Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones – Closed-Back

Gearank High Notes

• 2022.07: Equal Highest Rated Studio Headphones Under $200 – Max 250 ohm
  Tied With:
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

• 2022.01: Equal Highest Rated Studio Headphones Under $200 – Max 250 ohm
  Tied With:
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

• 2022.01: Equal Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones for Recording from $100 to $200
  Tied With:
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm)

• 2021.01: Equal Highest Rated Studio Headphones Under $200
  Tied With:
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO

• 2021.01: Equal Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones from $100 to $200
  Tied With:
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (80 Ohm)
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm)

• 2016.03: Equal Highest Rated Closed Back Headphones Under $200
  Tied With:
  Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO (250 Ohm)

Gearank Recommended

The ATH-M50x appeared in the first edition of our recommended list for Closed Back Headphones in March 2016 and due to its consistently high ratings it has remained there for every subsequent edition.

It is also on our recommended list for Studio Headphones having first appeared between February 2018 and February 2020. It went back on that list in January 2021 and remains there today.

Additionally, we are also recommending them as a quiet practice option for use with Electronic Drums.

Overview

My general use closed back headphones is the Audio Technica M50x.

Whether its playing my e-drums, tracking guitar, singing or practicing bass guitar, a pair of closed back headphones does the job with minimal fuss and no sound bleed.

Good thing I have my Audio Technica M50x, a multi-purpose pair of headphones that excel in non-critical monitoring situations.

They are also good for general tracking situations such as guitar recording and some basic mixing on the go during field duty.

They are foldable, easy to store, and have relatively good sound isolation due to them being a closed-back, and they come with lots of detachable wire options and a storage pouch.

Aging Issue

The faux leather on the earcups has started to peel off which is not uncommon (I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 569’s that are suffering the same fate) possibly due to the humid, tropical climate of where I live.

Specifications

• Driver Size: 45 mm
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 35 kHz
• Impedance: 80 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 96 dB
• Max Input Power: 100 mW
• Weight: 270g without cable (0.55 lbs)
• Connectivity: 3m coiled cable with a gold plated 1/8″ plug and 1/4″ adapter.

Overall

For general purpose closed-back headphones, the M50x is decent enough with a robust build. Its good to have these lying around providing all sorts of utility around the studio and when producing on-site.