Audio-Technica ATH M40X - Review
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- Опубліковано 15 лип 2024
- The Audio-Technica ATH M40X headphones are a popular choice for inexpensive studio headphones. The M40X's sits at an accessible price point and have received many recommendations. But how can you review headphones with as minimal bias as possible? After all, you can't try out the M40X's through a video.
In this video, I test the Audio-Technica M40X headphones with a reference microphone and audio spectrum analyzer. I share audio and visual comparisons of the M40X's against original recordings using a tone generator, music, and spoken word. I also review build quality and features for the M40X studio headphones.
The M40X's are tuned to a flat frequency response curve according to Audio-Technica. While it is impossible for headphones to achieve a completely flat response, how do the M40X headphone measure up for producing sound with as little coloration as possible?
This video is my review of the Audio-Technica M40X studio headphones with as little bias as possible. Whether you are creating content, mixing/mastering, listening to music/spoken word, or gaming, with this review I try to answer many of your questions.
ATH-M40X Specifications:
Acoustic System: Dynamic Closed-Back, Over Ear
Impedance: 35ohm
Frequency Response: 15-24000Hz
Maximum Input Power: 1600mW at 1kHz
Sensitivity: 98dB
Drivers; 40mm with Neodymium Magnets and Copper Clad Aluminum Voice Coils
Cables: 1.2m Straight, 3.0m Coiled, Detachable (3.5mm with 6.5mm Adapter)
Case: Soft Pouch
Weight: 240g
⚙️For more information, pricing, or to purchase:
Audio-Technica ATH-M40X: amzn.to/3uHOAp4
Audio Technica ATH-M50X: amzn.to/3JRS5zw
AKG K361: amzn.to/3DpCchv
Sennheiser HD200 Pro: amzn.to/3J0EpRn
Phillips SHP-9500: amzn.to/3LwqCUE
AKG P170: amzn.to/3tUHn5H
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6: amzn.to/3IXAXai
Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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Audio Technica ATH M50X Review: • Audio Technica ATH M50...
🎞Timestamps:
00:00 Introducing the Audio-Technica ATH M40X Studio Headphones
00:25 Unboxing the M40X's
02:07 M40X Headphone Test Methods Explanation
04:30 Tone Generator Test and Comparison with Audio and Spectrum
05:42 Music Test and Comparison with Audio and Spectrum
07:36 Spoken Word Test and Comparison with Audio and Spectrum
08:48 Audio Response Summary
09:47 Build Quality and Physical Characteristics
11:24 M40X Recommendations
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🔥Do This First:
To get the most out of your recording or streaming space, I recommend sound treatment including acoustic absorption panels. This is the single biggest way to improve your audio before investing in other gear. You can make your own, or I highly recommend GIK Acoustics as they manufacture some of the best quality acoustic treatment available at an excellent value.
Check out GIK Acoustics here: www.gikacoustics.com/ref/131/ 👈
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🔥Building or upgrading a studio for music, voice acting, podcasting, or content creation? Need help choosing the right audio or video gear? Using the gear you have? Book a one-on-one Zoom appointment with Todd to get the answers you need while saving time and money. Visit the askdrtk website for more information: askdrtk.com/coaching/ 👈
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#audio-technica #headphones
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You actually start with the important part of a review. Sound, graphs and a test. Unlike the famous reviewers. I wish you luck!
Thanks! - I think most viewers are probably more interested in the gear than in my watch time...lol. I try to include meaningful tests in my gear reviews rather than the usual "You gotta get these..." although I will say that if I really believe it!
@@askdrtk Well, I really appreciate how you conceive the review. Cheers!!
Yes cats12000 the graph impressed me it was not just based on his feelings but also using a scientific approach for the analysis.
Right? Most reviewers spend 99% of their video describing the fit and feel then concluding their videos with "it sounds pretty good too."
@@askdrtk BEST 100$ WIRED HEADPHONES?
I wish all reviews used this format. Just the facts. It's perfectly done. Big thumbs up on this review!
Much appreciated and thanks for checking out my review of the m40x's- hope it helped out.
Absolutely
This is a smart test. Congrats
Great review, thanks. Told me everything I needed to know about using these for studio monitor headphones.
Thanks, I'm glad you found the info you were looking for! Cheers!
Another classic and unbiased review.Thanks again.
As always, thanks and I'm glad to share!
You actually made me buy it today. Thank you! Very good review.
Much appreciated and I'm glad the review helped out! I like the M40s because they are tuned flat - I use them for mixing/mastering to check the EQ across a variety of sources. If you can get the sound you want when tuned flat, you will be closer to being dialed in on different headphones, speakers, etc for other listeners imo. Audio, a never ending work in progress... Thanks again for watching!
Awesome review. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Great job and thank you!
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!
Very detailed sound analysis!
Hope it helped out and thanks for watching!
what an absolutely great review
thanks
Thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
This is a type of product review that can help people to buy or understand the product. Thank you for your efforts.
Much appreciated and happy to help out. Headphones are a difficult purchase when you can't always try them for your use and with your gear beforehand.
The only technical analysis and test of this headphone on YT. All the other YTers are opinions. So thank you!
Great review! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed my review!👍
Thank you so much!! I just bought this today, Thanks to your very detailed review I chose these. I’m more than satisfied with them.
Great to hear! I'm glad you're enjoying your new 40x's.
Good video and review 👍 just picked these up on Amazon for a sweet deal under $100. Got them for mainly playing guitar and mixing my videos. I was also looking at the M50X but was hard justifying paying almost $80 more for them. I think because of your review for not colouring the sound too much that it’ll be great for guitar through my Scarlett focus rite. Thanks !
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed my review. M40x for under $100 are a great deal! They are an excellent choice for both monitoring while you ply and mixing. Enjoy your new headphones, Cheers!
best review by far and I have watched quite a few at this point. already lost count. I think this video is going to be the one to make me purchase the m40x.
Much appreciated and I'm glad my review helped out! While there are superior headphones (and I use quite a few) the value of the M40X's given performance and quality at this price is difficult to beat, particularly if you are looking for headphones that will give you an honest audio reproduction. IMO you need to spend about 3x the price to see a real improvements in sound.
Great review!
Glad you enjoyed it! If you are considering the M40x, I will be doing an updated review soon as I have made a number of upgrades to my test rig and added additional tests in my headphone reviews since making this video. Cheers!
Dear Askdrtk thank you so much for this review 👍
I decided in favor of this set of headphones and ordered them today. I hope for the best.
Best of luck to you! Have a great day!
Thanks! Great choice on the M40x, enjoy your new headphones!
@@askdrtk thank you 👍
Thanks for your help ❤
Glad I could help out! Cheers!
@@askdrtk ua-cam.com/video/MrPk3OJfjOU/v-deo.html
I recently discovered your website and really appreciate your detailed analysis and soundcheck for headphones. Have you thought about adding a music demo with vocals? I've found that to be helpful in evaluating headphones - and speakers. Lastly, on the music demo portion of your review of the M40x may have been inadvertently recorded in mono? If it was recorded in stereo, then the M40x has a very narrow soundstage. I haven't heard that drastic of a narrow soundstage on any of the other reviews that I have watched. Thank you very much for a wonderful resource.👍👍
Thanks, I'm glad to share! Great suggestion on including vocals! This review was done before I upgraded to a new custom binaural mic with Sennheiser capsules. The reviews with the new setup translate soundstage and imaging well. I need to do an update of this M40X review with the new equipment for better comparison with my M20, 30, and 50x reviews....I just have so many headphones in to review it is taking some time... Cheers!
Your the best channel I've found for headphones. Doesn't feel like paid sponsorship trash.
Thanks, I'm glad you are enjoying my approach to headphone reviews!
I really like your methods.. not only providing the freq response but showing the real-time visual comparison to the sweep and recording sound. could you please do this for M50X? your methods are more objective. I'd really appreciate it. Good video!
Thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed my review of the M40X's! I'm always bringing a variety of headphones in for review. Next up are the brand new Sennheiser HD400 Pro's followed by the AKG K361's. I will add the M50X's to my list. I also recently reviewed the 512 Audio "Academy" headphones, very similar to M50X's: ua-cam.com/video/IHYPUGouce4/v-deo.html
@@askdrtk thank you so much!
Thanks man 🤘
All good - thanks for checking out my review!
Thanks so much 😊❤
Glad to help out!
Great review! Keep up the good work, now i wanted to buy my first high end headphone, btw please review philips shp9500 next, if you can, thanks!
Much appreciated! Listening on good headphones makes such a difference. Thanks for the suggestion on the 9500's... Philips also has a new 9600 model out. I haven't listened to Philips headphones in a while and will try to get a pair in for review.
@@askdrtk I'm also eager to hear your review on Philips SHP 9500 / 9600. Thanks 🙂
My pleasure - glad you enjoyed my look at the M40X's. I have reviewed the 9500's here ua-cam.com/video/o0iL6WqHGvY/v-deo.html and will have the 9600's in for review soon. Thanks again for checking out my review and hope it helped out!
@@askdrtk Awesome 👍
Ups I missed this video, perhaps because it's not included on your headphones review playlist.
Glad I've picked up the ATH M40x for tracking & mastering based on your suggestion 👍
Thank you very much for your respond 🙂
Another great review! I'm trying to decide between these and the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. They are the same price where I am. It's for home studio tracking and mixing. Extra points for best ambient noise attenuation. Got an opinion?
Great review! 👍 subscribed🍻 Oh, I jus got m40x in November & I luv them. Th only real warning I would give to anyone buying them is, if you have large ears you will need to order some alternate pads for them or you will be miserable. Fortunately, I have small ears so they fit well but any larger & I'd definitely need aftermarket pads🍻
Much appreciated and I agree on the ear pads. It is difficult to find headphones in this price range with a neutral tuning profile, and one weakness of the m40x's is unfortunately the rather small ear space. I find most headphones in this price range to be over boosted in the low end - ok for listening/gaming (kraken's...) if you like bass, but not great for any kind of production work imo. Thanks again for checking out my review and for the sub!
@@askdrtk yes, you are 100% right about th overabundance of boosted bass in th affordable lines of headphones. That's why I watched a ton of video reviews before I purchased th m40x, b/c I hate exaggerated, booming bass, & even though I don't listen to Rap, th enhanced bass on Rock tracks jus obliterates my beloved midrange & makes a bloated mess! Plus, I'm not sure but I think that booming, exaggerated bass in headphones is gonna cause some hearing problems down th road, but I hope not.
Good review!👍 I'd like to hear your thoughts on AKG K361 and Cooler Master MH752.
Thanks and those two can be really good choices (Cooler Master's with some conditions).
I have a set of K361's in for review and I have been testing them out as well as testing some mixing with them (plan to publish the vid in the next two weeks. I have been impressed with how neutral the response seems on the K361's - mixes done on the these sound very similar when I listen back through my DT770's and m40x's. General listening is pleasant and not at all fatiguing for me, although I will say their isolation is only average.
I've only spent limited time on the Cooler Masters - tried out a friend's set for music only through 3.5mm (haven't tried them with the usb interface) and I haven't tried the mic. They felt really comfortable, but the mids sounded scooped from what I can remember - ok if you like the "smile EQ" kind of sound, but I wouldn't use them for production. I am also posting a review on the SteelSeries Arctis 5's soon and I think they may be one of the most under-talked about gaming headset given their performance to price. Hope this helps out.
Hi Terry: Thank you for the review. I am going to buy the M 40x headphones for the Nashville recording trip. Leaving in 2 weeks. I value your opinions! ❤ jr
Enjoy your recording trip!
@askdrtk So sorry... I meant Todd. I'm now interein two others The 650 and the Slate?? Any input?
All good John. Since you are going to be tracking, the 650 would not be my choice. Aside from mic bleed, I prefer less ambient sound while recording, but that is me personally. I haven't used the VSX headphones for any length of time. As I recall they do not have a wide range of adjustment, so fit can either be very good or an issue, again, it has been some time. They ability to choose a "room" or headphone emulation can be useful, however for those using this feature I recommend choosing one and staying with it. Learning your monitoring system is critical to making good mixing and mastering decisions. Changing the profile it like moving between rooms or changing headphones, you never really get the opportunity to learn your room / headphones well. I can see changing the profile for reference checking after a mix/ master is complete. Other than that, the headphones themselves were well built as I recall.
Just returned. Bought the M 40x headphones. Thanks for your help, Todd. Yes, I agree the 650's were not necessary Have a great week! jr. ❤
good video
Gracias
2:10 thank you- that’s why I’m watching about them here and not elsewhere!
I finished watching now. I really appreciate your approach. Rare these days. Great job. Thanks again!
Glad you found my review helpful and I appreciate your feedback on my approach. It's important to me that my reviews are actually reviews... Thanks for checking out my look at the M40X's!
I'm currently comparing these to the AKG K240 MKII. Out of the 2 for mixing drums, which would you recommend? It seems like the K240s have slightly more low end & high end definition. Kind of split on the decision. Would love to get your thoughts on it! Amazing reviews btw. I love the frequency analyzation.
I have always found mixes done with the M40x translate very well across many genres (I use them to check mixes I have done on monitors and other headphones). That said, the K240 have a slight edge for drums, particularly kick and crash/ride - especially if your setup includes good overhead mics. The K240 also provide somewhat improved imaging and soundstage compared to the M40x, less of an issue for drums but still a consideration for mixing in general. Both are solid choices that perform above their price. All in all, you would do well with both, but I would give the edge to the K240 for mixing drums. Hope this helps out!
the internal moving parts are prone to breaking after using for a while. Mine lasted 18 months before they broke. Guaranteed for two tho. Soundwise, really great.
Been using a few pairs in the studio for a while, so far so good but I agree the build could be more solid. If they could take the abuse some of my other tracking sets (HD280, 7506) take given the sound I think we would see a lot more of the 40x around. Cheers!
Hello! I'm looking for headphones to master, mix, produce trap/ryb/experimental/dubstep and occasionally record, but if they don't give good results I have others. I do not have acoustic treatment to isolate. I'm between the Sennheiser 560s or 599, AKG 702, ATH m40x, Beyerdynamic 770. Which one do you recommend?
Bravo
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed my review!
I still use Sony MDR 7506 for most mixing but the ATH for the mastering when I'm not altering anything but volume. I love the ATH m40x. Powerful bass.
I like the 7506 for mixing, I find they don't make things sound better than they are... I check my masters with m40x as I find they sit right in the middle - good confidence masters will sound good across a variety of speakers and cans.
@@askdrtk Well bookshelf speakers blow. Even KRK Rokit 5 only do down to 45hz. You can buy any decent brand passive speaker from the 80s or 90s that can do that. I think they just didnt like making, storing and shipping big speakers, so they convinced the world bookshelf speakers were the way to go. I ask a simple question. Would you playing bass with these? No. Todays headphones are the only things that can handle them.
I miss demoing all the new tower speakers that used to be available. I have a pair of Mission 753 in my listening room. They only go down to about 45Hz, but I really enjoy listing to my classic vinyl on them - nostalgia...
I have a pair of the ATHM40x's. I want to try the MDR7506's to see if they are worth the hype, but I'm not mastering at the moment so I'm wondering if there's anything to be gained. Are they smaller? I lost the leather carrying case for my Audiotechnicas.
Yes they are smaller. The 7506 are nothing to write home about. Just reliable and accurate. The M40s add too much bass and the M50s smooth over vocals so you can't hear mistakes as well. @@jeffreyrainey1015
Ever since shure updated the srh440a to be a v shape poop I went and bought this since my cat destroyed the outer cable of my srh440.
Kinda surprised how I liked this equally as my srh440. I still prefer the sound of my srh990 tho the mid is kinda too much for mixing and the high got way too many pretty sparkle.
Man I have these headphones, I really love mine! The first pair of studio headphones I bought were the Sennheiser ones that everybody seems to rave about. I however despise them! But these Audio-Technica cans are worlds better at least to me!
Absolutely! I never have my 40s too far away. I have found them to be some of the most honest headphones you can use to check mixes even compared to much more expensive cans! AT quietly made these too good...
@@askdrtk Indeed!
Should I get the M40x or the Sony 7506?
I noticed your other question about m20x. For video editing I recommend the M40x as it has a very natural tone. Audio edited with them will translate well for viewers regardless of what they are watching on…phones, computers, TVs… I know this will be more expensive vs the M20x (which are a great value for recording), but the M40x will give your editors, and therefore the audio in your videos. an advantage. Hope this helps out!
Hello thanks for the video. Are these good for casual listening streaming tidal masters through a DAC dongle? And will they be suitable for carrying and listening in airplane?
Thanks for the question! Yes, they will pair well with a DAC dongle and provide a natural sound for casual listening that will not be straining on your ears. They fold up and are compact for travel given that they are an over ear design.
I see they are "closed back" headpones, so are they good for monitoring yourself while recording vocals (singing...), so condensor mic doesn't pick too much sound (background music) from them? I'm having trouble finding some headphones that "leak out" the least possible amount of sound out and are not too pricey ... If you have any suggestions. Thanks, great review.
Thanks! The M40x do a good job of controlling mic “bleed” and are a very natural sounding headphone that are well made. Two other choices that are widely used for tracking in studios include the Sennheiser HD 280pro and the Sony MDR-7506. In my area, these three are all comparably priced. If you are looking for a less expensive option, the Audio-Technica M20x are also popular for tracking and while their sound quality is not as good as the M40x, for about $50 usd they get the job done. Of all these recommendations the m40x are my preference for overall versatility and sound. Hope this helps out!
@@askdrtk Yes ... Thanks! 👍🏻👍🏻
Watching this video while using the ath m40x on my phone. by the way i want to use it on my computer usb port.since my pc 3.5mm port is not working, Does using a 3.5mm to usb sound card would affect the sound quality? Thank you
Great question. USB sound cards or audio interfaces include a headphone amplifier which can affect the sound. While there are many to choose from, the good news is that imo when spending anything above $60, most provide reasonably flat frequency response (do not color the sound too much). If you start getting into high-end headphone DAC's there are improvements, especially when driving high impedance headphones (m40x's are no problem for affordable sound cards / audio interfaces.) Stay away from the $10 usb sound cards, they will not do your m40x's justice.
If you plan on using a microphone, some good budget audio interface options include the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, Behringer UMB22, M-Audio Solo, and there are many more. All of these will provide good headphone output and allow you to use many good microphones.
Thanks again for the question and for watching!
akg 240 or audiotechnica m40x ? wich one is better for mixing and mastering (i dont have studio im making beats in my home)
Could you please make the same tests, audio response and comparisons for ATH M-40X with ZMF cowhide pads ?
Thanks for the question. I was planning on making a video testing the effect of changing ear pads on headphones which will include a few sets of headphones (including the m40x's) with a few types of pads. I will try to get a set of ZMF cowhide's for the video.
@@askdrtk
Thank you a lot ☺️
For audio recording and auditing like the video above, which one would be better Audio-Technica ATH-M40X or Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro?
The DT 240 Pros have more emphasis on low and high frequencies vs the M40Xs. Depending on your listening preferences, the DT 240's may be more pleasant to listen to, however the M40Xs will provide more accurate reproduction. In this price range, both are great choices for recording (tracking), however I would give a slight edge to the M40Xs for mixing. Good to hear from you and I hope all is well!
hank a lot for the reply... sorry could not mention my thanks soon as i was travelling...i bought DT 240 pro and they are quite comfortable to wear... your reply are very helpful to me...
Glad to hear - enjoy those new headphones!
I am super confused.
Right now I am listening the M40x music test using my M40x, and despite I have the bass set a lot higher in the equalizer and the highs >5kHz suppressed, the test still sounds like it plays through some high-pass filter or something, the lows don't have any power, and in general it sounds nothing like the original song when you put them side by side. Even the tone test uncovers some strange misses, which might explain why I cannot set it up properly to sound somewhat decent.
Or the flat sound headphones are simply nothing for me, but I've been using ATM-M20x which is now my starting point I am fully content with. I also had an unbearable problem with the V-shaped signature of ATH-M50x and for this reason I decided to "downgrade" to 40, only to be disappointed again. Aside from M20x my only good experience with Audio-Technica was ATH-PRO5X (returned due to highly uncomfy headband).
But when it comes to your reviews, I am glad it comes with something more demonstrative than random mixed reviews on stores or reddit, although I would welcome some test or notes on the comfort, specifically the size, extensions, clamping force, etc., as I had to refund several headphones only because they didn't fit my head or ears.
Are these any good paired with a Sony a55 walkman just for casual listening? Or should I go for sum iem's?
Your a55 will have no problem driving the m40x's - you will have plenty of both volume and dynamic range. I have tested these with extended casual listening and did not find them fatiguing either in terms of audio or comfort (personal experience - some prefer larger cups for over-ears...) I find them more comfortable for extended listening vs my iem's and the over-ear / closed back design provides many of the same benefits in noisy environments.. In terms of sound, the m40s's offer a neutral "true" reproduction with limited coloration, so if you prefer a natural sound without overemphasized bass, mids, or highs, they are a good choice. Hope this help out!
@@askdrtk thanks for your time and your thoughts just got them today and I'm really pleased keep up the good content new subscriber here 👍
Much appreciated and I'm glad you're enjoying your new m40x's! Thanks again for checking out my review and for the sub!
thank you for this great review!! i'm starting to get into music production and currently i'm in a tight budget looking to buy a headphone that is as versatile as possible (mixing, mastering, monitoring and listening) and that also has great build quality. i think i will get these m40x!! i just want to know, do you have any other headphones reccomendations at this under 100 dolars price range? i saw a couple of great looking mackie mc headphones, but found little to no review of those online.
Glad you enjoyed my review! In this price range the M40x are one of the most accurate headphones available and will fit your needs very well. The Mackie MC-250 are a good choice, but the MC-150 have over-boosted bass which can cause issues with your mixes/masters not translating well to other headphones or speakers. Another good choice in this price range are the AKG K361 (K371 for a bit more $). The earpads on the K361/371 are more spacious vs the M40x, so if that concerns you, either of those may be a better choice. Many headphones in this price range (and above) sound fine, but are not accurate enough for production imo. For your application, I would recommend the M40x. They will serve you well for a long time. (I mix on Genelec 8040B monitors in the studio and also use a number of headphones, but the M40x are always one of the sets I check my mixes on). Hope this helps out.
@@askdrtk thank you so much for the quick answer! it sure helps! i do not plan to mix exclusively on headphones, as i also have my studio monitors, but i do want to have a headphone that is suitable for the task. glad to know that the audio technica can handle it. i will take a deeper look at those AKG's!
Sounds good. I always like to mix and test with both monitors and headphones if possible...I forgot to mention I did review the K361 - may help for comparison with the M40x: ua-cam.com/video/mJRfrYdaX2w/v-deo.html Good luck and let me know if I can assist further.
Hey i'm new in music prod! I'm using a Presonus Audiobox 96 and Audio Technica AT2020 for mic. Can you recommend these headphone AthM40x for mixing and mastering? Thanks!
Glad to hear you are getting into music production and thanks for the question! The first thing I consider with headphones is what will be driving them, and your 96 will handle the m40s well (impedance and output are a good match).
After that, there are many opinions on headphones and of course, just as with studio monitors, the sky is the limit. I like to use headphones whose frequency response is as flat as possible so as not to color the sound of my production. That way, your final product will sound as intended on the widest variety of playback devices (not over boosted or excessively cut), and the listener will be able to make adjustments to their preference. The Sonarworks plugin has profiles to "tune" a variety of headphones flat, but imo the closer you are to flat to start with, the less adjustment required from Sonarworks (not absolutely necessary), the better the mixing and mastering performance. In my tests the m40s have a very neutral profile and so I do recommend them for mixing and mastering. You can go higher end, but the m40s are a great place to start (and will last you a long time) imo. I also recommend, and have learned from experience, that listening to your final product on a variety of devices to ensure the sound meets your expectations is an important final step. Hope this helps out and thanks for watching!
@@askdrtk Oh my! Thanks for the respond! I do really appreciate it and it helped me a lot! Done subscribed! By the way, Is it okay to use cheap earphones (connected to laptop) to monitor my sound in audiobox? When i tested the condenser mic and electric guitar, i hear a distorted sound and it's uncomfortable. So my question is, is it the audiobox96 has the problem or the earphone is not recommended for monitoring the sound so that i need to buy a studio headphone? Thanks.
The headphone amplifier in your audiobox is much better vs what will be in your laptop. You can connect your earphones directly to the audiobox (you will need and adapter), and I would recommend this as one of the final checks I mentioned earlier. The distortion could be either from your laptop’s headphone amplifier or from the earphones. Connecting the earphones directly to the audiobox will allow you to test the earphones. Either way, for mixing and mastering, I recommend headphones with a flat response curve (or studio monitors, again with a flat response curve) connected directly to your audiobox to achieve a balanced final product, but earphones connected to your audiobox is much better vs connected to your laptop.
@@askdrtk thank you very much!
Stereo image sounded very narrow compared to your newer tests, is that typical with these headphones?
Great question, the difference is in the upgraded binaural microphone used in my newer reviews. I will be revisiting the M40x soon to update my review.
@@askdrtk Thanks that would be great
Hi, any problems encountered when mixing regarding its bass? Thanks
The m40x provide a very honest reproduction of mixes. They are actually one of the playback devices I use to check my mixes as I find mixes that sound balanced on m40x translate well to other devices. If you mix a lot of bass heavy genres the m50x may be a better choice as is will produce some of the lower frequencies with superior detail. The m50x get a reputation for over-hyped bass, but in my testing this is not really the case. Frequencies are relative and when listening on m50x, the additional low frequency information causes a perception that mids and highs are underrepresented, but when I did frequency analysis on the m50x, they are actually very accurate. Sorry for the long answer but I hope this helps out!
@@askdrtk 😢I already bought the byerdynamics 80, I was concerned with the bass initially.
I find the the 80ohm byers provide some additional low end without completely burying the mids. A lot of listeners prefer them over both the 32 and 250 ohm versions.
@@askdrtk great information! Thank u
5:50: WoW, testing my beyerddynamic DT 770 PRO and the M40X sounds like $1 dollar headphones. The original one is day and light.
Which one u will recommend for mixing and mastering.
audiotechnica ath m40x or M50X or DT 990 pro
I have heard m40 x is more balanced and flatter and M50 x is more bassy
And Dt 990 pro needs an Amp for highest sound quality ..and u cannot listen in casual mode using in phones..
So which one will be perfect for mixing and mastering ....
My ears are very much sharper in catching faulty frequencies ......so for me who can catches resonance easily and can make up good balanced mix .....which one is better ..m40x or m50x ...or dt990 pro which I'm not that much into it .but still on my list..
Based upon what you have said about your listening abilities and requirements, of your three choices I recommend the M40x. I am fortunate to have all of these headphones (and others) and have used them extensively in my studio. While the DT990 pro are designed to let you hear detail in your mixes, I found them to be fatiguing during lengthy sessions, have a number of over emphasized frequency ranges, and I simply had to stop using them. The additional bass response of the M50x are well suited to hearing the low end for bass heavy genres such as EDM and Hip-Hop, however you need to account for this in order for your masters to translate to other systems. The M40x provide the most neutral / accurate representation of your three choices and will help ensure your finished productions translates across a variety of playback devices. I check all of my mixes and masters across a variety of devices, and keeping in mind sound preference is subjective, generally if things sound balanced on M40x, your music should translate for the majority of listeners and devices. Hope this helps out.
@@askdrtk Ok got it ...
But still I'm in a dilemma.....
Between m40x and m50x ...
I researched on many websites and saw reviews .and on Rtings ....
I found that ....
M40x is kinda little uncomfortable and pads need to be changed ...but most people saying that if they are changing stock pads from brainwavz ...it's lowering the bass ...........
And let me tell u ..what kind of music I make ....
Im more passionate about hip hop beats , EDM , Orchestral soundtracks , Ethnic percussions Style music ...
and More into trance , psychedelic trance etc .....
So now ....if I have to choose a headphone between m40x and m50x ....based on my needs ....as per ur knowledge .....what would be the best option ......for such genre of music ...which has more bass activities .....m50x or m40x ??
Yes, changing ear pads definitely changes perceived frequency response / tone. Given that your priority is HH and EDM, and that orchestral soundtracks often include instruments producing low frequencies, I would recommend M50x (one of the most preferred headphones for those genres). As I indicated, the M50x are better able to reproduce the low end frequencies for those genres and offer very good high frequency extension. For your application, the M50x will serve you well.
@@askdrtk Ok I will definitely go for m50x based on my needs as per ur advice ......thanks for ur suggestion
Hi, I bought today an Audio Technica M50x headphone and right after opening it from the package, I played some songs for like 5/10 minutes from Spotify at Max full volume using it through a Focuriste sound card which was also at Max volume. Later I found out on the internet that playing music at Max volume can damage the headphone speakers. Is my headphone damaged? I am really worried.
I am not sure which Focusrite interface you have, but generally Scarlett and Clarett headphone output does not exceed the maximum input power of your M50x. That said, I generally recommend playing music through new headphones for about 18-24 hours at a moderate listening level to help "burn in" the drivers. As far as damage, if you are not hearing distortion at loud (not full) volume you are likely ok. A good way to test this is with spoken word. Play a podcast (that has good audio quality) at a reasonably loud level and listen to the voice for distortion. If everything sounds ok, go through the burn in process and listen again. Hope this helps out!
Proprietary cable = HELL NO!
when I see those narrow shallow pads like m50x I cringe already, sound wise if they r V-shaped like m50x I can only say go for beyerdynamic dt770, for real if you guys want best closed backs in decent price just trust me, audio technica make good headphones but those are open back ad500x and higher in models line up
Thanks for weighing in. The 770's have been a solid choice for some time (I have a pair myself and use them often). For those with a little higher budget vs the m40x's I would recommend them as well, but at their price point, the m40x's are among the most neutral headphones I have listened to. I am also interested to try a pair of the new 700 pro x's.
@@askdrtk I wonder if the new line up is worth a penny
Agreed - often there is too much hype and not enough engineering these days. I personally find it difficult to move away from gear I know works everyday, but I am also curious to hear how other gear performs - occasionally I end up pleasantly surprised.
Is this one better than HD 280 Pro ?
These are seriously good headphones. When you learn all the nuances then you'll see them really shine.
Thanks and I absolutely agree! Even though I use Genelec and ADAM monitors plus a few other headphones while mixing in my studio space, I never consider a mix finished until I have listened to it on the 40s. If it sounds balanced on the 40s, it always seems to translate well to other playback devices.
@@askdrtk just wondering if you have tried different ear pads....thickness and material. Observations. I'm most curious of what 30 mm thick pads do to the sound.
Not on the 40s. I have tried a few other combinations and I usually find the lower frequency effects fairly consistent with deeper pads (a larger volume of air) leading to more low end but also some unwanted resonance (due to less resistance on the drivers). Softer materials also have generally produced more bass response on closed backs (due to a better seal). The high frequencies vary significantly from one set to another but the 4 to 6k range are often impacted. I have been planning a video comparing the effect of different ear pads and the 40s are one of the sets I am going to include.