Audio Technica ATH-R50x

Just as the closed ATH-M50x is the little brother of the ATH-M70x, Audio Technica’s open-back ATH-R50x is now an affordable alternative to the ATH-R70xa reference headphones we reviewed elsewhere. The latest addition to the Japanese manufacturer’s studio headphone range impressed us with its open sound, good dynamics and excellent handling.

Two cables included

The Audio Technica ATH-R50x comes with a short 1.20m straight cable and a three metre long power cord. Both cables end in a 3.5mm phone plug. An adapter for a large jack plug is included. However, it can only be screwed onto the long cable. The short cable can only be plugged in. All plugs and the adapter are gold-plated for optimum conductivity. An unpadded faux leather carrying case is also included. Due to the two different cables, the scope of delivery is a little above ‘standard’ for me.

Design & cable management

The Audio Technica ATH-R50x, which is completely black and silver, closes the design gap between the ATH-R70x and the newer ATH-R70xa. The highly permeable perforated back of the earcups is emblazoned with the company logo. They can be tilted and their suspension even allows them to tilt slightly on the y-axis. Cable management along the headband is largely open. The headband does not have a continuous padding, but instead offers two pads. Unlike the ATH-R70x, these are not attached to extra arms. Overall, the design of the ATH-R50x is confident and appealing.

Loud even on laptops and smartphones

The Audio Technica ATH-R50x delivers audio from 5 Hz to 40 kHz. This means that its bass and treble reproduction extends well beyond the range of the human ear. With a sound pressure level of up to 94.77 dB SPL as measured by us, it can play music at a fairly average maximum volume. The average impedance of 51.15 ohms we measured in the ATH-R50x makes it a suitable candidate for low-voltage headphones. It should therefore be loud enough for conventional audio interfaces as well as PCs, laptops and smartphones. If the high impedance of the ATH-R70xa isn’t suitable for your studio equipment, you can also take a look at the ATH-R50x.

Comfortable, but…

When it comes to handling the headphones, two extremes come together for me. As easy as it is to adjust the headphones when they are detached, it is just as difficult to adjust them when the metal headband is under tension – i.e. when your head is between the earcups. As a result, you always need two hands to put the headphones on and adjust the size of the headband. It’s inconvenient. But once you get the size right, the headphones are not only secure, they are comfortable, thanks to the velvety-soft ear cushions. This is helped by the low pressure and light weight of the headphones, which weigh just over 200 grams without the cable.

The ATH-R50x has a single-sided detachable cable. It plugs into the lower end of the left ear cup. This gives right-handed users optimum freedom of movement. This is an advantage in the studio as well as in everyday use. To prevent the cable from slipping out of the headphones, it is held in place by a bayonet lock. All in all, the ATH-R50x’s user-friendliness is good. In terms of comfort and reliability, however, it is top notch.

Frequency response leaves nothing to be desired

The Audio Technica ATH-R50x’s 45mm drivers deliver a detailed sound. The treble is open and as uncompressed as you would expect from open headphones. However, the frequency range that intersects with the upper mid-range is strongly represented. As a result, listening with the ATH-R50x can become tiring over time. On the plus side, however, vocals and speech in audio productions are very audible and easy to distinguish. The sound of these headphones is analytical without being too cold. Below the mid-range, there’s a rich bass that doesn’t miss a beat, right down to the ultra-deep bass of urban music.

Precise, with a wide stereo image

As well as being able to reproduce the guitar sound of rock and metal with frequency differentiation, the ATH-R50x also excels in terms of dynamics, especially in sparsely instrumented productions. The ATH-R50x reproduces transients clearly. If you are looking for a pair of headphones for evaluating, editing and mixing drum recordings, these are the headphones for you. With a combination of differentiated highs and mids and finely resolved dynamics, the headphones deliver a spatial soundstage. The stereo image offered by the headphones is impressively wide.

The bottom line

With the ATH-R50x, Audio Technica has succeeded in bringing the benefits of one of its top-of-the-range models to a smaller budget. In terms of scope of delivery, the test candidate with its two cables is just as convincing as it is in terms of design and comfort. The headband, which is difficult to adjust, is a real downer. In terms of sound, the ATH-R50x scores with a wide stereo image, pronounced dynamics, deep low bass and a very open super high frequency range. What’s more, there’s plenty of potential for differentiating audio signals in the midrange and treble. That’s why the Audio Technica ATH-R50x are the ideal headphones for mixing and mastering applications, as well as being a welcome addition to many editing suites.