Audio-Technica is a well-known brand in the world of DJing. The brand is popular for its high-quality sound products and ever since the launch of the Audio Technica ATH-M50X and M50 headphones; it’s only becoming more famous. Since you’ve already come so far, we’re sure you know the basic A-Zs of DJing, but for those of you who are venturing into this field for the first time, the ‘M’ in the name stands for ‘monitor.’ Our team of experts has tried and tested this pair of professional studio monitor headphones. Here’s our review on them. Read on to know more.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones are suitable for both DJing and studio recordings.
What We Like
- Great sound quality - Heavy bass - Comfortable and durable - Suitable for monitoring
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t block all exterior ambient noise - No Bluetooth connectivity - No microphone
What’s New in Audio Technica ATH-M50X?
With a powerful stereo image, the Audio Technica ATH-M50x is definitely an upgrade from the ATH-M50, which was also a great launch. The ATH-M50x falls in the same price category as its predecessor along with the same sound quality that audiophiles appreciated in the M50. Being a strong competitor to high-end brands like Beats, these monitoring headphones provide customers with multiple features but at a more affordable price. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Build & Features
The Audio Technica ATH-M50x are closed and over-the-ear – which is exactly what DJs look for in professional studio monitoring headphones. However, we weren’t too impressed with the style statement these headphones are making. If you’re looking for headphones with a sleek leather or aluminum finish, you’re probably going to want to steer away from the M50x.
While the headband does have a band of steel, the construction and design of these are purely plastic. Having said that, the overall look of the headphones is good, and it comes in three colors – black, blue, and white. The packaging comes with three additional cables included in the box, which are the same color as the headphones you select.
The three auxiliary cables are of varying lengths. There is a 3-meter long straight cable, another coiled cable of length 1.2 to 3 meters and a shorter 1.2-meter straight cable. These are specifically designed to be used as per your needs and sound environment; whether you’re at home or a studio. All of these cables come with their own Audio-Technica connector. Keep in mind not to lose these connectors; else you’ll have to purchase them from the brand.
Even though the padding on the ear cups is made of a synthetic layer ( which is essentially plastic), they are quite comfortable. You won’t be complaining at the end of a long night of a headache, that’s for sure. In spite of that, some DJs have had issues with the ear padding getting a little warmer than should be comfortable, after prolonged use.
Design
The headphone’s design incorporates swiveling ear cups, which rotate in a bi-axial manner. You won’t have to worry about where or how to store your headphones whenever you are traveling. These strong beauties can be easily folded and are compact. Just pop them in a carrying pouch to keep them safe and ‘sound’ (oh, the irony!), and you’re good to go. Luckily, the ATH-M50x comes with a complementary traveling pouch. How convenient.
The 90° pivoting ear cups provide easy monitoring by just one ear, and a top quality headband provides you with more comfort as well as a high level of durability. Along with this, you can easily cue your next music track, while monitoring with your headphones.
When we say ‘strong,’ we mean really strong. Even if you dropped these headphones off a table or shelf, you could be rest assured that the sturdy headband will take all the brunt of the fall. Isn’t that great? Imagine seeing your headphones fall apart in front of your eyes! The thought itself sends a shiver down our spines. Luckily, Audio-Technica has made sure you don’t need to be extra careful and delicate with these bad boys; use them without any care in the world.
Some users have complained that the ‘bulky’ design of the headphones can sometimes be uncomfortable to use. Also, this makes the headphones an unsuitable to use if you plan on making any phone calls with them (there’s no microphone incorporated into the design, either). The reason given by Audio-Technica for this is that there is no adapter to accommodate this function. We were surprised by the fact that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x does not support Bluetooth connectivity. Not something you’d expect from a brand which specializes in electronic devices for music, right? Such a shame!
Sound Quality
Given the size of the ear cups, we were expecting a lot from these monitoring headphones in terms of noise isolation. Unfortunately, the noise cancellation isn’t all that great, which is unexpected since the big ear cups should ideally be isolating a pretty good amount of sound.
The overall sound quality of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is definitely something to boast about. With strong bass and crisp treble, along with a high-frequency response range, they provide users with exceptional clarity and sound quality that you will absolutely love.
Whether you’re looking for DJ headphones for tracking or mixing or personal listening, these Audio Technica DJ headphones can be a great buy. Since the headphones are collapsible, they can easily be folded and placed in your bag when you are on the move. Their frequency response is of the range 15-28,000 Hz.
View on Amazon: Audio-Technica ATHM50XBT Wireless Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones
Should You Buy Audio-Technica ATH-M50x?
These pair of headphones are highly suitable for DJing as well as studio recordings. It’s no surprise why the M50x is highly admired by audiophiles. They have been critically acclaimed by many sound engineers. Since they have an increased frequency response, you can expect a high level of sound quality and impeccable clarity.
When buying professional studio monitoring headphones, you’ll often be confused as to which pair to pick. You’re looking for the best features, great quality and comfort and of course, something worth the money. All in all, we’d say the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is all of that.
But, if you’re just in the market for a solid, fun and engaging pair of headphones with an involving sound-stage, plenty of energy and powerful bass at a price you can actually afford, you can’t do any better than these.
If you have any questions, doubts, or queries, feel free to drop a comment in our comments section below, and our experts will get back to you with an answer in no time. Also, if there are any products you have in mind that you’d like for us to test and review, do write to us! Happy monitoring!
