Design and Build
The ATH-M50X has a sleek and professional design with an over-ear, closed-back configuration. Its build quality is robust, featuring durable plastic and metal components, ensuring longevity even under heavy use. The headphones are foldable, making them portable and easy to carry. The ear cups can swivel 90 degrees, allowing for one-ear monitoring, which is especially useful for DJs and studio professionals.
The ear pads and headband are padded with a soft leatherette material, providing comfort for extended listening sessions. The clamping force is balanced to ensure the headphones stay secure without causing fatigue.
Sound Quality
The ATH-M50X is praised for its balanced sound signature. It offers a slight emphasis on bass frequencies, making it enjoyable for casual listening, yet retains clarity and precision for professional applications. The mids are well-defined, ensuring vocals and instruments are detailed, while the highs are crisp without being overly sharp or fatiguing.
This sonic profile makes the ATH-M50X versatile across various genres, from bass-heavy EDM and hip-hop to acoustic and classical music. Its accurate sound reproduction also makes it ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering.
Accessories
The ATH-M50X comes with three detachable cables: a 1.2m-3m coiled cable, a 1.2m straight cable, and a 3m straight cable. This flexibility allows users to choose the appropriate cable length for different scenarios, such as studio work or commuting. Additionally, the headphones come with a 6.3mm screw-on adapter for compatibility with professional audio equipment and a carrying pouch for portability and protection.
Specifications
Audio Performance
- Driver Size: 45mm large-aperture drivers
- Driver Type: Dynamic with rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
The wide frequency response ensures that the headphones capture both deep bass and sparkling treble. The low impedance makes them easy to drive with smartphones, laptops, or dedicated audio interfaces.
Build and Dimensions
- Weight: 285 grams (without cable)
- Material: High-grade plastic with metal reinforcements
- Cable Options:
- 1.2m-3m coiled cable
- 3m straight cable
- 1.2m straight cable
- Connector: 3.5mm (1/8-inch) gold-plated, with a 6.3mm (1/4-inch) screw-on adapter
Comfort and Fit
The ATH-M50X’s circumaural design completely covers the ears, providing passive noise isolation. While not as effective as active noise-canceling headphones, the closed-back design helps block out ambient noise, making them suitable for studio use or travel.
Key Features
- Detachable Cables: Unlike its predecessor, the ATH-M50, the M50X features detachable cables, increasing its versatility and longevity.
- Durability: The headphones are built to withstand the rigors of daily use, making them a reliable choice for professionals and travelers alike.
- Swiveling Ear Cups: The 90-degree swiveling ear cups are ideal for single-ear monitoring and offer added convenience for DJs.
- Portable Design: Foldable construction and a carrying pouch make the ATH-M50X travel-friendly.
- Wide Frequency Range: Covers frequencies well beyond the human hearing range, ensuring detailed audio reproduction.
Use Cases
- Professional Studio Work: The ATH-M50X is widely used in recording studios for tracking, mixing, and mastering due to its accurate sound reproduction and detailed imaging.
- DJing: The robust build, swiveling ear cups, and clear sound make these headphones a favorite among DJs.
- Casual Listening: While designed for professional use, the headphones’ bass-forward sound and comfort make them great for everyday music enthusiasts.
- Content Creation: Podcasters, streamers, and video editors appreciate the headphones for their clarity and comfort during long editing sessions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with balanced bass, mids, and treble
- Comfortable for extended use
- Durable and portable design
- Detachable cables for versatility and easy replacement
- Wide frequency response for detailed audio reproduction
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Passive noise isolation is not as effective as active noise cancellation
- Slightly bulky for some users
- Bass emphasis may not suit purists seeking a flat frequency response
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X strikes a perfect balance between professional-grade audio quality and consumer-friendly features. Whether you’re a seasoned audio engineer, a DJ, or someone who simply loves high-quality sound, the ATH-M50X delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price point. Its durable design, comfort, and versatility have solidified its position as a top contender in the over-ear headphone market.