I’ve owned and used ATH-M50x studio headphones for well over a decade, and while they’re a classic for tracking and producing, they have some limitations when it comes to critical mixing and mastering.
In this review, I’m putting the new open-back Audio-Technica ATH-R50x headphones through their paces after using them exclusively in my studio for over a month. We’ll look at how these compare directly to the closed-back M50x and whether this sub-$200 open-back headphone deserves a permanent spot on the desk for long mixing and mastering sessions.
🎧 HEADPHONES IN THIS VIDEO:
Audio-Technica ATH-R50x Open Back Headphones: https://seandivine.link/ath-r50x
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Headphones: https://seandivine.link/ath-m50x
(Using these affiliate links directly supports the channel at no extra cost to you 🙏)
🔈 MY STUDIO GEAR:
https://seandivine.link/studio-gear
💬 LET’S CONNECT:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/seandivine
📢 DISCLOSURE:
This video is sponsored by Audio-Technica. However, all opinions, testing, and evaluation criteria are 100% my own, based on real-world use in my studio.
⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Intro: The M50x Benchmark
0:30 – Build Quality & Design
2:00 – Comfort & Long-Session Fit
4:20 – Sound Profile & Mix Translation
6:46 – Impedance & Interface Powering
7:20 – Open-Back Bleed & Trade-Offs
7:45 – Durability & Final Verdict
