Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $210

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Mackie MC-450 Professional Open-back Headphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Mackie MC-450 Professional Open-back Headphones: A perfect symphony of extraordinary comfort and top-tier sound performance. These headphones are your go-to for critical listening and mixing sessions. Crafted for the discerning listener, the open-back design offers an expansive soundstage and remarkable clarity, capturing every nuance in your music without being harsh or artificial. The 42mm drivers deliver well-defined sound reproduction, ensuring that you won't miss a beat.

When it comes to comfort, the MC-450 headphones go the extra mile. The padded leather headband and memory foam earpads provide hours of comfortable listening, making long mixing sessions a breeze. They also feature a collapsible design and come with a premium protective case, making them a great choice for musicians and audiophiles on the move.

Additionally, you'll receive extra cables including a 10' fabric-jacketed straight cable, a 10' coiled cable, and a 3' straight phone cable with inline controls and a microphone for convenient call handling. A gold-plated 1/4" adapter is also included for studio work.

Key Features:

  • Wide frequency response perfect for critical listening and mixing
  • 42mm drivers for well-defined sound reproduction
  • Open-back design offering a wide, expansive listening experience
  • Padded leather headband and memory foam earpads for hours of comfortable listening
  • Extra cables included: 10' straight, 10' coiled, 3' straight with microphone
  • Collapsible design for easy storage and portability
  • Premium protective case for safe transport
  • Gold-plated 1/4" adapter for studio work

Owner's manual

Mackie MC-450 Professional Open-back Headphones User Manual

Product specs

Type Wired
Open/Closed Open
Fit Style Circumaural (Around the Ear)
Driver Size 42mm
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz
Impedance 54 ohms
Connectivity 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter
Cable Type Coiled, Straight
Cable Length 9.8 ft., 4 ft. (coiled), 4 ft. (straight)
Detachable Cable Yes
Controls Inline Controls
Built-in Mic Inline Cable Microphone
Foldable Yes
Material Memory Foam Earpads, Leather Headband
Case/Bag Hard Case
Weight 0.77 lbs.

FAQs

Are the Mackie MC-450 headphones suitable for mixing and mastering?

Yes, the Mackie MC-450 professional open-back headphones are ideal for mixing and mastering due to their open-back design, which provides a natural and spacious soundstage essential for critical listening.

What is the impedance of the Mackie MC-450 headphones, and what does it mean for usage?

The Mackie MC-450 headphones have an impedance of 54 ohms, making them suitable for use with both professional audio equipment and consumer devices without requiring a dedicated headphone amplifier.

Do the Mackie MC-450 headphones come with detachable cables?

Yes, the Mackie MC-450 headphones feature detachable cables, including a 9.8 ft. coiled cable and a 4 ft. straight cable, providing flexibility and convenience for different listening environments.

How comfortable are the Mackie MC-450 headphones for long listening sessions?

The Mackie MC-450 headphones are designed for comfort with memory foam earpads and a leather headband, making them suitable for extended use without discomfort.

What type of connectivity do the Mackie MC-450 headphones offer?

The Mackie MC-450 headphones offer wired connectivity with a 1/8" plug and include a 1/4" adapter, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio devices.

Z Reviews

Z Reviews

Mackie MC-450 _(Z Reviews)_ An Affordable DT1990

Video thumbnail for Mackie MC-450 _(Z Reviews)_ An Affordable DT1990 by Z Reviews

Mackie MC-450 _(Z Reviews)_ An Affordable DT1990

Z Reviews

Z Reviews

Video thumbnail for Mixdowns with the Mackie MC-450 Open Back Headphones - Better than HD650??? by Scan Pro Audio

Mixdowns with the Mackie MC-450 Open Back Headphones - Better than HD650???

Scan Pro Audio

Scan Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for Open back headphones? You just might love them! Mackie MC series compare by DJ Andrew Yates

Open back headphones? You just might love them! Mackie MC series compare

DJ Andrew Yates

DJ Andrew Yates

Video thumbnail for Mackie MC-350 and MC-450 Headphones - Cosmo Music at NAMM 2020 by Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Mackie MC-350 and MC-450 Headphones - Cosmo Music at NAMM 2020

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Cosmo Music - The Musical Instrument Superstore!

Reviews

PROS

  • Detailed, punchy sound surpasses Audio-Technica M50 for immersive listening.

  • Flat and balanced sound signature ideal for mixing.

  • Open-back design offers expansive soundstage.

  • Crystal clear audio enhances critical listening.

  • Durable build quality promises long-term reliability.

  • Comfortable for extended wear sessions.

  • Sensitive enough for mobile devices.

  • Compatible with various third-party cables for customization.

  • Comes with a custom case for protection.

CONS

  • Stock bass may feel lacking without modifications.

  • Heavier than some competitors, may not suit all users.

  • Coiled cable prone to cracking, requires careful handling.

  • Comfort issues for larger heads without headband extension.

  • Open-back design unsuitable for monitoring tasks.

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie MC-450 Professional Open-back Headphones.

Build quality

  • The MC-450's bayonet lock in the earpiece prevents accidental unplugging, ensuring secure cable connections.

    Source
  • Made entirely of plastic, the MC-450 is described as being as durable as a "Russian tank."

    Source
  • The headphones are described as surprisingly lightweight and large, with a comfortable fit and minimal headband pressure.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Comes with three different connection cables and a sturdy soft case, offering versatility and protection.

    Source
  • Requires an amp due to significant sub-bass roll-off; recommended to EQ for improved sound quality.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Designed for professional studio use with neutral tuning, suitable for mixing due to lack of treble peaks.

    Source
  • Can be used on mobile devices effectively if the environment is quiet, despite its open-back design.

    Source
  • Not ideal for diverse music enjoyment without an amp, better suited for mixing at a workstation.

    Source

User experience

  • The headphones sit tightly, but not overly so, and the headband can be bent for a more customized fit.

    Source
  • Ear cushions are comfortable but may be small for users with larger ears.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the soundstage and separation, comparing it favorably to previous closed-back models like the TMA-1's.

    Source
  • Users note a bright sound profile, recommending EQ adjustments for a more balanced listening experience.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Sennheiser HD 600 for comfort and sound, though HD 600 is suggested for a lower price.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner found the MC-450 for £70 ($90-100) less than the Sundara, highlighting its affordability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mackie MC-450 Studio Headphone Review - Sonarworks Blog

sonarworks.com

The Mackie MC-450 headphones deliver solid performance for mixing and mastering, especially when paired with SoundID Reference calibration. Their channel balance and build quality are commendable, featuring three cable options and a protective case. However, they struggle with sub-bass extension and can feel heavy over time. While they compete well against rivals like the AKG K612 Pro and Beyerdynamic DT 880 Pro, they fall short in sound accuracy without calibration. Overall, the MC-450s are decent but not groundbreaking, making them a mixed bag in a crowded market.

Mackie MC-450 Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

While the Mackie MC-450 headphones boast an accurate sound signature ideal for monitoring mixes, their high price and lack of deep bass response may deter some users. Comfortable for long sessions and equipped with multiple detachable cables, they excel in clarity, especially in the mids and highs. However, the design might not appeal to everyone, and for those craving robust bass, competitor models like the Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X offer better low-end performance at a similar price point. The MC-450 is a solid choice, but options abound for those seeking a fuller sound.

Mackie MC‑350 & MC‑450

soundonsound.com

Mackie’s MC-450 headphones shine with a detailed soundstage and impressive low-end response, making them a worthy investment for serious mixing. Their open-back design promotes transparency, effectively blending comfort for long sessions with solid audio fidelity. However, while the leather padding is a luxurious touch, it may deter vegetarians. Some may find the snug fit a bit tight over extended periods. Despite these minor drawbacks, the MC-450s deliver an excellent balance of performance and value, positioning themselves as a top choice for both tracking and mixing applications.

positive

Mackie MC-450 Professional Open-Back Headphones Review - CGMagazine

cgmagonline.com

The Mackie MC-450 headphones shine with impressive build quality and a natural sound profile ideal for serious audiophiles and content creators. Their open-back design enhances audio fidelity, allowing for a transparent listening experience that's perfect for mixing and mastering. Comfort is a highlight, with plush memory foam cushions and a sturdy headband. However, at a steep price of $389.99, they may not be the best fit for casual listeners or beginners. If you're serious about sound quality and willing to invest, the MC-450 is a worthy addition to your gear.

positive

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