Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Summary
Abstract
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is one of the most common studio tracking headphones. Praised for their full, direct sound and affordability, they are a workhorse in recording studios. However, they have a notable high-mid peak that some artists find harsh, and their folding design can feel fragile.
Key Characteristics
- Closed-back design with good isolation for tracking
- Spiky presence region around 4-6k that can feel harsh on some listeners
- Full low end and direct sound signature
- Folding/swiveling design that can “discombobulate itself in 0.0003s in an artist’s hands” (Bryan DiMaio)
- High mechanical noise from plastic construction as they age
Use Cases
- Studio tracking headphones (vocals, overdubs)
- Budget reference headphones for home studios
- Travel headphones for production on the go
Settings & Sweet Spots
- Consider notching the cue feed around 4-6k for artists who find them harsh
- Some engineers keep 5+ pairs as standard tracking cans
- Garfield Softies ear pads can help with comfort and reduce some mechanical noise
Comparable Alternatives
| Headphone | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beyerdynamic DT770 | ~$150 | More comfortable, less midrange definition |
| Rode NTH-100 | ~$150 | Less mechanical noise, comfortable |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | ~$100 | Cheaper, similar issues with build |
| Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro X | ~$180 | Detachable cable, 700 Pro X drivers |
Common Mistakes
- Using them as mixing headphones without understanding their colored frequency response
- Not having an alternative pair for artists who find the high-mid peak fatiguing
- Forgetting that they sound scooped compared to flatter references
See Also
Source Discussions
Zack Hames
“I have 5 pairs of M50x’s, happy about that — but I have one client consistently who says everything is harsh and aggro and painful with them.”
David Fuller
“M50s have a really spiky presence region… they sound like dogshit pretty much no matter what in my experience.” (Context: comparing to DT770 for tracking)
Adam Thein
“Common start points in budget ranges: <$200 ATH M50x, M40x, Beyerdynamic DT series.”
Sam Segarra
“The M50 are much less sensitive, but I don’t like their sound signature as much.”