Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones

An updated classic, these A-T headphones are a recording studio staple. They even come with 3 detachable cables: coiled, short straight and long straight.

Overview

When recording, mixing, and mastering, hearing every detail is essential -- it's what makes a mix translatable across multiple systems. Monitoring with a well-rounded pair of headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x opens up a range of sonic characteristics that are often hard to pick up on when using speakers. The ATH-M50x utilizes a closed-back, over-the-ear design, which helps bring clicks, pops and ambience to the forefront, allowing you to get the sound you need without hassle. They're excellent cans for critical listening.

Large Drivers for Superior Sound

By using powerful neodymium magnets rather than more common ferrite magnets, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are able to take advantage of large-aperture 45 mm drivers without adding unwanted weight or bulk. The larger drivers paired with efficient magnets offer many advantages over similarly priced headphones. For instance, exceptional power handling gives the ATH-M50x headphones their clear, extended range of 15 - 28,000 Hz, well beyond the range of human hearing. This helps make sure no subtle harmonic frequency goes unnoticed. Another advantage is a near-instant driver response, which is essential for getting accurate reproduction of drums and other instruments that have a quick attack time.

Foldable Design with Swiveling Earcups

Headed to a remote recording gig or session? These foldable, fully collapsible headphones fit easily in your bag. The ATH-M50x's 180-degree rotatable earcups let you monitor with… read more both ears when you need to mix in cans, or with one ear while tracking or cueing up mixes.

Three Detachable Cable Options

Since cable issues are the most common way for headphones to break, ATH-M50x headphones come with three detachable options: a 9.8' (when stretched) coiled cable, which cuts down on both potential tangles and damage to the connector when the cable is pulled too hard, a 9.8' straight cable and a shorter 3.9' straight cable. Thanks to the lightweight metal design and included carrying pouch, you can rest assured that these headphones will stand up to the wear and tear of an active musician's life.

Extra Padding for Excellent Isolation

Getting the perfect sound can take time, so it's important to have headphones that will keep pace with your creative process and won't cause any strain during those long mixing sessions. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones were designed with a padded, fully adjustable headband and earcups, which cuts down on fatigue and lets you focus on your mix. Superior padding isn't only great for comfort, it also adds passive noise isolation. By cutting down on ambience from outside your signal, you'll get a truer idea of your sound. Over time, the thick padding conforms to your head, adding a greater seal and a customized fit.

Get an overview of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones in this video demo:

Features:

- Collapsible design and included pouch for easy portability
- Three detachable cables included: 9.8' coiled cable, 9.8' straight cable and 3.9' straight cable.
- Thick earpads to stay comfortable even during long mixes
- Closed-back design
- 1/8-inch connector with 1/4-inch screw-on adapter
- Adjustable headband
- Neodymium magnets
- 99 dB sensitivity
- 15 - 28,000 Hz frequency response
- Each side swivels 90 degrees for single-ear monitoring
- Rugged metal design

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

- Type: Closed-back dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 45 mm
- Magnet: Neodymium
- Voice Coil: CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire)
- Frequency Response: 15 - 28,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Weight: 285 g (10 oz), without cable and connector
- Cable: Interchangeable cables: detachable 1.2 m - 3.0 m (3.9' - 9.8') coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m (9.8') straight cable and detachable 1.2 m (3.9') straight cable
- Accessories Included: Protective carrying pouch, 6.3 mm (1/4") screw-on adapter

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
White: Shipping Weight: 2.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AUD ATHM50XWH
Black: Shipping Weight: 2.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AUD ATHM50X
Warehouse Resealed, Black, USED: Shipping Weight: 1.5 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AUD ATHM50X
Blemished, Black, USED: Shipping Weight: 2.25 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 12 x 11 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): AUD ATHM50X

Warranties and Docs

Audio-Technica Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer at 330-686-2600

Audio-Technica's Description

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Headphones

As the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 is praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year. Now, the ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones feature the same coveted sonic signature, with the added feature of detachable cables. From the large aperture drivers, sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio professionals.

More About the M-Series Headphones

Critically acclaimed M-Series professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. Contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed. And the pro-grade materials are durable, yet comfortable. Find out why online reviewers, top audio engineers, and cult followers agree, M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and build-quality that gets the job done -- hour after hour, year after year.

Reviews

(11 ratings)

Submitted January 18, 2015 by Taylor H in Portland, OR

"Best sub-$200 Headphones EVER"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

Thinking about snagging yourself a pair of Beats, Sol Republics, or Bose headphones? Seriously, THINK AGAIN. These M50's are truly the best headphones you've never heard of.

Sound
Straight out of the box, these things might sound a little sharp. Don't get me wrong, clarity is good! But after you bump the volume up on these babies for a week or two, they're broken in like the best pair of shoes you ever tied around your feet. You're able to hear every little hidden beat you weren't able to hear through earbuds or previously owned headphones. I disagree with being "all about that bass, no treble", but if you're listening to music on your iPod/iPhone, do your ears a favor and set your Sound EQ to "Reduced Treble". This should even it all out pretty well. But it goes to show: a little bit of fine-tuning with these will lead to the best music-listening experience you've had. My $320 pair of Beats don't even compare to the M50's.

Features
No tedious knobs or switches, just a basic aux port which is absolutely ideal for music-listening. Adjustable bands on either side of the headphones makes a comfortable fit inevitable.

Ease of Use
Again, the single aux port grants serious ease of use, even with the multitude of cords and adapters that come wtih the headphones; it's all universal. Works flawlessly with Apple products, Androids phones, PC and Mac... it works with damn-near everything.

Quality
So I'm sitting here,… read more tapping on my Beats by Dre, and they sound like a hallow plastic toy you might buy for your 10 year-old nephew. Now, I'm tapping on my new Audio-Technicas and they sound like a solid piece of oak. They're mostly plastic, but they aren't cheaply made. No seems in the plastic; just a SOLID pair of headphones.

Value
Why were these not upwards of $300? I mean honestly... if I had listened to these without knowing the price, I would guess them to be around $340+. It's completely backwards (which I have no reason to complain about), equal-quality Beats being around $340 and these standing around a little less than $200. Honestly, the M50's are undervalued for their given quality. I would more than likely pay over $200 for these headphones.

The Wow Factor
Just.... WOW. I think I have said it all. BESTHEADPHONESEVER I've never been a fanboy of anything before, but I don't think I can say that anymore.

Musical Background:
Jam at home

Musical Style:
Hiphop, Rock, Alternative, Classic, Dubstep, R&B, and everything in between kind of guy.

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