Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones – Black

Product Overview

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a wired, closed-back circumaural headphone designed for professional monitoring and general listening. Introduced as part of Audio-Technica’s Mx-Series in 2014, the ATH-M50x followed the earlier ATH-M50 while retaining its basic acoustic approach and adding detachable interchangeable cables.

The headphones use 45 mm dynamic drivers with neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. Audio-Technica specifies a frequency response of 15 Hz to 28,000 Hz, 38-ohm impedance, and 99 dB sensitivity. The earcups rotate through 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, while the frame folds for storage and transport.

Three detachable cables are included for different listening situations: a coiled studio cable, a long straight cable, and a shorter straight cable. The standard connection terminates in a 3.5 mm stereo plug, while an included screw-on adapter supports 6.3 mm headphone outputs. The ATH-M50x is a passive wired design without Bluetooth, batteries, active noise cancellation, or an integrated microphone. The black configuration represented by this product record is associated with ASIN B00HVLUR86.

Product Information

Identification

Physical

Product Identifier Summary

Headphones can be identified through several manufacturer and retail numbering systems. These identifiers help distinguish the standard ATH-M50x from wireless versions, limited-edition colors, bundles, and other Mx-Series headphones.

• Model Number: The model number identifies the manufacturer’s specific headphone design. ATH-M50x distinguishes this wired model from products such as the ATH-M40x and ATH-M50xBT2.
• MPN: A Manufacturer Part Number is used in manufacturer, distributor, inventory, and service records. For this product, ATH-M50x is commonly used as the manufacturer designation.
• UPC: A Universal Product Code is a standardized retail barcode used for inventory tracking and product identification.
• EAN: An EAN is an international barcode format within the broader GTIN identification system. A separate EAN was not included because a value specific to this exact record was not independently established without ambiguity.
• GTIN: A Global Trade Item Number is the broader standardized system that includes UPC and EAN formats. A separate GTIN value is not stated beyond the verified retail barcode information.
• ASIN: The ASIN identifies the specific online catalog record associated with this black ATH-M50x configuration.
• ISBN: ISBN identifiers apply to books and certain publications and do not apply to headphones.

Common Uses

The ATH-M50x is designed for wired audio monitoring and listening. Its closed-back construction and rotating earcups support several professional and personal audio applications.

• Recording-studio tracking.
• Audio mixing and editing.
• DJ monitoring.
• Podcast and voice-recording monitoring.
• Video and media editing.
• Musical instrument practice through compatible equipment.
• General music listening from wired audio sources.
• One-ear monitoring using the swiveling earcups.

Maintenance & Care

Headphones should be kept dry and stored away from excessive heat, moisture, and physical pressure. The detachable cable design allows cables to be disconnected before storage or replacement.

• Disconnect cables by gripping the connector rather than pulling directly on the wire.
• Wipe exterior surfaces with a soft, dry cloth when cleaning is required.
• Avoid using solvents or aggressive cleaning chemicals on the headband and ear pads.
• Keep the ear pads dry and allow moisture from extended use to evaporate before storage.
• Fold the headphones according to their designed hinges rather than forcing the frame.
• Store cables without sharp bends that can place repeated stress on conductors and connectors.
• Use the carrying pouch to reduce exposure to dust and surface abrasion during storage.
• Replace worn cables or ear pads with parts designed for the compatible ATH-Mx configuration.

Safety Information

Extended exposure to high sound-pressure levels can contribute to hearing damage. Listening volume and duration should therefore be managed appropriately, particularly when the headphones are connected to high-output professional audio equipment.

• Begin listening at a low volume and increase it only as necessary.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to excessively loud audio.
• Reduce the volume before connecting or disconnecting the headphones.
• Keep connectors dry and free from contamination.
• Do not use damaged cables with exposed conductors.
• Do not attempt to force the 3.5 mm connector into an incompatible audio port.
• Use the supplied 6.3 mm adapter when connecting to compatible quarter-inch headphone outputs.

Technical Specifications

Product History

The ATH-M50x developed from Audio-Technica’s earlier ATH-M50 professional monitor headphone. Audio-Technica states that the ATH-M50 was introduced at the NAMM trade show in 2007 and was designed around 45 mm drivers for professional monitoring.

The broader Mx-Series debuted at the Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California, in 2014. The range included the ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x, and ATH-M50x. The ATH-M50x retained the general sonic approach of the ATH-M50 while introducing interchangeable detachable cables and revised ear pads.

Audio-Technica later expanded the M50 family with wireless products. The ATH-M50xBT appeared in 2018, followed by the ATH-M50xBT2 in 2021. These Bluetooth models are separate products and should not be confused with the passive wired ATH-M50x documented on this page.

Key Features

• Closed-back circumaural construction.
• 45 mm dynamic drivers.
• Neodymium driver magnets.
• Copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils.
• Detachable cable connection.
• Three interchangeable cables included.
• 90-degree swiveling earcups.
• Support for one-ear monitoring.
• Collapsible frame for storage.
• Passive sound isolation through the closed-back over-ear design.
• 3.5 mm wired audio connection.
• 6.3 mm screw-on adapter included.

Package Contents

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones.
• 1.2 m to 3.0 m detachable coiled cable.
• 3.0 m detachable straight cable.
• 1.2 m detachable straight cable.
• 6.3 mm / 1/4-inch screw-on adapter.
• Protective carrying pouch.

Compatibility

The ATH-M50x uses a standard analog wired headphone connection and does not depend on an operating system, application, battery, or wireless protocol. Compatibility depends primarily on the audio output available on the source device.

• Connects directly to compatible devices with a 3.5 mm stereo headphone output.
• The included adapter supports compatible 6.3 mm headphone jacks used on professional audio equipment.
• Can be used with audio interfaces, mixers, headphone amplifiers, musical instruments, computers, and portable devices that provide a compatible analog output.
• Modern devices without an analog headphone jack require an appropriate audio adapter or digital-to-analog converter.
• No Bluetooth pairing is available on the wired ATH-M50x.
• No integrated microphone is provided for calls, voice chat, or recording.
• Replacement cables must be compatible with the ATH-Mx detachable locking connector system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What model is B00HVLUR86?

The catalog record corresponds to the black Audio-Technica ATH-M50x wired professional monitor headphones.

Is the ATH-M50x wireless?

No. The standard ATH-M50x is a passive wired headphone. Audio-Technica sells separate Bluetooth-equipped models in the M50x family.

Does the ATH-M50x have Bluetooth?

No. Bluetooth connectivity is not included in this model. The ATH-M50xBT and ATH-M50xBT2 are separate wireless products.

Does it include a microphone?

No. The ATH-M50x does not contain an integrated microphone. Voice communication requires a separate microphone or another compatible accessory.

Does it require a headphone amplifier?

The headphones have a 38-ohm impedance and can operate with many ordinary headphone outputs. Available listening level still depends on the voltage and power capability of the connected device.

Can the cables be replaced?

Yes. The ATH-M50x uses detachable cables. Replacement cables must use the compatible Audio-Technica ATH-Mx locking connection at the headphone end.

Does the package include more than one cable?

Yes. Three detachable cables are supplied, providing coiled, long straight, and shorter straight configurations for different listening environments.

Can the ATH-M50x connect to professional audio equipment?

Yes. The standard 3.5 mm plug can be fitted with the included screw-on 6.3 mm adapter for equipment using a compatible quarter-inch headphone output.

Is the ATH-M50x an over-ear or on-ear headphone?

It uses a circumaural design, meaning the ear pads are intended to surround the ears rather than rest directly on them.

Does it have active noise cancellation?

No. Sound reduction comes from the physical closed-back earcup and pad design rather than electronic active noise-cancellation circuitry.

Can one earcup be rotated for DJ monitoring?

Yes. The earcups swivel through 90 degrees, allowing one side to be moved for single-ear monitoring.

Can the headphones fold for transportation?

Yes. The frame is designed to collapse into a smaller form for storage and transport.

Are replacement ear pads available?

Replacement ear pads and service parts are available for compatible Audio-Technica headphones. The part should be checked specifically for ATH-M50x compatibility before installation.

Does the ATH-M50x work with phones?

It can work with phones that provide a compatible analog headphone connection. Phones without a 3.5 mm output require an appropriate adapter or external digital-to-analog audio interface.

Does it work with computers?

Yes, when the computer provides a compatible headphone output or is connected to a suitable audio interface. No headphone-specific software is required.

Can it be used for gaming?

The headphones can reproduce game audio through a compatible wired connection. Since they do not contain a microphone, voice chat requires a separate microphone.

What is the difference between ATH-M50 and ATH-M50x?

The ATH-M50x follows the earlier ATH-M50 and retains its general acoustic design. One of the principal changes introduced with the M50x generation was the use of detachable interchangeable cables.

What is the difference between ATH-M50x and ATH-M50xBT2?

The ATH-M50x is a passive wired headphone, while the ATH-M50xBT2 is a separate model that incorporates Bluetooth and other wireless electronics.

How should the ear pads be cleaned?

Surface dirt can be removed carefully with a soft, dry cloth. Strong solvents and excessive moisture should be avoided because they can damage pad and headband surfaces.

What warranty applies to the ATH-M50x?

Audio-Technica lists a two-year limited end-user warranty for the ATH-M50x in the United States. Warranty coverage can depend on location, purchase documentation, product condition, and the manufacturer’s current terms.

Buying Considerations

The ATH-M50x is a traditional wired monitoring headphone rather than a feature-focused wireless headset. Its suitability depends on the required connection type, intended monitoring use, fit preferences, and need for features such as microphones or electronic noise cancellation.

• Confirm that wired analog listening is suitable for the intended equipment.
• Account for the absence of Bluetooth and active noise cancellation.
• Use a separate microphone when voice recording or communication is required.
• Check whether the connected device has a 3.5 mm or 6.3 mm headphone output.
• Devices with USB-C or proprietary digital ports may require an external audio adapter.
• Consider the over-ear closed-back fit for longer monitoring sessions.
• Distinguish ATH-M50x from ATH-M50xBT and ATH-M50xBT2 when researching replacement parts or specifications.
• Verify that third-party replacement cables use the correct ATH-Mx locking connector.
• Consider whether a soft carrying pouch provides sufficient protection for the intended transport conditions.

Customer Feedback Summary

This section summarizes recurring themes reported in publicly available owner feedback and independent headphone evaluations. These observations represent generalized experiences rather than manufacturer specifications.

Positive feedback frequently centers on build durability, detachable cables, folding construction, and the ability to use the headphones for both studio work and ordinary music listening. The three included cable configurations are also commonly regarded as useful because shorter and longer connections can be selected without replacing the headphones.

Sound-related feedback often describes a strong low-frequency presence with generally clear vocal and instrumental reproduction. The closed-back construction is commonly viewed as useful for monitoring where some passive separation from the surrounding environment is desired.

Reported limitations include comfort differences during extended sessions. Some listeners describe noticeable clamping pressure, warmth around the ears, or reduced comfort when wearing glasses. Independent testing also indicates that passive noise isolation is limited compared with headphones using active noise cancellation, particularly against low-frequency environmental noise.

Other recurring limitations concern the proprietary locking connection used at the headphone end of the detachable cable and the absence of modern convenience features such as Bluetooth, playback controls, and an integrated microphone. These characteristics reflect the ATH-M50x’s original role as a wired monitoring headphone rather than a wireless consumer headset.

Related Products

• Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Monitor Headphones.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless Headphones.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M60x Professional Monitor Headphones.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x replacement cables.
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x replacement ear pads.

Last Updated

August 9, 2026