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Sterling S402 Studio Headphones

Sterling Audio

collapse expand iconDescription

Sterling Audio S402 studio headphones were specifically designed for comfortable and detailed monitoring during long listening sessions, whether in the studio or at a live DJ performance. But they’re just as great chilling out while listening to your favorite tunes. The transparent, detailed soundstage is produced by ported 40 mm drivers for accurate reproduction that remains expansive, lush and warm. The S402’s closed-back, over-ear (circumaural) earcups don’t just isolate you from room sounds and other annoyances that hinder critical assessments while recording and mixing—they reduce bleed in the studio while helping provide excellent bass response. The padded leather headband and ear cushions are cozy and near imperceptible—even after hours of concentrating on a mix. If you’re a “one-ear-off” performer while singing or DJing, the S402 accommodates your style with 90° rotatable earcups. These headphones fold up for easy transport in crowded gig bags, and utilize a removeable, easily replaceable audio cable with a secure twist lock as well as replaceable ear cushions that simply snap on and off. The S402 studio headphones are loaded with professional features, and all at a price that will almost make you as happy as winning a Grammy.

Sterling Audio S402 Studio Headphones Driver Exploded View

Enhanced Low-End Response

The S402 studio headphones boast efficient 40 mm drivers, which produce taut, pleasing bass, with an exceptionally wide 15Hz–24kHz frequency range. Accurate low-end response is essential for critical listening—especially when you are trying to craft mixes that translate perfectly to different playback systems. One of the deadly mix miscues can occur when a set of headphones can’t precisely reproduce the low end in your tracks, and you overcompensate by boosting bass frequencies. The result is muddy, indistinct or overly boomy lows, and that can be a mix killer. It’s not just the 40 mm drivers that deliver the goods for evaluating frequency spectrums. The S402 headphones are designed with everything working in tandem to produce clarity, detail and transparency—from the copper-clad aluminum-wire voice coils to the ported audio chamber to the closed-back earcups that help focus your ears on the job at hand.

Sterling Audio S402 Studio Headphones Rotatable Earcups

Rotatable Drivers

Although sonic isolation is excellent when you wear both of the S402’s closed-back earcups, not everyone wants total isolation all of the time. This is why each earcup of the S402 can rotate 90º backward or forward to accommodate different monitoring approaches. A DJ will often want to cue up and beat match an upcoming track to the one currently playing to the audience through the house sound system, as well as their own monitor speakers. The one-ear-off technique is critical for hearing both signal feeds simultaneously. In addition, many vocalists prefer to hear their performance “in the room,” rather than completely isolated in their headphones. Simply removing one earcup lets singers hear their voices naturally, as they listen to the track they are working on in the other earcup. In both instances, the flexible design of the S402 means you never have to pull off one side of a headphone to the back of your head—a move that is often unwieldy, uncomfortable and not very secure as you bob your head to the music.

Sterling Audio S402 Studio Headphones Folded

Folds Up for Easy Transport

It may seem like a small thing, but portability is key when you’re packing up for a show or studio session. For example, trying to find space in a case that’s already packed with gear can be frustrating, and it’s not always comfortable wearing headphones around your neck while carrying the rest of your rig. The S402 studio headphones fold up easily into a space-saving shape, and can usually be fit into the storage pockets of guitar and bass gig bags, multi-pocket laptop cases, backpacks and even a large coat pocket. Perhaps even more important, the S402 is built tough for the rigors of constant transport and use, designed to ensure the S402 can withstand the thousands of times the headphones will be folded up and unfolded. An added bonus is that if the ear cushions ever tatter and fray from constant use, they can easily be removed and replaced.

Sterling Audio S402 Studio Headphones Detachable Cable

Handy Detachable Cable

Headphones with attached cables often add unnecessary girth, making it difficult to fit them into tight spaces. The longer the cable, the more room you’ll need to pack away the headphones. The S402 studio headphones come with a detachable, braided-nylon cable that can be stored elsewhere—or positioned around other gear—when your gig bag is short on space. When you put everything back together, a twist lock ensures you won’t accidentally detach the cable from the headphones when shifting your listening position or jumping up for some dance moves. Headphone cables are also subject to a lot of wear and tear, and even the most bulletproof cables can eventually succumb to buzzes, hum and erratic signals. The detachable cable on the S402 means that if that day comes, you can simply replace the cable and keep on rocking as if nothing ever happened.

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 40 mm drivers with advanced soundstage for superior sound reproduction with increased low-frequency response 
  • Foldable design for convenient transportation and storage 
  • 90º of swivel movement in each direction, covering 180º of total movement 
  • Circumaural design fits over the ear for comfort and isolation 
  • Detachable headphone cable with twist lock 
  • Removable, replaceable and lockable ear cushions
warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHP), which is known to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

collapse expand iconSpecs

Type 
  • Ear coupling: Over ear 
  • Operating principle: Closed-back, Dynamic 
  • Primary application: Studio monitoring 
  • Secondary application: Everyday musical enjoyment 
Audio 
  • Frequency response: 15Hz–24kHz 
  • SPL: 101bB 
  • Driver size: 40 mm 
  • Magnet Type: Neodymium 
  • Driver Voice Coil: OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) 
  • Impedance (@1KHz): 32 ohms 
  • Maximum Input Power: 60 mW
Other 
  • Cable type: Straight, Removable 
  • Cable Length: 8'
  • Connector: 1/8" with 1/4" adapter

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.73

41 Reviews

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Great Headphones for Studio

These cans are replacing an old pair of K240. First thing I noticed is how much difference closed-back headphones block out the background noise. Listening to some recorded guitar tracks, the woodsy tone of strummed acoustic guitar was full and warm. Fingerpicked guitar sounded clean and articulate. Going on to overdriven electric guitars, the tones were present but not abrasive. Across all the instruments, these headphones sound fairly true, with no exaggerations across any particular frequencies within what my ears can hear. Having said that, I was surprised that this review asked what I was using these headphones for, and Home Recording wasn't one of the options. I can't imagine using these for, say working out. For one, they are quite hefty and since there isn't a boosted low end, I think anyone who loves Beats or any headphones/earphones with a thumping bass would be sorely disappointed.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Eh. Not great not complete garbage

We bought a few pair of the S402 headphones for podcast studio. They are very boxy sounding. Cords started to go bad after a few months. Spend the extra money and get the Sony headphones.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Music37
  2. Home Audio24
  3. With My Computer24
  4. Relaxing10
  5. Working10
Cons
  1. Cord Too Short3
  2. Heavy / Bulky3
  3. Too Much Ambient Noise2
  4. Uncomfortable2
  5. Falls Off/Out Of Ear1
Describe Yourself
  1. Gear Head16
  2. Audiophile14
  3. School6
  4. Traveler4
  5. Teenagers2
Primary use
  1. Listening to iPod14
  2. Travel6
  3. Working out5
Pros
  1. Comfortable37
  2. Great Sound33
  3. Good Value28
  4. Good Bass23
  5. Lightweight21
  • Eh. Not great not complete garbage

    3

    submitted9 days ago

    byProducer

    fromSt Louis

    We bought a few pair of the S402 headphones for podcast studio. They are very boxy sounding. Cords started to go bad after a few months. Spend the extra money and get the Sony headphones.

  • These headphones are good for engineers

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted9 months ago

    byDorien

    fromMontgomery,AL

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The product is great because it doesn't add or takeaway from any frequencies when mixing

  • Excellent sound and excellent headphones...!

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byCarlos Enrique

    fromGreenwood IN

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I use these headphones to listen to music & also watch YouTube videos on my PC. But primarily I use these to practice with my guitar and amplifier & listen to my playing through these headphones. I like that the cable is detachable & that it came with a carry pouch to store them in.

  • Good and Affordable

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byColin

    fromLoomis, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I got these headphones primarily for practicing guitar. They work well for that. I like the detachable cord, but wish the cord was shorter, like maybe 4 feet long. Or, perhaps the manufacturer could provide two cords of different lengths. Yeah I know that would increase the price, but it might be worth it.

  • Sound great for a great price.

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byJeremy

    fromLas Vegas, NV

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I got these for the sole purpose of plugging into my guitar amp when my baby is sleeping. Didn't need anything beyond this and they sound just fine.

  • Great headphones

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byDan

    fromPittsburgh Pa.

    These headphones are very comfortable and have a great sound while playing my drums!! Would highly recommend these for yourself. #sweepstakes

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