PHONON SMB-03

Closed-back studio headphones

The Phonon SMB-03 is the entry-level model from PHONON, the Japanese brand founded in Tokyo by mastering engineer Isao Kumano. These closed-back monitoring headphones were designed for recording studios. They deliver a neutral, accurate sound, a natural stereo image and comfort designed for long sessions. Handmade in Japan.

Monitoring headphones designed for recording

Isao Kumano founded PHONON around one idea: reducing the gap between what you hear on monitor speakers and what you hear on headphones. The SMB-03 is a recording headphone, designed for musicians during tracking. The manufacturer describes an "intimate" sound, ideal for monitoring, and an acoustic balance that helps you get the most out of recording sessions. Reviewed by the German magazine Bonedo in 2021 (rated 4.5/5), it stands out for its powerful sound, able to reach high volume, neutral and accurate rather than inflated in the low end. The stereo image is open and natural, close to that of nearfield monitors, and the headphones clearly reveal problem frequencies. The bass is present but controlled, never exaggerated, which helps keep the kick drum and the bassline apart. Its extended frequency response (10 Hz to 24 kHz) also makes it enjoyable for casual listening.

Comfort and build

Light (250 g without cable), the SMB-03 has a lightweight housing and earcups shaped for extended wear. Bonedo found it very comfortable over long sessions, including with glasses. The earcups are made of sturdy plastic, the headband has metal sliders (33 mm of travel on each side), and both the earpads and the headband are covered in faux leather. The earcups swivel 90° so the headphones fold flat, for example in a DJ bag.

Detachable cable and versatility

The detachable OFC copper cable is half coiled, half straight. It measures about 1.30 m and stretches to about 2 m, with a rubber jacket that does not tangle. It ends in a gold-plated 3.5 mm stereo plug, supplied with a screw-on 6.35 mm adapter. The SMB-03 also accepts the SMB-01L 4-conductor cable with separate left/right grounds (sold separately). With an impedance of 32 ohms, it is easy to drive and plugs straight into an audio interface, a DJ mixer or a portable device. It works just as well in the studio as for DJing, production or travel.

Its place in the Phonon range

The SMB-03 is the entry point to the PHONON range available at Cool Kids Audio. The SMB-02G, a closed on-ear model, focuses on deep bass, and the 4400 is its portable version. The SMB-01L, an over-ear model, is the brand's reference headphone.

Specifications

• Type: closed-back dynamic headphones
• Drivers: 40 mm
• Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW
• Frequency response: 10 Hz to 24,000 Hz
• Maximum power: 450 mW
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Weight: 250 g (without cable)
• Cable: detachable, coiled, OFC copper, about 1.30 m, extends to about 2 m
• Connector: gold-plated 3.5 mm stereo plug, screw-on 6.35 mm adapter
• Made in: Japan