Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is one of the most popular models of the Japanese manufacturer of audio equipment. In fact, ATH-M50x is an improved version of the 50th model and is designed for mixing sound and professional studio monitoring. However, thanks to the low impedance and high-quality sound, the novelty is also used among audiophiles who prefer a universal device for all occasions.
Content:
Design and ergonomics
The full-size ATH-M50x comes in the company's classic design with an adjustable headband and swiveling aluminum bowls for easy mixing. Inside the bowls are 45mm drivers with a CCAW voice coil made of aluminum and copper clad, and neodymium magnets. This set of hardware allows for detailed and balanced studio-level sound at all frequencies.
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Despite the small weight of 285 grams, the headband guides are made of steel. The headband itself is lined with soft and pleasant to the touch synthetic leather. As for the ear pads, they didn't change their shape and quality in comparison with their predecessor.
On the outside of the soft ear cushions there are small ventilation holes, which together with the leatherette allows you to comfortably listen to music for many hours. Moreover, the closed acoustic design provides excellent sound isolation.
There are no complaints about the assembly quality of the ATH-M50x, all parts fit together perfectly, no creaks/flaws were noticed. There are three color options to choose from - black, white and gray. Occasionally, the company releases versions marked Limited Edition, which are made in non-standard colors, for example, in dark green color scheme.
Included with the ATH-M50x are 6.3 mm adapter with threaded mounting, a soft pouch for carrying the headphones, as well as three removable cables of different lengths for all occasions:
- A twisted 1.2-3 meter long cord;
- A straight three-meter cord;
- A straight 1.2 meter cable for portable devices.
All cables are equipped with 3.5 millimeter mini-jacks, and the one-way connection to the headphones is made through an interface on the left cup. This is the main difference from the standard M50 model - the ability to change the cord.
Sound in headphones
The technical data of the ATH-M50x headphones are just perfect for sound monitoring. With a reproducible frequency range of 15-28kHz, the maximum power is 1600 mW, which allows you to increase the volume without affecting its quality. The 38 Ohm impedance allows you to use the headphones together with smartphones, but for better sound quality you still need a good sound source in the form of a quality sound card or Hi-Fi player.
The sound in the Japanese headphones is balanced at all frequencies, and the scene itself is well detailed. When you connect these headphones to a high-end amplifier, they fully work, do not embellish the sound and show all the irregularities in the studio recording. The ATH-M50x model copes with the work as "monitors" at a professional level and corresponds to its status.
Opinion of users
On most forums the owners of these headphones speak of the good build quality and excellent sound. In addition, the convenience and comfort when working with headphones is also confirmed by many reviews.
However, among the users there are also those who like to criticize the model because of the large amount of plastic in the design and the lack of a balanced cable connection. However, all this comes down to individual pickpocketing, as the headphones have proven themselves in the market as a versatile device for working in the studio and listening to music from a portable.
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Competitors on the market
Most of the competitors of these headphones belong to a kind of new generation. In turn, M50x is only an improved version of the 50th model, introduced back in 2007. However, precisely because of its popularity and "legendary" headphones ATH-M50x are still market leaders in the segment of mid-budget studio monitors.
|
Model Name |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |
Panasonic RP-HD10E-K |
AKG K 181 DJ |
Sennheiser HD558 |
Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro |
|
Headphone type |
full-size, closed |
full-size, closed |
full-size, closed |
full-size, closed |
full-size, closed |
|
Connecting |
3.5mm mini jack |
3.5mm mini jack |
3.5mm mini jack |
jack 6.3 mm |
3.5mm mini jack |
|
Frequency Range |
15-28000 Hz |
5-50000 Hz |
5-30000 Hz |
14-26000 Hz |
5-35000 Hz |
Due to their design features and specificity all of the above headphones are made in closed acoustic design and have the widest range of reproduced frequencies. But only Sennheiser HD558 confirm their status as studio headphones with a 6.3-mm jack, while the other models are equipped with an adapter and are designed not only for studio work, but also for listening to music at home.
Advantages and disadvantages
Based on the many reviews of ATH-M50x owners stand out the following significant advantages:
- excellent ergonomics and high build quality;
- detailed sound and impartiality to the audio material;
- adjustable headband and folding design with rotating cups;
- neodymium magnets and CCAW voice coil in 45mm drivers;
- extended set with three interchangeable cords of different lengths, pouch and 6.3 mm adapter;
- Excellent noise isolation due to closed construction;
- impedance of 38 ohms and the ability to listen to music from a portable device.
Of the small number of disadvantages found, the following can be highlighted:
- Uncomfortable for users with a small head size;
- The synthetic leather ear cushions are in disrepair after a couple of years of use;
- Demanding to the quality of the material and the sound source.
Results
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are professional monitor headphones for work in the recording studio. The ATH-M50x does an excellent job as a monitor, but it requires a quality audio source in the form of a high-end amplifier or external sound card to rock the headphones. In fact, the model is suitable for home listening to music, but you should not buy them for a bundle with a regular smartphone.
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