Audiophiles are already familiar Audio Technicathe manufacturer is renowned for its turntables, headphones and earphones, but it is also eyeing the gaming side, with for example the ATH-GL3 and theATH-GDL3 unveiled at the start of last year. Audio Technica is this week back with two new models.
It is during the CES 2023 that the manufacturer presented the ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB, headphones designed for streaming and obviously for video games. Like he usually does, Audio Technica has taken care of the finish with comfortable materials, without forgetting the audio part which should amaze your ears. It details:
The headphones are equipped with the same 45mm wide-aperture drivers found in the M50x headphones, one of the favorite monitoring headphones of sound engineers and audio professionals. They deliver exceptionally clear sound across the entire frequency range and deep bass.
Both models come with two types of earpads: the M50x earpads that prioritize audio quality and noise isolation, and the faux leather ones with mesh fabric edges that emphasize airflow and comfort.
However, it’s the quality of the microphone that sets them apart. Both models use a cardioid condenser capsule inherited from Audio-Technica’s popular 20 series of microphones. The result is a rich, studio-quality vocal presence with no background noise and a stable output level. It is possible to mute the microphone quickly and efficiently by simply rotating the arm upwards. The microphone provides studio-grade intelligibility and clarity. The sturdy, flexible arm helps keep the mic close to your mouth, helping to reject background noise and deliver crystal-clear sound. Both models come with an irremovable 2m cable.
The ATH-M50xSTS has a 3.5mm headphone jack (with 6.3mm adaptor) and an XLR microphone output, while the ATH-M50xSTS-USB connects directly to USB. Sturdy in construction, both models are foldable for convenient compact storage.
The ATH-M50xSTS-USB has a high-quality A/D converter (sampling rate up to 24-bit/96 kHz) for superb high-resolution sound. This reference offers a side tone function that allows you to hear your own voice in the headset, for a more natural experience during conversations. The volume of this function is easily controllable via a dedicated button on the left earpiece.
The legendary studio sound of the ATH-M50x headphones combined with the renowned clarity of the 20 series of microphones makes these two headphones perfect for live streaming.
- Proprietary 45mm wide-aperture transducers with rare-earth magnets and aluminum-clad copper wire voice coils.
- Exceptional clarity over an extended frequency range, with a deep and precise response in the low end of the audio spectrum.
- Cardioid condenser microphone, inherited from the iconic 20 series of mics, which delivers studio quality intelligibility and articulation clarity.
- Flexible arm that helps keep the mic close to his mouth, helping to reject background noise and deliver crystal clear sound.
- Flexible arm with mute function of the microphone by rotation upwards.
- Comes with two types of pads to prioritize either high fidelity and sound isolation, or airflow and comfort.
- Non-removable 2 m cable with USB-A connection (and USB-A to USB-C adapter) for PC and Mac plug-and-play connection (digital model ATH-M50xSTS-USB).
- High-quality A/D converter (up to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate) for superb high-resolution sound (digital model ATH-M50xSTS-USB).
- Side tone feature lets you hear your voice in the headset for a more natural experience during conversations (digital model ATH-M50xSTS-USB).
Of course, who says headphones for audiophiles and streamers also says a price that stings a bit: count 199 € for the ATH-M50xSTS and 229 € for the ATH-M50xSTS-USB. Alternatively, you can find the M30x at 79 € on Amazon.
| Clint008 Writer – Tester |
