Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The studio monitor headphone that became the industry default
See site
Check price on Amazon
Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X
Modern open-back with the STELLAR.45 driver and detachable cable - built for the next decade
See site
Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcasters and audio producers who need accurate monitoring headphones for editing, mixing, and tracking | Studio producers who want a modern open-back reference headphone that works without a dedicated amp |
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 900 Pro X
- 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
- Open-back, over-ear design - NOT for recording
- 45mm STELLAR.45 three-layer driver
- 48 ohm impedance - works without a dedicated amp
- Two detachable cables with locking mini-XLR: 1.8m and 3m
- Handcrafted in Germany with replaceable components
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 900 Pro X
Pros
- More neutral tuning than the classic DT 990 Pro
- Low 48-ohm impedance - no amp required
- Detachable cables via locking mini-XLR connector
- Wide, accurate soundstage for mixing and referencing
Cons
- Open-back - bleeds sound, cannot be used for recording
- Heavier than some alternatives at 345g
- Premium price tier versus the DT 990 Pro
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…
Choose Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X if
Studio producers who want a modern open-back reference headphone that works without a dedicated amp.
The DT 900 Pro X is what beyerdynamic built when they looked at the DT 990 Pro and said 'same concept, but fix the amp dependency and add a detachable cable.' The STELLAR.45 driver delivers a more controlled, neutral tuning…