Audio-Technica has upgraded their studio monitor headphones line, which has received an immense number of positive reviews from users around the net. Their original ATH-M50 was their first pair of monitor headphones to really take off, which is now one of the most popular headphones in terms of studio monitor essence in the market. Many people have compared it to the Beats by Dre popular line we’re all familiar with, but are literally half the price of most of their models. This particular headphone made it in our top 10 best studio headphones article. Let’s take a look at the major features and the rating we’ve given it.
Our rating of the M50x by Audio-Technica
Realm Rating:
If you can suffice without the interchangeable cables, check the price of the original ATH-M50 headphones. They’ve dropped price since the release of these (we’ve seen them for as cheap as $120).
Pros:
- Brand new interchangeable cable system is very convenient
- Same great tech as their M50 older brothers
- Even more comfortable build than the M50’s with softer ear pads
- The swivel earcups and bag included make it great for portability
- Decent cost for a top-of-the-line studio monitor pair of headphones (compared to others such as Beats by Dre costing around $200+)
- Comes in three color options
- Perfect for studio monitoring, but also optimal for just about any type of music or audio listening
Cons:
- Can only use the Audio-Technica cables in terms of interchanging
- The ATH-M40x are almost as good in terms of tech and are ~$70 cheaper (read our review on them here)
- I get paranoid traveling with them just because they’re so expensive — just a personal qualm
- A little heavy if you’re picky (11 ounces)
- The case is cloth and not too dependable
The major upgrades of the Audio-Technica ATH M50x
At a retail price of $239 ($170 on most channels right now), one of the biggest upgrades of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the inclusion of an interchangeable cable. It comes with the following detachable cables: 1.2 m – 3.0m coiled cable, a 3.0m straight cable, and a shorter, 1.2m straight cable). We love the versatility these give us, allowing you to accommodate for any particular use you’ll be wearing the headphones for. The only problem is that the plugs only support Audio-Technica cables, so you can’t use older detachable cables from other brands (oh well).
The coiled, short, and long straight cables included in the package which can be interchanged as you please.
They’ve also aimed towards the more ‘not fixing what isn’t broken’ technique, being that the original M50’s were very stable and technologically sound. The M50x has the same tech specs and are just as comfortable as their predecessor. The headband is a little more wider (for those with bigger heads) and the ear-pads are a bit softer, but nothing else major involved with construction of the over-ear headphones.
The ATH-M50xBL
What’s also cool about the M50x is the color options; we’ve seen most of Audio Technica’s studio headphones come in only black. They tend to be a few more bucks (we’re really not sure why when all the difference is merely color), giving you the option of either the blue version, ATH-M50xBL, or the white version, ATH-M50xWH.
Recommended uses of the ATH-M50x
The ATH-M50xWH
Let’s be real: studio monitor headphones shouldn’t be discriminated against and only used by ‘sound engineers’. Who wouldn’t want a pair of top-quality headphones that are literally meant for people who need sound accuracy for different realms of the music listening world? I’ve used by older pair of M50’s for gaming and even going to the gym (I don’t want to bring my M50x’s since I’m paranoid with how new they are). I’m also a bit skeptical bringing them to the gym and working out with them as sweat will eventually age them quicker. But that’s just my own personal choice.
In a nutshell, use these for any type of music listening. You won’t be disappointed.
These headphones are great for portability
The traveling case and adapter included in the box.
The ear-cups can swivel 90 degrees, making them more compact and travel friendly. You’ve also got the traveling pouch that comes with it (it’s just a cloth bag, I’d recommend perhaps looking into a more hardshell case if you’ll be traveling with them a lot. We recommend the Slappa SL-HP-01 Headphone Case (~$25)
With the interchangeable feature you’re also able to detach the cables so you don’t have to wrap them around the headphones, helping to eliminate tangles or the cables merely breaking.
What your pair will look like when you fold them up to be on-the-go.
Specifications of the headphones
- Headphone type: Dynamic closed-back
- Diameter of drivers: 45 mm\Magnet: Neodymium\Voice coil: Copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW)
- Frequency range: 15 – 28,000 Hz
- Max input power: 1,600 mW (at 1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Weight: 10 ounces (285 grams) (without cables)
Check out our other reviews from Audio-Technica‘s monitor x-line:
Or be sure to check out our top 10 best studio headphones for some even more options for your shopping comparisons. There’s a lot out there in the headphone world!
Compare prices of the ATH M50x
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