Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I’m an audio producer and sound designer working for a major radio network from my home studio. It was a few years back that I first made the move to working remotely from the home studio. I was previously in an awesome professional studio in Sydney.
One of my first challenges when moving to working remotely from a laptop was finding headphones that gave me a real, unaffected sound that was similar to studio monitors.
These Audio-Technica headphones were first released in 2014, and now celebrating their 10th anniversary they are still up there with the best in available.
Initial Impressions …
I tried different headphones and eventually landed on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.
From the moment I started using the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xs, I was impressed by the clear, natural sound they put out. Unlike many other headphones that tend to color the audio with processing, the ATH-M50x give you a raw and authentic sound.
Comfort and Fit …
The ATH-M50x are very comfy, with well made super soft ear pads and headband.
When you’re choosing head phones you want something that’s going to be comfortable, especially if you’re going to be wearing them for extended periods for work.
They are easily adjustable if you have a big melon, like me. I have mine on pretty much all day and they never get uncomfortable. They are even comfortable while wearing glasses.
Sound Quality …
The ATH-M50x feature large aperture 45 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils, which basically means you get an amazing level of clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with a deep, accurate bass response.
The sound is real and unprocessed. This makes them ideal for professional mixing, mastering, and audio production, ensuring an accurate representation of studio monitors.
This is something I’ve never had in a pair of headphones before, with great clarity across bass, mids, and highs. It sound unprocessed and I find it great for mixing audio.
They also have a circumaural design, which means they wrap around your ear. The contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. I find this great for when recording voiceovers. They would also be perfect for podcasters.
Durability …
After 4-5 years of regular use, my ATH-M50x headphones are still in great condition, showing no signs of wear and tear. They are built tough and definitely value for money.
They’re made of plastic mainly, but have metal reinforcements around the headband.
I’d still buy a new pair today in 2024. But don’t need to as they’ve lasted so well.
Portability …
The ATH-M50x have a collapsible design, with the ear cups turning and folding down, so they are quite compact if you need to store them or travel with them stuffed in your bag.
The ear cups flip 90 degrees and collapse down on themselves. This is a great feature that will be probably be appreciated by anyone who is always carrying gear around travelling.
Best Used For …
They have become a bit of an industry standard for use in professional audio production for mixing and monitoring, but their incredible sound quality makes them suitable for pretty much anything, including gaming, movies, or just listening to tunes on the bus.
Like I said, the ATH-M50x are great for studio environments or home studios when mixing and mastering. Their accurate sound reproduction ensures that what you hear is true to the original recording, a critical factor for professional audio work.
The ear cups can also swivel 90 degrees, allowing for single-ear monitoring – a feature that DJs might find useful when they have one ear on the mix and one on the new track.
Detachable Cables …
The headphones come with three detachable cables (a coiled cable, a long straight cable, and a short straight cable), providing flexibility for various environments and ensuring the headphones can be used in multiple settings.
Value for Money …
Considering all the factors above, including sound quality and durability, I really do think the c are excellent value for money. They sit a little above the mid-range of prices. They stand up against any other headphones in their price range – even better in sound quality.
Audio-Technica also have the ATH-M70x headphones, but at almost double the price they are way less popular than the 50x. You really are getting bang for your buck with these 🎧.
Downside …
Some users have noted the bass response could be better. This is usually people who are most accustomed to headphones with a more emphasised or “boosted” bass.
Although they provide good passive noise isolation, they may not fully block out ambient noise in very loud environments. They are not ‘noise cancelling’.
The detachable cables are a plus for many users, but some have experienced issues with the cable connection over time, such as wear or the cable occasionally becoming loose.
in a Nutshell 🥜 …
For professionals working in audio, music or podcasting or even music lovers that just want the best sound on their walk to work, investing in these headphones is a decision you won’t regret.
The sound quality is great, so every beat, note or vocal nuance is presented with real clarity giving you a genuine representation of the recording. When you also factor in the durability, they’re not just a purchase but a long-term investment for many years of listening.
The headphones are designed to withstand anything you can throw at them on a daily basis (just don’t throw them), making them reliable for anyone who needs high performance and a product that’s also going to last.
The comfortable fit is also a selling point. They’re definitely made with comfort in mind. Their plush ear cushions and adjustable headband mean that they can be customized to fit any head. Trust me – they even manage with my giant head!
Audio-Techica’s ATH-M70x headphones stand out in the crowded market.
Highly recommend.
