Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Sony MDR-7510
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony MDR-7510 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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Sony MDR-7510
Sony's professional closed-back with 50mm drivers and broadcast-grade build
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Sony MDR-7510 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Broadcast professionals and podcasters who want Sony's professional-tier closed-back with wide frequency extension |
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
Sony MDR-7510
- Closed-back, over-ear, folding design
- 50mm neodymium drivers with PET diaphragms
- 5 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response
- 24 ohm impedance - drives from any device
- Oxygen-free copper voice coil
- Includes 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch adapter
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
Sony MDR-7510
Pros
- 50mm drivers deliver fuller bass than smaller-driver alternatives
- Very low impedance - no amp required
- Folding design for portability and storage
- Broadcast-quality build from Sony's Pro division
Cons
- Less widely stocked than the MDR-7506
- Heavier than comparable closed-backs at ~261g
- Premium pricing for the category
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 Sony MDR-7510 if
Broadcast professionals and podcasters who want Sony's professional-tier closed-back with wide frequency extension.
The MDR-7510 is the professional sibling of the legendary 7506 and it shows - the 50mm drivers deliver noticeably more low-end body and better extension at both frequency extremes compared to the 7506. The 24-ohm impedance means it drives loud…