Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Review – High Quality DJ Headphones

If you are looking for a solid pair of headphones the Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is often among the most recommended. DJ headphones need to tick some key boxes that separate them from average consumer headphones. In this review, we dive into the details to see if the ATH-M50X deserves all the praise it receives.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X has plenty of features that will appeal to DJs as some of the best EDM headphones. But, beyond the DJ space, there is still a lot to like about this set of cans.

Features

Audio-Technica offers an excellent range of headphones and the ATH-M50X is no different. Let’s check it out in more detail.

Sound Quality 

More than anything a good pair of DJ headphones need to deliver in this category. Loud environments and the need for accurate tracking are critical to effective mixing. This is one area that the ATH-M50X excels in.

The real highlight is the tight and punchy bass response. If you mix electronic music you’ll appreciate the crisp and defined kicks. But it isn’t all about the kicks. The bass is warm and pleasant without impacting on clarity.

The ATH-M50x offers excellent sound quality and great features.

Speaking of clarity the mids and highs are well-defined. You’ll easily be able to pick out details and accurately prepare your mix. As a set of DJ headphones, these can also get very loud. If you need to crank these up you won’t experience any distortion or irritating tonality issues.

But the ATH-M50X isn’t without its faults. From a producer’s perspective, there is a slight imbalance that does favor the low end. Nowhere near as bad as consumer-level headphones but still not super tight. If you require ultra-accuracy you’ll need to explore other options.

Powerful 45mm drivers deliver an excellent low-end response.

The frequency response is at 15Hz – 28kHz. Plenty of room in the range to deliver delicate details.

Despite the slight imbalance, the ATH-M50X offers excellent audio quality. Satisfying to listen to with plenty of clarity, detail, and warmth.

Comfort 

Comfort is another strong feature of the ATH-M50X. The soft padding on the ear cups envelops your ears without any irritation.

That same comfortable padding extends to the headband. Just enough give without losing clamping force. The headband adjusts with several levels to accommodate even the biggest head out there. 

Clamping force is also very good with a great balance between security and comfort. You can bop away to the beat without fear that these will fall off.

The closed-back design offers good passive isolation. But there are better options out there if you want to stay in your bubble.

The ATH-M50X is a solid and dependable set of DJ headphones.

There is some flex in the headband that allows for sliding one ear off. Not the most comfortable compared to headphones with dedicated hinges.

At 0.625 lbs. (283 grams) these headphones lean on the heavier side but are still similar to other popular DJ headphones. Despite this at no point do you feel the weight. Fatigue or discomfort is not present. Even in longer listening sessions.

Audio-Technica has struck an excellent balance between comfort and practicality.

Design 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is an attractive set of headphones. The clean lines and matte black finish offer a distinctly professional look. The debossed Audio-Technica logo is subtle and cool. The splash of silver adds a little life to an otherwise understated design.

Excellent components make the ATH-M50x one of the best sets of headphones out there.

These headphones also offer detachable cables which I am always happy to see. The risk of unplugging is not present due to the locking mechanism that keeps the cable secure. You’ll also have the freedom to choose from 3 cables. 2 straight cables, one short and one long. Plus a coiled cable if you prefer that style.

The detachable cables are high-quality.

But it doesn’t end there. The ATH-M50X also offers a collapsible design. Perfect for travel and convenience. 

These headphones look and sound the part without resorting to loud design aesthetics.

Durability 

Another excellent feature is how well constructed these headphones are. Tough plastic that isn’t prone to scratches. They bend and twist without any audible creaking which further inspires confidence.

The hinges on the ATH-M50x are robust and not prone to breaking.

High-quality components are also present. The 45mm drivers sport rare-earth neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. No cheap materials here.

I’ve owned a pair of these for several years and they are still going strong. And I’ve put them through their paces both for daily listening and time behind the decks.

Value 

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X offers fantastic value for money. A premium set of headphones that delivers.

The pouch is perfect for protecting and transporting your headphones.

The quality is very high. Included accessories like the range of cables, carry pouch and adapter are excellent inclusions. These are great headphones that are worth every dollar.

What Others Have To Say

Many people love the M50X from Audio Technica. It is a common recommendation for DJs looking for a set of dependable headphones.

All About That Kick

If you DJ electronic music you’ll already be very familiar with the structure of most dance music. But for those that are new, the fundamental part that helps you determine your transition points is the kick drum.

Nearly all EDM is on a 4-4 time signature. That is 4 beats per bar with 4 bars per phrase. The beats are what you’ll be paying attention to when you are beatmatching two tracks and the bars and phrases for when to begin your mix.

Headphones are one of the most important parts of a DJ setup.

A good pair of DJ headphones should offer plenty of punch in the low end. This allows you to identify the kick drum quickly and easily. You don’t want any muddiness and the more clarity the better. Aligning the kicks in your headphones leads to smooth transitions. The last thing you want is kicks that are out of time. This leads to trainwreck mixing which is instantly recognized by a crowd.

When shopping around for DJ headphones pay extra attention to how they handle the low end. A solid and clear low-end response will make your time behind the decks easier and more enjoyable.

Other Options

There are some excellent DJ headphones currently available. Here are some alternatives to the ATH-M50X that are worth considering.

Sennheiser HD 25 Review

The Sennheiser HD25 is among the most popular DJ headphones out there. A firm favorite among DJs thanks to the excellent definition and clarity. 

• Precise audio quality with a clear, flat response.
• Durable build quality with replaceable components.
• On-ear design is not to everyone’s taste.

Austrian Audio Hi-X55 Review

If you need a pair of headphones with a more analytical profile the Hi-X55 is worth exploring. These premium studio cans are ideal for recording sessions and production work.

• Highly detailed sound profile that is perfect for picking out details.
• Tough construction thanks to the steel frame.
• The neutral sound profile doesn’t offer warm bass like the ATH-M50x.

V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Review

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is another leading choice for DJs worldwide. It features a punchy and satisfying sound profile but takes it a step further with a modern and attractive design.

• Good clarity and definition throughout the full frequency range.
• You can customize the ear cups with a variety of after-market shields.
• These headphones feature a high clamping force, which can cause some discomfort.

Should You Buy?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X is among the best DJ headphones currently available. The meaty low-end is great if you mix bass-heavy music. Build quality is high and clarity is superb. The price point is just right and worth the investment. If you are looking for a new pair of DJ headphones the ATH-M50X won’t disappoint.

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