Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Overview

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a professional monitoring headphone that has established itself as a standard in various audio production environments since its introduction. Developed by Audio-Technica, a company founded in 1962 according to Audio-Technica's company history, the ATH-M50x is a successor to the original ATH-M50. It features a closed-back, circumaural design, which means the earcups fully enclose the ear to provide passive noise isolation. This design is critical for studio applications where minimizing bleed from headphones into microphones is necessary, or for engineers who need to focus on audio details without external distractions.

The ATH-M50x is primarily utilized for studio monitoring, critical listening, and general audio production tasks. Its sound profile is characterized by a relatively neutral frequency response with a slight emphasis in the bass and upper-midrange, making it suitable for identifying imperfections in mixes and mastering. Reviewers often note its clarity across the frequency spectrum, which aids in accurate sound reproduction as detailed in RTINGS.com's ATH-M50x review. This sonic characteristic makes it a valuable tool for home recording artists and professional studios alike. The headphones are also frequently adopted by content creators, podcasters, and DJs due to their combination of sound quality, isolation, and robust build.

The ATH-M50x is particularly well-suited for extended listening sessions, thanks to its padded earcups and adjustable headband. The earcups can swivel 90 degrees, allowing for single-ear monitoring, a feature often appreciated by DJs. Its foldable design enhances portability, making it convenient for mobile producers or engineers who travel between different studio setups. This combination of acoustic performance, ergonomic design, and durable construction has solidified the ATH-M50x's position as a reliable workhorse in the audio industry, appealing to both seasoned professionals and aspiring audio enthusiasts seeking dependable reference headphones.

While categorized under "gaming peripherals" for its utility in gaming audio production and streaming setups, it is important to clarify that the ATH-M50x is not specifically engineered as a gaming headset. It lacks an integrated microphone and software-based enhancements common in dedicated gaming headphones. However, its accurate sound reproduction and passive noise isolation can benefit gamers who prioritize audio fidelity and positional accuracy in competitive titles, often pairing it with an external microphone. The passive, wired nature of the ATH-M50x means it operates without any software or drivers, providing a direct and reliable audio connection, favored by users who prioritize simplicity and latency-free performance.

Key features

• Proprietary 45 mm Large-Aperture Drivers: Equipped with dynamic drivers that deliver an extended frequency range and sonic clarity, essential for accurate sound reproduction in critical listening applications.
• Circumaural Design: Over-ear construction provides excellent sound isolation in loud environments, reducing external noise interference and minimizing sound leakage for recording situations.
• 90-Degree Swiveling Earcups: Earcups designed to swivel for single-ear monitoring, a feature beneficial for DJs and audio engineers.
• Foldable Design: Collapsible structure for space-saving portability, making them suitable for travel and storage.
• Detachable Cables: Includes three interchangeable cables (1.2m-3m coiled, 3m straight, and 1.2m straight) for versatility in different setups and situations.
• Professional-Grade Earband and Earpad Material: Constructed with durable materials for longevity and comfort during extended listening or monitoring sessions.
• Wide Frequency Response: A broad frequency response from 15 to 28,000 Hz, allowing for detailed audio analysis across the audible spectrum.

Pricing

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x studio monitor headphones are positioned in the mid-range segment for professional audio equipment, reflecting their balance of performance and build quality. Pricing details are subject to regional variations and retailer markups.

Common integrations

As a passive, wired audio peripheral, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x does not require software integrations, APIs, or SDKs. Its use cases primarily involve direct physical connection to audio equipment.

• Audio Interfaces: Connects via 3.5mm or 6.3mm (1/4") adapter to professional audio interfaces like those from Focusrite, Universal Audio, or Behringer for studio recording and monitoring.
• Mixing Consoles: Used with analog or digital mixing consoles in live sound, broadcast, and studio environments for monitoring individual tracks or master mixes.
• Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Provides monitoring for DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and FL Studio through a computer's audio output or a dedicated audio interface.
• Portable Recorders: Compatible with portable field recorders for on-location sound capture and monitoring.
• Hi-Fi Systems: Can be connected to consumer-grade amplifiers or receivers for critical music listening.
• Gaming Pcs and Consoles: Directly plugs into PC sound cards, motherboard audio outputs, or console controllers (with appropriate adapters) for gaming audio, often complemented by a standalone microphone.

Alternatives

For users seeking similar performance or features to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, several alternatives exist in the professional monitoring headphone market:

• Sennheiser HD 280 Pro: A closed-back, circumaural headphone known for its strong passive noise attenuation and neutral sound signature, often favored for tracking and studio reference.
• Sony MDR-7506: An industry-standard, lightweight, closed-back headphone recognized for its clear midrange and treble, highly prevalent in broadcast and recording studios for vocal monitoring.
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: A comfortable, closed-back studio headphone available in different impedance versions, noted for its deep bass response and detailed, spacious soundstage, popular for mixing and mastering tasks.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha: While primarily a gaming headset with an integrated microphone, the Cloud Alpha offers dual-chamber drivers for improved audio separation and comfort, suitable for gamers who value both sound quality and communication features.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired: A premium wired gaming headset with high-fidelity audio drivers and active noise cancellation, aiming for a broader appeal across gaming and multimedia use with comprehensive software features.

Getting started

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a passive, wired headphone and does not require software configuration or programming. Getting started involves physical connection to an audio source.

Step 1: Unpack and inspect. Remove the ATH-M50x headphones and included detachable cables from the packaging. Familiarize yourself with the headphone's foldable design and the cable locking mechanism.

Step 2: Attach the appropriate cable. Select one of the three included cables (1.2m-3m coiled, 3m straight, or 1.2m straight) based on your needs. Insert the 2.5mm end into the jack on the left earcup and twist clockwise to lock it in place. Ensure a secure connection to prevent accidental disconnection.

Step 3: Connect to your audio source. Plug the 3.5mm end of the cable into your audio device. This could be a computer's headphone jack, an audio interface, a mixing console, or a smartphone. If your audio source requires a 6.3mm (1/4") jack, screw on the included 1/4" adapter to the 3.5mm plug.

Step 4: Adjust for comfort. Place the headphones on your head, ensuring the earcups fully encompass your ears. Adjust the headband length on both sides so that the headphones sit comfortably without excessive pressure. The earcups can swivel to conform to your head shape.

Step 5: Begin monitoring or listening. Play audio from your source and adjust the volume on your device to a comfortable listening level. The ATH-M50x is now ready for use in studio monitoring, critical listening, or general audio playback.

# No code required for Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
# This is a passive, wired audio peripheral.
# 
# Connection involves physically plugging the 3.5mm or 1/4" jack
# into an audio output device (e.g., audio interface, computer sound card,
# mixing console, smartphone).
# 
# Example physical setup for a home studio:
# 
# 1. Connect ATH-M50x's 2.5mm cable to the left earcup (twist to lock).
# 2. Connect the 3.5mm (or 1/4" adapter) end of the cable to the
#    "Phones" or "Headphones" output jack on your audio interface
#    (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Universal Audio Volt 1).
# 3. Ensure your audio interface is connected to your computer and powered on.
# 4. Open your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) like Ableton Live or Logic Pro.
# 5. Select your audio interface as the output device within your DAW's
#    audio settings.
# 6. Play audio from your DAW or operating system.
# 7. Adjust the "Phones" volume knob on your audio interface for listening level.
# 
# No software installation or driver configuration specific to the ATH-M50x
# is required beyond setting up your audio interface or computer's sound.