The ATH-M50x appeared in the first edition of our recommended list for Closed Back Headphones in March 2016 and due to its consistently high ratings it has remained there for every subsequent edition.
It is also on our recommended list for Studio Headphones having first appeared between February 2018 and February 2020. It went back on that list in January 2021 and remains there today.
Additionally, we are also recommending them as a quiet practice option for use with Electronic Drums.
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Overview
My general use closed back headphones is the Audio Technica M50x.
Whether its playing my e-drums, tracking guitar, singing or practicing bass guitar, a pair of closed back headphones does the job with minimal fuss and no sound bleed.
Good thing I have my Audio Technica M50x, a multi-purpose pair of headphones that excel in non-critical monitoring situations.
They are also good for general tracking situations such as guitar recording and some basic mixing on the go during field duty.
They are foldable, easy to store, and have relatively good sound isolation due to them being a closed-back, and they come with lots of detachable wire options and a storage pouch.
Aging Issue
The faux leather on the earcups has started to peel off which is not uncommon (I have a pair of Sennheiser HD 569’s that are suffering the same fate) possibly due to the humid, tropical climate of where I live.
Specifications
Driver Size: 45 mm
Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 35 kHz
Impedance: 80 Ohms
Sensitivity: 96 dB
Max Input Power: 100 mW
Weight: 270g without cable (0.55 lbs)
Connectivity: 3m coiled cable with a gold plated 1/8″ plug and 1/4″ adapter.
Overall
For general purpose closed-back headphones, the M50x is decent enough with a robust build. Its good to have these lying around providing all sorts of utility around the studio and when producing on-site.
I'm a drummer and former lead guitarist of the band Callalily, a platinum selling multi-awarded band from the Philippines. I also studied music for 6 years majoring in percussion and jazz studies with a minor in classical piano.