Audio-Technica M50x: Complete Review
The Audio-Technica M50x are the best-selling studio headphones ever. Foldable, 3 detachable cables (straight/coiled/short), punchy V-shaped sound. At $149, they're durable, portable, with strong bass. Perfect for DJs, commuting, tracking. Not for mixing (too colored).
📊 Technical Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Price | $149 |
| Type | Closed-back over-ear |
| Driver | 45mm dynamic |
| Impedance | 38Ω (easy to drive) |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 28kHz |
| SPL | 99dB/mW |
| Cables Included | 3 (3m coiled, 3m straight, 1.2m portable) |
| Connector | 3.5mm + 6.35mm adapter |
| Foldable | Yes (90° swivel + fold) |
| Weight | 285g (without cable) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
🔌 3 Detachable Cables (Huge Advantage)
What's Included
- 3m coiled cable: Studio work (stretches without pulling)
- 3m straight cable: Home use (less bulky)
- 1.2m short cable: Portable (smartphone, commute)
Why it matters: If cable breaks → replace for $10-20 (vs DT 770 Pro's non-removable cable = dead headphones).
🎧 Sound: Punchy V-Shaped
Frequency Response
- Bass: +8dB at 60-80Hz (STRONG sub, EDM/hip-hop heaven)
- Mids: Recessed 500Hz-2kHz (vocals less forward than DT 770)
- Treble: +5dB at 10kHz (bright, detail)
M50x vs DT 770 Pro Sound
| Feature | M50x | DT 770 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Punchier (+8dB) | Tighter (+5dB) |
| Mids | More recessed | Slightly better |
| Treble | Bright (+5dB) | Brighter (+6dB) |
| Overall | Fun, bass-heavy | Balanced V-shape |
Verdict: M50x = more bass fun (EDM, hip-hop). DT 770 = better balance. Both are NOT mixing headphones (too colored).
🎒 Portability: Foldable Design
Foldable Mechanism
- 90° swivel: Earcups rotate flat (DJ one-ear monitoring)
- Fold inward: Compact size for bag
- Carrying pouch included: Soft case (not hard shell)
Portability Winner
M50x beats DT 770 Pro for travel:
- Foldable (DT 770 = bulky)
- 1.2m cable (DT 770 = 3m coiled only)
- Easy to drive 38Ω (works with phone)
😌 Comfort: Good But Not Perfect
Build & Materials
- Pleather earpads: Faux leather (isolates well, but hot after 2 hours)
- Tight clamp: Secure for movement, but can fatigue
- Adjustable headband: Clicks into position
Comfort Comparison
- DT 770 Pro: Velour pads = more breathable (wins long sessions)
- M50x: Pleather = better isolation but hotter
Mod tip: Replace pads with velour aftermarket ($20 on Amazon) for better comfort.
🎯 Best Use Cases
Perfect For
- DJs: Swivel design, punchy bass, durable
- Commuting: Foldable, good isolation, portable cable
- Tracking: Closed isolation, no leakage
- Bass-heavy music: EDM, hip-hop, electronic
NOT Ideal For
- Mixing (too colored → use open DT 880 or HD 600)
- Long sessions (pleather heats up → DT 770 velour better)
- Neutral listening (V-shaped = colored)
⚖️ M50x vs Competition
| Headphones | Price | Portability | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| M50x | $149 | ✅ Foldable, 3 cables | V-shaped (bass punch) |
| DT 770 Pro | $129 | ❌ Bulky, fixed cable | V-shaped (balanced) |
| Sony MDR-7506 | $99 | ⚠️ Foldable, weak cable | Neutral (mixing better) |
| Sennheiser HD 280 Pro | $99 | ❌ Bulky | Neutral, tight clamp |
Verdict: M50x = best portable studio headphones. DT 770 = best for stationary home studio. Sony MDR-7506 = best budget neutral.
✅ Verdict
Strengths
- ✅ 3 detachable cables (replaceable)
- ✅ Foldable design (portable)
- ✅ Punchy bass (fun for EDM/hip-hop)
- ✅ Good isolation (closed-back)
- ✅ Easy to drive 38Ω (works with phone)
- ✅ Durable build
Weaknesses
- ❌ Pleather pads (hot after 2 hours)
- ❌ Tight clamp (uncomfortable for some)
- ❌ V-shaped not neutral (not for mixing)
- ❌ $149 (vs DT 770 $129)
🛒 Where to Buy ATH-M50x
Standard version: $149 (black)
Colors available: Black, white, blue, red
Includes: 3 detachable cables + carrying pouch
Buy on Audio-Technica View on Thomann🎯 Final Verdict
The M50x are the best portable studio headphones. Foldable design, 3 cables, punchy bass = perfect for DJs, commuters, tracking. NOT for mixing (too V-shaped). If you don't need portability, DT 770 Pro ($129) has better comfort (velour).
Worth it?
- YES if: Need portable, DJ monitoring, bass-heavy music, want replaceable cables, commute daily
- NO if: Only home studio use (DT 770 better comfort), need neutral mixing (get DT 880/HD 600), tight budget (Sony MDR-7506 $99)
Who is it for? DJs (swivel monitoring), commuters (foldable + isolation), mobile producers, tracking vocals, anyone wanting indestructible portable headphones. Best-selling for a reason.