Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $155
Standard/Professional
$100
$301+
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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
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Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones suitable for professional studio monitoring?
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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.
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How comfortable are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones for long sessions?
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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.
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Do the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones have a detachable cable?
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No, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 model does not have a detachable cable, which is a feature found in the updated ATH-M50x version.
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What is the sound signature of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones?
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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.
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Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50 headphones suitable for casual listening?
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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.
Videos
Marques Brownlee
Audio Technica ATH-M50 [Review]
![Video thumbnail for Audio Technica ATH-M50 [Review] by Marques Brownlee](https://img.youtube.com/vi/Krdb8lceRoI/mqdefault.jpg)
Audio Technica ATH-M50 [Review]
Marques Brownlee
Audio Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Headphones
Sonic Electronix
Reviews
PROS
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Flat, accurate audio signal for professional monitoring
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Comfortable for prolonged use, minimizing ear fatigue
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Durable build quality, lasting several years with proper care
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Reveals details in mixes that some studio monitors miss
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Suitable for a wide range of audio tasks, from mixing to casual listening
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Offers great value for its price range
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Good bass response without overpowering
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Comes with three different cords for versatile connectivity
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Provides isolation from external noise
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Increased volume and clarity across all frequency ranges
CONS
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Leather and headband materials may disintegrate after about 2 years
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Some units may develop a rattling distortion over time
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Lows and mids can be muddy compared to other high-end headphones
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Construction may feel fragile, requiring careful handling
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Bass can be overhyped, affecting the accuracy of mixes
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Not as flat as expected for mixing and mastering tasks
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V-shaped frequency response may require equalization to balance
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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
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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.
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The headband is described as rigid and uncomfortable, applying pressure to a small area atop the head, affecting long-term comfort.
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Owners report the ATH-M50x being durable enough to withstand frequent travel in a backpack without damage.
Source
Comparisons
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The ATH-M40x is often preferred over the M50x for its warmer, wider sound and less peaky treble.
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The ATH-M50x was once a budget king due to limited competition but faces stiff competition now in the $100-$200 range.
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The Sony MDR-7506 is reportedly more resolving in the bass range, offering clearer drum beats at a lower price.
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Compared to the Beyerdynamic DT 770, the ATH-M50x is favored for portability due to its detachable cable and foldable design.
Source
Build quality
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Some users report that the ATH-M50x plastic components can become brittle and break over time.
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Owners note that the folding mechanism is weak and prone to issues, despite the overall durable build.
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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
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These headphones are praised for good isolation, making them suitable for monitoring tasks.
Source
Mods and upgrades
Use cases and applications
5.0 out of 5
Based on 50 Reviews and 247 Ratings
85
Own These Since 2013, Pro Grade Headphones
No complains, gets the job done. Very clear Low End and overall monitoring. These headphones help me cut out harsh sounding sounds my studio monitor speakers can't pick up on.
572
Very useful and reliable headphones
Great headphones for listening, tracking, and mixing. I use these all the time when monitors are not available. Once you learn their frequency response, you can get some pretty flat mixes out of them. The bass is a little hyped and theres a treble boost that will make you think your mixes are brighter than they actually are.
Good headphones
These headphones are expensive if you're new to music but the quality upgrade is perfect if you're no longer a beginner and moving into the intermediate stage.
I like them because they have good low range. LOUD AF if you take them off your head, do not bring these on a plane the guy next to you will hate you.
128
Bang for Buck
this set of cans are not equalized just like the other head sets (beats, leaning on bass etc). it was made to make you hear what the musicians want you to hear. BUT BUT... the headbands and the leather copy easily disintegrate, about 2 years of used. And unfortunately, there are no replacement parts.
101
Never let me down
I've got this pair of headphones for many years now and used it in the studio and on the go. Such a great sound at a great price.
Artist usage
Add artist
John is seen using an Audio Technica M50 throughout the video.
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.
Zedd can be seen wearing these headphones at 0:27
Paul is seen using the ATH-M50 while recording in the studio at minute 0:19 in the video.
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
In this Daily Mail picture Kanye West can be seen using the headphones in a recording session with fellow artist and producer DJ Khaled
In This video you can see Chris Martin use the ever popular M50x's to track his vocals
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Toro does some laptop editing, using the ATH-M50's.
these headphones can be seen when he records drums at 36:11
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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.
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.
Album Usage
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones has been featured on the following albums:
Can You Hear Me (Acoustic)
Korn (2020)
After Hours
The Weeknd (2020)
Father Of Asahd
DJ Khaled (2019)
Colorblind
Getter (2018)
Better To Lie (with Jesse & Swae Lee)
Benny Blanco & Swae Lee (2018)
Sunshine03
Kaysha (2016)
Everglow
Coldplay (2016)
ANTI
Rihanna (2016)
A Head Full of Dreams
Coldplay (2015)
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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Community setups
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