Fostex RP Series Headphones

Reviews | Fostex RP Series Headphones
90
T
hese three pairs of
headphones represent Fostex’s
third iteration of the T-RP
range. The RP suffi x refers to
their patented Regulated Phase
technology, which couples a copper foil
etched polyimide fi lm diaphragm with a
neodymium magnet driver. The former
apparently offers improvements over
traditional materials with increased
fl exibility and durability to handle high
pressure levels, while the latter is a
regular component for modern high
sensitivity transducers, as it is capable
of articulating transient information with
great accuracy (this is due to a high
mass to magnetic fi eld strength ratio).
The mk3 T-RP range is based on a
solid design, weighing in at just over a
pair of Beyerdynamic DT770s. The wide
headband is adjusted via sturdy metal
rails and the padding is fi nished with a
soft (faux?) leather. All three models are
supplied with two cords for single sided
connection: a 3m straight black cord
(6.3mm jack), and a 1.2m straight
orange cord (3.5mm jack) for mobile
usage. Both are secured to the
headphones with a simple twist-lock.
The enclosures are of the supra-
aural type, which can prove fatiguing
when pressed against the ears on long
sessions, though I did not fi nd this
effect as much as I expected. The three
models differ in transducer housing
type: open back (T20), closed back
(T40) and semi-open back (T50). This
can be seen via the grille slats on the
outside of the ear enclosures, which for
the T20s and T50s reveals varying
thicknesses of foam lining, while for the
T40s the slats haven’t been cut through
the plastic moulding.
Three of a kind
Common to all is a clear yet soft
high-frequency response. They are by no
means bright, which on the positive side
leaves them free from harsh top-end
hype. At fi rst I found them a tad dull, or
soft, but over time I became used to
this characteristic and was impressed
with the coherency of the high-
frequency range which appears free of
audible resonant peaks/troughs. I
missed a bit of airiness, fi nding it
harder to push/pull in a mix than usual,
and found some high sibilance or noise
components were harder to spot than on
my studio monitors, but conversely this
did help them feel less fatiguing in use.
As ever this is a subjective quality,
especially as the actual response is
smooth, and this is nowhere more
apparent than in the mids where these
headphones come into their own. I
don’t have a bad word to say about the
mid and low mid characteristics of the
T-RP mk3s as the articulation is
excellent. This is great for tracking/
mixing as dialling in EQ, judging mic
distance and pushing saturation/
distortion, to name but a few tasks, are
made quick and easy. Subtle changes
are free from the masking effects of
Fostex RP Series
Headphones | £115
Fostex have updated their T-RP range of headphones.
Robbie Stamp listens in…
WHAT IS IT?
Studio monitoring
headphones
CONTACT
Who: Fostex (UK distribution
via SCV)
Tel: [phone]
Web: fostexinternational.
com, scvdistribution.co.uk
HIGHLIGHTS
1 The excellent
mid-range clarity
2 High input headroom
3 Overall performance of
the T50RP model
PRICING
T20RP mk2, T40RPmk2 &
T50RP mk3
£115
FMU298.rev_fostex.indd 90 10/8/15 12:56 PM