Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review

The ATH-M50x is Audio-Technica's best-selling and most critically acclaimed M-Series model, according to the company. It uses 45 mm large-aperture drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, a closed-back over-ear design and sound isolation pads. Audio-Technica describes it as the go-to choice for tracking, with clarity across an extended frequency range and deep, accurate bass response. For home studios the practical features are three detachable cables and a collapsible design, which make it easy to move between a desk and a recording corner. The bass emphasis that Audio-Technica highlights is a reason some producers love it and others prefer a flatter pair such as the DT 770 Pro or MDR-M1 for mix decisions. Audio-Technica's US store blocked our automated check with a security page, so we could not verify a US price and scored value conservatively. Check the price before you buy. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Home producers who want a collapsible closed-back pair with bass weight and three detachable cables.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 45 mm large-aperture drivers with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
• Closed-back over-ear design
• Three detachable cables
• Collapsible design
• Sound isolation ear pads

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Three detachable cables in the box
• Strength: Collapsible for travel
• Strength: Audio-Technica pitches it for tracking
• Weakness: US price did not load in our check, so value is scored conservatively
• Weakness: Deep bass emphasis in Audio-Technica's own description
• Weakness: Few published specs on the product page we could load

Key facts

• Design: Closed-back, over-ear
• Driver: 45 mm large-aperture
• Cables: Three, detachable
• Folding: Collapsible
• Price: USD check pending

Where it ranks

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is No. 7 in our Best Studio Headphones verdict.