Audio-Technica
Audio Technica ATH-R50x Headphones
Best open-back headphones for professional studio mixing and mastering.
Experience a natural listening journey with the Audio Technica ATH-R50x headphones. Engineered for critical audio tasks, these open-back headphones deliver an expansive soundstage and precise reference across all formats. Drivers, inspired by the renowned ATH-R70x, provide a balanced sound profile with clear vocals and impactful bass. The lightweight, ergonomic design and comfortable earcups ensure extended wearability, making them ideal for mixing, mastering, and creative work in studio environments.
$169.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
436
/ 5536
#436 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-71%
Below average
Design
Professional open-back reference headphones
/ Professional open-back reference headphones
Who it's for
- Audio engineers needing precise, neutral sound for critical mixing tasks
- Producers working through long, demanding studio sessions
- Audiophiles seeking an immersive, natural spatial listening experience
Who should skip it
- Commuters or office workers needing privacy and noise isolation
- Casual listeners without a dedicated external headphone amplifier
- Travelers requiring a portable, foldable design for on-the-go use
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Accuracy
Open-back design creates a remarkably wide and natural spatial environment.
Frequency Balance
Delivers a neutral, reference-grade profile ideal for critical studio mixing.
Long-term Comfort
Lightweight build ensures fatigue-free sessions during marathon mastering tasks.
Driver Precision
Inherited R70x technology provides exceptional clarity across all frequency ranges.
Build Ergonomics
Professional-grade materials prioritize functional durability for daily studio use.
Immersive Format Support
Handles complex stereo and surround mixes with impressive sonic separation.
Key Specs
Design
Professional open-back reference headphones
Driver Model
Based on ATH-R70x drivers
Audio Profile
Powerful sub-bass and accurate upper midrange
Use Case
Mixing, mastering, and critical listening
Format Support
Stereo, surround, and immersive formats
Headphone Style
Over-Ear
Connectivity
Wired
Noise Cancellation
Passive Noise Isolation
Features
- Natural sound with expansive soundstage
- Drivers modeled after ATH-R70x
- Precise reference across formats
- Clear vocals and lead instruments
- Comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Ideal for mixing and mastering
- Open-back design for natural audio
What customers say
The ATH R50x receives high praise for its exceptional audio quality and outstanding value. Listeners consistently note a clear, precise soundstage comparable to professional studio equipment, building confidence in its performance for critical listening tasks. This fidelity, combined with a durable construction, positions the R50x as a smart purchase. Consumers feel they are getting premium features without the associated high cost, leading to very positive feedback regarding its long term reliability and overall worth.
Know before you buy
The open-back design allows air to pass through the earcups, which prevents pressure buildup and results in a more natural, expansive soundstage. This makes them ideal for critical listening tasks where you need to hear a realistic representation of your mix.
While they are engineered for mixing and mastering, their balanced sound profile makes them excellent for casual listening as well. However, because they are open-back, they will leak sound and provide no isolation, so they are best used in quiet environments.
The ATH-R50x drivers are directly modeled after the acclaimed ATH-R70x. You get a similar sonic signature that prioritizes accurate upper midrange and impactful bass, providing a professional-grade reference experience at a more accessible level.
Yes, the ATH-R50x features a lightweight, ergonomic design with plush earcups specifically built for extended wear. They are designed to minimize fatigue during long hours in the studio.
While they can be driven by most standard audio interfaces, using a dedicated headphone amplifier can help you get the most out of their reference-grade drivers. It ensures you have enough headroom and clarity for precise mixing and mastering tasks.
No, these are not recommended for tracking vocals. Because they are open-back, sound will leak out of the headphones and be picked up by your microphone, which can ruin your recording.
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