Senal SMH-1000 Review
Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Introduction
In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 3,764 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Senal SMH-1000. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.
Ratings Based on Features
These results are a summary of user reviews of the Senal SMH-1000. For example, 79% of 229 users who have commented on the Noise cancellation of the Senal SMH-1000 have given positive feedback.
Highlighted Customer Reviews
Showing 1 to 20 of 295 Reviews
Good sound, doesn't last in field
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Hidden Story on B&H Photo Video
I wanted a reliable headset for monitoring in the field. This gives a good clear sound. I like the coil cable and it's ability to fold into a compact package. It is comfortable to wear with glasses. However after a few months of use, the audio started cutting in and out. At first I thought it was my camera, but then I realized it was the loose coil cable connection to the headphones. The coil cable does come out and had what I thought was a clever locking mechanism so it doesn't yank out in the field. However, I can see that after a few uses, it doesn't sit properly. So overall I give it a low rating for what I needed... which was reliability in the field. My old $ Sony headset has performed better in this regard. ... More
SMH-1000 Senal Headphones
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Alexandra on B&H Photo Video
I have had my pair of headphones for about 2 weeks and i can't get over the quality of the sound and music you can hear through them. I also own a pair of very popular over the ear headphones, beats, however the difference sound quality is unimaginable. The Senal headphones reveal parts of the music that you might not notice before, and allow you to hear the crispness of a singers voice that no other headphones allow you to do. The headphones are light and comfortable for any size or shape head you could imagine, and they fold up into a perfect size to stick into a bag. I wouldn't trade these headphones for anything. Nothing can beat the sound, price or design. ... More
Seems like a good thing so far!
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Gene on B&H Photo Video
Replaced my beaten and worn Sony MDR-V6 cans with these. So far I like them. They are similar in size, but slightly bigger and heavier. They fold up the same, feel secure when I record cello, with the left earpeice behind my ear so I can hear the mix out of the right only, and the cello live in the room out of the left. Glad this works. THe V6's were bass light, but very detailed and clear. As such, I noticed that if I depended on them for a mix I ended up with big warm and woolly. These Senal's seem to have a bit more roundness and depth in the lower freq's, mids seem about right compared to what I'd expected based on the V6's, and the highs, while still detailed and focused, are not quite as edgy. I have only made one mix with these, and so far, it seems to translate pretty well. I know I should not be mixing solely on headphones, but I am not in a proper situation to use monitors, and certainly not in a calibrated room, so it almost would be just another guessing game. These phones reject external noise better than the Sonys. They are a bit tight, and are not as comfortable....with the Sonys I would wear them until I needed to take them off. With these Senals I do sense a feeling of pressure after a bit, and a relief when I take them off. I am hoping that they ease up with use. It is for this reason I demote by one star. I would have done 4.5, actually, but not an option. Having two replaceable cables (one coiled one straight) is very cool, although I am my own user, and not in a working studio that sees much abuse, so all I can say is it's cool, but not necessary....I used my V6's for about 15 years....and they still have a great cable. Based on the price, and the rejection of external sound, and the good sound, I'd say yeah, these are very cool. ... More
Good sound, questionable build quality.
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Jordan on B&H Photo Video
What can I say? I bought these to monitor while I do post production work from home, having used a pair briefly on set and finding the audio quality acceptable. Within two weeks of light use they started to drop out whenever I turned my head. Eventually, the connection between the cable and the left can got so unstable that they stopped working unless I literally held the cable in place. Not to easy to do when you need both your hands to work. I tried switching to the other cable that came with them but it's about a foot too short to reach my audio interface reliably; and because they use a proprietary connector I'm not sure I can even replace it myself with a normal audio cable from a third party. Mind you, I baby my electronics, no banging around, no tugging on cables, they have their own special hook next to my desk. There are no visible signs of wear and tear on the jack or anywhere else on the headphones. They just got messed up all on their own within a month of purchase. Unfortunately it happened just too long after purchase to request a replacement from B&H, so I reached out to Senal customer service to potentially get a new cable or replace the headset altogether... and they never answered. Honestly for $50 at the time of purchase, and with all the positive reviews, they totally seemed like a good buy to replace my old, beat up second hand Sony MDR-7506s for flat sound monitors but they totally let me down. Just buy the MDR-7506s. Pros: Decent, flat sound. Good for studio monitoring, acceptable for music. Low cost. Comfortable fit. Cons: Detachable cable fails with normal use. Customer service sucks. ... More
Very nice headphones
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
I use the Senal SMH-1000 with a Sony PCM-M10 to check levels, and with a Panasonic HC-X900M camcorder for monitoring. They have a nice, clear, open sound and a very strong bass response. They fold up fairly compact and they come with both a straight, short cable and a curled, longer cable - great kit. I had never heard of Senal before I saw these headphones as recommended accessories on B&H's web site, but I trusted B&H's recommendation (and return policy!) and I'm very happy with the SMH-1000.
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A wonderful alternative to the Sony MDR-V6
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Larry on B&H Photo Video
I've owned two pairs of Sony MDR-V6s and wish I still had one around to directly compare against the Senal. Some of the clear differences are obviously the brand. Senal has a detachable cable. The Sony did not. The Sony came with a free pleather carrying case. The Senal comes with nothing. In looking at the headphones, it appears this is a shameless direct copy. Since the MDR-V6 came out in 1985, I guess their patents (if any) have expired). I've read some reviews that say these have wonderful bass. If you are looking for headphones with bass, these are not the headphones for you. These are studio monitors and attempt to recreate sound as neutral as possible. I think these do an excellent job at it, but I do sense a few pockets of frequencies where they may have accentuated things a bit. For some reason these feel more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than I remembered the V6s being. Its probably the most comfortable pair of over ear headphones I own. It it was on sale, I'd probably buy another pair as its difficult for me to find headphones that have a great tonal quality and also fit well. ... More
Good sound
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Anchors on B&H Photo Video
I'm new to videography (though not cameras or computers) and I've been outfitting myself with midrange pro-sumer video equipment (not high-end stuff, but definitely not low-end either). Just to give you an idea of my level, I spent about 2 grand on camera, 2 grand on computer and editing software, 2 grand on lav, sound recorder, tripod, lights, stablizer, odds and ends. I'm not trained in sound mixing, so it's a waste for me to spend too much on headphones. I saw these Senal's on sale and after learning about specs/quality of sound, etc, I decided these would be good enough. Turns out they were better than my inexperienced ears could have imagined, to the point where I can actually hear the piano player's fingers hitting the key just before the piano note (which also sounds very good to me). So, for my level of field and editing work, these are good value for the money (though being on sale helped:) I also liked the detachable cords, the fact that the earphones folded up, and the pouch. ... More
Great Bang For The Buck Headphone
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Charles J. on B&H Photo Video
Considering the excellent price I give the Senal SMH-100 headphone a 5 star rating. Excellent price/performance! It does not include (optional) the nice carry bag that comes with the similar Sony MDR-V6. B&H did throw in no charge as a combo special a pair of the super nice sheepskin earpads.These phones have very defined low distortion sound and extended FR with a slight mid range emphasis and slight bass emphasis. (I prefer this in a headphone, no laid back, warm sound here). This headphone is very well built, extra comfortable, folds up into a very compact form when not in use if desired, and comes with two detachable cords, one coiled and one short straight cord, a very nice feature. These are quite similar in price/performance to the also excellent Sony MDR-V6. So far (several weeks testing) I might give it an ever so slight edge over the Sony MDR-V6 which I have owned 4 pair over 20+ years. Time will tell if the Senal continues the excellent performance, build and sound wise. Superb service from B&H as always! Highly recommended. ... More
Good sound, sub-par materials.
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Howard on B&H Photo Video
Most of the reviews for these headphones are within the first month of purchase - this review is after using over time. Bought this a couple of years ago based on the many articles / ads I saw on B & H. I do agree that sound-wise that this is a solid set of cans, however I am VERY disappointed that the materials are falling apart already! I used them rarely for on location interviews and kept them stored in a dry, cool storage. Buy the pricier Sony studio headphones as it is cheaper in the long run to only have to buy the right tool ONCE rather than having to deal with repairing a cheaper one. I also have an OLDER set of the Sony studio headphones, and those are still holding on strong. ... More
Great sound quality
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Douglas W. on B&H Photo Video
My major usage for these headphones is broadcast sound in the field. These Senal headphones have great sound reproduction with very wide range. Music reproduction is fantastic! I really like the design of the removeable/replaceable cable with a quick twist-lock. This makes changing or replacing cables really easy. And for travel removing the cable prevents damage.Compared to other headphones in the same price range the Senal is a great choice.
Not for field or studio, but good otherwise
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by stef on B&H Photo Video
A flat response with good separation is required for field and studio recording. These have far too much bass, and lose some of the mid-to-high end. They are not boomy, but not flat. This is a huge disadvantage for field recording. That said, they're good headphones in their own right, and are not tiring and have okay separation except at the mid-high end. The removeable earpads are the same size as the sonys they're copying so they can interchanged. They're built pretty well, and the swappable cable is really nice. The writing on the band that says studio monitor only means we look like sonys and nothing else. If you're buying these for the field recording, you should still opt for the Sony MDR 7506, which don't even cost much more. But I find the sonys to be slightly more tiring for long listening sessions, probably due to the lost frequencies the senals don't reproduce. ... More
Clone of Sony MDR-7506
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by David on B&H Photo Video
We have a couple of pairs of Sony MDR-7506's around and one of my team calls them the "AK47" of headphones. Reliable, indestructible, and they just work. When I picked these Senal's up- on a B&H daily deal, and they showed up- he said- "Look like they came out of the same mold as the Sony" which may be correct. As to comparing the audio specs for listening to music- I can't tell you squat. I use them with our video camera to shoot talking heads- and they work just fine. The best part- which may be a curse over time, we'll see, is that they have interchangeable cords. I LOVE the short cord while shooting. It stays out of the way- and doesn't get caught on things. For this alone- I'd buy them again and again. I'm hoping it holds up. But, then again if the Sony cord goes bad- good bye entire headphone. I was a bit disappointed they didn't come with a headphone pouch. But- other than that- these rock. ... More
Headphones to suite your budget
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Kiltman on B&H Photo Video
I have been searching for headphone for a period of time and bought a few that were reasonably good, UNTIL, I ran into this one from a site that had a video from the manufacture about the product. I was impressed with what it can do, so I bought it and gave it a try. AND now... I will never buy another or different headphone again. WHY? Because this will be the only brand headphone I will always from now on. I was very please and impressed with noise reduction, earmuff, the coil cord(My Favorite), the bag it came with and the straight cord and the plug adapter. The bag is ve4ry durable too. On the downside, They could add the volume adjustment to hear louder for low noise In all that has been said, I give it a five for out construction ability and the fold ability also it's features and highly recommend this product for every Broadcaster from independent filmmakers to TV to Radio broadcast which what I also use it for. ... More
Nice Lower Budget Alternative to Sony MDR 7560
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Sam L on B&H Photo Video
Overall, the cable being unpluggable in the SMH-1000 gives it a slight edge on switching cables out, unlike the Sony's which have a permanently attached cable. But I've never had problems with the Sony cable. The sound quality of the SMH-1000 is solid and is very similar to the Sony MDR-7506. However, I still give an edge to the Sony MDR-7506 in pure sound quality. I feel like the MDR-7506 is slightly richer in bass and midrange frequencies and provides a warmth that the Senal SMH-1000 doesn't quite reach. The Senal phones are slightly more tinny. If can afford it, go with the Sony's for Solded long lived smooth performance. I've been using the SonyMDR-7506's for many years and love them. BTW, you Can replace the cushions on the Sony's as well. Conclusion: If you need an affordable alternative tothe SonyMDR-7506, then give the Senals a shot. I can't give a complete rating as I've only had the Senals for a week at this writing. ... More
Pro quality at a reasonable price
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Joe on B&H Photo Video
I teach film and television production to high school students and I wanted some decent quality headphones that wouldn't break the budget. These fit the bill perfectly. They have decent sound and are well designed. I also like the fact that they come with 2 detachable cables. (a short straight and longer coiled) The ability to detach at the headphones means you no longer have to throw away the headphones when you develop a short in the cable. We have only used these for a week so I can't speak to durability but they seem to be well built and should last a while. ... More
Accurate sound
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by morrobayboy on B&H Photo Video
Accurate sound, as noted, excellent quality, and interchangeability of cord is great. Slightly down-rated because the phones themselves are a little tough on the ears. Not sure whether it's because of excess tension on the spring steel making the structure, or inadequate padding of ear cups. Suspect it's inadequate padding, since after-market pads are also sold by B&H for $ They're ordered; but since they seem mandatory, there should at least be mention of them on the description of the headphones...now having to pay shipping and endure delay to get the ear cup pads. Also might play into value, since with the added cups, the real cost is $. ... More
Rockin' Cans!
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed by Mark on B&H Photo Video
Rockin' Cans!I got these because my old Grados died and these were at a great sale price. Even though I've been a music freak/audiophile since the 70's, I just wanted something that worked so at $(with free shipping)(!) and since B&H lets you return most things if you're not completely satisfied as long as you keep it in new condition, this was a very easy choice.So. Here's the deal: if you want to listen to Vivaldi on your vintage, restored-to-factory-specs McIntosh tube pre-amp on your turntable with your $ cartridge while sipping chardonnay after driving home from work in the Tesla, you could probably do better. HOWEVER, if you want to lock yourself in the garage and play air-guitar in the nude to Clapton on YouTube all night, these cans will absolutely take you straight to rock 'n' roll heaven!I'm speaking hypothetically of course. ... More
Impressive Package
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Heard a lot of good stuff about SMH-1000 and it was really good timing bhphotovideo offered some very enticing freebies. Great build and materials used. Especially liked the detachable cable feature. Honestly comfortable. Stock ear pads are good but the free giveaway Auray sheep skin is a lot more plush/less hot spot which is why I bought a few more. Sound is good, there is low end probably just barely enough, mid range is alright while the highs are somewhat strident but not in a piercing way.. could depend per listener. Overall I do like the way they sound and the comfort, accessories that comes with. ... More
Solid Headphones
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Very nice headphones. Bright sound, excellent highs, good-to-excellent lows. Very comfortable. I had a Sennheiser pair before for the same price. I chose these because of the detachable cable. I'm sick of losing headphones to bad cables. I'm a little frustrated that the headphone end of the cable is smaller than 1/8 so I can't use just any cable, but it's mainly a just in case for if the plugs get damaged. I like the interchangeable ear pads too. You won't be disappointed.
Great value, Great sound!
Senal SMH-1000 Professional Field and Studio Monitor Headphones
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great pair of headphones for field video production monitoring. These are comparable to the Sony MDR-7506 Headphones. I have a hard time finding any difference in quality between the two and I've been using the Sony ones for quite a while now. One thing that really sets this apart is that it comes with two interchangeable cables. One cable is a 3ft straight cable(perfect for monitoring handheld camera work), but also included in the box is a 10ft coiled cable. My only complaint is that this pair of Senal headphones does not come with a carry pouch and the Sony one does.. but if you really want a pouch you can buy it separately here's the time number.. #SESMHPOUCH Overall, Great sound, foldable, quality build, cheaper then the sony model hands down.. Great value! ... More
