The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is one of the most popular products of Audio-Technica. The headphones were launched a few years ago but it is still one of the best choices for headphones with a 3.5mm connector in the market today. This is one of the crowd favorites because it offers a unique frequency response than can’t be enjoyed in headphones with studio quality. The most attractive feature of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x would have to be its below $50 price tag.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – What’s in the box?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x comes with pertinent accessories in the box including a soft carrying pouch, a quarter-inch and 3.5mm adapter for plugging into sources and equipment like amplifiers. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x also comes with three different cables – a straight 1.2 meter cable, a coiled 3-meter cable and a straight 3-meter cable. All of the said cables in the box come with the proprietary Audio-Technica connector so you may want to take extra care when using them or else you’ll have to purchase another one from the company.
Who are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x for?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a good choice for commuters and students who find themselves in a noisy library or a subway and want to listen to their music playlist in peace. The plush padding and the closed-back design of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones do a great job in blocking external noise. The folding design of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x makes it easy to toss in the bag during rush hour.
YouTubers or individuals who want to dip their toes into audio production can also enjoy the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones. If you weren’t aware, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x went viral a few years ago thanks to the YouTube online community. If you have a project related to video or music production and editing, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x can really deliver a satisfactory and nearly professional experience.
Sound wise, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x falls in the neutral category, sounding quite similar to the Sony MDR-7506 model, which is also popular with audio engineers for editing purposes. The low frequency is given slight emphasis but overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a good pair of headphones for editing or casual mixing.
Using the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The build and design of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is definitely a good combination. It is stylish enough to subtly stand out but not to the point of being flamboyant. Ever since it was released in the market, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x have progressively released a few various color options including a sleek all-black and a subtle dark blue with tan leather. There may not be that many color options but it’s easy to find a color of your choice.
In terms of aesthetics, the ATH-M50x screams strength and durability. It is mostly made of plastic and the plush padding makes them comfortable to wear even during those long and grueling listening or studio editing, recording or mixing sessions. The earcups of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x can also rotate 90 degrees so you can wear them flat around the neck when not in use. The headphones are also adjustable in that position so you can get the most comfortable fit that suits you. It is worth noting that while the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x do not offer the same level of comfort as other professional brands like the Beyerdynamic DT 990, the former is actually more versatile in terms of overall performance.
If anything, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is not breathable due to its plush padding and materials. If you plan on using the headphones in a hot or humid environment, you may need to take it off intermittently to avoid getting sweaty ears. We have no main issues or concerns when it comes to the durability and build quality of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, but just be reminded that it is still made of plastic so be a responsible consumer and protect it getting scrunched up or mixed up with heavy things.
How’s the connection strength?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x came out during a time when most headphone manufacturers were under the influence or notion that removing the headphone jack was a great idea. This explains why the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x cables all have a 3.5mm jack at the end. Fortunately, Audio-Technica released a wireless version of the ATH model, the ATH-M50xBT. This version is highly recommended not only for the wireless upgrades but also because of the elimination of cable locking mechanism. Bluetooth connection isn’t really that flawless and the performance of certain codecs are dependent on whether a user is using an iOS or Android device. The connection strength may not be as splendid or accurate as its competitors but for its price tag, it’s safe to say that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x can deliver more than expected.
Is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x worth buying?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are top rated, affordable versions of studio headphones. The combination of great sound, comfort and style all work well to deliver an awesome listening experience. The good thing is, since it was released several years ago, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x now offer greater value more than ever. However, if you’ve got extra cash to spare, we would recommend the ATH-M50xBT version instead, which pretty much gives the same audio experience but in wireless mode.
