Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Studio Classic in the DJ Booth
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: 45 mm drivers, 90° swiveling earcups and three detachable cables. What the long-time studio classic brings to your DJ booth.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the successor to a headphone that spent years establishing itself as a studio workhorse: the ATH-M50. When Audio-Technica introduced the x-series in 2014, the sonic signature stayed, while detachable cables and refined earpads were added. For you in the DJ booth, what matters most is what remained: 45 mm drivers, closed earcups and swiveling cups for one-ear monitoring.
At a glance
- Closed-back, circumaural studio headphone with 45 mm drivers and neodymium magnets
- Frequency response 15–28,000 Hz, impedance 38 ohms, sensitivity 99 dB
- Earcups swivel 90° for one-ear monitoring
- Three detachable cables included: coiled, long straight and short straight
From studio workhorse to x-model
The ATH-M50x is the flagship of the M-Series, which also includes the M20x, M30x and M40x. Compared with the original ATH-M50, Audio-Technica fixed one weakness above all: the fixed cable was replaced by a detachable one which, according to Sound On Sound, locks in place with a quarter-turn of its mini-jack connector. The manufacturer also refined the earpads.
Audio-Technica introduces the model confidently in its M-Series data sheet:
“This is the most critically acclaimed model in the M-Series line, praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers year after year.”
— Audio-Technica, M-Series data sheet
Specifications
| Type | closed-back, circumaural |
|---|---|
| Driver | 45 mm |
| Magnet | neodymium |
| Voice coil | copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) |
| Frequency response | 15–28,000 Hz |
| Maximum input power | 1,600 mW at 1 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Weight | 285 g without cable and connector |
| Earcups | 90° swiveling |
| Cables | coiled 1.2–3.0 m, straight 3.0 m, short straight 1.2 m |
How the classic sounds
In 2014, Sound On Sound compared the M50x directly with a nearly new M50. The differences were subtle: the top end seemed slightly more open, and the bass reached a fraction deeper. If you are replacing an old M50, the magazine says the M50x will feel instantly familiar.
Important for long nights: according to Sound On Sound, the treble lift is restrained enough to keep the sound from becoming fatiguing. The low bass is more prominent than on many studio headphones, yet still articulate. Isolation is fine for most purposes; where isolation is crucial, the author would still choose the Sennheiser HD 25-II. You can read our article on the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus here.
Who the ATH-M50x is for
The manufacturer's specifications point to a clear profile. The circumaural design is meant to isolate well even in loud environments, and the 90° swiveling earcups allow one-ear monitoring. The short 1.2 m cable is intended for portable use, the coiled and 3 m cables for the studio.
So if you move between the booth and a home studio and want one headphone for both, the data sheet says the M50x covers both settings. If you prefer to work wirelessly, take a look at the ATH-M50xBT2.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ATH-M50x suitable for DJs?
Audio-Technica lists 90° swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring and a circumaural design intended to isolate well in loud environments. Both are core requirements in the DJ booth.
What is the difference between the ATH-M50 and the ATH-M50x?
The M50x has detachable cables instead of a fixed one, plus refined earpads. Sound On Sound found only very subtle differences in sound.
Which cables come with the ATH-M50x?
Three detachable cables: a 1.2–3.0 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable and a short 1.2 m straight cable.
