I have a long history with audio tech products. Back in my 20’s, I received a diploma in audio engineering. I learned how to record, edit, and mix music on a computer. At the time, I couldn’t believe I had the technology and know-how to make music at home. I spent hours wearing headphones during recording and editing sessions. That’s when I realized the importance of a good pair of headphones.
Today I’m revisiting my audio production roots by reviewing three professional monitor headphones from Audio Technica, the M30x, M40x, and M50x. These are part of the M-series monitoring headphones. Since a lot of you may not know what monitoring headphones are, let’s start with a brief explainer.
Headphones vs monitoring headphones
Many people may not know the difference between traditional over-the-ear headphones and monitor headphones. In a nutshell, “monitoring” is an audio production term that refers to the listening of sounds being created or recorded. Monitoring headphones are therefore designed to reproduce sound as close to the original recording.
Compared to traditional headphones, monitoring headphones have a wide, flat frequency response and no boosted bass. I find them more comfortable to wear but it’s been a long time since I wore a pair. My ears are in for a treat.
Unboxing the Audio Technica monitor headphones
Each pair of headphones comes with a soft carrying pouch and a quarter-inch to 3.5mm adapter. The cable on the M30x is non-removable, whereas it can be removed on the M40x and M50x. The M40x and M50x come with one coiled 3-meter cable and one straight 1.2-meter cable. The M50x includes an additional smaller straight cable. The cables have Audio-Technica’s proprietary connector on the end that attaches to the headphone. They cannot be replaced by generic cables, so you definitely don’t want to lose these.
Build quality of the Audio Technica monitor headphones
As monitor headphones, M-Series were designed with comfort in mind. Users will typically wear these for hours on end. Comfortable headphones are incredibly important for long studio sessions. I speak from experience.
The earcups are contoured to give a tight, seal fit for sound isolation. I was alone when I reviewed them so I’m not sure if there was any bleed coming out. If you work close to others, audio bleed is definitely an issue with some headphones.
I noticed the metal frame in the headband was thinner on the M30x than the M40x and M50x. The M30x also doesn’t swivel as well as the higher-end models. The M30x has a 15-degree degree swivel whereas the M40x and M50x have 90-degree swivels for each earcup.
Each headphone folds down into a compact format to fit into a pouch. The non-removable cable on the M30x hinders its portability. If I needed to carry headphones around, I definitely wouldn’t get the M30x. The cable becomes too cumbersome to fit into the pouch.
Cable quality on the Audio Technica monitor headphones
Another thing I look for in headphones is the build quality of the cable ends. From my experience, that’s the first thing to go. I’ve owned many high-end headphones where the cable gets damaged at the connector, and the sound only comes through one earcup. It used to drive me nuts, especially after spending good money on a pair.
The M-series cables have reinforced rubber on each end to prevent cable damage. My concern is if the cable can still get damaged, at the end of the rubber reinforcement. Only extended use would tell if that protects the cable or not.
As mentioned, the M40x and M50x use a proprietary locking connector. This prevents the cable from ripping out if you accidentally trip over it. This happens all the time with headphones, especially with long cables. That’s why I prefer to use the provided coiled cable. It’s more flexible than the straight cable, but the added tension can be annoying.
Sound quality of the Audio Technica monitor headphones
This was the first time I reviewed three monitoring headphones at once. It was a remarkable experience listening to the same song, switching between the headphones.
Moving between the M30x and the M40x, I noticed that the M30x lacks a lot of detail and brightness in the treble range. The M30x and M40x both feature 40 mm drivers so I’m not sure the average user would be able to tell the difference.
The M50x has a 45 mm driver which made a sonic difference compared to the M40x and M30x. I was impressed with the bass accuracy, especially as it relates to the mid-range. I mostly listened to cheesy 80s inspired synth wave music. There was a lot of room in the low-mid range for the thump and punch of the 80s kick drums. Vocal and lead instruments were clear and well-balanced.
With my eyes closed, I felt like I was in a mixing session. I could hear subtle things in the low-mid range that I never heard before in some songs. This was a refreshing experience, as many headphones are tuned to extenuate certain frequencies like low-end bass.
I want to hear music the way it was mixed in the studio. That explains why I also prefer to listen to music on monitor speakers. I think even the average person out there will notice a sonic difference between their headphones, and the M-series.
Which M-series monitoring headphones should you buy?
It is no accident that Audio Technica created three headphones in the M-series. Each comes in a different price range and are geared towards different users.
The M30x is the entry-level version, perfect for casual audio and video editors. I recommend this over any pair of traditional headphones. They are comfortable to wear for a long time and produce a well-balanced sound.
If you need portable headphones, I would spend a little more and get the M40x. It’s always best to take the cable out of the headphones to prevent wear and tear. I’ve learned my lesson on that.
Personally, I would get the M50x. Having tried all three at the same time, I felt most comfortable with the M50x. While I didn’t wear them in a marathon session during this review, I feel I could do one without any comfort issues.
It’s also nice to have different cable sizes. I don’t like to use long cables if I don’t need to. Since the cable end is proprietary, you can’t go out and buy a third party cable. That said, if I was working on a budget, I would be completely satisfied with the M40x. It pretty much has the best of both worlds with additional features over the M30x, but not the price tag of the M50x.
Final thoughts
For anyone doing a lot of editing at a dedicated workstation, a good pair of headphones is a worthy investment. If you want the best sound possible, it makes a lot of sense to pick monitoring headphones. It provides an accurate representation of audio recordings, and they are designed for extended listening sessions.
Within the audio production circles, Audio Technica is a brand used by many professionals. The M-Series over-ear sound-isolating headphones are perfect for content creators, video editors, and musicians. If you want to listen to music the way it was intended, I highly recommend you try out the M30x, M40x, and M50x.
Table of Contents
- Headphones vs monitoring headphones
- Unboxing the Audio Technica monitor headphones
- Build quality of the Audio Technica monitor headphones
- Cable quality on the Audio Technica monitor headphones
- Sound quality of the Audio Technica monitor headphones
- Which M-series monitoring headphones should you buy?
- Final thoughts
My wife would love Audio-Technica M50X headphone because it has perfect build and sound quality.
For my audiophile (my husband) the fact that these headphones provide an accurate representation of audio recordings, and that they are designed for extended listening sessions, would be of most value.
My hubby would enjoy the circumaural design contours the ears to isolate unwanted sound in loud environments
I love the fact that they can fold up to save space, it’s so convenient!
I like the Ear cups that swivel 90 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring
The reproduction accuracy of the headphones are key for me. These monitor style headphones will allow me to listen to music they way it was recorded.
I like that the M series has Ear cups that swivel 90 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring. That would be neat to have great sound through this mode.
I love the deep low-frequency response for those full lows.
I love to relax outside in my backyard when the weather is above 0. I don’t want to hear anything other then my music. I would enjoy the Circumaural design contours the ears to isolate unwanted sound in loud environments.
i like how they fold up
I love that I can save space with the collapsible design for space-saving portability.
I like the re inforced cable end to prevent damage
I like that it folds up! Great for traveling!
Flat frequencey responce would be no.1 feature for me as i have a small 16 track home studio and like to reference back and forth between moniters and headphones to complete my mixdowns. would be a prize that would be well used, thanks for the oppertunity
locking cable ends so it does pop out
Collapsible design for easy storage and portability
I like them for their flat response for a true audio listening experience.
Cable quality is an important feature for me since the Audio-Technica M50X headphone will be used frequently!
Professional-grade ear pad and headband material for optimal durability and comfort.
The M50x for the 45 mm driver that makes a sonic difference.
Best feature of the Audio-Technica M50X headphone is the exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep and accurate bass response
Collapsible design for space-saving portability
I love the full coverage ear cups. I use an on-ear pair of headphones and it would be great to switch.
the best feature of the Audio-Technica M50X headphone is the exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep and accurate bass response
For my family the best feature of the Audio-Technica M50X headphone is that the ear cups swivel 90 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring
Sound quality is definitely important
The 45 mm driver that makes a huge difference! Sweet!
Circumaural design that contours the ears to isolate unwanted sound in loud environments is the best feature for us
The M50x for the 45 mm driver that makes a sonic difference.
The 45mm drivers is the feature that works for me! Would love to listen to music on these!
It would be great to have reinforced rubber on each end to prevent cable damage – happens too often.
The sound quality.
The sound-isolating ear cups.
The sound quality most important.
It’s all about the comfort for me. I enjoy great sound but comfort will let me wear them for longer periods.
The sound isolation is the biggest feature for my family.
I like the accurate sound reproduction feature!
Accurate reproduction of the sound is key.
The Audio quality for sure!
The sound-isolating ear cups are my favourite feature!
The larger, 45mm driver in the M50X would be best for the audiophile in our family.
Professional-grade ear pad and headband material for optimal durability and comfort.
The contoured earpieces for a tight sound isolation would be great
Easy storage with collapsing design
Being very comfortable for long hours of usage is the best feature of the Audio-Technica M50X headphone.
They’re monitor headphones – it’s all about accurate sound quality
Audio quality has to be the best feature.
Collapsible design for space-saving portability
The contoured earcups seal tight for sound isolation would be great for my brother, because he is always listening to music all the time
Fold up for easy storage!
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