Skip to main content
Become a MusicRadar VIP - it's free
- Join our community
SampleRadar
Access over 90,000 royalty-free samples
The MusicRadar app
Full access and custom feeds
MusicRadar Newsletters
The latest music and gear news inboxed
Earn Member Badges
Climb the MusicRadar charts
Coming soon: VIP-only Giveaways
Win pro-grade music gear and more
Join the conversation
Connect with other musicians and fans
BECOME A MUSICRADAR VIP
For the quickest way to join, enter your email below. We’ll send a confirmation email and sign you up to MusicRadar newsletters with the latest music news, gear reviews, tutorials and exclusive offers.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
Get VIP Access Quick

Become a MusicRadar VIP for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Welcome to Become a MusicRadar VIP !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Earn your first badge
Start reading to unlock your first badge
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Hot music news

Hot music news

The latest news from the hottest artists.

Explore
Make better music

Make better music

Explore tutorials, tips and guides for creating music.

Explore

Your membership perks

Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more

Explore now

Get the MusicRadar Newsletter

Get the latest music news, gear reviews, deals and tutorials delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here

Sign Out
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Rodrigo's Cure
  • California Dreamin'
  • "Apotheosis of mediocrity" - Rundgren vs Swift
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Tech
  2. Recording
  3. Headphones

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

News
By Matt Parker
Published 23 January 2014

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.

Read more
A pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones
Headphones Best budget studio headphones 2026: Cheap headphones to tackle every studio task
 
 
A pair of Audio-Technica in-ear monitors on top of a carry case
Studio Monitors Best budget in-ear monitors 2026: my pick of affordable IEMs for stage and studio
 
 
A pair of Sennheiser in-ear monitors lying on a MIDI controller
Studio Monitors Best in-ear monitors 2026: IEMs for stage and studio
 
 
DX10000CL headphones
Headphones "A flagship audiophile product": Final unveils new DX10000 CL headphone at jaw-dropping price
 
 
Millenium Drums MPS-1500
Electronic Drums The new Millenium Drums MPS-1500 e-kit could be the hybrid drum set you've been looking for
 
 
gen 2
Tech Universal Audio's next generation of Volt audio interfaces offers more ways to shape your sound
 
 
Latest in Headphones
Marshall 60th Anniversary Jimi Hendrix JMH Studio Edition
Guitars Marshall gives the Studio Vintage a cosmic makeover for the Jimi Hendrix 60th Anniversary Collection
 
 
Rolling Stones earbuds
Headphones Technics drops limited-edition wireless earbuds in collaboration with the Rolling Stones
 
 
Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE
Headphones Beyerdynamic DT 30 IE review
 
 
DX10000CL headphones
Headphones "A flagship audiophile product": Final unveils new DX10000 CL headphone at jaw-dropping price
 
 
OneOdio Studio Max 2
Headphones "If you want a pair of low-latency headphones for DJing or instrument monitoring, the Studio Max 2 ticks all the necessary boxes and a few more besides": OneOdio Studio Max 2 headphones review
 
 
Soundcore Space 2
Headphones "Overall performance is high enough to make you wonder if it’s really worth spending any more": Soundcore Space 2 headphones review
 
 
Latest in News
Oli Howe
Artists Instagram reharm sensation Oli Howe on the formula behind his chaotic reworks of classic hits
 
 
An SSL 2+ MKII audio interface on a desk
Recording I sifted through Sweetwater's massive up to 50% off studio gear sale to bring you the best equipment discounts
 
 
Lola Young performs onstage at the 2025 Coachella Valley music and arts festival on April 11, 2025
Singers & Songwriters “Breathing feels like a chore”: Lola Young bemoans the effect of vaping on her health on TikTok
 
 
tapes
Samples SampleRadar: 485 free tape-treated samples
 
 
(L-R) Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, David Byrne and Jerry Harrison
Bands “They put horns on their record”: Talking Heads reveal they were accused of ‘selling out’ on debut single
 
 
John Lennon and Paul McCartney face the press
Singers & Songwriters “He could be a complete idiot, over some things”: Paul McCartney thinks that Lennon “expected more” from him in the early 70s
 
 

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

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • 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...