We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Raw Frequency Response Sound Overall Bluetooth Passive Soundstage Non-Bluetooth Wireless Sound Profile Recording Quality Comfort Breathability Noise Isolation Bass Accuracy Sound Leakage. Overall these headphones fall leagues be the relative silence provided by even mediocre active noise cancellation, but provide enough isolation to enjoy music at not too loud of a volume in most situations. Audio-Technica has sacrificed a tight seal on the ear cups for extra padding and comfort. Too much bass can negatively impact the listening experience, which is an issue in many consumer-focused headphones. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble. What am I missing here (in both the claims above)? I have always said and will keep saying both these models are among the best headphones under $150. If you have an old pair of ATH-M50s, should you upgrade? With consumer-focused headphones, the soundstage can be exaggerated. The M40x are obviously not quite as good as the M50x. The headphones include a short cable, a long cable, and a coiled cable, along with a 1/4" jack converter. When listening to classical through the M50x, you’ll really start to hear those bright, crisp highs come alive. The new Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (available at Amazon for $149.00) have been on shelves for a little while, and both regular consumers and the audiophile community have fallen in love all over again.. By offering a sound profile that lends itself well to mixing and listening, these cans have a broad appeal to both DJ and commuter alike. You can tell that every design element was well thought out and serves a purpose. What does that extra 5mm get you? This means each cup can be folded inwards to lie flat and safely in a bag. It provides superior accuracy across the entire frequency range. The black ATH-M50x Monitor Headphones from Audio Technica are designed for use in critical studio mixing and tracking as well as for DJ monitoring applications. For everyday music listening, I won’t hesitate in recommending the M50x. (Car Audio Reviews - 2020), The 6 Best Noise Gate Pedals – Suppressor, Reduction Reviews of 2020. I've just got ATH-M50x headphones. Listening to an artist who can nail those high notes like Prince or Michael Jackson will show how formidable these headphones are at reproducing those high-level frequencies. Demo units courtesy of: Frequency Response measurements and graphs for In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and earphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x continuously to be a favorite headphone among pro-audio reviewers and top audio engineers. Both are crafted from heavy-duty plastic and feature aluminum headband and extenders, they feel like the kind of headphones that’ll last you a long time. If you're looking for great noise isolation or the convenience of bluetooth, your money will be better spent elsewhere. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x's cloth carrying case. Audio-Technica has designed these headphones with long listening sessions in mind. This was the same with the M40x. For the price, the M40x delivers an impressive sound suited to critical listening. That passive noise blocking is ok, but certainly isn't great. The coiled cable has enough stretch to help prevent this from happening. If you’re comparing the M50x to consumer headphones known for their bass, then you may be a little disappointed. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x features a good amount of padding on the earcups encased in a soft faux leather. It’s super useful to prevent the cable from being ripped out if somebody trips over the wire, but can be a nightmare to replace a snagged cable. I can only hear the high frequency clearly after the voiceover says 17kHz. Along with detachable cable and replaceable ear pads, the m50x has Strong, adjustable components that offer superior comfort and durability. The headband is nicely padded and keeps long listening experiences enjoyable. Good:Offers excellent critical listening, closed-back design provides excellent sound isolation and prevents ambient noises as well. Bottom line:Audio Technica ath m50x are in the market for quite a long … Also, I know that the M40X are regarded as "flatter" than M50X, however it looks more V-shaped at rtings.com's graphs (most of the bass and treble sections are more emphasized in the M40X, and the mid is also more recessed in the M40X). The only downside to the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x's sound is that some nuance and definition can be lost in the mid range, meaning things like lower vocals and rhythm guitars can get a bit lost in most arrangements. I got my pair for $169 in mid 2014. Audio-Technica designs, distributes and manufactures problem-solving audio equipment. Well, it’s all down to why you want the headphones in the first place. The M50x are monitoring headphones and designed to be worn for long periods of time and the comfort factor reflects this. The M50x has a peak bass response of 33 Hz, going down as low as 15 Hz. Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils ensur They are extremely solid and sturdy, made primarily of heavy-duty plastic, aluminum, and soft leather. Our first tests were to judge the accuracy of the M50x’s frequency range. What is the difference between Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Audio-Technica ATH-M30x? But the beefier M50x is packing a 45mm driver, whereas the M40x only has a 40mm. If you travel with these headphones you'll either have to be careful with how you pack them or invest in a sturdier carrying case. In the Audio-Technica M40x vs M50x battle, who comes out on top? You won’t have that problem with the M40x. Consumer headphones such as the Beats range have a tendency to beef up particular frequencies, usually, the bass, whereas monitor headphones provide accurate vocals and tones. Got feedback? Since the earcups don’t actually put pressure on your ears, rather, they sit around them, they are effortless to wear. They’re designed with long listening sessions in mind, so both offer exceptional comfort. This combination of power and articulation at the two ends of the frequency spectrum results in a very full and lively sound that we love. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. 2. You can hear crisp vocals and deep bass with immense audio clarity with its frequency response range up to 15Hz to 28000 Hz. However, there are some significant differences, too, which Available in one color – matte black with a silver finish – the M40x headphones are sleek, professional-looking studio headphones.These are much larger than your typical consumer headphones on account of Audio-Technica having to fit those 40mm drivers in. Weighing a mere 10 oz, they’re unlikely to start feeling heavy even after hours of continuous wear. Headphones Tools. Luckily there is a soft lining here too, so this never created any uncomfortable hot spots. ATH-M50x Monitor Headphones from Audio Technica are designed for use in critical studio mixing and tracking as well as for DJ monitoring applications. The earcups are made from plush leather that gently surrounds your ears. Tools. All aspects considered, there is nothing at this price that even comes close to the MX50s. 22000Hz. With a peak response of around 9,000 Hz, it’s capable of handling all genres of music. We've tested a lot of headphones, and when it comes to sound quality the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is one of our favorite pairs. If you want headphones for critical listening and monitoring then you will probably prefer the M40x. So expect a small amount of noise leakage. The M50X has a detachable cable, while the DT 770 does not. Weight: 285 g without cable and connector. Audio-Technica has given greater attention to detail when designing the M50x, with a different design on the side of the ear cups compared to the M40x and some small areas of the headphones accented to make the headphones pop. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Great overall sound, punchy bass, comfortable, Not particularly portable, mediocre noise isolation. The ATH-M50x headphones come with a few extra accessories in the box so you can get the most out of them in a few different situations. A surprisingly different sound, actually. Either pair will impress you when it comes to build quality. The ATH-M40 delivers clear, accurate mids with great low-mid depth. Not only are they more stylish than the M40x but also offer a richer, deeper sound courtesy of the 45mm driver. The headband is a bit stiff and can create some pressure on the top of the head, but not to a terrible degree. Additionally, a larger speaker element like the one on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT allows for a slightly more planar wavefront, making your tunes sound much more realistic. The cables are 3.5mm on both ends but the M40x uses a locking mechanism on the headphone end. Cable: Interchangeable cables: detachable 1.2 m – 3.0 m coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m straight cable and detachable 1.2 m straight cable. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The M50x has 45 mm diameter drivers which are 5 mm larger than the M40x. The M40x doesn’t have the same rich, deep bass response of the M50x but that isn’t to say the bass here isn’t good. Sensitivity: 99 dB. If they were, they’d be the same price. I've tried them with this 22 kHz >> 8 kHz test (at the top of the page).. This means more comfort and longer sessions. Frequency Response Consistency The M50x takes the lead in this category as the ear cups swivel a full 180 degrees for superior one-ear monitoring, whereas the M40x cups only swivel 90 degrees. We generally don't feel that this detracts from the overall listening experience. I have since bought "better" headphones, but the M50x still come out for a week or so, once in a while. Let us know! Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific product reviews, Well-rounded and high-quality sound in an inexpensive wired design. SonoBoom.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Jazz Bass vs. For audiophiles that want to listen to music in quiet environments, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x provide exceptional sound quality for a reasonable price. Impedance: 38 ohms. The M50X Professional Studio Monitor headphone is made of premium quality textured matte, giving it a modern and classy look. Headphones with large drivers can often cause comfort issues, although with the M40x this isn’t the case.Audio-Technica has designed these headphones with long listening sessions in mind. The M50x claims to have a frequency response of 15Hz to 28kHz. All trademarks property of their respective owners. If we compare the M50 and the M50x in terms of frequency response, we can clearly see that the M50X’s bass is 3dB more than the M50. I've tried the same test on basic home sound system speakers (they have tweeters) and I can clearly hear the sound after the voice says 18kHz and I can even hear a hint of a sound after it says 19kHz. It accentuates both the bass and treble ends of the spectrum. As I upgraded my dac/amp setups, I found the sound on M50x kept improving with upgraded gear. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x lacks any sort of active noise cancellation, so you have to rely on the earcups and padding to block out any ambient noise. Available in one color – matte black with a silver finish – the M40x headphones are sleek, professional-looking studio headphones. Bad:ATH m50x are not wireless headphones and have no audio control buttons. Frequency Response 15-20,000 Hz 15-20,000 Hz 15-24,000 Hz 15-28,000 Hz 15-28,000 Hz 5-40,000 Hz Earcup Swivel 15° Both Directions 15° Both Directions 15° In / 90° Out 90° Both Directions No swivel 90° Both Directions Collapsible No Yes Yes Yes No No Cable It’s here that we start to see a greater difference between the two models. The M50x pays a little more attention to the bass than the M40x does and still reproduces the mids and highs with accuracy. Now, the ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones feature the same coveted sonic signature, with the added feature of a detachable cable. Head To Head Comparison: M40x vs M50x – What’s the Difference? Optional: Various frequency response graphs have shown that the M50x has boosted sub-bass, however, a 3-5 dB boost in the sub-bass relative to the mid-range can be preferable over neutral sub-bass as headphones don't give you that full body bass impact that speakers do. If you’re used to listening to music with those kinds of headphones you might find the sound of the M40x to be a little narrow. The padding forms a nice, tight seal around the ears without causing discomfort. Initially known for state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges, Audio-Technica now creates high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use. Frequency response testing has shown this to make quite a difference in the low-end sound of these two similar headphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a standard pair of wired headphones that does not provide many bells or whistles. This neutral sound is refreshing, especially when compared to the consumer-orientated headphones which tend to be heavy on the bass. There are no squeaks or worrying sounds when opening or closing the headphones and you get a consistent experience with every use. What we did notice was that when the M50x were used in more active environments, such as walking or at the gym, your ears can get seriously toasty. Frequency Response: 15 – 28,000 Hz. Audio-Technica hasn’t cut corners in terms of materials on the M40x and M50x. The closed-back headphones have been tuned for flat response. They have the the biggest drivers, the widest frequency response, and the best over-ear fit. If you’re looking for something with a little more oomph in the bass, then check out the Audio-Technica M50x we’re reviewing next. However, if you're an audiophile that wants to be able to hear and appreciate every single subtlety in a song and are searching for the elusive "flat frequency response" that provides even articulation of every frequency range, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x may not be your favorite pair of headphones. The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO are better-built critical listening headphones than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, but they come at a much steeper price. If you put them side by side, you’d struggle to tell the difference between them. Here are some of the features you can expect: 1. Frequency Response. The ATH-M50x features the same coveted sonic signature as its predecessor, the ATH-M50, with the addition of three interchangable cables. Closed back design. Folding and unfolding are done in one fluid motion with no stiffness. They feature 45mm Neodymium drivers with copper-clad aluminum voice coils that provide an extended frequency response from 15Hz to 28kHz. They have a closed back over-ear design that prevents a lot of airflow so they won't be suitable for exercising or working out. Being confused between Ath-M40x and Ath-M50x is normal because they are in the same series and direct successors, so they share a lot of similar features. Audio Technica ATH-M50x. Detachable is good because it’s easily replaceable. Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz. We prefer to call it realistic! Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Want to enjoy music on the go but don't like sticking... the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. In cafes and on airplanes ambient noise became at least somewhat muffled, but we had to turn the volume up past the mid-mark before those ambient noises were no longer noticeable. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 28000Hz. Whether or not these headphones pack too much bass for critical listening is a topic up for discussion, but we think they’re fine. If you’re looking for something that doesn’t break the bank and delivers studio quality sound, then look no further than the Audio-Technica M40x. But the M50x are still best. Included when you purchase the M50x is are two straight cables and one coiled cable. From the large aperture drivers, sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio pros. It’s easy to see why these headphones are so highly rated. We played a frequency sweep starting from 10Hz and going down through 200Hz to test the bass extension. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x presents a somewhat interesting sound profile. Some users have reported them to be a tight fit, to begin with – but after some breaking in, they become more comfortable. Known for superior comfort, durability, and realistic sound reproduction, we’re about to put two of their most acclaimed headphones to the test – the M40x and M50x. But stepping out of the shadow of the M50x, the M40x are a pair of incredible headphones. For the price, you’ll struggle to find anything better. In comparison, the beefier M50x has an impedance of 38 ohms and a frequency response range of 15 Hz to 28 Mhz. They are a bit cheaper now. We’re not too concerned because these are ultimately designed for monitoring and a more relaxed listening experience. Included with the headphones is a standard, detachable straight cable and a coiled cable which comes in handy. Like the M40x, the M50x are around-the-ear, closed-back headphones. How can we improve GearLab? Audio-Technica is one of the leading manufacturers in the headphones market, for it offers feature-packed headphones at a decent price point. In simpler terms, it is nearly two times louder but you won’t notice it that much because our ears follow a non-linear response curve. GearLab is reader-supported. Frequency Response 15-20,000 Hz 15-20,000 Hz 15-24,000 Hz 15-28,000 Hz 5 - 40,000 Hz Earcup Swivel 15° Both Directions 15° Both Directions 15° In / 90° Out 90° Both Directions 90° Both Directions Collapsible No Yes Yes Yes No Cable 3.0 m (9.8'), straight, left-side exit As far as aesthetic design goes, you’ve got to choose between the cool vintage look of the DT 770 and the sleek minimalism of the M50X. The drivers measure 45 mm in diameter. Both headphones dominate their respective price ranges and no matter whether you buy the M40x or M50x, you won’t be disappointed. If your mixes make use of stereo space then they’ll sound amazing on these headphones. One drawback we noticed was that the treble leaks out of the headphones into the surroundings, giving people within a few feet of you a taste of what you’re listening to. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (White) athm50xwh $159.00. The M50x and the M40x are both around the ear headphones and can feel a little tight out of the box, but users say they break in quite quickly and you’ll find them becoming more comfortable. Audio-Technica hasn’t held back in terms of choosing quality construction materials. For the extra money, you’d expect that from the M50x anyway and this isn’t really a deal maker or breaker. Frequency response: 15Hz - 28kHz Impedance: 38Ω Driver type: Large-aperture w/neodymium magnets, 45mm Connection: Wired, Jack plug 3.5/6.3 mm stereo Weight without cable: 285g. The M50X swivels flat, while the DT 770 has no folding option at all. The ear cups swivel 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring. There’s been incredible attention to detail in regards to the design of the M50x, even the marking to show where the cord goes is accented. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x fold up fairly small, but only come with a cloth drawstring bag for storage. There's no Bluetooth, no inline controls, and no microphone for making phone calls. If the high-quality audio is going in, high-quality audio will come out. They excel in the highs, too, delivering bright, crisp highs with astounding tonal detail. Once some color has been added to the M50x, they give off a much classier and more premium vibe. Even though we would have liked to have had a little extra padding on the headband, it doesn’t noticeably affect the comfort, and for the price, we really couldn’t complain. Everything from the packaging to the style and design, the attention to detail and incredibly realistic sound reproduction makes these headphones a solid choice. *You help support TechGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (Blue) athm50xbl. That’s because in general, the frequency response is a little closer to a single target level than most inexpensive options. Those cups are large enough to fit around larger ears, but some of our testers found their ears touching the inside of the earcups. Just in case you wanted a new pair of gym headphones, we can confidently tell you that these aren’t the ones for you. Monitoring headphones are made to give users the truest representation of sound possible. They will no doubt provide you with a more pleasurable listening experience. At the treble end you get a sharp brightness and great separation that brings out every detail of higher vocals, guitar notes, and acoustic arrangement. Equipped for monitoring, you won’t find any Bluetooth connectivity or a microphone. After wearing them for several hours we didn’t experience any fatigue or too much heat from the ear cups. The driver is essentially a circular diaphragm that converts electrical signal into sound so you can listen. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Of course, we’d expect the M40x to be less impressive when looking at specs, but the difference between the M40x and M50x is probably less than you think. That’s if they’re both in black, which is the only color the M40x comes in, whereas the M50x has a wide variety of colors to choose from. For a while, the M50x were over $200, at which point, they were a bit overpriced. Two cables are six feet in length, one of them being a straight cable and one being coiled.Th… It just has a little more kick compared to the M40x, thanks to the larger 45mm driver. Read our Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review So it’s important for good studio headphones to get the midrange frequency response right. The M40x has a low impedance of 35 ohms and a frequency response range of 15 Hz to 24 MHz. The M40x headphones feel robust and durable enough to handle the knocks and bumps that come with use. The M40x only comes with a long straight cable and a coiled one. These are much larger than your typical consumer headphones on account of Audio-Technica having to fit those 40mm drivers in. 3. has passive noise reduction. The headphones fold up into a fairly small package. Not only are they substantially cheaper than the M50x, the gap between the two in terms of specs is much smaller than the price difference would suggest. If you like the sub-bass response the way it is, leave it alone. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a great choice for audiophiles that want impressive detail in their music and don't mind dealing with a cable. The Audio-Technica M40x are built with one thing in mind – listening to music. From price stand point, ATH-M40x is just below $100 and therefore more for tighter budget.So what do you get for your money? The M50x are more breathable than the Focal Elegia but they still make your ears fairly warm during long listening sessions. Both ear cups flip 180 degrees for one-ear monitoring and rotate 90 degrees. The sound quality is about the same, but the Audio-Technica have less sound consistency issues than the Beyerdynamic. Audio-Technica is a favorite among audiophiles across the globe. At the low end you get very punchy and powerful notes that still stay tight and well defined, offering a great anchor for rock or hip hop ballads. 2. highest frequency. The midrange is where a lot of the most important elements of the song are such as the vocals and guitars. When you purchase these headphones, you also get a Naugahyde sack to keep everything together while traveling and 3 cords – 2 straight ones and a coiled one. The bass response is what usually divides people when it comes to discussing headphones. That being said, the M50x does capture the low frequencies better than most other headphones in this price range. View all headphones articles. Find out which is better and their overall performance in the headphones ranking. Trendy design, comfort fit . These are definitely headphones that you buy for the sound quality, not for the extra features. We found these headphones plenty comfortable for multiple hours of wear, even for those that have larger heads and/or ears. This isn’t enough of a difference to put the M50x on a different level, though. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass. M50X Compensated Frequency Response According to data from RTINGS.com, the M40x has a more exaggerated bass response between about 100 Hz and 250 Hz, with a steeper bass roll-off past 30 Hz. Other headphones that offer this same feature can have weak points where the cups rotate. If there is any harshness in the mix, you’ll hear it, but the M40x won’t add any. Headphones with large drivers can often cause comfort issues, although with the M40x this isn’t the case. You do get three different interchangeable cables — a 3.9' cable, a 9.8' cable, and a coiled cable that can stretch between 3.9' and 9.8'-- but that's about it. The M40x offers a more relaxed sound, paying as much attention to the highs and mids as it does to the lows. That isn’t to say that the M50x are too bassy. These small details give an impression of just how much work has gone into these headphones. There’s a choice of several colors, from a sleek black to stylish brown and blue. The M50x offer great isolation, sealing your ears off from the majority of the external noise. In the box, you’ll find the usual suspects like a soft carrying pouch for when you’re traveling and a ¼” to 3.5mm adapter for when you’re plugging into equipment, but you also get three different kinds of audio cables. Precision Bass: Head to Head Comparison (2020), The Best Audio Interface Under $200 for Your Recording Needs (Reviews - 2020), What Is the Best 8-Inch Subwoofer? ... Their design is very similar to the ATH-M50x. However, if you're an audiophile that wants to be able to hear and appreciate every single subtlety in a song and are searching for the elusive "flat frequency response" that provides even articulation of every frequency range, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x may not be your favorite pair of headphones. Both headphones have plush, buttery soft leather earcups and headbands. The response has already been great.