These Audio-Technica headphones bring flat, studio quality sound for less

Audio-Technica's M-series of headphones is iconic among audiophiles and musicians, and the ATH-M30x is no exception. This pair of headphones is one of the most affordable in the M-series, and is well-loved by many. I've owned these headphones for a few years, and have used them for everything from casual music listening to recording music myself.

With so many studio headphones to choose from, and tons of other over-ear options, are the ATH-M30x worth it, and for whom?

Audio-Technica ATH-M30x

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x is an affordable option for studio headphones, ideal for musicians, producers and podcasters.

Pros

• Flat sound profile for recording
• More affordable than other studio headphones
• Lightweight and portable
• Comes with a 1/8 to 1/4 inch adapter

Cons

• Long cable isn't ideal for non-studio uses
• Cable isn't detachable
• Stiff ear pads

$69 at Audio-Technica$69 at Amazon

Sound quality

Flat sound profile for studio uses

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x, being made specifically as studio headphones, are well-suited for anyone who wants a flat sound profile. This would be anyone from musicians to audio engineers to producers, anyone who needs to hear the music in the exact way it was played. This allows for precision throughout the whole process of making music. Podcasters will also like the ATH-M30x for the same reasons. These headphones are great for listening to voices as they sound coming through the microphone without any of the bass boosting you would find on most consumer headphones.

The sound quality and analog connection of the ATH-M30x allows for the most precise, true-to-the-artist listening experience compared to regular consumer headphones. If you're listening to a lossless audio format, you can hear the full extent of the dynamic range of the track, and there won't be any distracting frequency boosts to mask the full intent of the track. The bass will be the volume the artist intended, and the highs will be too.

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Design

Lightweight, portable, but