Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Review

Closed-Back Monitor Headphones

1,330,008 reviews
rank in Headphones
8
audio-technica.com
Audio-Technica

Introduction

In this article, we delve into a detailed analysis of 1,330,008 user reviews from various languages worldwide to examine the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. This analysis is performed by the RR artificial intelligence and updated daily with newly submitted reviews. The RR AI utilizes a complex algorithm to first scrutinize user reviews for credibility, filtering out unreliable ones. It then proceeds to dissect and evaluate the valuable insights within these reviews, providing users with ratings regarding the features of this product. Based on these assessments, users can make informed decisions about whether this product is suitable for them or not.

Ratings Based on Features

These results are a summary of user reviews of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. For example, 90% of 597,832 users who have commented on the Sound quality of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x have given positive feedback.

90%
Sound quality
90% of users are satisfied, based on 597,832 reviews
84%
Durability
84% of users are satisfied, based on 333,362 reviews
81%
Noise cancellation
81% of users are satisfied, based on 315,789 reviews
86%
Value for money
86% of users are satisfied, based on 311,852 reviews
90%
Bass quality
90% of users are satisfied, based on 257,656 reviews
87%
Comfort
87% of users are satisfied, based on 253,425 reviews
90%
Battery life
90% of users are satisfied, based on 159,207 reviews
94%
Easy to fold
94% of users are satisfied, based on 154,311 reviews
88%
Easy to use
88% of users are satisfied, based on 122,329 reviews
80%
For gaming
80% of users are satisfied, based on 119,969 reviews
80%
Light weight
80% of users are satisfied, based on 96,671 reviews
89%
Quality of material
89% of users are satisfied, based on 94,664 reviews
88%
Portability
88% of users are satisfied, based on 70,780 reviews
86%
Style
86% of users are satisfied, based on 64,687 reviews
86%
Volume control
86% of users are satisfied, based on 62,187 reviews
94%
Versatility
94% of users are satisfied, based on 29,673 reviews
92%
For beginners
92% of users are satisfied, based on 25,432 reviews
Average Rating (1,330,008 ratings)
93%
Amazon.ae ( 144,511 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.au ( 131,298 ratings )
94%
Amazon.pl ( 129,654 ratings )
94%
Amazon.co.jp ( 99,685 ratings )
92%
Amazon.de ( 71,138 ratings )
90%
Amazon.sa ( 70,487 ratings )
94%
Amazon.es ( 70,475 ratings )
93%
Amazon.it ( 66,825 ratings )
92%
Amazon.co.uk ( 65,578 ratings )
94%
Amazon.fr ( 65,075 ratings )
92%
Amazon.nl ( 61,442 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com.tr ( 60,736 ratings )
94%
Amazon.eg ( 54,529 ratings )
94%
Amazon.com ( 38,717 ratings )
93%
Amazon.se ( 37,354 ratings )
94%
Amazon.sg ( 32,944 ratings )
94%
Amazon.in ( 32,583 ratings )
92%
Amazon.ca ( 32,387 ratings )
92%
Amazon.com.mx ( 32,347 ratings )
96%
Amazon.com.br ( 28,690 ratings )
94%
B&H Photo Video ( 2,099 ratings )
96%
Adorama ( 888 ratings )
90%
SweetWater ( 201 ratings )
90%
Amazon.cn ( 137 ratings )
89%
Guitar Center ( 94 ratings )
90%
Reverb ( 71 ratings )
94%
Musicians Friend ( 41 ratings )
90%
Zzounds ( 22 ratings )
100%
Show more

Highlighted Customer Reviews

Showing 1 to 20 of 520 Reviews

Great sound, very uncomfortable

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Jan 11, 2018

Reviewed by Dan on B&H Photo Video

I bought these headphones for studio monitoring. When they arrived I immediately noticed the great sounds quality, crisp full spectrum sound (plus they come in red, which is dope). After a couple minutes of continuous wearing, my ears and the top of my head started to hurt. The headphones don't confirm well to the shape of your ears, and the earpiece and headband tend to dig into your head. They feel heavy, due to the pressure they put on your head. I still think they sound fantastic, but I can't wear them for longer than 5 minutes at a time without getting a headache. In my opinion, they make better DJ headphones than studio monitoring headphones. Maybe I just have a big head, I don't know. ... More

Excellent

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Feb 13, 2015

Reviewed by Nate on B&H Photo Video

I use these headphones daily at work. I wear them for about 6 continual hours a day, and I can honestly say that they are not too uncomfortable. Yes, they fit tight, but that is how you get the most sound isolation. They are adjustable, though, and I'm sure the headphones need time to loosen up a little. These headphones do a pretty good job of accurately reproducing source material. Of course, there are more expensive alternatives that are hyper-accurate, but for the cost, these are quite good. You will hear things in these that you will not hear in other alternatives, like extreme low and high frequency anomalies (that you would normally not hear on inexpensive sets). They may even let you hear things you don't want to hear (like a bad mix), so be warned... Overall, I'm quite pleased with these for the cost, and in my application as a professional broadcast-audio engineer, they perform very well. ... More

A worthy addition to my headphone collection.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones

May 21, 2014

Reviewed by William Estell on Guitar Center

I have heard so much about these headphones, that I finally decided to pick up a pair. First, I have to admit that I was not very impressed with the visual appearance of these headphones. They're made mostly of plastic and not many metal components to be found anywhere, except for the metal bands that reinforce the headband. These things sound really clean and although I use them primarily for DJ use, I have been using them for all sorts do things and they're still impressing me. They come with THREE different replaceable cables and a pretty nice leather(ish) carrying pouch. The ear pads are made from a very nice material that feels like real leather, and is extremely soft. The foam in the ear pads feels like it could be memory foam but holds its shape very well. Although they are made from all plastic, they have no noticeable noise or "creaks" that are common with headphones like this, although I've only had them for a few weeks. They feel like they are gonna last so I have no regrets with my purchase so far. I'm comparing these up against a few headphones... The Sony MDR7506, Sennheiser HD25, Sennheiser Amperior, V-Moda Croosfade LP2 and I'd say that they're closest to the 7506 in size and shape. The Sony MDR7506 sounds just a touch brighter in the upper mid-range compared to the ATH-M50x. The ATH-M50x sounds completely neutral across the entire spectrum and I can easily focus in on any details I wanted to hear, without effort. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these to anyone without a good set of monitors, and if you're looking for a new pair, definitely check these out. Especially for the price! ... More

Best Headphones for the price for anything!!!!

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones

Sep 16, 2014

Reviewed by Justin on Guitar Center

I came into buying these just expecting to use em for MONITORING and Recording. But the same day I bought em, I was in the car and decided to start burning them in, and at first I was just like 'meh'. Until I gave it more time, and then BOOM the sound just blew my mind. The bass was deep and punchy, but you could give a bit of a bass boost and you could get some of the BUMPY bass. The mids, crisp, clean and audible. I can hear almost hidden things within the music that surprise me. And I can hear almost every single different instrument. Esepcially with songs by Serj Tankian where there are multi-vocal tracks; I can hear each individual track perfectly. Trebles, wow, not too bright, not to warm. Just right, cymbals sound clean, and female vocals are almost scary to listen to just because of their preciseness. The sound stage is absolutely amazing for a closed back, wouldnt call it godly soundstage. Sound isolation is amazing , great for recording drums. Comfortable as heck, and light as well. And do not worry, these do not need too much power, since they only are 38 ohms. You can if you want to so you can get a bit of a volume boost. The only cons: pretty quiet even on my overkill PC, underdone bag, proprietary cables, no mic/control cable, NO RED VERSION M50x?(wish they had the m50x in red) But as you can read, the pros heavily out weigh the cons. My previous favorite were the Beats Mixrs, but these definitely beat them in the sound quality department. I recommend these to anyone who wants great sound for a pretty darn good price. ANYONE I SAY! ... More

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Great for the Studio, Work, and the Street

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones

Dec 6, 2018

Reviewed by Taylor D. on Reverb

I picked up a pair of ATH-M50x headphones when I added my first synthesizer and audio interface to my recording/mixing setup. I record regularly on a Roland drum kit and various basses and guitars. I am not a record audiophile - I just want to hear each part of the mix cleanly so I can figure out the parts so I can play and mix the tracks cleanly. I wasn't in the market for deafening bass or something that pushes the extreme limits of human auditory processing. I was on the hunt for a pair of headphones that would meet my studio needs just far enough that playing the final mix through nice speakers wouldn't leave any surprises, but also be comfortable for everyday use both at my work desk and on the go. The base package for the ATH-M50x came with all the variations of cords that I needed to use them with my instruments (1/4") and ipod (1/8") and whatever the mystery native cable input is (smaller than 1/8"). The cords are durable and have taken a beating because I've used them every single day since I bought them. I listen to podcasts almost continuously at my day job and the quality of the playback compared to the in ear headphones I was using previously is incredible. You can pickup every small noise in the recording room. Bass is resonant, but not booming in a way that drowns the other parts of the mix. I have tried other headphones in the studio and casually and have found that headphones that "specialize" in one aspect of music are generally just covering a shortcoming in every other aspect they're not bragging about. I have not felt short handed for any task with the ATH-M50x. They do not bleed sound to my deskmates, but almost totally put me into the world of whatever track I'm playing.  I've spent the last couple months recording with other musicians in various studios and I find my headphones getting "borrowed" preferentially over $300+ studio headphones. I have worn these at work and while traveling every day since and have not incidentally damaged them in any way. The ear cuffs rotate very intuitively to fit tight against your head, but also twist to  lay flat when you have them around your neck. The cables are twist-locking, so they do not pull free from the headphones themselves if you pull the cord taught. I'm totally happy with these headphones and could only see myself replacing them with the same model if I needed another set tomorrow. ... More

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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones
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$169
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones
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Audio-Technica ATH-M50xMO Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Limited Edition Lantern Glow)
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These are not the 'Famous' ATH-M50's, they're a downgrade.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Jun 15, 2021

Reviewed by Bill on B&H Photo Video

I understand why Audio Technica did it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it or accept it, which is why I've already requested a refund after wearing them for an afternoon. Build Quality: 8.5/10 It's the same as my 9 year old M50's on my head, which means the hinges will wear down, crack, and ultimately break after 4-6 years of regular use, due to the same design defects that have gone completely unchanged in that time. No reinforcement, no improvement of materials, nothing. They won't snap in half after a year like most gaming headsets will though. Comfort: 8/10 (after modification) The earcups are going to turn to dust within a year, might as well buy a replacement set from someone else now to save yourself the trouble. I have a slightly larger sized head and these things can feel tight after a while, but not terrible. (Based on 9 years of using M50's) Sound: 0/10 These are not monitor headphones, what you have here is Audio Technica taking the name and legendary status of the original M50's (which were famous for the flat frequency and wide sound stage, at an affordable price), and using that existing branding and legacy to sell their own version of Beats by Dre. It's a real big step backwards for the ATH-M50(x) headphone. The thing that frustrates me the most is that the original M50 sound isn't gone from their lineup, it just got moved from the M50 down to the M40 line. That's not really about the sound so we'll skip that for now. My only Audio Technica alternative for what I'm needing, is the ATH-M40x, which has a very similar sound to the original M50 I'm so happy with. The problem however, is that the build quality of the m40x is not comparable to the quality of the M50x. The 40x has smaller headphones, a narrower, less durable and less comfortable headband, and weaker can hinges lead it to more frequent breaks and needs for replacement. With all that said, I've already submitted my return for these headphones, and will be contacting Audio Technica to try and purchase replacement hinges. I'd rather spend $20 on parts to fix my existing monitors which still sound great, than dumping $170 on something that should be the same, but sounds completely different. Since M40's are prone to breaking and since the M50's have become a victim of popular culture, I really hope they have replacement parts for me. Otherwise, I'm likely going to Sennheiser or Sony. I'll make sure to update this review with whatever alternative I find that I feel best matches the original M50. ... More

You've found what you were looking for

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Sep 7, 2014

Reviewed by New Dad on B&H Photo Video

Let me start by saying I own several pairs of $ + headphones, including the VMODA M-100 and Seinnheiser HD 598. And, in my opinion, the ATH-M50x is by far the best pair of headphones you could possibly buy in this price range. If you're considering these headphones and are on the fence, I strongly encourage you to make the jump - you won't be disappointed. If, however, you need a little more convincing, I'll break down why I love these cans so much.First and foremost, the sound quality is absolutely unreal. What can I say that hasn't already been said? These have a deep, rich sound. They're not overly heavy on the bass - it's just right. They provide a wonderfully accurate frequency response and make any genre of music sound great. Rock, pop, jazz, classical, folk, country...regardless of what you're into, these will fit the bill.In my eyes, comfort is just as important as sound quality. If you can't wear a pair of headphones for long periods, it doesn't matter how good they sound. Fortunately, these are supremely comfortable. The faux-leather ear pads / headband are very soft, and the padding is plentiful. I can easily wear them for 4+ hours straight without any discomfort on the sides of my head and ears. They are a closed-back, over-ear model...so if you plan on wearing them outside they will get a little toasty on a hot day, but that comes with the territory on this type of model. Honestly, I can't imagine a more comfortable pair of headphones.The build quality is very solid. If you're used to VMODA's tank-like structural design, the plastic on the M50x might feel a little weak at first, but you'll quickly realize there's no need to baby them. The swivel hinges are well made, the headband is solid metal, and the overall feel of the headphone inspires confidence that you can throw them in the back of your car without worry.Last but not least - the price. You simply won't find a better sounding, more comfortable pair of headphones unless you're willing to spend a lot more money. The value offered by the ATH-M50x cannot be matched by any pair of cans in this price range, period. It really is that simple. ... More

Right tone, right price

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones

Jul 6, 2017

Reviewed by Talon M. on Reverb

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones will meet the two most important considerations buyers have: price and sound. At under $150, this is one of the least expensive items a home studio owner or audiophile will ever purchase. This product appeals specifically to these groups because of its unique combination of quality and price. Headphone quality must be considered both as sonic quality (clearness) and neutrality. Greater sound quality can certainly be achieved in other products, however, even a well-tuned ear will find these headphones adequate for listening or monitoring. Before using this pair, I listened to music with a pair of Beats headphones, a brand infamous for its muddy, unclear low end. The ATH-M50x gave life to even old songs I have enjoyed for years; The punchy, balanced bass allows the rest of the instruments to complete the auditory picture. Additionally, a longer-reaching high end results in crisper vocals, cymbals, and guitars. Sonic neutrality is the holy grail of audiophiles and home studio enthusiasts everywhere. Knowing how the song truly sounds allows you to mix a song accurately so it will sound good on multiple speaker systems, not just the one you are listening on. Hi-fi enthusiasts also desire an unadulterated tone so they can hear it just as the artist intended. Physical quality and durability should also be mentioned, since these headphones are comfortable and durable. The padding and covering are soft yet sturdy. You do not have to hesitate before throwing them in a backpack, although the included soft case provides additional protection. The product includes a few different cables which allow the listener to connect to either ¼ inch stereo or 3.5mm ports. One cable is coiled, which is convenient since the other ones are a bit long at 3 and 1.2 meters, respectively In conclusion, I can confidently say you should buy this pair of headphones if you are looking for good quality, honest tone, and a fair price. You should only consider more expensive options, like the ATH-M70x, if you consider $150 the low end of your budget. Better options are out there, but the marginal sonic improvements are hardly worth the exponential price increases. ... More

High Hopes Turned to Great Disappointment!

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Feb 22, 2021

Reviewed by Tim on B&H Photo Video

I ordered these on February 11, 2021 and got them today, February 23, 2021. Took awhile to get them due to inclement weather in several parts of the country during this time. I was really glad to finally get them but that's where it ended. I took the headphones out of the box, the packaging is very nice and they do come with three different length cables. I used the short cable but getting the cable plugged into the headphone was taught and it's a push and turn to lock it in but then to get it out it was almost stuck, and I was afraid I was going to break it. These are not quality built headphones. They feel cheap built to me. I tried them on and they were not comfortable at all. They actually fit better with the right ear on the left ear but then the cable was crossing in front of me to where they were plugged in. I had these on for 30 minutes and they hurt my head, and I adjusted to get them to fit but these just aren't for me. They are round and not circumaural ear pieces, and they were tight on my ears. The sound quality I was not impressed with either. The reason I purchased these was to replace a pair of Technics RP-DH 1200 that broke on the right side. I was taking those off on February 11, and the right side ear piece just snapped off. Plastic finally gave way and I had those for about five years. They had good sound and were comfortable but the fake leather cover on the ear pads starting peeling off after about 2 years. Anyway, these Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are greatly overrated and are for people with smaller heads and smaller ears but they are just not quality built in my opinion. I don't see these even lasting 5 years before they would break. Too much plastic and they feel like they would break very easily. So, I will look for something else. Comfort is key for me, then quality build and of course the sound quality must be there or else they are useless. So, I gave these one star because I honestly hate them! Poor build quality, sound quality not that great, and comfort is a big ZERO! ... More

Accurate and True Sound, Sturdy Build, Professional.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones

Apr 24, 2017

Reviewed by Dr. Dangerman on Guitar Center

First off, as a musician I live and breathe for true, professional, unbiased sound. Everything has to sound just as the artist intended it to... This is my belief. I've been a musician for several years and have very specific requirements when it comes to audio quality. I play a Korg RK-100S keytar and a Roland SP-404SX sampler. Between those two professional electronic instruments, audio accuracy is a must. I primarily bought the ATH-M50x headphones honestly for their studio monitoring purposes. I am a keytarist and samplist and I needed some reliable headphones that didn't lean to heavily towards any low, mid or high spectrum when not necessary. However, I did need headphones that could easily handle lows, highs and everything in between whenever I require it. After quite a bit of research and speaking with different pro audio technicians it seemed inherent that Audio-Technica offered just what I was seeking. It was a leap of faith, still, because I couldn't personally test the ATH-M50x headphones before I dropped $150 on them. However, I felt content with Guitar Center's 45-day return policy. So I took the chance. I've had them for a couple of weeks now and have tested them thoroughly with many different genres of music, as well as my own personal keyboard and audio sampling effects. The sound is true, needless to say. They sound just as any musician would hope they would: Unbiased. The headphones relay clearly and accurately whatever you run through them without any exaggeration. This is exactly what I was aiming for... Now, I can't seem to part from them for very long. I really like how the cups swivel and can allow one-year DJ-style monitoring. They are also great for when you need to hang them around your neck since the swivel-feature allows the ear cups to lay flat against your chest so they're not immediately a burden to wear. Although the build and material of them seems lightweight, they feel durable as heck. ... More

Beautiful design, amazing soundwhat more could I want?

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

May 3, 2015

Reviewed on B&H Photo Video

OVERVIEW/SOUND QUALITY I purchased these headphones primarily for film/video post production, but plan to listen to music at home/at school/on-the-go with these sleek cups, as audio experts put it. I am no audio expert. A senior in high school planning to study film at college, I have more experience with the video aspect of film/video than with sound. But I can tell you that I was absolutely AMAZED by the sound quality of these headphones upon first use. Music sounds incredible. Haven't used it for video editing yet, but from listening to dialogue on YouTube videos, etc., I have no concerns. BUILD QUALITY/DESIGN These are extremely beautiful. I had trouble deciding which color to get but decided to take a chance with the limited edition dark green version. I'm not disappointed! Warning: the dark green is *very* dark green (and almost looks black). But the chocolate brown is beautiful. As far as build quality, these feel solid and well-engineered. The ear cups are soft and plush, and the head band section (not sure if that's the right term for it) has nice padding. The case it comes with looks classy and feels great. The three detachable cord options are perfect for my needsno complaints thereand they are THICK and durable. My only qualm with these are that the cups feel a *bit* tight on my ears. I assume it's because I have little-to-no experience wearing actual headphones. I'm sure I'll adjust quickly. This by no means should concern you, however, because the pros of these headphones outweigh the con(s) EASILY. These are wonderful! Very satisfied. FINAL THOUGHTS While these are a bit expensive (especially for a teenager on a budget), the price tag reflects super high quality build and sound reproduction. Audio Technica manages to combine the aesthetics of more flashy brands with FAR superior sound quality (according to expert reviews). GET THEM NOW! ... More

Best Boom for the Buck

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Aug 13, 2020

Reviewed by Andrew on B&H Photo Video

I had been using my Sony MDR7505 headphones since I had bought them in 1999. They were my go to gig pair, mixing and mastering set and daily listening. In truth they still work well and I still use them for various things. They are a quality, reliable and great sounding headphone. That being said, THE ATH-50x BLOW THEM AWAY. The 50x headphones are the most clear sounding, thump bumping, crisp monitor headphones I have ever listened to in my 23 year musical career. Please also be aware that I am not saying this as some false euphemism or grand metaphor, I have had the opportunity to use everything from top of the line Sennheiser to bottom feeder gaming console headsets you get for 5.99 on Black Friday. The ATH-50x hold thier own to the best. They are slightly less bassy than a specialized pair, they are wired and they are a bit tight (being new) yet the sound quality of these for being around 175$ is matched by none I have heard. The sound quality of these headphones is amazing. Crisp, vibrant and easy to distinguish. With them being WIRED I really like the cable system. Detachable from the bottom of the left earpiece and using a solid plug they work well with swapping from 1/4in to 1/8in. Good build quality. 10/10 For Value WITH Quality. I will be most likely buying a second pair for day to day usage and I would HIGHLY recommend these to any person whom asked me. If you are looking for a pair of mastering/monitor/mixing headphones and you dont mind the wires, these are the pair. Paying less than 200$ for these should be criminal. ... More

Perfect Mix of Affordability, Audio Quality, and Portability

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Mar 15, 2016

Reviewed by AdventureCouple on B&H Photo Video

After reading many reviews, the M50x was my choice over the normal M50 and its younger siblings. I am no audiophile but these headphones give a perfect amount of bass without being muddy or overwhelming. Mids and highs are quite clear, and overall is a great deal for the performance and features it gives at this price point. Removable cable was what made me choose the M50x over the regular M50, but the proprietary connector to the headset is kind of iffy if you were looking into replacements or custom cables. Thankfully, it has a latching mechanism to keep it from pulling the cord out should it get tangled and hooked onto something. I wear glasses and it gives me slight pain after a few hours of use. Replacing the earpads soon with Brainwavz HM5 to alleviate this issue. Portability is great with the detachable cable and collapsible cups. Other than the earpads and proprietary cable connector, it performs perfectly for my needs. ... More

Good sound, good construction.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Jan 31, 2021

Reviewed by Donald S on B&H Photo Video

These headphones are definitely a good start for people that need something with some extra punch while listening to music over something like the Sennheiser HD58X Jubilee or HD6XX headphones and the closed back helps drown out ambient noise better than open back headphones. Compared to the HD58X or HD6XX these have more oomph for bass but the Middle-High frequencies that encompasses most vocals are pushed forward a bit too much and almost feel disconnected from the rest of the music. The HX6XX and HD58X win here as everything feels right although the reduction of bass over the M50x is why I chose to pick up a pair for gaming and casual listening, especially at louder volumes. I do not do professional mixing but I would probably mix with the HD6XX or for a neutral sounding mix or the HD58X for just a bit more colorful mix since they can hit a tad lower for bass than the HD6XX can among other differences. For extended use for people like myself with Glasses, these can become uncomfortable after a couple hours whereas I can where the HD58X for over six hours and the HD6XX for over 10 hours comfortably when needed with little problems as the pad materials on the Sennheiser headphones are more comfortable for those with stuff between the cup and ear like glasses. As for construction, these are plastic with swivel cups and have a good feel but it is not as sturdy as the HD58X or HD6xx since they are more ridged due to not rotating at all. Nothing untra fancy but these won't feel really cheap by any means. ... More

Amazing sound, decent comfort

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Mar 2, 2021

Reviewed by Justin on B&H Photo Video

I was ready for a headphone upgrade and the reviews for this pair caught my attention. A mix of comfort and high quality audio drew me in. Audio quality was immediately noticeable and quite an improvement over my old Bose AE2 heaphones. Those older headphones served me well and always sounded good, but the clarity and range I could hear with the M50x was clearly apparent. The downside is that these headphones aren't nearly as comfortable as I had hoped. After about an hour or so of wear, my head and ears were hurting. The cushions were fine, not the softest, but overall I think the issue was from cushion fit and headphone pressure. The headphone pressure is adjustable though, under the plastic cushion on the band there's metal that you can make slight bend adjustments to. That has helped. I'm going slowly though. On the cushion front, I ended up buying aftermarket cushions that are working better for me. Softness-wise they're probably close, but they're just a bit bigger, so fully sit around my ears. The cushions that came with the M50x are just a bit smaller, and so put pressure on parts of the ear itself. Everyone's head is different though, so you'd just need to try them out yourself. Overall even with the comfort issues, I'm very happy with these headphones. I'm using them mainly for listening to music, and then followed up by amateur music production. They've been great for both. ... More

Fantastic at this price point!

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Dec 2, 2014

Reviewed by Jim Bo on B&H Photo Video

These headphones are among the best at this price for my needs. I've been through a lot of headphones and wasted a bunch of money on well reviewed, more expensive ones but these are among the best. It seems that many other headphones are good at one thing but not anoher. I have a pair of VModa's that are VERY bass heavy but the mids and highs are very recessed. Don't even get me started on Beats. Just bad IMHO. These ATH-M50x's are very good at doing just about everything. Deep, but not overpowering, bass and clear mids and highs. I have another pair of favorite headphones and those are the Bose Sound True. Crystal clear mids and highs. Maybe even a tad clearer than the M50x's. But the bass is different. The bass on the Bose I would classify as tight and the M50x's as deep. Neither are muddy like the VModa's or Beats. All in all, these headphones are an excellent buy with a few minor negatives for my personal needs:1)There is no cord available for controlling an IPod or Android smartphone. I use these exclusively at the gym and it's a pain to have to reach in my pocket to skip a track or control the volume. With the Bose Sound True's, this cord is standard.2)They're noticeably heavier than the Bose. I was at the gym and listening to the Bose while lifting weights and when I went to the locker room to change for my cardio workout, I put on the M50x's and they felt like a ton of bricks compared to the Bose.3)Not real crazy about the blue/brown color scheme. The only reason I got this color is because all my other headphones are black.All things considered, a great purchase! ... More

What A Beaut.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones

Feb 17, 2015

Reviewed by Dylan on Guitar Center

These headphones introduce revolutionary qualities in audio itself. I have never heard audio more clearly. With these headphones, I hear so many underlying aspects in music I have never heard through other headphones or speakers. This allows even more to appreciate in music than before for me personally. With the audio quality being so crisp and rich, I unfortunately have a new extremely high standard for audio. I use to think the headphones that come with today's iPhones and iPods were at least high quality, but now I consider them kinda poor. I dare not even touch the $20 earbuds I have bought from walmart. So obviously as far as audio quality goes, the most important aspect of headphones, I give these a 10/10. The quality is immaculate. As for physical build, they are very comfortable and I can wear them for a long duration of time without noticing discomfort, and when I do, it's hardly noticeable. The ear muffs are very well cushioned and soft. The appearance also looks very sleek and professional. Best headphones I have ever owned. ... More

Excellent quality headphones for a great price

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Jan 21, 2021

Reviewed by Damian on B&H Photo Video

I purchased these headphones about three weeks ago and I really enjoy them. The quality and construction is fantastic. Having different length cables that disconnect directly from the headphones allows me to quickly jump from my DAWs to other devices with ease. I primarily use them for the follow: 1) Keyboard (Yamaha P-45) 2) Recording my own music through a Focusrite (singing, guitar, and violin) 3) Create my own digital soundscapes in a variety of prosumer DAWs on my laptop 4) Listening to music on my phone 5) Teaching remotely on Zoom on a laptop I agree that these are perfect for someone seeking really great quality headphones without breaking the bank. There are a couple of things I saw mentioned in previous reviews that I agree with and you may want to consider if you spend a lot of time wearing headphones for your work. 1) They are a bit heavy and after recording or mixing for about an hour I start to feel pressure on the top of my head where the headband rest. 2) They're also a bit tight on the ears, especially if you're wearing glasses. After about the same amount of time I start feeling a soreness where the ear pieces of my glasses are compressed by the cushions. That being said, I think they were a bit stiff out of the box and are wearing in and/or I'm getting more accustomed to them. Either way, I probably should take breaks more often. Haha! Taking them off for about 4-5 minutes usually relieves it. ... More

Very, Very Good!

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Studio Monitoring Headphones

Jan 20, 2019

Reviewed by Michael on Guitar Center

I am very pleased with these headphones. These are my first set of premium level/midrange headphones. I had been running a pair of American Audio HP 700 through a 20 watt headphone amp and my phone with the Jet Audio Pro App to listen to mostly rock music and was very pleased with those phones for what I paid. But when I got a little extra money I did some research and discovered these Audio-Technica ATH-M50xWH. After spending about 2 hours on the internet I discovered through many videos and industry professional article reviews that these are much better than Beats and other famous brands that cost triple the price; these were dubbed the "smart" people's cans. Great bass response, very well balanced between bass, mids and highs. Really allows the user to control the sound. You can also go very loud without distorting or losing clarity. Very pleased and would highly recommend. If you're just listening to music I'd highly recommend a detailed music app with a bunch of add ons and mods because these headphones really help you tailor to what piece of music you're listening to. ... More

Best Work Headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black) Review

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones (Black)

Jul 26, 2015

Reviewed by JDMHero47 on B&H Photo Video

So I know that using these for just listening to music played back straight from a laptop isn't what these were made for, but considering that my only other option is top-tier noise canceling headphones, that make my ears hurt from the noise-canceling software, I wanted something different. While these aren't noise canceling, they effectively block out my work environment so that everything around me becomes a soft murmur. The noise canceling phones basically make you a space explorer with the way they work, in comparison. When they're on, they take the $300 competition and use them to sweep the floors with. The sound is EXCELLENT. If only I had an amp or some software to control treble, base, & mid; I'd be totally set. The problem with these is that you put them on, plug them in, & realize very quickly that your playback device is too cheap =\ To make sure it wasn't the phones, i plugged them into a true mixing station, & the M50x's make it feel like my own personal concert. Construction is top notch as well. I'll be jaw-dropping-ly surprised if the cup swivels just peel off like my last cheap set of 'phones. I also wear glasses, & they are better than my old set with them. Still get fatigue after an hour though, but ok to just flip my frames above the cushion & still see well. ... More

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