When it comes to high-quality audio gear at an affordable price, Audio-Technica has long been a go-to brand for audiophiles, music producers, and casual listeners alike. Among their lineup, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x stands out as a timeless classic. Launched in 2014 as an upgrade to the popular ATH-M50, the M50x has been a staple in both professional and consumer audio worlds. In this article, we’ll explore why these headphones are so highly regarded and whether they still hold up in today’s crowded market.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing you’ll notice about the ATH-M50x is its robust build quality. These headphones are built to last, with sturdy plastic ear cups and a metal-reinforced headband. The ear pads and headband are cushioned with soft, synthetic leather, making them comfortable for long listening sessions. Despite being over-ear headphones, they fold up neatly for portability, and the swiveling ear cups make one-ear monitoring easy for DJs and sound engineers.

The ATH-M50x comes with three detachable cables (1.2m-3.0m coiled, 3.0m straight, and 1.2m straight), which are a significant upgrade from the fixed cable design of its predecessor, the ATH-M50. The detachable cables enhance durability and allow you to swap them out if one gets damaged. Overall, the M50x is designed with functionality in mind, balancing comfort with ruggedness.

Sound Quality

If there’s one thing the ATH-M50x is famous for, it’s the sound. These headphones are known for their accurate sound reproduction, making them ideal for critical listening in both studio environments and casual settings. Let’s break it down further:

• Bass: The bass on the ATH-M50x is punchy and well-defined without being overwhelming. It’s slightly boosted, giving a satisfying thump in genres like hip-hop, electronic, and pop. However, it doesn’t overshadow the mids and highs, making it suitable for a wide variety of music styles.
• Mids: The mids are clear and detailed, ensuring vocals and instruments sound natural. One of the standout features of these headphones is how well they handle mid-range frequencies, which is critical for tasks like mixing and mastering.
• Treble: The highs are crisp and detailed, though they can be slightly sharp for some listeners, especially at higher volumes. However, this clarity works in favor of anyone looking to hear every nuance in their audio.
• Soundstage: Although these are closed-back headphones, they offer a surprisingly spacious soundstage. While they don’t match the expansive soundstage of open-back headphones, the ATH-M50x performs admirably for its design, offering a decent sense of depth and width in its audio presentation.

Comfort and Fit

One of the major concerns with over-ear headphones is comfort during extended use, and the ATH-M50x delivers reasonably well in this department. The ear cups are generously padded, and the headband adjusts to fit a variety of head sizes. However, the synthetic leather can get a bit warm during long sessions, and those with larger ears may find the ear cups a little snug.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall fit is secure, and the lightweight design (285g) ensures that the headphones don’t become too fatiguing during prolonged use.

Use Cases: Who Are These Headphones For?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is marketed as a versatile, multi-purpose set of headphones, and it lives up to that promise. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal users:

1. Studio Professionals: Whether you’re a music producer, sound engineer, or DJ, the M50x offers the accuracy and clarity needed for mixing and monitoring. The punchy bass, clear mids, and slightly sharp treble make them a favorite among professionals who require detailed sound reproduction.
2. Audiophiles: While the ATH-M50x isn’t technically classified as an audiophile headphone, its sound profile offers enough clarity and detail to satisfy most discerning listeners, especially for those who enjoy a more balanced sound signature.
3. Casual Listeners: Despite being designed with studio use in mind, the M50x is also great for everyday listening. Its slightly bass-forward sound and detailed highs make it a pleasure for music, movies, and even gaming.
4. Travelers and Commuters: Thanks to the closed-back design, the ATH-M50x provides decent passive noise isolation, blocking out most ambient noise. While they won’t match active noise-cancelling models, they’re still a solid choice for blocking distractions during travel.

Pros and Cons

Verdict: Still the King of Mid-Range Studio Headphones?

Despite the ever-growing competition in the headphone market, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x remains a solid choice for anyone seeking high-quality sound without breaking the bank. Its combination of durability, versatile sound profile, and affordable price make it a top pick for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

While some may prefer open-back headphones for a more natural soundstage or active noise-cancelling models for travel, the ATH-M50x strikes an impressive balance between price, performance, and portability. It’s a classic for a reason, and in 2024, it’s still one of the best in its class.