Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$179.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (113)
$159.00
Reverb
5.0 (5)
$179.00 New
$100.00 Used
Gear4Music
£146.00

Average Price: $155

Standard/Professional

$100

$301+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover an unparalleled auditory journey with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones. Designed for the discerning ear, these headphones boast 45mm large-aperture drivers for exceptional clarity and accuracy across an impressive frequency range. Whether you're in the studio or on the go, the closed-back, circumaural design provides superior sound isolation, ensuring immersive listening experiences free from ambient noise.

The ATH-M50 is engineered with copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, delivering lifelike audio from deep bass to crisp highs. Perfect for tracking, mixing, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes, these headphones offer a balanced sound profile that highlights every nuance and detail. The plush earpads and headband guarantee all-day comfort, while the durable construction promises longevity even in the most demanding settings.

Designed with practicality in mind, these headphones feature swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring and a collapsible design for easy portability. Detachable cables offer flexibility and convenience, making them a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Key Features:

  • 45mm drivers with neodymium magnets
  • Frequency response: 15Hz–28kHz
  • Circumaural design for excellent noise isolation
  • Swiveling earcups for one-ear monitoring
  • Collapsible for easy portability
  • Detachable cables: coiled and straight options
  • Includes carrying pouch and 1/4-inch adapter
  • Comfortable earpads and headband for extended use

Product specs

Brand Audio-Technica
Model ATH-M50x-WH Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Finish White
Year 2010s
Categories Closed-Back Headphones, Over-ear Headphones

FAQs

Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones suitable for professional studio monitoring?

Yes, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones are designed for professional studio monitoring, offering accurate sound reproduction and excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for critical listening and mixing.

How comfortable are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones for long sessions?

The ATH-M50 headphones feature cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband, providing comfort for extended use. Their over-ear design helps reduce fatigue, making them suitable for long studio sessions.

Do the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones have a detachable cable?

No, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 model does not have a detachable cable, which is a feature found in the updated ATH-M50x version.

What is the sound signature of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones?

The ATH-M50 headphones are known for their balanced and detailed sound signature, with a slightly emphasized bass that remains controlled, making them versatile for various music genres.

Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones suitable for casual listening?

While designed for professional use, the ATH-M50 headphones are also popular among casual listeners due to their robust build and high-quality sound, offering an immersive listening experience.

Marques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee

Audio Technica ATH-M50 [Review]

Video thumbnail for Audio Technica ATH-M50 [Review] by Marques Brownlee

Audio Technica ATH-M50 [Review]

Marques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee

Video thumbnail for Audio Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Headphones by Sonic Electronix

Audio Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Headphones

Sonic Electronix

Sonic Electronix

Reviews

PROS

  • Flat, accurate audio signal for professional monitoring

  • Comfortable for prolonged use, minimizing ear fatigue

  • Durable build quality, lasting several years with proper care

  • Reveals details in mixes that some studio monitors miss

  • Suitable for a wide range of audio tasks, from mixing to casual listening

  • Offers great value for its price range

  • Good bass response without overpowering

  • Comes with three different cords for versatile connectivity

  • Provides isolation from external noise

  • Increased volume and clarity across all frequency ranges

CONS

  • Leather and headband materials may disintegrate after about 2 years

  • Some units may develop a rattling distortion over time

  • Lows and mids can be muddy compared to other high-end headphones

  • Construction may feel fragile, requiring careful handling

  • Bass can be overhyped, affecting the accuracy of mixes

  • Not as flat as expected for mixing and mastering tasks

  • V-shaped frequency response may require equalization to balance

  • Stereo image and flatness may not meet professional mixing standards

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones.

User experience

  • Owners note the ATH-M50x can press against ears, causing discomfort during extended sessions.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that the ATH-M50x may have a "V" shaped sound, with emphasis on bass and treble, less suitable for those seeking neutral sound.

    Source
  • The headband is described as rigid and uncomfortable, applying pressure to a small area atop the head, affecting long-term comfort.

    Source
  • Owners report the ATH-M50x being durable enough to withstand frequent travel in a backpack without damage.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ATH-M40x is often preferred over the M50x for its warmer, wider sound and less peaky treble.

    Source
  • The ATH-M50x was once a budget king due to limited competition but faces stiff competition now in the $100-$200 range.

    Source
  • The Sony MDR-7506 is reportedly more resolving in the bass range, offering clearer drum beats at a lower price.

    Source
  • Compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 770, the ATH-M50x is favored for portability due to its detachable cable and foldable design.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report that the ATH-M50x plastic components can become brittle and break over time.

    Source
  • Owners note that the folding mechanism is weak and prone to issues, despite the overall durable build.

    Source
  • The headband on the ATH-M50x is reported to flake over time, which can be a nuisance for long-term owners.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • These headphones are praised for good isolation, making them suitable for monitoring tasks.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Third-party earpads like the Yaxi StPad2 significantly improve comfort and preserve sound signature but cost $40-50.

    Source
  • Some owners recommend replacing the headband after prolonged use, as it can wear out faster than other components.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • ATH-M50x headphones are preferred for metal music due to their V-shaped sound signature, enhancing the listening experience for this genre.

    Source
  • The ATH-M50x is praised for its minimal sound leakage, making it suitable for high-volume listening without disturbing others.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 50 Reviews and 247 Ratings

5 star
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odysseyeurobeat
D

M30X's also work if you want a cheaper alternative without sacrificing too much sound quality :D

iriscelestialisofficial

Great if you don't mind EQing some stuff

These headphones are great - their clarity is through the roof, especially in the bass and high-frequency ranges, aren't too incredibly expensive and they come with three different cords to plug into different sized audio jacks, so you likely won't have to buy other cables unless you need something non-standard. My only issue with them is that upon first use, they have quite a bit of a V shaped frequency response (The low and high-frequency ranges are better pronounced than the mids) and I'm not sure if this goes away with time (I've heard that this is true but haven't had them long enough to experience it) but I've been able to fix it for the most part by applying some equalization to audio before it goes to the headphones. Once you do this, they sound much, much better. In fact, I haven't had many pairs of high-quality headphones in my life, but I would definitely say that these are much better than any I'd had before once you adjust for the V-curve. They aren't the most comfortable headphones I've ever had, but they certainly aren't the most uncomfortable, and I can use them for hours at a time with pretty much no issue, although trying to wear them for the majority of a day with no breaks does become a bit of an issue, but that might just be me.

khelic

Fairly good for production, excellent for DJing

These headphones are fairly good for production, the lows and mids are a bit too muddy and the high end is not as clean as beyerdynamic headphones.

For Djs and causal listening, these are a great pick.

readdevel

Why buy beats when you got audio technica

Let me make something very clear when you buy beats headphones your pretty much handing cash to Kenneth Copeland you just won't get anything in return. When you buy audio technica headphones your getting something good that's gonna last you a while. My pair is 4 years old and they still haven't broken or had any sort of problems.

jaecash

Most balanced headphones

These headphones are on another level and are used by everyone in the industry for good reason. They reveal things in my mixes some studio monitors can't. They are also my go to for tracking vocals due to how comfortable they can be even after long wear.

I

Great for recording, terrible for mixing and mastering

What makes these headphones so good for monitoring is what makes them so bad for mixing and mastering, the sound design is something that will not be replicated on another pair of headphones or any device your music will be heard on.

C

My ex-go-to referencing device

I rarely get studio time at home, take these things with me everywhere and do 99% of my work on them. Great, flat response and trustworthy sound. They take a beating, too!

Edit: A few years on now, and I'll never go back to ATH-M50s. Their stereo-image is poor, they aren't very flat at all and tend to overhype the low end quite a bit. Good for sketching out tracks but definitely not good to mix on. I've since upgraded to a pair of Focal Spirit Pros and a pair of Shure SRH1540s and both are leagues above the M50s in pretty much every aspect.

olivyae

Absolutely spectacular

These headphones are studio-reference and very true to the mix. I recently jumped from Sony XB950AP Extra Bass headphones and as any serious music producer would tell you, any headphone with enhancements such as "extra bass" are detrimental to your mix.

Comparing the two is like night and day; I listened to a mix without these and then put them on; the playback was nearly identical, unlike any consumer-based products, which give an entirely different sound than what's coming from your monitors.

sounds_past_midnight

so good

i had a pair of these for 7 years and i used them for everything. Producing, mixing, listening to music. They were part of my everyday carry. Finally the construction decided to break, and was tired of duck taping the joints... Love these forever.

mattis

Best quality on budget

This is lovely and balanced with good punchy bass. Comfortable to wear and well isolated. It comes with three different cables. One short, one 3 meters, and a coiled 3 meter. A very good pair of headphones for the prize.

psychefoxey

Great sounding headset...

...but be sure to have a solution in case of break because it's kinda fragile.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

John is seen using an Audio Technica M50 throughout the video.

See how Skrillex uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Skrillex

Music Producer

From First to Last

...
Verified via YouTube

Skrillex is seen using the ATH-M50 headphones at 4:56 in the Regeneration Music Project: Skrillex and The Doors- The making of 'Breaking a sweat' video.

See how Zedd uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Zedd

Music Producer

ARE WE DREAMING

...
Verified via YouTube

Zedd can be seen wearing these headphones at 0:27

See how Paul McCartney uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via YouTube

Paul is seen using the ATH-M50 while recording in the studio at minute 0:19 in the video.

See how Flying Lotus uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Flying Lotus

Rapper, Music Producer

FLYamSAM

...
Verified via Equipboard

Mentioned in a now deleted March 9, 2012 Twitter post, preserved in this July 25, 2019 WayBack Machine archive of this submission.

I'll always love my Audio Technica ATH-M50 headphones. I was gonna make a joke about how they're sex for your ears bla bla, spared you

See how Kanye West uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Kanye West

Rapper, Music Producer

Sunday Service Choir

...
Verified via Photo

In this Daily Mail picture Kanye West can be seen using the headphones in a recording session with fellow artist and producer DJ Khaled

See how Chris Martin uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Chris Martin

Singer, Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via YouTube

In This video you can see Chris Martin use the ever popular M50x's to track his vocals

See how Ray Toro uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Ray Toro

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Toro does some laptop editing, using the ATH-M50's.

See how Jacob Collier uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Jacob Collier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

these headphones can be seen when he records drums at 36:11

See how The Weeknd uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

The Weeknd

Singer, Keyboardist

Bulleez n Nerdz

...
Verified via equipboard

The Weeknd is confirmed to use the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, as evidenced by an archived Instagram post he shared while in the studio recording during the After Hours era, which is documented on Equipboard.

See how Steve Lacy uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Steve Lacy

Singer, Guitarist

The Internet

...
Verified via WIRED

In an article by WIRED, Steve Lacy is shown using the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones while producing music on his iPhone.

See how Oliver Heldens uses Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Oliver Heldens

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

00:20 in u see him with the Audio-Technica

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Ableton Live DAW Software
5
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5
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
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3
Neumann TLM 103
Neumann TLM 103 Condenser Microphones
2
Sony MDR-7506 Professional Headphones
Sony MDR-7506 Professional Headphones Headphones & In-Ear Monitors
2
Apple MacBook Pro (General)
Apple MacBook Pro (General) Computers & Peripherals
2
Moog Minitaur
Moog Minitaur Tabletop Synthesizers
2
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
2

Community setups

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1 alternative for Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, curated by the Equipboard community.

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