Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, A Comprehensive Guide to the Legendary Headphones

So last year it is perhaps no surprise that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x was included in a recent BBC article calling out three classic pieces of audiophile kit as being iconic in the field of headphones (the other two were the legendary Beyerdynamic Studio DT 880 and the Then-new Range Acoustics RA001 noise-cancelling model).

Its popular, affectionate nickname is a dead giveaway too: simply call it ‘The Micks’. This closed-back studio-monitor headphone, a favourite with seasoned audio engineers and music producers since the day it was released, has since 2007 been as popular at the opposite end of the price spectrum with casual listeners, discerning gamers and music fans looking to get deeper into their sound.

A Legacy of Precision and Innovation

Photo by Luca BravoFounded in 1962, Audio-Technica, a Japanese audio manufacturer, has a storied history of introducing new technologies and innovations. Its other products testify to the care taken over build quality and the belief in top-notch audio equipment bridging gaps between generations and media. The ATH-M50x is a perfect example of this.

ATH-M50x, released in 2014, is the successor to the ATH-M50, a popular professional headphone for music production, made in collaboration with both artists and engineers. The ATH-M50x received great acclaim, so even though many of the specifications were already good, the engineers focused on refining and perfecting those aspects that particularly stood out.

Unveiling the Signature Sound: A Harmonious Blend

The ATH-M50x is regarded as having a rich, detailed balanced sound signature that faithfully reproduces a well-balanced and coherent reproduction of the source recording with its bass, midrange and treble frequencies well integrated into a seamless listening experience. Probably the bass response is the key feature: it is well-controlled, with a strong and convincing punch, but it never muddies the overall picture or overpowers other tracks.

This makes the ATH-M50x ideal for music that relies on strong and powerful basslines, say, electronic music, hip-hop and drum and bass. The midrange is similarly good as it’s clear and articulate, which plays into its ability to deliver natural-sounding vocals. You can really pick out vocal nuances, and I recommend the ATH-M50x for people who enjoy jazz, folk and classical genres, where vocal nuances are important. Altogether, the highs are clear and extended. What you get is clear bass, a punchy midrange, and high-end that is bright, clear, ‘airy’, detailed and never tinny or fatiguing.

The detail in the highs of the Sona’s treble range lets you hear that elusive quality of ‘three-dimensional’ detail that audiophiles and studio engineers go crazy about, that captivating ‘life’ that you hear with high-quality acoustic instruments such as cymbals, hi-hats and the so-called ‘ring’ in an acoustic guitar, among many things – something that more mundane loudspeakers lack.

 

Built to Last: Durability and Comfort

Aside from its sonic merits, the build quality and ‘feel’ of the ATH-M50x are also exemplary. Audio-Technica have emphasised durability and ergonomics in the design, ensuring that, as well as sounding great, the ATH-M50xs can be worn for long periods of time and withstood frequent use. The headphones have a structure that consists of headband and earcups built to last; the headband is created to be distributive of weight to ensure that it is not concentrated on your head only and functions perfectly, even with long listening periods.

It makes them comfortable enough for such sessions. Plump earpads envelop your ears and block out most noise The earcups feature a thick layer of complementary plush earpads, enabling them to snugly envelope your entire ears while blocking out most external sounds. The earpads are soft and breathable on the inside, and their padded construction on the outside prevents ear fatigue, even for long hours of listening.

Moreover, the earcups feature an ‘over-ear’ design where they partially encase the outer rim of the ear. The resulting compact seal enhances ambient noise sound blocking just like sealed earbuds. Thanks to the adjustable headband, you can find the perfect fit: give or take 5mm, depending on your head size. Adjust the device to your head and you might never want to take it off. The ATH-M50x is suitable for almost any head size or shape: thanks to the adjustable band, everyone will be comfortable in this headset.

Versatility and Applications: A Headphone for Every Need

Today’s headphones have gone from cheap, rickety, often-breakable items to being versatile and accurate tools that are indispensable for anyone involved in the creation or the enjoyment of sound. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, with its varied and high-quality options for use, exemplifies this shift. It’s not hard to see why it’s such a popular model.

Studio Monitoring: Precision and Accuracy

On top of that impressive job of studio-monitoring – a must-have in the producers’, engineers’ and musicians’ toolbox, where it allows exhaustive judgment of the work in progress – the ATH-M50x offers that perfectly balanced, detailed sound which makes for the best kind of analytical listening, with recreation very close to the original sound of the recording and to the probable sighted performance of the artist. It’s only natural for the ATH-M50x to be appointed reference headphones in many university recording programmes and studios across the United States.

Critical Listening: Immersive and Engaging

Aside from professional use, they enable critical listening, helping you to hear what you otherwise might not hear. This is because they are incredibly detailed, especially in the mid-to-high ranges where you will hear subtle layers of instrumentation and nuances in a vocal performance.

Casual Listening: Everyday Audio Delight

The ATH-M50x is an absolute pleasure to listen to, making it great for a casual music enthusiast. It’s comfortable to wear, provides excellent isolation, and has a fairly natural ‘flat’ sound, making it the perfect choice to have fun listening to music wherever you are – be it on the go or in your home.

Gaming: Enhanced Immersion and Tactical Advantage

Whether you’re shooting enemies in an online video game or busting a move at a house party, the ATH-M50x allows you to hear more. For gamers, it gives you a competitive edge; every sound is precisely reproduced so you can hear an enemy advancing based on footstep cues, or if the dog is barking because there’s someone outside with a flamethrower in Call of Duty. The enhanced sound isolation lets you block out any distractions and fully engage with the game’s environment.

Variations and Enhancements: Expanding the Legacy

Since then, Audio-Technica has developed a version of the ATH-M50x for every need and taste.

ATH-M50xBT and ATH-M50xBT2: The Wireless Revolution

Yes, the ATH-M50xBT and the ATH-M50xBT2 are wireless versions of the ATH-M50x, delivering the same beloved sound as the wired originals with the newfound freedom of Bluetooth to play your music wherever and however you like, without all the tangles of wires. Upgraded Bluetooth chip in the ATH-M50xBT2 provides improved range and stability.

ATH-M50xDS: Enhanced Sound Isolation

For the ultimate in background noise reduction, the ATH-M50xDS sits closer on the head and seals more tightly into the ears, taking the passive noise-cancelling system up another notch, for even more isolation. This is the right model for listening in a more noisy environment, where you need to hear less of what’s going on outside of the headphones.

ATH-M50xGM: Limited Edition Design

Occasionally, Audio-Technica releases limited ‘special editions’ of the ATH-M50x such as the ATH-M50xGM featuring interesting colour or design variations and aimed primarily at collectors. They will sometimes come with custom paint-jobs, or appear with unique accessories, but they make few changes to the sound or build of the standard model.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Sound and Innovation

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a modern classic: an exceptional headphone for music lovers, audio pros, and gamers alike. If you want the absolute finest sound quality, maximum durability, and all for a sub-$200 price, buy these headphones today. It has a very balanced frequency response, precise imaging, good dynamics and a wide sound stage. It’s also durable, with a solid construction as well as a comfortable, head hugging design.

It comes with detachable cords, exchangeable ear cuffs, and features large 45mm alloy diaphragm drivers. Offering all these advantages at an affordable price, the ATH-M50x is a reference for closed-back studio monitoring headphones in its class. Since its release in 2007, it has remained the premium offering from Audio-Technica in this segment although it has now been replaced by an upgraded version with improved specifications.