Head to head

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The studio monitor headphone that became the industry default

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Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Handmade German closed-back with bass extension that the Sony and AT cannot match

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At a glance

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBeyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Starting priceSee siteSee site
Free planNoNo
Free trialNoNo
Best forPodcasters and audio producers who need accurate monitoring headphones for editing, mixing, and trackingStudio monitoring and podcast recording where you want extended bass response and long-session comfort

Key features

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

  • Closed-back over-ear, 45mm large-aperture drivers
  • 15 Hz - 28 kHz frequency response
  • 38 ohm impedance - drives from any device without an amp
  • Three interchangeable cables: coiled, long straight, short straight
  • 90-degree swivel earcups for one-ear monitoring
  • Collapsible design for transport

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

  • Closed-back over-ear, handmade in Germany
  • 5 Hz - 35 kHz frequency response
  • 80 ohm impedance (this variant), 96 dB SPL sensitivity
  • Replaceable velour earpads and headband padding
  • Single-sided coiled cable, 9.8 ft, with 3.5mm and 6.35mm connectors
  • Available in 32, 80, and 250 ohm variants

Pros and cons

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Pros

  • Accurate, detailed monitoring response trusted by professionals
  • Excellent passive isolation for studio tracking
  • Three interchangeable cables for different use cases
  • Works without an amp at 38 ohms

Cons

  • Stock earpads deteriorate and need replacement after a few years
  • Slightly clampy fit for larger heads on long sessions
  • Not completely neutral - has a mild V-shaped character

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Pros

  • Deep, accurate bass extension that M50x and MDR-7506 do not match
  • Replaceable earpads and headband for long-term ownership
  • Handmade in Germany - build quality is noticeably premium
  • 80 ohm version drives well from interfaces and computers

Cons

  • Heavy at 270g - fatigue starts earlier on long sessions than lighter alternatives
  • Coiled 9.8ft cable is awkward in portable or field contexts
  • Non-folding design - bulky to transport

The verdict

Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if

Podcasters and audio producers who need accurate monitoring headphones for editing, mixing, and tracking.

The M50x has been the default studio headphone recommendation for over a decade and the reasons are legitimate - the isolation is excellent, the detail retrieval is honest without being harsh, and the slight low-end emphasis makes it forgiving for…

Read the full Audio-Technica ATH-M50x review →

Choose Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro if

Studio monitoring and podcast recording where you want extended bass response and long-session comfort.

The DT 770 Pro's bass extension is genuinely deeper than both the M50x and the MDR-7506 - the 5Hz lower limit is not just a spec number, the low-end rumble on the 80 ohm version is substantial and accurate. For…

Read the full Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro review →

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