1. AudioTechnica M40x
Design & Build Quality
The Audio Technica M40x is engineered with pro-grade materials and robust construction. The design makes them extremely durable, robust and guaranteed to last for years.
The headphones have a matte black finish with silvery gray highlights for the Audio Technica logo. The Audio Technica M40x feature swiveling earcups for convenient one-ear monitoring.
Related article: Hifiman HE-400i vs Sennheiser HD650
The contoured earcups seal tight for excellent sound isolation, with minimal bleed and rotate freely. Although this can lead to easy points of failure in the build, the ATH-M40x is a very sturdy pair of headphones.
However, there are some differences between the two units. The M40x’s feature swiveling earcups for convenient one-ear monitoring. These headphones are also rather light in terms of weight in comparison to the M50x.
Both of these headphones have a very firm clamping. However, this firm clamping will loosen up after a while, so don’t expect it to be ever-lasting.
Sound Quality
Even though both M40x and M50x have rather similar design and build, the performance is very different. It almost makes you wonder how Audio Technica pulled it off with so much similar design between the two headphones.
The M40x headphones are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range. They deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on the go. The M40x headphones can be very helpful in DJ monitoring, professional sound mixing and studio tracking.
Related article: Sony MDR 1000X vs Bose QC35
Features
The M40x headphones come with a carrying pouch and two interchangeable cables, a standard 3 meters cable and a coiled 1.2 – 3 meters cable. You can use the cable of your choice with these headphones. The M40x also has a very low impedance at 35ohms and frequency range from 15,000 to 24,000 hertz.
Related article: Sony MDR V6 vs 7506
- Tuned flat for sound monitoring
- 90° swiveling earcups
- Robust construction
- Fold-able for space saving portability
- Detachable cable
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Can only use AudioTechnica interchangeable cables
- Earcups only swivel at 90° (MX50x swivel at 180°)
2. AudioTechnica M50x
Build Quality & Design
As we mentioned earlier in this article, both M40x and M50x are quite similar in terms of quality and specs so here we will focus on the differences for the M50x compared to M40x.
While the M40x utilize 40mm drivers, the M50x has 45mm drivers. These headphones allow for 5000 hertz more than the M40x, 1db of additional sensitivity, 3 more ohms of impedance and one additional detachable cable. The ear-cups can also swivel up to 180°, which makes them a lot more adaptable and comfortable. In addition, the M50x weights 45 grams more than the M40x.
Sound Quality
The two headphones differ a lot when it comes to the audio quality.
The M50x definitely deliver lively and vivid sound with punchy bass and it is marketed as monitor headphones, but they are not providing a neutral audio reproduction. They’re definitely more neutral than other headphones, but there is still a slight emphasis in the lower frequencies that you won’t find on many studio headphones.
If you are looking for headphones that produce neutral sound and are good for studio monitoring, these headphones aren’t for you. These headphones are definitely meant for day-to-day use. Great sound and good comfort make the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x a smash although noise isolation could be better, but they are pretty good alternative to headphones twice the price.
Related article: BOHM B76 Review
Features
The M50x is larger than the M40x and this also means bigger impedance and frequency response. The impedance is about 38 ohms and the frequency range is from 15,000 to 28,000 hertz. The headphones also come with three cables, one 1.2 m – 3.0m coiled cable, a 3.0m straight cable and a 1.2m straight cable. They also come with a carrying pouch so they’re protected when you are on the move. These headphones are available in black, white, and blue.
Related article: Best Gaming Headset Under $100
- Solid and durable
- Powerful bass
- Comes with 3 cables
- Engaging and lively sound
- Good audio separation
- Fold-able for space saving portability
- Can only use AudioTechnica interchangeable cables
- Bass is overemphasized
- Weak noise isolation
Conclusion
AudioTechnica M40x vs M50x. Both headphones are built to last and each one has its own specs, so if you are not sure which one to get, it boils down to one thing, it depends on your listening requirements. If you plan to use them for studio monitoring or critical audio listening, then the M40x is the right choice for you. On the other hand, with the M50x we see a pair of high-quality portable headphones designed for normal everyday use.
