The Audio Technica ATH-M40x headphones are primarily aimed at professionals or sound engineers involved in sound recording, music production, mixing, and mastering. This is because the ATH-M40x features professional specifications and characteristics, such as accurate sound and frequency response, noise isolation, comfortable fit for long periods, and durable construction. However, it can also be used by anyone interested in listening to music and wanting to enjoy good sound quality without worrying about environmental noise or disturbing those around them.
The professional monitor headphones of the M series ATH-M40x are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range. Your studio experience is enhanced with superior sound isolation and swiveling ear cups for convenient one-ear monitoring. Built with professional-grade materials and robust construction, the M40x excels in professional studio monitoring and mixing, as well as DJ monitoring.
The critically acclaimed M-Series professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long studio sessions and on-the-go use. The contoured earcups provide excellent sound isolation with minimal bleed. And the professional-grade materials are durable yet comfortable. Discover why online reviewers, top audio engineers, and cult followers agree that the M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and build quality that gets the job done. Hour after hour, year after year.
Cutting-edge engineering and robust construction
Flat tuning for incredibly accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range
Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
90° swiveling ear cups for easy one-ear monitoring
Professional-grade ear pad and headband material delivers more durability and comfort
Foldable for space-saving portability
Detachable cable (includes coiled cable 1.2 m - 3.0 m and straight cable 3.0 m)
For professional studio tracking and mixing, as well as DJ monitoring
Specifications are collected from official manufacturer websites. Please verify the specifications before proceeding with your final purchase. If you notice any problem you can
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I bought these headphones 4-5 years ago influenced by the very good reviews I had read. I'm not an expert, but their sound was fine for the amateur use I made of them. Their big negative is that after some time (in my case, with moderate use, about 3 years later) the ear cushions started peeling off very noticeably... Today, I might choose headphones with better build quality so that they can withstand the test of time.
Owner since 2019, it's time to evaluate them now that they have finally died.
Positive:
Very good flat sound, especially for those who prefer flat eq or mix music.
They are quite comfortable, even for several hours a day they did not cause me any problems.
Negative:
Medium to poor build quality. It seems unthinkable that 100 euro headphones barely last 5 years, and this applies to the more expensive m50x as well. In 2 years, the cushions were completely worn out, and in the four years we are now, they have broken from both sides at the point where they connect to the frame (picture).
If you listen to music above 16-bit 44.1kHz (and a little loud), these headphones give you a unique experience.
The same song that you have heard 1,000,000 times sounds different!!!!
Excellent purchase! However, for those who use it for music composition/mixing, etc.
Because it is closed type, it increases the bass (a little) during listening, and you think you need to lower the low frequencies and the sound sounds a bit flat on speakers afterwards.
Conclusion: Do not be afraid of the bass in the mix.
I have had them for about 2 and a half years now. I had paid 80 euros and as the reviews say, the sound is good and the sound isolation is okay.
They lose a star because after a while their cover starts to wear out, the ear cushions have replacements for 20 euros and are easily changed, but for some time now the frame has been wearing out and it is more difficult to replace. Still, I recommend them
After a long time of use in hot spaces (such as a typical apartment without air conditioning), the texture of the leather type becomes difficult. However, all other characteristics are excellent. Definitely the best choice for headphones under 100 euros.
I have them for about a year, I'm not at all an expert in this kind of headphones. I bought them because I read good reviews everywhere. They are very lightweight, although after some time they tire the ears. The big disadvantage, I believe, is that the pads wear out in the second month and leave small pieces of their material in the ears. Unacceptable for such a price range. Very good flat sound, it's nice for editing but... Let's see how long they will last.
I have had them for several years, you don't hear any external noise (I live above a tire shop) and they still hold up with daily, prolonged use. The only thing is that they have worn out around the ears and after a while they start to feel a bit heavy and give you a headache. In terms of sound, I have no complaints... only their construction is mediocre.
I have them for at least 5 years.
Positives: clean sound with very good bass, durability over time
Negatives: tiring after a while, ear cushions break easily, the "cracking" sound they make is a bit annoying, I would prefer a shorter cable.
The sound quality is very good and generally matches what the other reviews say. The one issue that I didn't see anywhere and personally disappointed me is the size of the earcups. I have average-sized ears, not too big, not too small, but I feel like my ears barely fit.
As another user mentions, after some hours of use, your ears start to hurt. If you want to work for a long time, you simply have to endure it. No matter how good the sound is, I wouldn't buy them again. Also, the leather started peeling off after two years.
I expected them to have very good sound and they did not disappoint me.
The bass is present and pleasantly surprises you, making music listening enjoyable.
I comfortably and effortlessly make my amateur metal mixes.
My experience with headphones so far is with the Sennheiser HD 201, which I have had for many years and they have started to fall apart.
Awesome sound, truly incredible! You hear details that you don't easily hear in other headphones. Light on the head and excellent build quality. Also, very good isolation of external sounds.
The BIG negative for me is their clamp force. It is the first headset that gives me a headache after prolonged use, and I don't even have a big head.
That's why 3 stars, otherwise if they were more comfortable I would give them 5 out of 5.
Very good product (ATH-M40x)
I have it for 3 weeks, very powerful sound, good sound and build quality.
It's a bit tight in the first few days, but then they loosen up. After 20 minutes, the ears warm up.
I got them with shipping and cash on delivery for 95 €.
I believe they are worth it.
They are not very lightweight, they have the ability to rotate the headphone cups.
They come with 2 cables, one coiled 1.80m and one 3m long. They are not lightweight, an adapter for professional use of the headphones, but they can also be used on a mobile PC and others with the jack port. It also comes with a quality case.
Happy shopping
Initially, I was thinking of giving them only 4 stars just because I find them a bit tight on the head at first, but it would be unfair to the crystal clear sound they produce. I received them a few hours ago and connected them immediately to my laptop. I ordered them for an amplifier, but I wanted to try them on my laptop as well. Superb sound and details that I had never heard before. Then I connected them to my Technics CD player connected to an amplifier. That's when they really started to show their capabilities. Finally, I listened to 2 records on a pickup. Atom Heart Mother by Pink Floyd and Dummy by Portishead. The result was unprecedented. Perfect wind instruments, percussion, bass, and divine vocals. Even in Portishead's songs where the bass is a signature, they not only didn't tire me but showcased it as it should be. Not to mention the front woman of PH, who sounded like she was sitting right next to me. I could hear when she opened her mouth and when her breath ended (obviously, the quality of vinyl production also plays a role in this). A unique experience. I will come back again after some time.
================
I'm coming back after 1 month of use. I left the headphones open for 2 nights around 5-6 books that I lined up, so they have opened up and no longer tire me. They are really good, they don't forgive bad sound but highlight very good sound. They come with a carrying case (not of very good quality) + 2 cables, one very long in case you want to connect them to an amplifier and sit on the couch, and one shorter spiral cable, ideal for connecting to a mobile phone, mp3 player, etc.
As a beatmaker, I can say that they took my mix to another level. Meanwhile, I hear amazing details in the sound that I have never heard before. The bass is completely flat and as it should be. Regarding those who say they lack, I believe they say that because many Razer headphones, for example, emphasize the bass more, while these play the music exactly as it is, with impeccable crystal-clear sound. For regular people who listen to music, especially if you have been using cheap headphones until now, you will be shocked. For me, they are top-notch and I am completely satisfied, both as a musician and as a music listener. I highly recommend them, 10/10. Lastly, I want to add that during the period I wore them for many hours, I didn't feel the slightest discomfort in my ears, and the build quality seems durable! (UPDATE) AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS, THE EAR PADS AND LOGO ON THE FRAME STARTED PEELING OFF... I BOUGHT NEW EAR PADS AND NOTICED THAT THE WEAR ALSO AFFECTED THE SOUND SIGNIFICANTLY. I ALSO BOUGHT M20 EAR PADS INSTEAD OF M40 BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIND THE SPECIFIC ONES. HOWEVER, I NOTICE THAT THEY FIT TIGHTER IN MY EARS BECAUSE THEY ARE SMALLER, ALTHOUGH THEY ARE A BIT TRICKIER TO PUT ON. AS FOR THE FRAME, I JUST FILE IT DOWN WITH A KNIFE TO AVOID PIECES FALLING OFF!
Excellent (for their money and more...)
For balanced sound (meaning it sounds as intended by the artist/producer) I don't notice any exaggerations in any frequency range of the EQ.
First time with studio headphones, they were mainly purchased for gaming since I had been quite frustrated with expensive and mediocre gaming headsets in the past, so I decided to switch to a separate microphone and headphones. I was looking for something of good quality and relatively affordable since I don't consider myself an audiophile who can notice the slightest difference in sound. After a lot of research, I ended up with these and I must say I did not expect such results.
They were connected to a Fiio DAC, specifically the E10K, which I got almost for free from a friend. The headphones truly produce an amazing result. In combination with the DAC, which amplifies the sound to a dangerous level, the sound they produce is crystal clear. I was especially amazed by how clear the vocals and highs sound in the music, even at high volume levels. They don't have the same bass as Razer or Creative gaming headsets that will blow you away, but with a little tweaking in the EQ, they perform exceptionally well. As for gaming, if you increase the bass and treble a bit in the EQ for FPS games, the gunshots will make your head shake. I reached a point where I could hear sounds in games that I have played for 400-500+ hours, which I had never heard before with previous headsets, and believe me, I had a gaming headset that cost almost twice as much.
In terms of comfort, I had some complaints, but this aspect is completely subjective. They might fit perfectly on someone else with a different head shape, but they become uncomfortable for me after 2-3 hours, so I ordered Brainwavz pads after reading great reviews about their comfort.
In conclusion, with an affordable DAC and spending around 130-140 euros in total, you get an exceptional result in my opinion. Only someone with a trained ear for sound might not like these headphones. At their current price of around 100 euros, I highly recommend them!
I really understand that most people who have bought them may be satisfied as it is a good choice for what they do and for the money they are worth, but there will always be someone unlucky, which in this case is me. The headphones were purchased about a year ago, they have been minimally used in the workplace and more at home. A few days ago, I realized that one speaker, the one on the side where the cable connects, is not working! I did all the necessary movements to make sure that it is not the mixer or any other device I connect them to. I even tried the second cable that is included in the package and then decided to contact the store where I bought them to guide me in case I wanted to send them for repair to the representative. Here things start to get complicated as I search for the purchase receipt and realize that I have lost it. Then I contacted the representative in Thessaloniki, and although at first he gave me the impression that a solution would be found as he asked me for the barcode number from the back of the box, he later informed me that nothing can be done. Today, I sent an email to the company in England to see if I can get some help from there.
Update,
the customer service of the representative assured me that the representative will solve my problem and in case I need them, I should not hesitate to contact them again, which I did, after waiting patiently for at least two months, the representative never contacted me. The result was that the company sent me a new pair of headphones with no cost at all, completely free!!! As for the broken headphones, I decided not to throw them away and gave them to a friend who repaired them for 15 euros. The problem they had was that due to the movements of the headphone at the junction with the headband, the cable was cut and he replaced them with thicker and more durable cables!
Fantastic headphones for their price, the best I have connected to an AIWA amplifier that is connected to the TV via optical fiber and produce incredible sound. They are also enjoyable for gaming, I highly recommend them!!!!!!
I chose these specific ones after a lot of searching, before I had the Razer Kraken Pro V2. Well, it's like day and night, before I was hearing a fake sound. I should mention that I have a sound card with an amplifier and I use them with it. Besides being very loud in volume, the headphones play all frequencies very clearly and the bass is very good and powerful without being excessive, just enough so as not to overshadow the other frequencies. For the 86 euros that I bought them for, the price-performance ratio is 10/10 and I don't think there are better ones. And for someone who mainly wants them for music, I don't think you need to spend more money. The build quality is very good.
It comes with 2 cables, each 3.0m long. I would have liked to have a 1.2m cable as well, but it's okay.
And it's not as flat as they say it is, meaning it doesn't sound as lively as they claim. It initially has increased bass, and its sound isolation is good, but for me, it would be a limit if it also had a set of non-isolating pads (cushions), but okay, that's just me. Or even if it sold a set, you know...
It would be beneficial because they wouldn't be sound isolating, so they would be comfortable + they wouldn't be as warm because it comes in the summer.
So my complaints are 1. it's not as flat as I would like it to be, 2. I would have liked it to have a 1.2m cable as well, 3. to have or sell a set of non-isolating pads, which would automatically be good for the summer because they would probably be fabric.
But I know that the height of its pads is 110mm and the thickness is 90mm, so if I find/get something, I can update.
The image I uploaded is from https://www.rtings.com/headphones/1-4/graph#296/3992
It is very good for a home studio or for output from an amplifier. They have many small features that make your life a little easier. The good thing is that in case something breaks on them, there are spare parts for anything on the headphones, so their lifespan is somehow increased. Do not expect them to have strong and full bass since they are monitor headphones and they need to have stable sound characteristics. Something that these specific headphones achieve with absolute success.
After about a year...
1) Without being an expert in sound, but simply someone who wanted to acquire "good" headphones that would allow me to enjoy sound better, the headphones are very good in terms of sound. Clear, powerful, decent bass, without exaggerations, immersive, and high-quality sound.
2) Good noise isolation. The volume is not even excessive, you don't get easily bothered by external noise, and those around you are not bothered by you wearing them.
3) Very good construction. They fold to be compact (and fit in the pouch they give you, which is decent), and overall they feel sturdy and high-quality. Nice.
4) Good value for money. For €80 (which is what I bought them for), you get something serious, high-quality, and complete (including 2 good cables with different styles and lengths, a pouch for easy transportation, and an adapter that will probably be useful for more specialized use), and practical since you can fold them to take up less space.
5) After a while, your ears may get slightly uncomfortable due to the cushions, which are not the most comfortable but still decent and comfortable overall (I personally haven't been bothered by this issue).
Overall, very good headphones. Again, I'm not an expert in the field, not even close, I just wanted to give my review of the headphones in case it helps someone. I recommend them for anyone who wants to get good headphones and wants to experience high-quality sound at a normal price. Very honest headphones.
Three years later, there was nothing worrisome, although due to my own carelessness, I broke them. I would still prefer them anyway.
The headphones are excellent in terms of sound. I am not so informed to be able to describe the experience in detail, but the feeling they leave is exceptional. I have tried them in rock/metal, classical music, and gaming. Especially for gaming, they are an excellent solution, but not the best at this price (I think the mh 751/752 is the best solution at the moment). In any case, their main drawback - and it is serious at least in my case - is the clamping force and the earpads. The clamping force somewhat improves over time, but the earpads do not improve (at least after 3 months, I have not seen any improvement). They are very shallow and hard with a small diameter, resulting in being okay for use up to 1 hour, tolerable up to 1.5 hours, and after that, the headache begins. If you wear glasses, reduce the times by half. I had to order brainwavz earpads that claim to reduce the bass, but I prefer them over the headache. There are zmf oval earpads, but they are only available in the USA and you will have to deal with customs, etc. In the end, the headphones go from 80 euros to 150 (30 for the stand and 40 for the earpads). Unfortunately, at 150, you can go for another model that does not have the drawbacks I described and possibly has better sound quality. Just be careful with impedance, these specific ones are okay even for mobile or mp3 player, most in the next category require an amp and possibly a DAC (if it is for PC use and there is no good sound card).
I have them for 3 years and I use them daily for music and gaming and they are excellent for both. They are generally comfortable but if you change their earpads, they become even better for long hours (I recommend the angled hm5 by brainwavz). After so much use, the only points of wear are the earpads which are easily replaceable and the headband which at some point it would be good to cover it with something. Other than that, their sound is flawless and I would recommend them to anyone. If you want to use them with a mobile without a 3.5mm jack, a good solution is the fiio btr3.
The headphones have been in my possession for 2 weeks and I can say that I am very satisfied with everything except after a certain time they start to bother you a lot (use of mixing/mastering)
If I were to rate only the sound quality, the headphones would easily get a 4.5. Unfortunately, I am not satisfied for other reasons, hence the low rating.
And let me explain:
After about 5 months of use, the 3.5mm to 6.3mm jack adapter broke without being heavily used. The jack in question is threaded, so I wanted to replace it with the same one. Unfortunately, for the past two months, I have been struggling between the parent company and the local representative (Spacelights). I can't even begin to describe the frustration I have experienced.
Obviously, they don't care, because it's a cheap part, but for me, it's a matter of after-sales service and in that aspect, I give them a 0.
I will never choose a product from this company again.
Update 23/11:
The parent company in England, recognizing my inconvenience, intervened and sent me 2 adapters and replacement earpads completely free of charge. Commendable move. They even told me that they will address the issue with the Greek representative. Kudos to them.
I bought them for mastering, etc., I didn't want to spend a lot of money since I do the final mastering on studio monitors. The headphones are quite good for an all-around solution since they have low ohms resistance, they perform well even when connected to a mobile phone, which is not exactly the case for the m50x. They are not very comfortable on the head, but comfort is not a major issue, overall I believe they are worth the purchase.
Translated from Greek ·
Sound quality
Noise isolation
Construction quality
Value for money
Bass
Comfort
Weight
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