Audio-Technica
ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones
Best professional monitor headphones for studio engineers and critical music listeners.
Celebrate a decade of audio excellence with the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x ENSO Studio Monitoring Headphones. This special edition boasts an all-black design with unique white engravings, offering the same critically acclaimed sonic performance and robust build professionals trust. Engineered for exceptional accuracy and detail, these closed-back headphones are perfect for critical listening in the studio or immersive personal enjoyment. Enjoy superior isolation, comfort, and portability with their collapsible design and detachable cables.
$159.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
437
/ 5520
#437 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Type
Closed-back
/ Closed-back
Who it's for
- Audio professionals and casual listeners seeking precise, punchy sound reproduction
- Commuters and studio engineers needing durable, portable, and versatile gear
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting high-end performance without the premium price tag
Who should skip it
- Critical mixing engineers requiring a perfectly flat, neutral frequency response
- Long-session listeners prone to discomfort from heat and sweat
- Users with larger heads sensitive to tight headband pressure
Performance breakdown
Sonic Accuracy
Delivers the precise, uncolored sound profile essential for professional studio monitoring.
Passive Isolation
Circumaural design effectively blocks external noise in demanding, high-volume environments.
Build Durability
Rugged construction withstands the daily rigors of professional studio and travel use.
Portability
Collapsible frame and detachable cables make these easy to pack and transport.
Long-term Comfort
Protein leather earcups provide a secure fit for extended listening sessions.
Driver Precision
Large 45mm neodymium drivers offer exceptional detail across the entire frequency range.
Key Specs
Type
Closed-back
Drivers
45mm neodymium magnet
Earcup Design
Circumaural
Swivel
90°
Cables
Detachable
Included Accessories
Carrying pouch, 1/4-in. adapter
Earcup Material
Protein Leather
Connectivity
Wired
Features
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance
- Limited edition ENSO design
- 45mm neodymium drivers for accuracy
- Excellent isolation in loud environments
- Comfortable over-ear design
- Collapsible and portable
- Detachable cables
- Professional-grade build
What customers say
These headphones earn high praise primarily for their outstanding sound quality and durable construction. Listeners consistently celebrate the remarkably neutral audio reproduction, offering clear detail and balanced performance across all frequencies, which suits diverse needs. The robust build quality suggests these units handle demanding, regular use effectively. Detachable cables further enhance the product's lasting value. While audio performance is universally celebrated, a few users note the initial fit feels somewhat firm, and the standard ear pads may cause warmth during extended listening sessions.
Know before you buy
The ENSO edition features a distinct all-black aesthetic with unique white engravings. Internally, it retains the same professional-grade 45mm drivers and sonic performance as the original model.
Yes, the circumaural, over-ear design uses protein leather earpads for comfort during extended use. The headphones are also lightweight and feature 90-degree swiveling earcups for flexible monitoring.
No, these headphones utilize passive noise isolation. The closed-back design creates a physical seal around your ears, which is highly effective at blocking out ambient noise in loud environments.
Yes, the ATH-M50x features a detachable cable design. This allows you to easily swap or replace cables without needing to repair the headphones themselves.
They are highly portable thanks to their collapsible, fold-flat design. A carrying pouch is included in the box to protect them while you are on the move.
While these headphones can be driven easily by most smartphones, laptops, and audio interfaces, using a dedicated amplifier can help you get the most out of their 45mm neodymium drivers for critical listening tasks.
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$159