With the ATH-R30x, Audio-Technica is bringing a breath of fresh air to the open-back reference headphone sector. The new model is aimed at anyone working in a home studio, mixing music or simply looking for a natural, realistic sound for gaming or entertainment. The combination of high sound fidelity, comfortable wearing comfort and an attractive price makes the ATH-R30x a serious entry-level solution in the renowned R series.
- Open housing concept for particularly natural and transparent sound reproduction
- 40 mm driver with extended frequency response for detailed mids and finely detailed highs
- Lightweight design with velour ear pads and adjustable headband for long sessions
- Affordable entry into professional audio technology, available exclusively from Thomann
Natural sound due to open design
The ATH-R30x is based on an open housing concept – an approach that is particularly suitable for professional applications such as mixing, mastering or detailed listening. The advantage: the sound can escape unhindered from the drivers, which minimizes distortion and ensures realistic spatial imaging. The result is a sound image that is not only transparent but also authentic – ideal for perceiving subtle details in music or speech.
The built-in 40 mm drivers deliver a balanced sound signature with clearly defined bass, transparent mids and pleasantly tuned highs. Thanks to the extended frequency response, every detail is retained even in complex arrangements – a feature that is particularly appreciated in music production or critical gaming sound design. Thanks to the precise transducer design, no complex tuning measures are necessary, which makes the sound transmission particularly direct and unadulterated.
The ATH-R30x also scores points in multimedia applications such as movies or streaming with an immersive sound that stands out pleasantly from compressed consumer headphones. For gamers, the wide stereo panorama also offers a clear localization of sounds, which can be an advantage in a competitive environment.
Comfort without compromise
In addition to the sound quality, Audio-Technica has also improved the wearing comfort of the ATH-R30x. Weighing just 210 grams, it is one of the lightest models in its class. The newly developed adjustable headband ensures even weight distribution and adapts flexibly to different head sizes – an important detail, especially during long sessions at the computer or mixing console.
The soft velour ear pads also contribute to a comfortable fit, while the open design improves air circulation. This means that the headphones remain comfortable to wear even after several hours, without heat build-up or a feeling of pressure – a plus point for productive days in the studio or extended gaming evenings.
The solid workmanship underlines the claim to offer a durable tool for creative tasks. Thanks to the supplied 6.3 mm jack adapter, the ATH-R30x can be easily connected to professional interfaces and mixing consoles, but also remains compatible with commercially available devices.
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATH-R30x offers an impressively well-rounded overall package for anyone who values honest sound and high wearing comfort. As open-back reference headphones, they impress with their authentic sound reproduction, sophisticated design and attractive price-performance ratio.
From April 8, 2025, the ATH-R30x will be available exclusively from Thomann for 99 euros. Further details can be found on the official website.
