Audio-Technica ATH-M50x LAB Studio Headphones

Studio Monitor Headphones With a Fan-Designed Finish

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x LAB stands as a limited edition of the brand's most acclaimed studio monitor headphones, and is the first M-Series special edition to be designed and selected entirely by the community. Released on 4 September 2024, this model combines the trusted M50x acoustic platform with a custom colour scheme selected from over 14,500 fan entries via Audio-Technica's "LAB M50x" platform. Producers, DJs, and audio professionals seeking the familiar M50x sound in a unique finish will find this a compelling choice.

What Sets the LAB Edition Apart

The story behind this edition makes it truly unique. Out of 14,500 community designs, Audio-Technica shortlisted three finalists, letting fans vote for the winner: a blue, orange and grey scheme by Sergio Gamarra, a Bolivian DJ, whose design expresses confidence, energy and creative sophistication. Continuing the brand's tradition of annual limited editions started in 2012, the LAB edition has become the most interactive special release in company history.

Drivers and Sound Character

Large-aperture 45 mm drivers employ rare earth neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, delivering deep lows and crisp highs that have secured the M50x’s place as a studio standard. A closed-back, over-ear fit shields listeners from room noise. With a frequency response of 15 Hz to 28 kHz, it covers the entire spectrum needed for tracking, mixing and DJ cueing.

• Driver Diameter: 45 mm — designed for extended bass and clean transient response
• Wide frequency response from 15 Hz to 28 kHz means producers can monitor both sub-bass detail and airy highs in a single pair of headphones.
• Sensitivity: 99 dB — efficient output for ample performance with modest headphone amps
• Impedance: 38 ohms — works easily with laptops, audio interfaces, and mobile devices
• Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz — accommodates high-output studio signal chains without distortion

Build, Comfort and Isolation

Padded earpads and a reinforced headband allow for extended sessions at the desk or behind the decks, while the circumaural shape blocks external noise to keep monitoring accurate. A 90° swivel mechanism on the earcups enables single-ear DJ listening, and the foldable frame fits easily in a backpack or laptop bag.

• Construction: Closed-back, over-ear (circumaural) — engineered for passive isolation in loud rooms
• Weighing just 285 g (without cable), these headphones are comfortable for long studio hours or travel days.
• Earcup Rotation: 90° swivel, collapsible — one-ear monitoring and compact storage in a single motion
• Voice Coil: CCAW (copper-clad aluminum wire) — maintains low driver mass for improved bass articulation

Cables, Connectivity and What's in the Box

Three detachable cables ensure compatibility with every setup, from portable listening to studio work. The gold-plated 3.5 mm stereo plug features strain relief for durability, and a 6.3 mm screw-on adapter makes the headphones ready for mixing desks and audio interfaces right out of the box.

• Connector: Gold-plated 3.5 mm stereo with strain relief — withstands frequent plugging and unplugging
• Cable Bundle: Detachable 1.2-3.0 m coiled, 3.0 m straight, 1.2 m straight — covers studio, stage and mobile use with no extra purchases required
• Protective carrying pouch and 6.3 mm adapter are included so you can start monitoring immediately.

Who the ATH-M50x LAB Is For

Recording engineers, music producers, podcasters and DJs who trust the M50x sound and want a distinctive limited edition will appreciate the LAB model’s unique styling. Home producers assembling their first serious studio will benefit from the forgiving 38 ohm impedance and the comprehensive cable bundle, while working professionals get the proven studio-grade tuning endorsed by top engineers. The ATH-M50x LAB is the solution for those needing reliable monitoring, strong isolation and a look that stands out from standard M50x models.

The M50x Line and the LAB Project

Originating with the original ATH-M50 in 2007, the M50x family quickly became a staple in project studios and on stages around the world. Audio-Technica has released a new M50x limited edition every year since 2012, giving fans the chance to add a unique finish to a trusted acoustic platform. With the 2024 LAB edition, the design was for the first time crowdsourced directly from the community via the LAB M50x platform, with the final winner selected from over 14,500 entries by fans themselves.