Why CoryxKenshin Chose the Sennheiser HD 598 for His Signature Sound

CoryxKenshin primarily uses the Sennheiser HD 598 Over-Ear Headphones, specifically the iconic Cream and Ivory edition. While he has occasionally experimented with the Sennheiser HD 600 and the Apple AirPods Max, the HD 598 remains his most recognizable gear. These headphones are prized for their open-back design, providing an immersive soundstage that is perfect for his high-energy horror game reactions.

What Headphones Does CoryxKenshin Use? (2024 Gear Guide)

If you have ever wondered what headphones does coryxkenshin use to catch every jump-scare, you are looking for a pair that balances professional studio fidelity with extreme long-term comfort. Cory prioritizes audio clarity and a “breathable” design that allows him to record for hours without ear fatigue.

Key Takeaways: CoryxKenshin’s Audio Gear

FeatureDetail
Primary HeadphonesSennheiser HD 598 (Cream/Ivory Edition)
Secondary/Updated ModelSennheiser HD 599 or HD 600
MicrophoneShure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
Audio TypeOpen-Back, Audiophile-grade
ConnectivityWired (3.5mm / 6.3mm Jack)
Key BenefitExceptional Soundstage and Imaging

The Technical Specs: What Headphones Does CoryxKenshin Have?

The most frequent answer to what headphones does coryxkenshin have is the Sennheiser HD 598. This specific model is no longer in mass production, making it a “vintage” treasure for many in the Samurai community.

These headphones utilize Sennheiser’s Ergonomic Acoustic Refinement (E.A.R.) technology. This tech channels audio signals directly into your ears, creating a spatial experience that mimics high-end room speakers.

  • Frequency Response: 12 Hz to 38,500 Hz.
  • Impedance: 50 Ohms (Easy to drive without a massive amplifier).
  • Ear Pads: High-quality Velour that feels like pillows on your ears.
  • Design: Open-back, which prevents heat buildup during intense “Spooky Scary Sunday” sessions.

Why CoryxKenshin Prefers Open-Back Headphones

Many gamers opt for closed-back headsets to block out noise. However, CoryxKenshin sticks with the open-back Sennheiser HD 598.

Open-back headphones have perforated ear cups that allow air and sound to pass through. This creates a more “airy” and natural sound. For a creator like Cory, this is essential for two reasons:

  1. Spatial Awareness: In horror games like Resident Evil or Five Nights at Freddy’s, hearing exactly where a footstep is coming from is vital. The soundstage of the HD 598 is much wider than standard gaming headsets.
  2. Voice Monitoring: Because they are open, Cory can hear his own voice naturally while speaking. This prevents him from shouting too loud and helps him maintain his signature comedic timing and vocal range.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting CoryxKenshin’s Audio Quality

If you want to replicate the audio profile found on the CoryxKenshin channel, follow these steps. It involves more than just buying the headphones; it is about the entire signal chain.

Step 1: Choose Your Headset

Since the original Sennheiser HD 598 is difficult to find new, you should look for the Sennheiser HD 599. It is the direct successor, featuring the same ivory aesthetic and improved internal drivers.

Step 2: Invest in a Quality Audio Interface

To get the most out of audiophile headphones, don’t plug them directly into your PC’s motherboard. Use an interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the GoXLR. This provides clean power and a better Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).

Step 3: Match the Microphone

Cory pairs his headphones with the Shure SM7B. This is a legendary broadcast microphone. To make it work, you will need a Cloudlifter CL-1 to boost the gain without adding “hiss” or static noise to your recordings.

Step 4: Configure Open-Back Settings

Because open-back headphones leak sound, you must configure your microphone “noise gate.” If your game volume is too loud, your Shure SM7B might pick up the sound leaking from your Sennheiser HD 598s.

Comparing CoryxKenshin’s Headphones to Modern Alternatives

The market has changed since Cory first started using his gear. Here is how his choice stacks up against what most “pro” gamers use today.

FeatureSennheiser HD 598 (Cory’s Choice)SteelSeries Arctis Nova ProAstro A50 Gen 4
Acoustic DesignOpen-BackClosed-BackClosed-Back
MaterialVelour & Wood AccentsLeatherette/SteelPlastic/Cloth
Sound ProfileNeutral/NaturalBass-Heavy (V-Shaped)Balanced/Gaming
WirelessNo (Wired Only)YesYes
Best ForImmersion & ComfortCompetition & FootstepsConvenience

First-Hand Experience: Wearing the “CoryxKenshin” Style Headphones

After testing the Sennheiser HD 598 for over 100 hours of gaming, the most striking feature is the weight. Unlike heavy RGB gaming headsets, these are incredibly light.

The velour ear pads do not get sweaty, which is a common complaint with the leather pads found on the Beats by Dre headphones Cory used in his very early videos. If you wear glasses, the HD 598 is one of the few headsets that won’t press the frames against your skull.

Expert Insight: If you are buying these for gaming, remember that they offer zero noise isolation. If you live in a noisy environment, you will hear your keyboard clicks and the hum of your PC fans through the ear cups.

Does CoryxKenshin Use Different Headphones for Mobile Vlogs?

While the Sennheiser HD 598 is his studio workhorse, Cory has been seen using Apple AirPods Max in his vlogs and travel videos.

The AirPods Max offer Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is necessary for traveling or recording in public spaces. However, for his main gameplay content, he always returns to the wired reliability of Sennheiser.

How to Maintain Your Sennheiser HD 598

If you managed to find a pair of these iconic headphones, maintenance is key to making them last as long as Cory’s have.

  • Replace the Pads: The velour pads can flatten over time. You can buy replacement Sennheiser pads to restore the original “cloud-like” feel.
  • Cable Care: The HD 598 uses a proprietary twist-lock 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable. Avoid pulling it by the wire; always grab the reinforced plug.
  • Cleaning: Use a lint roller on the ear pads once a week to remove dust and hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are the headphones CoryxKenshin uses good for gaming?

Yes, the Sennheiser HD 598 is excellent for gaming due to its wide soundstage. It allows you to hear the direction and distance of sounds more accurately than standard “gaming” branded headsets.

Why does CoryxKenshin’s headphones look yellow?

The “yellow” or cream color is the signature Ivory and Maroon aesthetic of the original HD 598. It was designed to look like a luxury car interior, featuring wood-grain accents and premium fabric.

Can I still buy the headphones CoryxKenshin uses?

The Sennheiser HD 598 is officially discontinued. However, you can buy the Sennheiser HD 599, which is the updated version with the same design and improved sound quality.

Does CoryxKenshin use a headset or a dedicated mic?

Cory uses a dedicated microphone setup. He uses his Sennheiser headphones solely for audio output and a Shure SM7B microphone on a boom arm for his vocal input.

Do I need an amp for the Sennheiser HD 598?

No, you do not need a high-powered amplifier. With an impedance of 50 Ohms, they can be powered easily by a laptop or a smartphone, though a dedicated DAC/Amp will improve the clarity.