The Audio File: Headphones for High Performance & High Fidelity

Photo: Audio-Technica

BY Exclaim! StaffPublished Jul 13, 2021


While turntables and speakers can make for an engaging listen, headphones are essential for when it's time to keep sound to yourself. Whether you're listening to music, fielding phone calls, recording audio or relaying details to your gaming party, Audio-Technica's expansive line of in-ear, on-ear and over-ear headphones will leave nothing unheard.


Cut the Cord

No wires? No problem. Audio-Technica's range of wireless headphones offers new levels of quality and convenience without compromising the listening experience. Whether you're in search of in-ear earbuds, true wireless earbuds, or over-ear models, each fit features built-in microphones and touch sensor controls to handle calls, music playback, and volume.

The ATH-CKS5TW in-ear headphones are an extremely portable pair that balances freedom and fidelity with Bluetooth 5.0 technology. Equipped with 10mm drivers, the full-range audio and superb bass response can fit any listener with included silicone eartips in four different sizes. For higher intensity situations, included 3D loop supports are included for an even more secure fit, while the IPX2 water-resistance rating protects from rain and sweat.

That functionality extends to the battery, with 15 hours of continuous music playback on a full charge, with 30 hours of additional power available from the included charging case. The auto power on/off feature means the ATH-CKS5TW in-ear headphones are ready to play as soon as they are removed from the case, and turn and off and begin charging once they are returned.

The ATH-SR30BT wireless over-ear headphones, meanwhile, offer even more playtime, with an internal battery that provides best-in-class 70 hours of continuous use on a full charge. Swivelling earcups that fold flat allow users to take this pair anywhere, for their 40mm drivers and construction optimized for phase and transient response.

Audio-Technica has also brought the sonic spirit of their legendary ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones to the ATH-M50xBT wireless over-ear headphones. An exhilarating listening experience — up to 40 hours on a full charge — is created through pairing Bluetooth technology with 45mm large-aperture drivers with rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils.

Both the ATH-SR30BT and ATH-M50xBT wireless over-ear headphones feature mic and controls built into the earcup, while those of the ATH-CKS5TW in-ear headphones are found on the headphones' housings, allowing for control of music and phone calls without needing to touch your paired device.




Block Out the Noise

Before reaching to turn up the volume in louder listening environments, one should try on the ATH-ANC500BT over-ear headphones first. Audio-Technica's QuietPoint active noise-cancelling technology makes for a more comfortable listen in areas with high ambient noise, a feature that works in tandem with the headphones' 40mm drivers and memory-foam earpads to prioritize powerful sound isolation and reproduction.

The lightweight, durable set offers added flexibility with the inclusion of an audio cable, for times when wireless operation is not available or battery power is low. Not unlike other over-ear models featured above, the ATH-ANC500BT headphones sport a mic and button controls built into the earcup for convenient operation.

QuietPoint noise-cancelling technology offers even higher degrees of noise reduction with the ATH-ANC700BT and ATH-ANC900BT models, while the feature is also included with the more portable ATH-ANC300TW true wireless in-ear headphones.



Get In the Game

No matter your game of choice, the ATH-G1WL will put you in complete control of your computer gaming experience. Whether you're in touch with your squadmates or a streaming audience, the wireless headset's 2.4 GHz range allows for crystal clear communication without lag or interference.

A detachable, flexible boom mic included with the headset delivers directional pickup that separates your voice from ambient noise, while further controls for mute, volume and surround sound are located on the rim of the earcup for easy access. Additionally, a selectable mic monitor function allows the user to hear their voice through the headset when required.

Specially tuned 45mm drivers and closed-back earcups bring studio-quality sound reproduction to your virtual world, while switchable 7.1 surround sound ensures that victory will never sound better. An even more immersive, optimized experience can be had with available spatial audio software Immerse by Embody.

The ATH-G1WL's detachable, breathable headband pad and earpads ensure comfort through lengthy gaming sessions, while an included USB charging cable allows you to keep playing through times when battery power runs low. The wireless headphones connect to your Mac or PC machine with a USB Type-A wireless transceiver, while the wired ATH-G1 set connects using a two-metre gold-plated stereo mini-plug.



Monitor Magic

Whether in the booth or bedroom studio, experienced audio pros and hobbyists alike have agreed that the acclaimed ATH-M50 headphones successfully strike a balance between audio and build quality. While that specific model is discontinued, its defining features can be found across Audio-Technica's M-Series range of professional monitor headphones.

The ATH-M70x, the M-Series' flagship model, leads the pack for the most discerning ears. The set's proprietary 45mm large-aperture drivers are tuned to accurately reproduce extreme low and high frequencies while maintaining perfect balance. Rugged construction with key metal components ensure lasting performance in the studio, behind the decks, or when listening at home.

A step below, the ATH-M60x bring that build quality to a pair of headphones designed for studio, broadcast and mobile applications, using the same proprietary drivers found in the ATH-M50x.

The latter headphones have long been praised by engineers and pro audio critics for their exceptional clarity and deep, accurate bass response achieved. Not only do the set's design contours make for excellent isolation in loud environments, its earcups swivel at 90 degrees to make for easy, one-ear monitoring. Three different detachable cable styles are included for ease of use in a variety of recording environments.



The ATH-M40x headphones offer accurate audio monitoring across an extended frequency range, making this set ideal for studio tracking and mixing, if not DJ monitoring at your next club set. Though its drivers are slightly smaller than those of the AT-M50x at 40mm, the headphones are not light on features, sporting design contours built for isolation, 90-degree swivelling earcups and professional-grade earpad and headband material.

Excellent mid-range definition and tuning for enhanced sonic detail make the ATH-M30x headphones a versatile piece of kit for a range of monitoring and mixing situations, while the ATH-M20x remain a quality, lightweight introduction to the M-Series line.





No matter when or where you're listening, Audio-Technica's selection of great-sounding wireless and wired headphones provide an aural experience unlike any other. For further details on Audio-Technica's complete line of headphones, headphone amplifiers and accessories, visit their official website.

When making a purchase, enter the coupon code "ATGIFT15" for a discount. Valid until the end of January 2022.

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