For years, Audio-Technica has been the go-to brand for studio quality headphones. Their M-series is a classic and well known amongst audio enthusiasts. Recently, they’ve released a new limited edition pair: the ATH-M50x LAB Series, specially designed by regular Audio-Technica listeners. Using the technology behind the regular M50x and M50xBT2, there is a lot to love about these headphones. Today, we take a quick look at these headphones to see what this limited edition has to offer.
What Comes In The Box
| M50x LAB — $169 | M50xBT2 LAB — $219 |
|
|
There is not much variation in what comes in the box with both sets. A charging cable for the Bluetooth, and a host of interchangeable wires for the wired version. They each have a carrying case for easy transport.
Aesthetics and Functionality
The function of these headphones is not unlike any Audio-Technica M-series model that came before it. The headphones come with a few different cables to ensure easy use across any audio setup. The cables all fit smoothly into the headphones and listening can begin in no time. It is comfortable to wear during extended use, and stays very securely on the head. I would say the clamping is a bit tight, but I like that I can lock in while wearing these. Bluetooth was easy to pair on the M50xBT2, and the connection was steady and strong throughout listening.
The aesthetics of these headphones is really where we see the most individuality. Typically, the M-series headphones come in either black or white; additionally, there is another limited edition model, the IB series, that comes in an ice blue color. For this limited edition headphone, Audio-Technica left it up to the users to design the color palate. They started this back in 2020, allowing consumers to vote on color choices for their limited edition model. In January of 2024, they opened a special website for M50x LAB Series and had customers build their own design, using any variety of colors and finishes. They had nearly 15,000 participants from all over the globe. They narrowed it down to three main design options, and had social media vote for one of the three to choose the final design.
The final design comes from a DJ in Bolivia: Sergio Gamarra. His inspiration for the colors, in his words: “First, blue represents confidence, reflecting the quality and reliability of the M50x headset. Orange evokes energy and creativity, highlighting the excitement of the music in us. Finally, gray adds a sense of sophistication and elegance, balancing the color palette and adding a touch of modernity.”
Tech Specs
| M50x LAB — $169 | M50xBT2 LAB — $219 |
|
|
At the end of the day, you won’t find too many differences in the technical specifications of the limited edition version of this M-series headphone. Audio-Technica sticks to the reliable basics and focused on design only in this model. The Bluetooth model has few differences from its predecessor, including a more accessible charging port and a different microphone to better adapt to phone calls. Additionally, the M50xBT does not have the quick-charging feature or the Bluetooth chip and dedicated DAC/Amp feature like the M50xBT2 does.
Listening Review
Soundstage
The overall sound on these does not stray far from the signature sound of other M-series models. Between the M50x and the M50xBT2, the sound did not have much if any differences between them. It is wide and relatively flat, which is great in studio headphones when you want to do some recording or mixing. I liked the openness across the stereo image; they were great for accurate reproduction and imaging. The frequency ranges were all balanced and even, and it still remained dynamic enough to not make tracks boring to listen to. The Bluetooth sound was consistent and steady throughout hours of listening, and didn’t change as time progressed.
Low Frequencies
The low range is clear and discernible, and not overly in-your-face. Sub-frequencies still come through with excellent clarity and give tracks an extra push in the low end. This is a great foundation range for the rest of the frequencies to build off of. Listening to more modern tracks from Arca and Madame, I was able to accurately place all the subs in the field. Additionally, rock bands and indie groups sounded incredible in their low sound reproduction. “Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games” by of Montreal was a great song to listen to when analyzing the low end. The plucky baseline in the beginning was distinct and clear, and didn’t become muddy or distorted as it carried through the track.
Mid-Range Frequencies
Vocals get center stage with the M50x series. The mid-range offers a lot of detail in the many layers, which is greatly appreciated when there is a lot that falls into this section. This headphone model is quite old in comparison to everything on the market today, so some distortion is to be expected from this older generation of headphone. Still, at a sub-$200 price point, you can’t go wrong. Everything sounds level and doesn’t get lost on top of one another. I appreciated the even sound, and my favorite tracks were reproduced quite well. Particularly, rock bands like They Might Be Giants were great to listen to. The harmonies, numerous brass instrument and layers of guitars were excellently produced and placed in the stereo field.
High Frequencies
The high end does not disappoint. It is bright and clear, providing great balance for the powerful low end. It has a lot of color and doesn’t become shrill or discomforting. Even glitches in techno tracks were bright and crisp, and they came through as pleasant ear candy moments in a lot of tracks. I liked listening to orchestras and live band recordings, as the reverb that is applied to these spaces is well heard and contributes to the wide stereo image. This makes the instruments sound a little more natural and evens the sound across the range. This range has a lot of drive to match the energy coming from the low end.
Summary
Audio-Technica knows what they do best, and I’m happy to see them continue doing it. They produce benchmark products that people will use for years to come, and I’m glad to see this consistency in the LAB Limited Edition series. The M50x is not anything new, but it’s still great to see that despite the cosmetic differences, your sound will stay familiar and reliable. If you’re thinking of getting a pair of Audio-Technicas, this fashionable choice is definitely something you should consider.
The M50x and M50xBT2 LAB Limited Edition Series is available at Audio46.
About Author
