Skip to main content
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
  • Bridge Over Troubled Water
  • World in Motion
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • The genius of Clive Davis
  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
Man wearing headphones looks down at the keys of his digital piano
Headphones Best headphones for digital piano 2026: over-ear options for every budget
 
 
Drummer wearing headphones shot from behind an electronic drum set
Drummers Best headphones for drummers 2026: sound isolation for the studio, rehearsal room and stage
 
 
Sennheiser HD 480 Pro
Tech 5 things you NEED to know if you’re mixing tracks on headphones
 
 
A pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones in a recording studio
Headphones Best podcast headphones 2026: A studio engineer's guide to awesome audio
 
 
64 audio Aspire 3
Headphones “An excellent addition to the 64 Audio product line, bringing their excellent build quality and design to a more affordable price point”: 64 Audio Aspire series review
 
 
A pair of Sennheiser HD 480 Pro studio headphones leaning against a MIDI keyboard
Headphones “For engineers mixing on small studio monitors, these will be a huge asset for checking the bass and sub bass”: Sennheiser HD 480 Pro review
 
 
Latest in Headphones
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
 
 
A pair of Sennheiser HD 480 Pro studio headphones leaning against a MIDI keyboard
Headphones “For engineers mixing on small studio monitors, these will be a huge asset for checking the bass and sub bass”: Sennheiser HD 480 Pro review
 
 
Scalable to any size. Vector illustration file.
Tech “These chemicals may be migrating from the headphones into our body”: Research suggests headphones contain dangerous toxins
 
 
64 audio Aspire 3
Headphones “An excellent addition to the 64 Audio product line, bringing their excellent build quality and design to a more affordable price point”: 64 Audio Aspire series review
 
 
Latest in News
nopia
Tech We got an exclusive look at Nopia, the viral synth and "harmony machine" that broke the internet
 
 
David Byrne, lead singer and guitarist for the Talking Heads, works with record producer Brian Eno in a recording studio in Mexico.
Studios Talking Heads frontman David Byrne discusses treating the studio "like a playground" with Brian Eno
 
 
fl studio
Tech You can now control FL Studio with an agentic AI chatbot from inside the DAW
 
 
Sir Anthony Hopkins attends the Closing Night red carpet at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 on December 11, 2025
Singles And Albums "Music was my first desire": Film titan Anthony Hopkins to release album of original compositions
 
 
DX10000CL headphones
Headphones "A flagship audiophile product": Final unveils new DX10000 CL headphone at jaw-dropping price
 
 
Korg NTS-4
Tech Korg’s DIY NTS-4 looks like the budget-friendly desktop mixer we always wanted the Volca Mix to be
 
 

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...