Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB streaming headsets unveiled

Audio pro Audio-Technica has officially unveiled new gaming headsets at CES 2023. The ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB models are said to be designed specifically for the needs of live streaming content creators, combining the benefits of the legendary closed-back headphones with a powerful microphone.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB in Detail

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50 X closed headphones (currently €144.00 on Amazon) are among the most popular wired monitor over-ear headphones. At IFA 2022, it was also given a new, limited design. The lineup now gets a boost with two streaming headsets that the manufacturer unveiled at CES 2023.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB aim to combine the benefits of the cult headphones with a powerful microphone for clear intelligibility. The headsets feature the same 45mm large-diaphragm drivers that grace the M50x headphones.

Both headsets are also offered with two different sets of ear pads. M50x ear pads that improve audio quality and sound isolation, and mesh and leatherette ear pads that provide breathability and comfort.

One difference between the two headsets is that the ATH-M50xSTS-USB connects via USB, giving it access to a high-quality A/D converter that offers a sampling rate of up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The normal M50xSTS, on the other hand, connects via jack directly to the audio source or via an XLR connector to an audio interface.

• More: The best gaming headset: guide – How to find the right model

Strong condenser microphone

To eliminate the need for an external microphone when streaming, both the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB streaming headsets also rely on a cardioid condenser capsule, adopted from Audio-Technica’s popular 20 Series microphones.

Sounds extremely promising, too, since it’s the XLR microphones in the line that have enjoyed tremendous popularity in the sub-$200 segment (or even under $100, in the case of the Audio-Technica AT2020).

These are attached to a flexible microphone boom that allows for individual positioning. In doing so, the manufacturer promises studio-quality vocal presence without background noise and a consistent output level. The microphone can be muted quickly and efficiently by simply folding the microphone arm into the up position.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS features

• The legendary studio sound of the ATH-M50x headphones paired with the renowned clarity of Audio-Technica’s 20 Series microphones makes for the ideal headset for live streaming.
• Proprietary 45mm large-diaphragm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-coated aluminum wire voice coils.
• Exceptional clarity over an extended frequency range with a deep, accurate bass response.
• Based on the legendary Series 20 microphones, this cardioid condenser microphone delivers studio-quality articulation and intelligibility.
• A flexible boom arm keeps the microphone close to the mouth, helping to suppress background noise and deliver crystal clear sound. The boom arm flips up to quickly mute the microphone.
• The ATH-M50xSTS is equipped with a 2m hard-wired cable with 3.5mm headphone jack and XLR microphone jack for connection to an audio interface or mixer.
• It comes with two types of interchangeable ear pads, designed for either high fidelity and isolation or breathability and comfort.

Additional Features of the ATH-M50xSTS-USB

• High-quality A/D converter with up to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate for superb, high-resolution audio quality.
• Sidetone circuitry ensures that you hear your voice in the headphones for a more natural conversational experience.
• Included is a 2-meter hard-wired cable with USB-A connector (and USB-A to USB-C adapter) for plug-and-play connections with PCs and Macs.

Prices and Availability

Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB streaming headsets are scheduled to be available directly from the manufacturer in February 2023. The M50xSTS is priced at a suggested retail price of 199.00 euros, while the ATH-M50xSTS-USB will be offered at an MSRP of 229.00 euros.