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1 / 11The wired ATH-M50x: still good.
A 3.1 puts its noise isolation in the bottom quarter of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 93 of the 243 we've cataloged.
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Wired-3.5mm is the most common — on 47% of the 252 over-ear headphones we've cataloged (of 243).
above average for over-ear headphones — based on 201 of 243 we've cataloged.
Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Frequency Response (measured on a B&K 5128)
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Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -8.5 |
| 25 | -4.7 |
| 32 | -2.2 |
| 40 | 0.9 |
| 50 | 2.1 |
| 63 | -0.3 |
| 80 | 1.1 |
| 100 | 0.8 |
| 125 | 1.0 |
| 160 | -1.0 |
| 200 | -1.2 |
| 250 | -2.4 |
| 315 | -5.3 |
| 400 | -4.0 |
| 500 | -1.6 |
| 630 | -0.1 |
| 800 | 0.7 |
| 1000 | 1.1 |
| 1250 | 1.6 |
| 1600 | 2.0 |
| 2000 | 5.0 |
| 2500 | 7.1 |
| 3150 | 7.2 |
| 4000 | 9.4 |
| 5000 | 5.5 |
| 6300 | 1.2 |
| 8000 | 5.7 |
| 10000 | 6.1 |
| 12500 | 1.2 |
| 16000 | 0.3 |
| 20000 | -12.5 |
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Attenuation (measured on a B&K 5128)
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Solid lines: passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 0.6 |
| 26 | 0.1 |
| 33 | -0.4 |
| 41 | -0.7 |
| 52 | -0.7 |
| 65 | -0.4 |
| 82 | -1.4 |
| 103 | -1.4 |
| 130 | -1.4 |
| 163 | -1.7 |
| 205 | -2.5 |
| 259 | -1.7 |
| 325 | 0.2 |
| 410 | 0.8 |
| 516 | 6.0 |
| 613 | 8.7 |
| 772 | 8.7 |
| 972 | 11.0 |
| 1220 | 9.4 |
| 1540 | 13.3 |
| 1940 | 14.3 |
| 2440 | 21.8 |
| 3070 | 27.5 |
| 3870 | 32.1 |
| 4870 | 26.4 |
| 6130 | 22.7 |
| 7720 | 24.0 |
| 9720 | 22.2 |
| 12200 | 20.8 |
| 15400 | 28.5 |
| 19400 | 31.4 |
The verdict
Once the best choice in the ATH-M line, the ATH-M50x is still a good choice for casual listening and recording audio. With its three cables and proprietary connectors, it's a mixed bag, especially compared to the Bluetooth version and the ATH-M40x. Find it at the right price and you won't regret it for the good sound, but these days it's an awkward sibling.
✓Liked: Rotating, swiveling ear cups, Well made, foldable design, Pretty good sound, Three removable cables included
✕Could be better: Cable connection is proprietary, Heat build up, Not enough low-end, Not comfortable with glasses
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What readers ask about the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, answered by the people who own it.
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3 of 5 would buy again
5 owners · owners report ~40 h per charge vs 40 h claimed
Comfort beat their expectations
Expected more from the fit and build
The battery beat their expectations
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Nothing surprising about comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The noise cancelling beat their expectations
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · 1 photo-verified
Expected more from comfort
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Comfort beat their expectations
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner · owners report ~55 h per charge vs 53.77 h claimed
The battery beat their expectations
