Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

by Audio-Technica

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 9 inches ; 10.1 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000ULAP4U
• Item model number: ATHM50
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (446 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #38 in Electronics > Accessories & Supplies > Audio & Video Accessories > Headphones
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 15, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

With the ATH-M50 professional studio monitor headphones, Audio-Technica has achieved an exceptionally accurate response and long-wearing listening comfort. Designed especially for professional monitoring and mixing, these studiophones feature an efficient collapsible design for space-saving portability and storage. Circumaural ear pieces swivel 180° for easy one-ear monitoring for studio or DJ applications, and the luxuriously padded ear cushions create a superior seal for maximum isolation so you can concentrate on the music. The adjustable headband is generously padded for ultimate comfort during long mixing sessions. A coiled cable at the left earpiece terminates to a gold-plated mini-plug with included screw-on 1/4" adapter.

Designed especially for professional monitoring and mixing

High Performance for Studio Applications

Designed especially for professional monitoring and mixing, the Audio Technica ATHM50 Studio Monitor Headphones feature an efficient collapsible design for space-saving portability and storage. Circumaural ear pieces swivel 180 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring and luxuriously padded ear cushions create an outstanding seal for maximum isolation. The adjustable headband is generously padded for wearable comfort during long days and nights of studio mixing sessions.

Audio-Technica's sophisticated driver technology and superior components deliver exceptional power handling and very high SPL capabilities while maintaining clarity of sound throughout their extended range, with deep, accurate bass and outstanding high-frequency extension. The headphones feature proprietary large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems for ultra-efficient signal transfer.

includes protective pouch and 1/4" stereo plug adapter

About Audio-Technica

Established in 1962, Audio-Technica is a worldwide group of companies devoted to the design, manufacture, marketing and distribution of problem-solving audio equipment. Initially known for state-of-the-art phonograph cartridges, Audio-Technica now creates high-performance microphones, headphones, wireless systems, mixers and electronic products for home and professional use.

Winner of numerous industry awards, Audio-Technica manufactures products that set quality, durability and price/performance standards for live sound tours, broadcast and recording studios, corporate and government facilities, house-of-worship venues, and more. Audio-Technica products are chosen for critical government installations such as the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Audio-Technica microphones and wireless systems are also selected for major broadcast music events, including the GRAMMY Awards and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

What's in the Box?

Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, protective pouch, 1/4" screw-on stereo plug adapter, warranty.

Technical Specifications

• Headphone Type: Closed-back dynamic
• Driver Diameter: 45 Mm
• Magnet: Neodymium
• Voice Coil: Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire
• Frequency Response: 15 - 28,000 Hz
• Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW @ 1 Khz
• Sensitivity: 99 dB
• Impedance: 38 Ohms
• Weight: 284g (10 oz)

Product Description

Designed especially for professional monitoring and mixing, the Audio Technica ATHM50 Studio Monitor Headphones feature an efficient collapsible design for space-saving portability and storage. Circumaural ear pieces swivel 180 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring and luxuriously padded ear cushions create an outstanding seal for maximum isolation. The adjustable headband is generously padded for ultimate comfort during long mixing sessions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

288 of 303 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest headphones period., April 1, 2009

By 

Karlton D. Lynch ""RTiKiCE"" (Colorado Springs) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

I'll say this first off: I don't record, DJ, or do any mixes with this headphone (no prosumer work). These Audio Technica M50's (straight cable) are used purely for listening to my music. One phrase comes to mind about these cans: O MiE GaWd!

I currently own these and the Beyerdynamic DT-770 pro (80 ohm), and have owned everything under the sun from Bose's headphone offerings; except their noise-canceling variants, although I've heard those as well. The M50's overall are the best sounding period that I've heard yet. They sound so ridiculously good that I can't even imagine if I need, let alone want to hear more expensive offerings.

Highs 5/5 - Imagine a dedicated tweeter per cup. The highs are PERFECT. Sirens, cymbals, piano notes, you name it comes in crystal clear with a pristine pitch. No harshness or fatigue comes with it. No roll-off or sibilance either, even if you crank it up to stratospheric levels.

Mids 5/5 - Like 2 miniaturized, mid-range drivers for your dome piece. When I heard Bose, I thought I HEARD everything, which was very nice. With the M50's, YOU WILL HEAR EVERYTHING. There were hidden voices and notes that even the Bose's missed in songs that I knew by heart. Voices came out clear and articulate. No recessed mid-range here. It's all up in your grill with pleasing authority and with the natural fullness that is to be expected with your tunes.

Lows 5/5 - I wish I could rate this higher. No other headphone (that I've heard) can touch this. Take two, high quality, sealed sub woofers. Shrink them, and somehow stuff them into the M50's. Then listen. Your brain will become grits. Your eyeballs will shake furiously. Your jawbone will uncontrollably vibrate. The bass in this headphone can resurrect the dead (and then some). The bass notes come in with such passion, that you instantly fall in love. It is highly textured, laser-accurate, and tightly controlled with ZERO distortion. There is no need to crank up the EQ on this. You can, but you've been warned. The bass is the best part about the M50. It is FLAWLESS.

Soundstage 4/5 - For a studio monitor, the soundstage is very good. There is a wide sense of space and depth to the sound. Nevertheless, they aren't as open-sounding as others such as the DT-770 pros, which have a closed design as well. This can sometimes take you out of the "scenario" when watching movies or playing games, which is why I use these primarily for music. I use the DT-770 pro's for movies and games, which those excel in this area.

Detail Retrieval 5/5 - Plain and simple, if it's in the audio track, you will hear it with no problem at all. Every nuance, sound, intricate detail, and mouse-fart will have a direct line to your eardrum for your listening pleasure. No complaints.

Value 5/5 - You need a pair (no, not those) of Audio Technica M50's. These are more than worthy to add to your headphone stable. Comfort is also quite excellent. Other studio monitor headphones pinch too tight for me (I also wear glasses), these are just right. Not too loose or constricted. The Beyers beat these in this area though (those are like Serta pillows :).

The cord is terminated into a slick-looking, metal housing, with a flexible end connected to a 1/8" plug, that also can be mated to a screw on 1/4" adapter. In other words, you can plug the M50's into whatever device you want; Ipod, home receiver, amp, etc., right out of the box. Durability is also the best I've seen yet. Can't see these breaking in any way, even if it's in the hands of a toddler.

Audio Technica M50's = A slice of musical heaven with whipped cream.

UPDATE: 4/8/09 - Burn in definitely changes the sound. Other owners have suggested 40 hours of cooking. The headphones sound more distinct, clear, and the instruments have better separation. Even the bass is more lively and the soundstage is more expanded. All said, don't judge yet until you've pumped tunes through them for many hours. Which then, the end result will surely be a smile on your face.

84 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the best headphones under $100, February 19, 2010

By 

triode fan (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Electronics)

I own a pair of Grado SR80 for years using a Grado headphone amplifier in my office. The Grado serves me well except it is not the most comfortable pair of headphones. The other problem is the open design which leaks out sound which may disturb my officemates.

I have been searching for a replacement on and off for a while. Finally, I read enough reviews and jumped on eBay and scored a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50 for under $100 shipped.

Without burn-in, I would say these compare really well (at par) with Grado SR80. Although I think the sound stage presented by SR80 is wider may be due to the open design. M50 with the closed back design seems a tad closed in. But, nevertheless, the sound right out of the box is really good.

I can say a good pair of headphones can certainly beat loudspeakers that cost 10x even 20x. My Dunlavy SCII with Velodyne DD15 will shy away in comparison with M50. Very neutral and detailed sound stage. The fitting is a bit tight. I plan to stretch it out using my desktop PC while doing some burn-in.

Initial comparison with Grado back to back, I noticed the following:
1. At same volume level, M50 plays louder than SR80
2. Sound isolation of M50 is pretty good, plan to use it on airplane
3. The sound stage of SR80 is wider
4. M50 has better bass than SR80
5. Highs and mids are very close with slight preference for M50
6. Fit and comfort of M50 is better but I hope it will loosen up a bit after use
7. Build quality is much better for M50 - obviously SR80 foam cushion is deteriorating after a few years of use

I'll update this review when the burn-in is complete.
--------------------------------------------------------

Update after 100-hour burn-in

Sound updates:
I compared to my office-mate who owns a pair of Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. Right off the bet, we both noticed how much more open the ATH-M50 sounded. This is before the burn-in.
I am even more impressed after the burn-in. The close-in that I commented before comparing to my Grado SR80 is now gone. The bass also improves quite a bit.
Off course, my home system with Velodyne DD15 packed a better punch but this is not a fair comparison.

Comfort:
Stretching for 100 hours also loosened up the fit so it is very comfortable. My only gripe is the top of the headband still has a pressure point. I might just bend to provide a better fit.

All in all, if you are shopping for a sub $100 headphone, you cannot go wrong with this one. Highly recommended!

74 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Headphones [Video Review], September 12, 2011

By 

MKBHD - See all my reviews

This review is from: Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Professional Studio Monitor Headphones (Electronics)

Length:: 3:37 Mins

This is a video review from the MKBHD YouTube Channel: [...]

This is my new all-time favorite pair of headphones. I've gone through my Beats by Dre phase. I've gone through my in-ear buds phase [high school]. I've been sent numerous pairs of headphones to review for my YouTube channel. Only 1 has received a 10/10 with an outstanding price/performance ratio. And that's the M50s.

Enjoy the video!

PS - You should totally subscribe to the MKBHD YouTube channel =]