Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2: Studio Classic Goes Wireless
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
The ATH-M50xBT2 packs the M50x's 45 mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, up to 50 hours battery, and passive wired fallback. Here's what it brings to the booth.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 takes the 45 mm drivers from the renowned M50x series and adds Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC on top. According to the manual, the battery lasts up to around 50 hours of playback – and when it’s empty, you just plug in the cable and keep listening passively. It’s exactly this dual nature that makes it interesting for DJs.
At a glance
- Closed-back dynamic headphones with 45 mm drivers and 38 ohm impedance
- Bluetooth 5.0 with LDAC, AAC, and SBC, multipoint for two devices simultaneously
- Up to approx. 50 hours runtime, 10-minute quick charge for up to 3 hours
- 1.2 m cable with 3.5 mm plug for operation completely without battery
Second Generation: What’s Inside the M50xBT2
Audio-Technica introduced the ATH-M50xBT2 in August 2021 as the second generation of its wireless M series. New compared to the predecessor are an AK4331 DAC and a dedicated internal headphone amplifier, according to StereoNET. There’s also a low-latency mode that reduces lag for video and gaming.
Visually, almost everything stays the same: SoundGuys describes the M50xBT2 as nearly identical in build to the first ATH-M50xBT and the wired ATH-M50x. The main change is the controls – instead of the predecessor’s touch surface, you get a dedicated button for the voice assistant.
Via the Connect app you choose the codec, toggle the low-latency mode, adjust left/right balance, and enable sidetone to hear your own voice during calls. For EQ, the app offers five presets plus a custom curve, according to SoundGuys.
Technical Specifications
| Design | Closed-back, dynamic |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 45 mm |
| Frequency Response | 15–28,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.0 |
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Transmission Range with LDAC (96 kHz, 990 kbps) | 20–40,000 Hz |
| Range | Approx. 10 m line of sight |
| Battery Life | Max. approx. 50 hours music playback |
| Charge Time | Approx. 3.5 hours |
| Weight | Approx. 307 g |
| Accessories | USB charging cable (USB-A to USB-C, 30 cm), 1.2 m cable with 3.5 mm angled plug, pouch |
Wired or Wireless: What Matters in the Booth
At the mixer, you plug in the included 1.2 m cable. According to the manual, the headphones then play even without battery charge – though the buttons have no function in this mode, and the cable has no microphone. Per SoundGuys’ measurements, the frequency response is the same wired as it is over Bluetooth.
For transport, the earcups rotate up to 90 degrees and lay flat, and the frame folds down compact. At around 307 g, it’s a full-size over-ear. If you prefer lighter on-ear for the booth, check our piece on the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus.
On the go, Bluetooth shows its strengths: multipoint keeps laptop and phone connected simultaneously, and LDAC transmits at 96 kHz up to 990 kbps. aptX is missing, as SoundGuys notes. In their battery test at 75 dB, the M50xBT2 ran for 64 hours and 51 minutes.
Context: Studio Sound Instead of Noise Cancelling
The M50xBT2 has no active noise cancellation – a reason for the long battery life, writes SoundGuys. Isolation is handled solely by pads and clamping force. If you mainly want quiet on trains or planes, you’re better off looking at ANC models like the Sennheiser HD 450BT.
The M50xBT2 targets people who want the tuned sound of the M50x family wireless too. SoundGuys characterizes the tuning as rather restrained, without strong emphasis on any frequencies and without an overly bass-heavy base sound.
FAQ
Does the ATH-M50xBT2 have noise cancelling?
No. The headphones have no active noise cancellation; isolation is purely passive via pads and clamping force.
Does the ATH-M50xBT2 work wired without battery?
Yes. With the included 1.2 m cable it plays even without battery charge. Buttons and microphone don’t function in this mode.
Which Bluetooth codecs does the ATH-M50xBT2 support?
LDAC, AAC, and SBC. aptX is not supported.
Source: Audio-Technica, ATH-M50xBT2 User Manual, StereoNET, SoundGuys
