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Audio-Technica ATH-M50X: Are These the Ultimate Studio Headphones?

  • Writer: Trendy Wittystudio
    Trendy Wittystudio
  • Mar 7
  • 4 min read

Updated: Mar 8


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The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones. You've probably seen them in countless studios, and for good reason. These headphones have become a go-to choice for musicians, podcasters, and audio engineers alike. But are they really worth the hype? In this review, we'll dive deep into the ATH-M50X, exploring everything from their design and comfort to their sound quality and suitability for mixing. By the end, you'll know if these are the right headphones for you.


Unboxing the ATH-M50X

So, what do you get when you buy a pair of ATH-M50X headphones? Inside the box, you'll find:

  • The ATH-M50X headphones, of course.

  • A short cable: Ideal for connecting to your phone or other portable devices.

  • A long, straight cable: Great for studio use when you need extra reach.

  • A long, coiled cable: Another studio favorite, offering flexibility without creating a tangled mess.

  • A 1/4" adapter: This lets you plug your headphones into audio interfaces and other professional equipment.

  • An instruction manual.

First Impressions

The ATH-M50X boasts a practical design. The earcups swivel and rotate, making them suitable for DJ-style monitoring. Plus, they collapse down for easy storage and travel. The headband is nicely padded, and on some models, like the white one, it offers a stylish touch. The earcups are also well-padded with a vinyl-like covering.

The Magic of Detachable Cables

One of the best features of these headphones is the detachable cable. Why is this so important? Because cables break. They get chewed on, bent, and generally abused. With most headphones, a damaged cable means a trip to the trash can for the entire unit. But with the ATH-M50X, you can simply replace the cable and keep rocking. I've actually had to do this myself when my dog decided my cable looked like a tasty treat.

Are They Comfortable?

Comfort is key, especially if you're spending hours in the studio. The ATH-M50X headphones are generally comfortable, even for long listening sessions. They don't clamp too tightly on the head. The build quality feels solid. They should withstand the rigors of daily use.

Sound Quality: What to Expect

Let's talk about sound. The ATH-M50X offers a pleasing and mostly accurate sound. The frequency response ranges from 15Hz to 28kHz. These aren't perfectly flat headphones. They have an enhanced low-end.

Breaking Down the Frequencies

  • Lows: The bass is punchy and articulate due to the boosted low-end.

  • Mids: The midrange is smooth.

  • Highs: The top end is articulate without being harsh.

ATH-M50X vs. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Compared to something like the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, the ATH-M50X headphones aren't as flat. The HD 280 Pro headphones are known for their "forensic" accuracy. This means they reveal every detail in a mix. A flat response means the headphones reproduce sound without adding or subtracting anything.

Studio Applications: Tracking and Mixing

Because these are closed-back headphones, they're great for tracking. The closed-back design prevents sound from bleeding into your live microphones. The enhanced low-end can be a plus for vocalists and podcasters, giving their voices a more powerful sound. But that same boosted low-end means they aren't ideal as your only mixing headphones. You might need something else to compare your mix to.

Mixing with the ATH-M50X: A Balanced Approach

While I wouldn't rely on them 100%, I definitely use them as one of my reference points when mixing. The ATH-M50X headphones represent the type of headphones that many people use for casual listening. For critical mixing decisions, a neutral listening environment is key.

Virtual Mix Room Plugins: A Solution?

What if you want to mix with headphones but crave a more accurate representation of your mix? That's where virtual mix room plugins come in. Plugins like Waves NX offer profiles for popular headphones like the ATH-M50X. These plugins can help compensate for the imperfections of headphones. They create a more accurate mixing environment. With a virtual mix room plugin, you can mix with confidence using the ATH-M50X.

You can check out the Waves CLA NX plugin here.

The Beauty of Detachable Cables (Again!)

It's worth reiterating how great detachable cables are. A broken cable doesn't mean you need to replace the entire unit. The different cable lengths offer flexibility for various applications.

Technical Specs

Here's a quick rundown of the key specs:

  • Frequency Response: 15 Hz to 28 kHz

  • Impedance: 38 ohms

Impedance refers to how much a headphone resists an electrical signal. A lower impedance like 38 ohms means these headphones are easy to drive. They can be powered by most devices without needing a dedicated amplifier.

Pros and Cons

Here's a quick overview of the good and the not-so-good:

Pros:

  • Comfortable for long sessions

  • Pleasing and mostly accurate sound

  • Detachable cables

  • Collapsible design

  • Popular with virtual mix room plugins

Cons:

  • Not completely flat frequency response

  • Vinyl-like earcups might not be the most breathable

Who Should Buy These Headphones?

The ATH-M50X headphones are ideal for:

  • Studio tracking

  • Podcast recording

  • Casual listening

  • Mix checking (with a virtual mix room plugin or other reference monitors)

  • DJs

They might not be the best choice for:

  • Professional mixing without additional tools/references

  • Audiophiles seeking a perfectly flat response

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