pay attention to the sounds themselves and you’ll see that Williams was inspired by Brad Fiedel’s obscure synthesizers/instruments.

The point is that I could only make out this almost minute revelation with a headphone like the K712.

It’s so delicate in the way it presents sound that you’re almost hyper-focused on some of the smallest nuances of the composition.

This is a detail lover’s headphone for sure.

Video Discussion

Final Word

AKG K712 Review

The K712 isn’t without some minor issues, namely the sometimes overly glossy (but still rather subtle) sheen over the music, as well as the ever so slight bass wooliness, but by and large, this is a top performer and sounds fantastic overall.

Gamers, film buffs, and lighter genre listeners need to apply.

I love it for other genres I listen to as well, but your mileage may vary.

It’s not going to slam as some may desire, but the impact is above average for an AKG offering and may just grow on you as it did for me!

That is to say that the K702 is now my daily driver and the headphones I tend to listen to most out of the ones I have currently.

In short,

the K702 is my #1 recommendation in this series, and it’s a headphone I don’t plan on ever parting with.

Learn More:

 

Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this AKG K712 Review and came away with some valuable insight.

If you love what I do here and want to support the blog and channel in a more personal way, check me out on Patreon and discover all the value I have to offer you.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

What do you think about the K712? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!

Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!

Gaming & Film

More coming soon!

Nas – God’s Son (2002)

Nas – King’s Disease (2020)

Kota The Friend – To Kill A Sunrise (2020)

9th Wonder – God’s Stepson (2003)

Dog Day Afternoon (1975)

Terminator T2: Judgement Day (1991)

Photo Gallery

AKG K712

4.9

Build Quality

5.0/5

Sound Quality

4.7/5

Comfort

4.9/5

Soundstage

5.0/5

Pros

  • Great build even despite its weight
  • Fantastic imaging and Soundstage
  • Smooth and neutral response; great for most genres
  • Great for Gaming & Film
  • Extremely comfortable for long sessions

Cons

  • Sometimes bass wooly
  • A bit too relaxed and laid back at times.

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8 comments

james botting April 20, 2021 - 3:23 am

Hi Stu
Did you try the K712 earpads on your K702 by any chance? I have read that K702 + K712 earpads = K711 (i.e. the K702 approaches the sound of the K712 but not quite).
Keep up the good work!
James

Reply
Stuart Charles Black April 22, 2021 - 3:45 am

Hey man, that’s interesting! No, I haven’t. I did notice (and I think I mentioned this in the article) that the 712’s pads are a bit softer than the 702’s. Thank you for the love!

Reply
Skelly March 8, 2022 - 11:10 pm

What’s up Stu, hope you’re still enjoying those HE400se cans we talked about haha. Idk if you’re into EQing much, but I got a preset for my K712 Pro and tweaked it a bit and honestly these are insanely nice. I have both the K702 and 712 and the EQ’d 712 is my go-to now. I feel like the K702 soundstage might be a TAD bit too big? If that makes any sense. I feel like I enjoy music, movies, games, with the EQ’d 712 more than the eq’d k702. Honestly I really love both but I’ve been enjoying the shit out of my EQ’d 712. I think another thing I really love about the 712 is the build quality. It really feels like a good-ass pair of headphones that will last a long time.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black March 14, 2022 - 3:35 pm

Hey Skelly!

I’ve actually been doing a lot of FPS gaming and trying to figure out which is the best for positional/directional cues when sound whoring. I found the 400se to be too boxed in and claustrophobic for that, but the DEVA seems to be a bit more open.

As far as the 702, I’m still leaning towards it overall, but the 9500 has really made a push and is almost as good to me. In fact, it’s very close between those 2. I also tried the Arya but need more time with it to make a determination.

I guess the best way I can describe it is that I had the 702 on and didn’t take it off at all. Then I tried the 9500 to compare and haven’t gone back in probably 2 weeks. It will be interesting to see what my impressions are when trying the 702 again and if it’s better or worse.

The other thing I noticed about the 9500 (and this is something I’ve said for a long time) is that its ability to pick out micro-detail is just so incredibly good – to the point where things in the game actually feel and sound more fully fleshed out. For instance, you may think you know how something sounds exactly until you hear it with a 9500 and discover there were things about it that just don’t come through with other headphones.

This is probably not something that matters all that much, as in, the directional aspects (which it’s also excellent at) are more important, but it just reinforced the idea that the 9500 at its price is a crime and has been for years now.

That’s cool about the 712! Unfortunately, I don’t have it here anymore or I would try your preset. I had to send it back to Marko in Finlandia LOL.

Ditto on the build of the 702. I’m actually not that careful with it and it’s holding up really well – a lot better than I expected, actually. It’s very malleable and durable to the point where you can casually toss it around and it’s gonna ask for more like Mick Foley.?

Reply
Mariano December 6, 2022 - 6:24 am

Thanks for the review! Have you tried the x60 or x65 from Austrian Audio? They are the successors of AKG.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black December 7, 2022 - 9:52 pm

My pleasure, Mariano! No, but you’ve got me curious! I will have to check them out. I had no idea!

Reply
Wailok July 12, 2023 - 8:52 am

Hey Stu. How’s the instrument separation of K712 compared to K702? I like never seen the discussion of instrument separation for the K702 in the Before Buy article. Does it have something related to the soundstage?
Besides, does K702 able to hear the details in the Terminator 2 music you mentioned above?
Looking forward to hearing from you!

Reply
Stuart Charles Black July 24, 2023 - 4:45 pm

Hey Wailok!

Great question. I’d probably say the 702’s is a bit better due to the 712’s ever so slight wooly character and elevated bass. And yeah, as far as resolution, it’s really hard to beat a K702 in the mid-fi price range.

Reply

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