Audio Technica ATH-R50x Headphones

About The Audio Technica ATH-R50x Headphones

The ATH-R50x professional open-back reference headphones are designed to provide a natural listening experience with an expansive soundstage that's ideal for all manner of critical-listening tasks. The headphones' drivers are modelled after those used in the original ATH-R70x, now re-engineered to deliver bass that's surprisingly powerful for an open-back model, plus an accurate upper midrange to ensure the clarity of vocals and lead instruments without sacrificing overall balance.

Pure Open-Back Design: Fully open-back sound relies solely on the performance of the driver, with each diaphragm movement directly translating into sound. The ATH-R50x open-back design allows unrestricted airflow that prevents any distortion or artificial enhancement to the sound. The headphones deliver pure sound directly from the transducer for an authentic open-back experience. 

Lightweight Design: The headband on the lightweight ATH-R50x (207 g) is designed to keep you comfortable for hours. The replaceable velour earpads and cooling, open-back earcups add to the comfort, allowing you to stay fully immersed in the audio even through the longest listening sessions.

Open-Back vs Closed-Back: Open-Back headphones are ideal for mixing, mastering, and creating in a studio or other private space. Open-back headphones provide a natural, spacious sound akin to that produced by a monitor speaker system. Closed-back headphones, on the other hand, isolate the listener from outside noise, making them great for musicians recording in a studio or anyone listening in public or noisy environments.

Our Review

The Audio-Technica ATH-R50x professional open-back reference headphones offer a natural listening experience with an expansive soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. Engineered with reworked drivers inspired by the ATH-R70x, they deliver surprisingly powerful bass for an open-back design while maintaining an accurate upper midrange for clear vocals and lead instruments. The fully open-back design ensures unrestricted airflow, eliminating distortion and providing a pure, uncoloured sound. Weighing just 207 g, the lightweight construction, along with a redesigned headband and velour earpads, ensures lasting comfort for extended sessions. The ATH-R50x comes with two detachable cables (3.0m and 1.2m), a 6.35mm adapter, and a carrying pouch, making them a versatile and professional choice for studio work.