Audio-Technica ATH-M40x vs Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Flat-response studio closed-back that detachable cables actually make practical
See site
Check price on Amazon
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Handmade German closed-back with bass extension that the Sony and AT cannot match
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and home studio producers who need accurate closed-back monitoring for tracking and playback | Studio monitoring and podcast recording where you want extended bass response and long-session comfort |
Key features
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
- Closed-back, over-ear design
- 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers
- 15 Hz - 24 kHz frequency response
- 35 ohm impedance - no amp needed
- Two detachable cables: coiled and straight
- 90-degree swiveling earcups
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-M40x
Pros
- Flatter, more accurate response than the M50x
- Detachable cables extend the headphone's lifespan
- Easy to drive from any interface or laptop
- Durable build with replaceable earpads
Cons
- Earpads run warm during extended sessions
- Non-folding design makes transport bulkier
- Bass extension is limited versus open-back alternatives
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-M40x if
Podcasters and home studio producers who need accurate closed-back monitoring for tracking and playback.
The M40x sits in a sweet spot where the price is low enough for beginners and the sonic accuracy is high enough that professionals actually use it for tracking. The flat tuning is genuinely flatter than the more popular M50x,…
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…