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Headphones & Audio
Research-based guideSennheiser HD 560S Open-Back Headphones
An open-back over-ear dynamic headphone designed for analytical home listening and reference-style monitoring. The HD 560S emphasizes a spacious presentation and relatively neutral tonal balance, with a 6 Hz–38 kHz specified response, removable wired connection and lightweight 280 g chassis.
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Quick verdict
The HD 560S is a strong choice when you want to hear space, panning, tonal balance and small mix decisions without the sealed-in presentation of a closed headphone. It is especially useful for editing, critical listening and second-opinion mix checks at home. It is a poor choice for microphone tracking or shared spaces because open backs intentionally leak sound in both directions.
Market check
Sennheiser continues to publish current HD 560S support specifications in 2026, and the exact Amazon ASIN maintains a substantial review base. The model sits in a useful middle ground between entry-level studio headphones and more expensive audiophile/reference options, but its open-back architecture makes the use case more important than raw popularity.
Verified specifications
What you are actually getting
Specifications below are taken from manufacturer documentation and checked against the exact model used in this guide.
- Design
- Open-back, over-ear dynamic
- Frequency response
- 6 Hz–38 kHz
- Impedance
- 120 Ω
- SPL
- 110 dB (1 kHz, 1 Vrms)
- THD
- <0.05% at 1 kHz / 90 dB SPL
- Weight
- 280 g
- Connection
- Wired 3.5 / 6.3 mm
- Cable
- Removable single-sided cable
Real-world fit
Where this product makes sense
Mix checking
The open design makes panning, reverb tails and overall balance easier to judge than on many heavily isolated consumer headphones.
Critical guitar tone work
Amp-sim users can inspect high-frequency fizz, low-end buildup and stereo effects without room-speaker acoustics dominating the decision.
Long-form listening
The relatively light chassis and open airflow can be comfortable for long sessions when outside isolation is not required.
Selection notes
What stands out
- Open-back headphones deliberately leak sound and let room noise in; this is a design feature, not a defect.
- The 120-ohm impedance is manageable for many modern interfaces and headphone outputs, but weak phone/laptop outputs may provide less headroom than a dedicated interface or headphone amp.
- The HD 560S is better viewed as a reference/listening tool than as a tracking headphone beside a live microphone.
- Its removable cable is easier to service than the fixed-cable design used by some classic studio headphones.
Pros
- +Spacious open-back presentation
- +Neutral/reference-oriented tuning
- +Light 280 g chassis
- +Removable cable
- +Useful for mix and amp-sim evaluation
Consider before buying
- •Leaks sound heavily
- •Little isolation from outside noise
- •Not appropriate beside a live vocal mic
- •Some low-power sources may not drive it as confidently as a studio interface
- •No wireless features
Buy it if…
- ✓ You work or listen in a quiet room
- ✓ Mix balance and detail matter
- ✓ You want an open-back contrast to closed tracking headphones
- ✓ A wired reference-style headphone fits your workflow
Skip it if…
- • You record vocals while wearing the headphones
- • You need isolation in a noisy house or commute
- • Wireless convenience is a priority
- • Your source has a very weak headphone output and you do not want extra amplification
Watch before buying
Useful YouTube demos and reviews
Videos are selected to show sound, setup, controls or practical trade-offs that are difficult to judge from a specification table alone.
Sennheiser HD560S Review: Which Mid-Range Senn is Right for YOU?
The Headphone Show
A practical comparison-oriented review that helps explain the HD 560S sound, comfort and position relative to other Sennheiser models.
Sennheiser HD 560S Review in FIVE MINUTES: Best Budget Audiophile Headphones?
SoundGuys
A concise second review covering the HD 560S tuning, comfort and value from a different test perspective.
FAQ
Questions worth answering first
Can I use the HD 560S for recording vocals?
They can be used for editing and monitoring after recording, but their open backs leak playback into the room and microphone. Closed-back headphones are usually safer for live vocal tracking.
Do the HD 560S need a headphone amp?
Not always. Many audio interfaces can drive them adequately, but the 120-ohm load can expose weak headphone outputs. If maximum level or dynamics feel limited, a stronger output may help.
Are the HD 560S wireless?
No. They are wired reference-style headphones with 3.5/6.3 mm connectivity.
Sources