OLLO Audio has announced the X2 studio headphones, a new open-back reference model designed for mixing engineers making precise EQ, dynamics, and balance decisions. Hand-made in Slovenia, the X2 builds on the company’s X1 with a new beryllium-coated driver, an updated USC calibration plugin, and improvements to its construction.
The central idea is straightforward: small mix adjustments require a monitoring system capable of revealing them. OLLO positions the X2 as a tool for engineers working in single-decibel increments, pairing a neutral tuning with measurements specific to each individual headphone.
New 50mm Beryllium-Coated Drivers
At the heart of the OLLO Audio X2 is a 50mm dynamic driver with a neodymium magnet and a beryllium-coated PET membrane produced using physical vapor deposition, or PVD. The listed membrane construction also incorporates polyurethane. According to OLLO, the increased stiffness provided by the beryllium coating helps the driver respond with greater speed and precision. The intended benefit is cleaner transient reproduction and better insight into subtle changes in EQ and gain reduction.
For mixing engineers, that could make the X2 useful when evaluating the attack of percussion, fine-tuning compression, or deciding whether a small tonal adjustment improves a track. These are the applications behind OLLO’s description of the headphones as a “sonic microscope.” The company describes the X2’s sound out of the box as neutral and balanced, continuing the reference-focused approach of the X1.
Individual Calibration With Open Measurement Data
Individual calibration is one of the X2’s defining features. Every pair is measured separately, and buyers receive the corresponding calibration data in an open, human-readable format. The included USC plugin provides a way to use that data, while OLLO also lists third-party software and DSP-enabled audio interfaces as potential calibration options. Named platforms include Realphones, SonarWorks, and Waves Nx, although the setup will depend on the chosen system.
Providing access to the measurements gives engineers more flexibility in how they incorporate headphone correction into their workflow. It also addresses the problem OLLO highlights in its launch announcement: making a 1 dB mixing decision becomes more difficult when the monitoring system introduces larger response variations. The X2’s approach combines its underlying tuning with correction tailored to the actual unit being used.
American Walnut Construction and Replaceable Components
The OLLO Audio X2 combines American walnut housings with a stainless steel and silicone headband. Its ear pads use acoustic foam, perforated artificial leather, and velour, while the detachable cable features XLR connectors and can be replaced by the user. Repairability is a major part of the design. OLLO says spare parts are available for every component, including the headband, ear pads, cable, drivers, and wooden housings. The headphones are designed to be serviced at home, avoiding glued assemblies that can complicate repairs. For studios that depend on a familiar reference headphone, access to replacement components could help extend its working life.
OLLO Audio X2 Specifications
| Specification | OLLO Audio X2 |
|---|---|
| Design | Open-back, over-ear |
| Driver | 50mm dynamic with neodymium magnet |
| Membrane | Beryllium-coated PET (PVD) / polyurethane |
| Frequency response | 8Hz–22kHz; OLLO lists a 1/3-octave sweep, ±1 dB |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB SPL at 0 dBu input |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Housing | American walnut |
| Headband | Stainless steel and silicone |
| Ear pads | Acoustic foam, perforated artificial leather, and velour |
| Cable | Detachable, user-replaceable, with XLR connectors |
| Calibration | Individual measurements and USC data included |
| Warranty | Five-year limited |
| Manufacturing | Hand-made in Slovenia, EU |
The OLLO Audio X2 is available to order through OLLO Audio’s website for $629.
