Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitar Amps
  • Guitar Pedals
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • EVH trance state
  • Antonoff on Please Please Please
  • “Mick looked peeved. The Beatles had upstaged him”
  • 95k+ free music samples

Recommended reading

m-track duo
Tech M-Audio upgrades its M-Track Duo budget audio interface with "pro-quality" converters and USB-C connectivity
te
Tech Teenage Engineering's TX-6, TP-7 and CM-15 are back in black
A Focal ST6 Twin6 studio monitor on a wooden desk
Studio Monitors Best studio monitors 2025: Studio speakers for musicians and producers on any budget
AlphaTheta Wave-Eight
Dj Gear It’s time to finally ditch those cables: SonicLink from AlphaTheta is here, and it will most likely change your life
A pair of Rode M5 small diaphragm condenser microphones
Microphones Best microphones for recording 2025: My top studio mics for instruments, vocals and more
Adam Audio D3V
Studio Monitors “Ribbon tweeters are sometimes criticised for their limited vertical dispersion, here this is not noticeable unless you are sitting very close”: Adam Audio D3V Monitor review
Alesis Crimson III
Electronic Drums Alesis’ popular Crimson e-kit just got an upgrade with version III sporting new heads and a new BFD-powered drum brain
  1. Tech
  2. Recording
  3. Headphones

NAMM 2014: Audio-Technica reveals new M-Series headphones

News
By Matt Parker ( Future Music, Computer Music ) last updated 5 August 2020

Four new sets of monitor headphones

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Introduction

Introduction

NAMM 2014: Fresh for this year's Winter NAMM, Audio-Technica has overhauled its M-Series range of monitor studio headphones and announced the debut of the ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x models - all due to hit stores in February.

Aside from adding a technological 'x' to each product name, the entire range features new magnets, aluminium voice coils on the inside and a tweaked design on the outside - a flatter cup shape that the firm says provides "excellent isolation".

As you move up the range, the spec gets more impressive, with improved portability and versatility, better sound isolation and detachable cable options.

Browse the gallery to view the specs and pricing information for each set of headphones.

Audio-Technica M-Series Headphones press release

Leeds, UK, 20-01-2014: Audio-Technica (NAMM Booth 6740 [Hall A]) has updated its critically acclaimed M-Series line of professional monitor headphones – the new ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x make their debut at Winter NAMM2014.

Taking cues from the sound and proprietary design of the company’s acclaimed ATH-M50 professional monitor headphones, the new ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x and ATH-M40x deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio and on-the-go.

The ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x and ATH-M40x all feature 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium voice coils, as well as a circumaural design that contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments.

The ATH-M50x (featuring 45mm drivers) has the exact same sonic signature as the original ATH-M50 and adds refined earpads and three detachable cables.

The ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones will be available February 2014.

Page 1 of 5
Page 1 of 5
ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones

ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE: The ATH-M20x headphones are a great introduction to the critically acclaimed M-Series line.

Modern design and high-quality materials combine to deliver a comfortable listening experience, with enhanced audio and effective isolation. These headphones are an excellent choice for tracking and mixing.

The ATH-M20x also features a convenient single-side cable exit with a permanently attached 3m cable.

Page 2 of 5
Page 2 of 5
ATH-M30x Professional Monitor Headphones

ATH-M30x Professional Monitor Headphones

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE: ATH-M30x headphones combine modern engineering and high-quality materials to deliver a comfortable listening experience, with enhanced audio clarity and sound isolation.

Tuned for highly detailed audio, with strong mid-range definition, these versatile monitoring headphones are ideal in a variety of situations.

Designed primarily for studio tracking and mixing, they offer added features for increased portability, making them a great choice for field recording.

The ATH-M30x also features a convenient single-side cable exit with a permanently attached 3m cable.

Page 3 of 5
Page 3 of 5
ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones

ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE:The high-performance ATH-M40x professional headphones are tuned flat for incredibly accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range.

The studio experience is enhanced with superior sound isolation and swiveling earcups for convenient one-ear monitoring, and professional-grade earpad and headband material provides exceptional durability and comfort.

The collapsible design offers space-saving portability and storage, and the headphones come with two detachable cables (a 1.2m-3m coiled cable and 3m straight cable). Engineered with pro-grade materials and robust construction, the M40x excels in professional studio tracking and mixing, as well as DJ monitoring.

Page 4 of 5
Page 4 of 5
ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphone

ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphone

NAMM 2014 PRESS RELEASE: The original ATH-M50 has been praised by leading audio engineers and journalists worldwide, and now the ATH-M50x features the exact same coveted sonic signature as the original, with the addition of refined earpads and three detachable cables (a 1.2m-3m coiled cable, 3m straight cable and 1.2m straight cable).

From the large aperture drivers to sound isolating earcups and robust construction, the M50x provides an unmatched experience for the most critical audio applications, including recording, broadcast, DJ, live sound and personal listening.

The ATH-M50x is available in black, white (ATH-M50xWH) and limited-edition blue (ATH-M50xBL).

ATH-M50xWH: £179 inc VAT/€179 ex VAT

ATH-M50xBL: £179 inc VAT/€179 ex VAT

Page 5 of 5
Page 5 of 5
Matt Parker
Matt Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image
All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more.
Get the latest issue now!
More Info
Read more
m-track duo
M-Audio upgrades its M-Track Duo budget audio interface with "pro-quality" converters and USB-C connectivity
te
Teenage Engineering's TX-6, TP-7 and CM-15 are back in black
A Focal ST6 Twin6 studio monitor on a wooden desk
Best studio monitors 2025: Studio speakers for musicians and producers on any budget
AlphaTheta Wave-Eight
It’s time to finally ditch those cables: SonicLink from AlphaTheta is here, and it will most likely change your life
A pair of Rode M5 small diaphragm condenser microphones
Best microphones for recording 2025: My top studio mics for instruments, vocals and more
Adam Audio D3V
“Ribbon tweeters are sometimes criticised for their limited vertical dispersion, here this is not noticeable unless you are sitting very close”: Adam Audio D3V Monitor review
Latest in Headphones
Kali Audio Project Watts
Ever wondered if you need a subwoofer and which one to buy? Kali Audio has the perfect options for producers
AlphaTheta Wave-Eight
It’s time to finally ditch those cables: SonicLink from AlphaTheta is here, and it will most likely change your life
AirPods Max
Apple says that its USB-C audio update for AirPods Max will make them do something unique for musicians
Positive Grid Spark Neo
“The ultimate wireless guitar rig built into premium headphones”: Positive Grid launches Spark Neo
beyerdynamic headphones
Beyerdynamic amps up the individuality with new in-ear monitor range and pro studio headphones
Roland VMH-S100 headphones
NAMM 2025: Roland's new VMH-S100 studio headphones have double-sided connectivity and come with a 3-month subscription to the Roland Cloud
Latest in News
pmt
"It’s been a tough few years": UK gear retailer PMT closes its doors and sells stock to Gear4Music
Gretsch Broadkaster Jr LX Center Block with Bigsby
Gretsch’s unveils new MIJ high-end semi-hollows with redesigned bodies and Pro Twin Six humbuckers
Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter on her musical heroes, and why she decided to release a new album so soon... and Rush
Liam Gallagher, Sharna Liguz, Nicole Appleton and Zak Starkey attend the launch party of Liam Gallagher's new store Pretty Green on July 29, 2010
“I’ll cry... I’d have done that gig for nothing” Zak Starkey on why he'll miss the Oasis gigs
Fred Armisen as George Ross, Amy Poehler as Carolyn Kepcher, Donald Trump during "The Apprentice Band" skit on April 3, 2004
“I could’ve been a flutist”: Donald Trump is claiming he has an aptitude for music
Jackson X and JS Series Surfcasters: the long-awaited offset electric guitar is now being offered in white, satin black and metallic black, and and at the entry-level JS price point and the mid-priced X Series.
“A bold new take on a classic metal machine”: Having ridden the wave of popular demand, Jackson’s Surfcaster offset has landed – and it’s built for speed

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...