Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – The closed-back studio standard

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the closed-back studio headphone many engineers reach for first: accurate enough for tracking and mixing, sealed enough to wear next to a live source without bleeding into the mics. Its 45 mm drivers show you detail without dressing up the recording, and the folding build survives the trip from studio to stage.

Key Features

• Studio-tuned 45 mm drivers: Large-aperture drivers with rare-earth magnets render detail accurately across the band.
• Sealed closed-back design: Circumaural earcups block outside noise and keep monitoring out of your live mics.
• 90 degree swiveling earcups: Rotate either cup for fast one-ear cueing and monitoring.
• Three detachable cables: Coiled and straight cables swap in for studio, desk, or mobile use.
• Foldable, road-ready build: Collapses into the included pouch for the trip between rooms.

Customer Benefits

Track in the same room as a loud source and the M50x keeps the click out of your mics while still telling you what the recording actually sounds like. The forward, detailed presentation makes problem frequencies easy to spot, so the edits you make here hold up when the mix moves to monitors or the car. Swappable cables mean a coiled lead at the desk and a straight one for travel, and the folding hinges shrink it down for the bag.

Quick Specs

• Type: Closed-back dynamic
• Driver diameter: 45 mm
• Frequency response: 15 Hz – 28,000 Hz
• Impedance: 38 Ω
• Sensitivity: 99 dB
• Maximum input power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
• Weight: 285 g (without cable)
• Magnet: Neodymium
• Voice coil: Copper-clad aluminium wire (CCAW)

In the Box

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones
• 1.2 m coiled detachable cable
• 3.0 m straight detachable cable
• 1.2 m straight detachable cable
• Protective carrying pouch
• 6.3 mm (1/4 in) screw-on adapter

Ideal For

Tracking and overdubs, reference mixing on a budget, DJ monitoring, and detailed everyday listening.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Strong isolation for tracking and noisy rooms
• Detailed, revealing sound that exposes mix problems
• Three swappable cables cover studio, desk, and travel
• Folds down with replaceable pads for years of service

⚠️ Cons:

• Closed-back design has a narrower soundstage than open monitors
• Forward low end is less neutral than flatter reference headphones

From project studios to touring racks, the ATH-M50x stays the closed-back many engineers trust by default.