Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $141
Standard/Professional
$100
$301+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your music's full potential with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones. Designed for the discerning audiophile, these headphones offer an immersive listening experience that's second to none. They deliver unparalleled clarity and range, thanks to their large-aperture 45mm drivers equipped with rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils.
The ATH-M50x's closed-back, over-the-ear design ensures excellent sound isolation, shielding you from ambient noise and letting you focus on the music. The headphones offer a deep, accurate bass response and extended frequency range, making them a favorite among professional audio engineers and music lovers alike.
Not only do they produce phenomenal sound, but the ATH-M50x headphones are also designed for maximum comfort. The professional-grade earpads and headband are durable and soft, allowing you to enjoy your music for hours on end without discomfort. The ear cups also swivel 90°, offering one-ear monitoring and easy storage.
The headphones come with three detachable cables, giving you the freedom to choose the cable length that suits your needs best. Whether you're in the studio, at home, or on the go, the ATH-M50x headphones will transform the way you experience music.
Key Features:
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance and build quality
- Large 45mm drivers with rare-earth neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Closed-back, circumaural design for excellent sound isolation
- Wide frequency range of 15Hz–28kHz
- Professional-grade earpad and headband materials for comfort and durability
- 90° swiveling earcups for easy 1-ear monitoring
- Comes with three detachable cables (3.9–9.8-foot coiled cable, 3.9-foot straight cable, and 9.8-foot straight cable)
- A top choice for tracking, mixing, DJ monitoring, and personal listening
- Includes carrying pouch and 1/4-inch screw-on adapter
Product specs
| Type | Wired |
| Open/Closed | Closed |
| Fit Style | Circumaural (Around the Ear) |
| Driver Size | 45mm |
| Noise Attenuation | Passive Noise Isolating |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz-28kHz |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Connectivity | 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter |
| Cable Type | 2 x Straight, Coiled |
| Cable Length | 2 x 9.8 ft. (straight, coiled), 3.9 ft. (straight) |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Features | Swivel Earcups |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Case/Bag | Drawstring Bag |
| Weight | 0.62 lbs. (without cable and connector) |
FAQs
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What makes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x suitable for studio monitoring?
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The ATH-M50x headphones offer a wide frequency response of 15Hz-28kHz and a balanced sound signature, making them ideal for accurate audio monitoring in studio environments.
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Are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
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Yes, the ATH-M50x features circumaural design with comfortable ear pads and a lightweight build, making them suitable for extended use without discomfort.
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Do the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones provide noise isolation?
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The ATH-M50x offers passive noise isolation with its closed-back design, effectively reducing ambient noise for a more immersive listening experience.
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Can the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones be used with portable devices?
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Yes, with an impedance of 38 ohms, the ATH-M50x is compatible with most portable devices, delivering excellent sound quality without requiring additional amplification.
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Are the cables on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x detachable?
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Yes, the ATH-M50x headphones come with detachable cables, including both straight and coiled options, providing flexibility for various listening scenarios.
Videos
Marques Brownlee
Audio Technica ATH-M50X Review!
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with great detail in mixes
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Durable build, can withstand daily use and minor accidents
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Excellent for tracking and monitoring with clear mids and bass
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Comfortable for long sessions, even with glasses
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Good noise isolation, minimizing background noise
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Comes with multiple detachable cables for versatility
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Foldable design for easy transport and storage
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Good price-to-performance ratio
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Compatible with various audio devices and setups
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Suitable for a wide range of musical styles and applications
CONS
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Headband comfort decreases after a few hours
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Plastic construction in some parts feels cheap
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Earpads may need replacement for optimal comfort
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Cable placement can be inconvenient for some setups
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Soundstage perceived as narrow by some users
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Not the best option specifically for mixing tasks
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Treble can be overly pronounced for some preferences
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May not accurately represent low frequencies in mixes without adjustment
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Bass response might be too strong for pure monitoring use
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Some sound leakage at higher volumes
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones.
Use cases and applications
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The headphones are favored for video editing and EDM due to their ability to highlight details and consolidate sounds closely.
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Popular among DJs and frequently used for vocal tracking due to good upper mids and clamp isolation.
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Despite criticism, some classical music listeners find the ATH-M50x enjoyable, especially when paired with vintage audio equipment like the Pioneer SX-650.
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The ATH-M50x is appreciated for its good isolation, making it suitable for monitoring in noisy environments.
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User experience
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Limited edition versions of the ATH-M50x are noted for their aesthetic appeal, despite the sound quality being described as average.
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Initially tight, the headband stretches naturally over a week. For faster comfort, it's suggested to use a large jar to stretch overnight.
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Owners have highlighted the headphones' ability to fold, which is particularly useful for those needing portability or with smaller head sizes.
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Comparisons
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The M50x boasts slightly more sub-bass than the M40x and is perceived as better built, despite both models having similar sound quality.
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The ATH-M50x is perceived as less resolving than Sony MDR7506s, particularly in delivering clear, resonant drum beats.
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Some owners prefer the ATH-M40x over the M50x for a warmer and more relaxed sound, noting the M50x's sub-bass as overpowering and mids as cold.
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Setup and maintenance
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Standard earpads can flake, but cleaning them regularly prevents plastic coating degradation. Aftermarket leather pads require maintenance but offer enhanced comfort.
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Features and functionality
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The ATH-M50x responds well to EQ adjustments, making it versatile for those willing to tweak the sound signature to their preference.
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The cable locking mechanism is appreciated for its security, but can be problematic if pulled abruptly as it doesn't detach easily.
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The ATH-M50x features a V-shaped sound signature, which may not align well with those seeking a neutral listening experience.
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Mods and upgrades
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Third-party earpads like the Yaxi StPad2 enhance comfort and maintain the original sound signature, with an additional cost of around $40-$50.
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Build quality
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 94 Reviews and 448 Ratings
290
Great Headphones with the possibility of changing it´s cable
In their price-range, it´s all about your preference and what´s most appealing to you. After listening to most of the headphones that were available at the store and directly comparing them, I narrowed my list of favorites down to the ATH-M50x and the Beyerdynamic DT 770. These two are very close in terms of sound, but the Audio Technica have a changable cable, which ultimately made me go with them; Plus: they look great.
2608
Meh
These sound good but are very hyped. For mixing these are horrible, a nightmare. For casual listening they are great.
26997
I've been using the M50 (older non-X model) for 13-ish years, and I gotta agree with you: I wouldn't trust them for mixing. I know their blind spots and tendencies after all these years, so my brain kind of adjusts, but still... not a mixing tool... that said, these are my go to for everyday listening and they're really comfortable for tracking too.
76
Fantastic Pair of Headphones for mixing
These headphones are a MAJOR part of my sound I'm developing. A standard for my setup, and it hasn't dissapointed ever since I first purchased it. The EQ is flat and crisp, the sound quality is amazing, and the comfort is great for me.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Used for Mixing and editing
174
Very good for vocalists, and composition
Well built, would rather the hinges had more metal, as this is a common failure point for all brands using this design.
Locking jack cable that works.
Not fatiguing, and exposes mids and vocals really well, with slightly enhanced bass, but not excessively so,
It has slightly recessed treble to help with fatigue, but it can cause you to turn these up past safe levels, so this is something to show discipline on.
The are comfortable, but do leak much more sound than say the hard clamping Sennheiser HD 25-ii into the environment.
Great choice at this price for vocalists, along with one or two others from Beyer in Studio or home recording environments. They need some other references as support for mix engineers, or those with home studio areas when doing mix tasks for release
Their best feature is their exposure the midrange across the vocal spectrum well on this budget and this is their best use, they are pleasant to listen to also.
Stereo image is not that great as a compromise
250
Amazing
Beautiful headphones. Very wide sound, very good build quality. They have just now started to chip away in the materials and I have had them for about 7 years. Only on the headband and earcups. Yet they are still super comfortable to wear. Amazing sound quality. Perfect for mixing and mastering.
Great If You Don't Mind EQing
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.
132
Good for studio usage and listening, not the best for mixing and mastering
Good build quality and very practical, but not very good for mixing in my experience. It is bad value for most production in my opinion, otherwise a great pair of headphones.
26997
What, specifically, makes these headphones bad for mixing? You recommended m40x as an alternative that you said was more comfortable for mixing. What did you mean by that? I'm just curious.
132
I think the M50x and M40x are fine for mixing, there's just many better alternatives for the same or lower price, I see these as mostly a good headphone for monitoring, listening and especially travel. They're closed backs on ear headphones which give them a quite narrow soundstage,. They're quite neutral so they can work for mixing, it just takes a lot more work unlike with certain over ear open backs where the mixing kinda does "itself" in my experience - a very effortless process.
For me, the M40x are much less fatiguing to use for longer periods at a time. I haven't used them super extensively, but for the price they seem to be better value. I see them as mostly equal to the M50x for mixing, meaning not ideal, but workable.
138
Great sound
Very clear and comfortable to wear. Rugged enough for travel. Plenty of bass to make my mixes with.
291
Very impressed.
Don't be hesitant over the plastic construction. I've had them for almost 6 years and they still haven't broken. They've been yanked off my head by drawer knobs, Counter and table corners. And even once they were yanked off by my bratty uncle. As of October 2nd 2021 They still work great and i've only had to replace the padding once and i had to replace a cable once. Just buy them and i guarantee you'll never wanna listen to music or watch movies with a different pair of headphones.
141
AWESOME
the fact that you can get these for under 200 dollars is utterly incredible. love the replaceable wire because i used to break hardwired headphone cables all the time and that sucked when it would happen to me and break the entire ass headphone. great sound and, contrary to what a lot of people say, great comfort.
Artist usage
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In this Martin Garrix Show at 3:50, Marin Garrix can be seen using the Audio Technica ATH m50x.
It's unknown if he's officially retiring the long since discontinued Beats Mixrs, but when headlining Ultra 2025, Skrill could be seen using the ATH-M50x headphones to cue tracks.
James Hetfield used AT M50x while recording the album 'Hardwired...To Self-Destruct'.
In this photo (taken from Kevin's interview from 'Under The Influences') a pair of M50x's can be seen sat on his left.
Used for monitoring during the vocal tracking of Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, as is visible in the documentary "Warp Speed Chic" at 5:50.
In this photo (originally from Blasterjaxx's official Facebook page) you can see Hardwell with Blasterjaxx on Tommorowland Radio wearing the ATH-M50 headphones.
During a home edition performance on The Tonight Show, Billie Joe Armstrong uses the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones to monitor his audio.
Porter uses these headphones to cue tracks while DJing live. In this tweet, he can also be seen using them when working with G Jones on tracks or setlists.
Can be seen in Madeon's Studio setup
(source: https://www.rayce.live/#/studiodesign/)
Album Usage
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones has been featured on the following albums:
Dandelion
Ella Langley (2026)
One More Time
Aerosmith & YungBlud (2025)
weeknight
starfall (2025)
I Heard They Kill Live 2
Ice Nine Kills (2025)
Santa Baby
Kim Kardashian (2024)
Heavy Is the Crown
Linkin Park (2024)
CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler, The Creator (2024)
SCARING THE HOES: DIRECTOR'S CUT
Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA (2023)
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Brian Tyler (2023)
Amelia
Mimi Webb (2023)
SCARING THE HOES
Danny Brown & JPEGMAFIA (2023)
Ants From Up There
Black Country, new road (2022)
LEGEND
John Legend (2022)
Jam in the Van - Robert DeLong (Live Session, Los Angeles, CA, 2015)
Robert DeLong (2022)
Only Us (From The “Dear Evan Hansen” Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Carrie Underwood & Dan + Shay (2021)
Level of Concern
Twenty One Pilots (2020)
Coffin
Lil Yachty (2020)
Good News
Megan Thee Stallion (2020)
THE GOAT
Polo G (2020)
Behind Barz (Bonus)
Drake (2019)
Clé 2 : Yellow Wood
Stray Kids (2019)
Icarus Falls
Zayn Malik & Zayn (2018)
Songs From Primal Heart: Reimagined
Kimbra (2018)
Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Arctic Monkeys (2018)
Simulation Theory (Super Deluxe)
Muse (2018)
I Decided.
Big Sean (2017)
SATURATION III
Brockhampton (2017)
SATURATION II
Brockhampton (2017)
SATURATION
Brockhampton (2017)
Try Everything (From "Zootropolis")
Shakira (2016)
HELLBOY
Lil Peep (2016)
Hardwired…To Self-Destruct
Metallica (2016)
Fire Bird
Miyavi (2016)
Drones
Muse (2015)
Hand Cannot Erase
Steven Wilson (2015)
Congo Square
Teena Marie (2009)
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-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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Add recommendation7 alternative and related items for Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones, curated by the Equipboard community.
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While more niche in some places, the TMA is effectively the European M50. Their much lower isolation brings what many consider to be a much wider soundstage. The TMAs are also much more modular, with disassembly being foolproof, and multiple options being available for every single component, not just the cups and cable. They're even a popular DJ headphone, with different kinds of on ear cups available. While they can be disassembled and flatpacked, they don't get as compact as the folded M50s.
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The M40x is a bit more comfortable for mixing and mastering and for the price is way better value in my opinion
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