Everyday Use ＆ Production - Thorough Review of the All-in-One ATH‑M50xBT2

Audio‑Technica’s staple monitor headphone, the ATH‑M50x.
Launched in 2014 as the renewed model of the M50, it has earned high praise from artists and engineers worldwide, and its cumulative sales have surpassed an astonishing 2.5 million units, making it a bestseller.

Based on the M50x, the ATH‑M50xBT2 was created to meet modern needs. As its name suggests, it’s a wireless model supporting Bluetooth connection, bringing together high‑quality wired sound and the convenience of wireless.

This time, based on my real experiences using it broadly from daily life to music production, I’ll carefully introduce the charms of the M50xBT2, points I found concerning, and accessories to use it more comfortably.

1. Performance as an Excellent Monitor Headphone

The M50xBT2 is naturally very excellent as monitor headphones as it has inherited important traits from the M50x. I had long used the company’s ATH-M40x previously. While the M40x is also a good product for its price, switching to the M50xBT2 gave me a clearer impression of a wider range, delivering solid sound from low to high frequencies. Being able to check the fine details of each part is a big advantage, especially during mixing work.
Also, since monitor headphones typically have high isolation, the clamping force (pressure on the ears) often feels somewhat strong, but the M50xBT2 strikes a perfect balance. There are individual differences, but for me, wearing it for long periods did not cause pain in my head or ears. Even after concentrating for several hours during production, the stress was minimal.

2. Enjoyment as Listening Headphones

Monitor headphones are expected to have a "flat frequency response", which can sometimes make them feel bland for casual listening. However, the M50xBT2 maintains accurate sound while delivering a sound quality enjoyable enough for everyday listening use.
What stands out especially is the high resolution. It’s a very interesting experience to discover “Oh, this sound was in there” when listening to a track. Muted single-note guitar phrases or subtle synth embellishments that tend to get buried on regular headphones come through clearly, making it feel like you’re encountering the music anew when replaying your favorite songs.
Moreover, the sound quality is excellent not only when wired but also in wireless mode. Using the dedicated app "Audio-Technica Connect", you can customize settings such as equalizer adjustments and switching to low latency mode. The minimal audio-video lag during video watching or gaming adds great appeal, as it supports a wide range of uses.

3. Comfort When Out and About

I regularly use the M50xBT2 during train rides and while walking around town.
Because they are closed-back headphones, they effectively reduce train noise while minimizing sound leakage, making them considerate for people around you. I think they are especially ideal as a commuting or school partner.
Also, there are times when you don’t want to completely shut out ambient sounds while walking in the city. In this regard, the M50xBT2 features a side-tone function using the built-in microphone, allowing you to naturally hear surrounding sounds even while listening to music. This helps you notice approaching cars or bicycles, adding a layer of safety.
The foldable design allows for compact storage, making it easy to quickly stash them in a bag or backpack, so they’re very convenient for everyday use and transport.

4. Battery Life and the Peace of Mind from Fast Charging

The M50xBT2 boasts excellent battery performance.
With up to approximately 50 hours of playback, you can use it for several days without worrying about charging. However, since the battery lasts so long, it’s easy to accidentally forget to charge it. Fortunately, the M50xBT2 supports fast charging, so even a short charge while getting ready in the morning provides enough stamina for a full day of use.
The charging port is USB-C, which is the same standard as recent smartphones and PCs, making it very convenient. If you carry a mobile battery, you can feel secure even when out and about. And, in the unlikely event the battery runs out, you can simply switch to wired connection and continue using it without interruption.

5. Drawbacks Noticed After Purchasing

So far, I have mainly introduced the good points, but I will honestly mention some issues I noticed during actual use.

● No cable compatibility

The cable included with the M50xBT2 has 3.5mm connectors on both ends. It’s not compatible with the locking cables used on previous models like the M40x or M50x, limiting your options.

● No cable lock function

The M40x and M50x featured a mechanism to lock the cable in place so it wouldn’t come loose, but the M50xBT2 lacks this. It might have been intentionally removed for safety during use in public spaces, but in a production environment, there is a risk of the cable coming loose, so having the traditional locking mechanism would have been better.

These issues may be somewhat inconvenient for users who prioritize wired connections, but for those who mainly use wireless, they might not be a significant problem.

6. Recommended Accessories

One accessory you should definitely consider for long-term use is replacing the ear pads.
The included ear pads are made of synthetic leather and offer decent comfort, but they tend to cause sweating during long use, and the synthetic leather can start peeling off over time.

That’s why I recommend mesh-type ear pads.

They have good breathability and reduce sweating, making them comfortable even during extended use.
This is a customization that I highly recommend to anyone using the M series.

To Summarize

The ATH-M50xBT2 inherits the legacy of the classic monitor headphones "M50x" while evolving to suit modern lifestyles.

• Accurate monitoring performance suitable for professional production environments
• High-resolution sound enjoyable for casual listening
• Comfortable usability even when out and about
• Long playback time of up to 50 hours and peace of mind with rapid charging

It is a versatile model that excels from everyday use to music production.
For those who want one pair of headphones that can handle everything from home production to commuting and casual listening, the M50xBT2 is undoubtedly a powerful choice.

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