Audio Technica has launched two gaming versions of its ATH-M50x, with integrated microphone: the ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB.
Audio Technica continues to offer its emblematic headphones, the ATH-M50, in different versions. After offering a model with a detachable cable, the ATH-M50x, then two wireless versions, the ATH-M50xBT and ATH-M50xBT2, the Japanese manufacturer unveiled, during CES 2023 in Las Vegas, headsets designed specifically for the gaming, the Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS and the Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB.
To understand what it’s all about, you have to start by analyzing these extended names. Inevitably, we are entitled here to helmets based on the ATH-M50x, which therefore means that they are equipped with a detachable cable. The most interesting therefore lies in the suffixes “ STS ” and “STS-USBwhich therefore differentiate these two models from those previously offered by Audio Technica. In fact, the letters STS correspond to the name “StreamSetmeaning they are designed primarily for streaming. As such, both models come with a microphone attached to the end of an articulated arm to capture your voice. The use will thus be particularly suitable not only for streamers, but also for PC gamers looking for a headset allowing them to converse with their friends during their gaming sessions.
On the microphone side, there is a cardioid condenser capsule to capture the voice of the user without necessarily being encumbered with all the noise around. The firm indicates that it was inspired by what it already offers on its range of Series 20 microphones. The arm of the microphone can also be raised to deactivate the sound input.
A USB version with integrated DAC
In terms of the characteristics of the headphones, we find specifications similar to other ATH-M50 models with 45 mm transducers, a frequency response of 15 to 28,000 Hz and a formatcircumauralwhose pads are positioned around the ear.
Note, however, that the two headphones unveiled by Audio Technica at CES are wired. While the ATH-M50xSTS can connect to a PC using a 3.5mm jack or XLR output — provided you have a dedicated sound card — the ATH-M50xSTS-USB is meanwhile a USB headset, as its name suggests. It therefore embeds its own DAC capable of deciphering 24-bit signals at 96 kHz and also allows you to have your own voice returned directly to the headphones.
The two new headphones from Audio Technica will be available from the end of January or the beginning of February. The Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS will be priced at 199 euros while the Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB will be priced at 229 euros.
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