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Today we will be reviewing the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are designed to be comfortable and lightweight while providing sound quality and noise isolation.
The ATH-M50x is a closed back headphone that looks to deliver accurate sound with stellar noise isolation. It features a rotating earcup design, collapsible padded headband, and lightweight construction.
Let’s see if the headphones live up to the hype in our detailed review. As always, we will break our review down around four key categories, Build Quality, Comfort, Sound and Packaging.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphone Review
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
To start, let’s take a look at the basic specs from the manufacture.
Audio Technica ATH-M50x Specs
Driver type: Dynamic driver
Driver size: 45mm
Headphone type: Over-Ear, Closed-Back
Impedance: 38 ohms
Sensitivity: 98 dB
Frequency Response: 15 – 28000 Hz
Headphone Connector: 3.5mm also a 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter
Color options: Black, White, Gunmetal, Blue
Cable: Detachable 1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m straight cable and detachable 1.2 m straight cable
Headphone weight: 285 g/10 oz
Positive:
- Removable cable
- Fun Sound
- Build quality
- Excellent Deep Bass
- Semi-decent comfort
- Good portability
- Decent isolation
Negative:
- Proprietary cable
- Somewhat narrow soundstage
- Ear cup holes
- Not neutral studio monitors
- Headband
- Top end clarity
Build Quality
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a build quality of what we would expect on headphones in this price range. Most parts are plastic but sturdy and there is nothing major to complain about.
The headband is metal and offers some flexibility. In my opinion, the headband could use some more padding for more comfort during longer listening sessions.
The covering on the headband and earcups is soft and looks like it will chip over time. The good news is the earcups are replaceable. Unfortunately the headband covering is not replaceable.
One of the best design features is the earcups of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x rotate and twist. This makes the headphones very compact and great for travel.
Comfort and Fit
These headphones have been designed to be comfortable for any listener with its adjustable headband and swiveling earcups so you can find the perfect position of your liking. The detachable cables make it easy to replace or upgrade if needed as well as making these headphones very portable.
In regards to clamping, I have a larger head and did not find the initial pressure uncomfortable. It also has loosened up after some use, so far so good. The one complaint I did have is the headband becomes uncomfortable after an extended time period (a few hours).
The earcups are large and padded but they left the openings inside the padding on the smaller size. This is an issue for those with larger ears such as myself. They were not the most uncomfortable but also were not my favorite fitting ear cups by any means.
On a positive note the passive isolation from these closed back headphones were very good and there is minimal sound leak.
See if the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x made our list of the Best Wired Headphones.
Overall the comfort and fit of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones were acceptable and in line with other cans reviewed in this price range. If you have smaller ears I imagine the ear cups would be a great fit.
Sound
Although the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are advertised as studio monitors I found the sound to not be neutral or reference quality. This is not saying the sound is not good, just not something we would want to use in a studio to evaluate mixes.
The sound leans on the warm side with slightly scooped midrange. The bass response has a lot of low-end while mainlining a punchy mid-bass. The treble is pretty forward and can get fatiguing with long listening sessions. Comparing the ATH-M50x vs Sennheiser HD 280 PRO, the scooped mids are apparent vs the neutral HD 280s.
A few additional notes on the sound. On some tracks I found the bass to get over ‘boomy’ and distracting. In addition, the high end clarity is somewhat lacking.
The soundstage was pretty good considering these are closed-back headphones. There was a sense of direction of where the instruments were seated and for the price there are no complaints.
Overall the sound is on par as a fun, consumer listening headphone in this price range. Again, defiantly not studio or reference headphones but overall a fun listen without a lot of complaints.
Packaging and Accessories
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x come packaged in a box with a box cover. Once you open the packaging you will find the headphones themselves, a carrying case, three cables, 1/4″ adapter and a manual. The headphones come with three cables so you can choose one that works best for your device.
Of the cables, one is coiled and two are straight (9.8′ and 3.9′). The carrying case is made of soft material but will not protect from drops. I would recommend a hard case like the Slappa Hardbody Pro if you will be traveling with the headphones. The manual gives you information about how to care for your headphones as well as how to replace parts if needed.
Bottom line: The ATH-M50x headphones from Audio-Technica are a great choice for those who want to hear high quality sound while blocking out outside noise. The closed back design provides an great isolation that results in deep bass and good audio clarity, which is perfect if you’re looking for a more immersive listening experience.
These are not reference monitors. They lean towards a a warm sound with lots of bass. They make for some for fun listening. If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable all day wearables without many drawbacks, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x may just be what you need!
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Looking for more great headphone reviews? Check out our Best Headphones Under $200.
