Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
The ATH-M30x pairs clear, easy-to-follow treble with a practical closed-back design and an impressively accessible studio-tool price. SoundGuys finds it comfortable for shorter sessions, capable for tracking and podcasting, and pleasingly versatile for casual listening, while its long cable and folding construction suit a busy home-recording setup. A compelling budget monitoring all-rounder.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
80/100
Comfort Fit
80/100
Build Quality
80/100
Features Usability
82/100
Value for Money
91/100
Pros
Clear upper frequencies keep vocals and acoustic instruments easy to hear.
Strong value for entry-level recording, podcasting, and casual listening under $100.
Long 3 m cable, lightweight build, and folding earcups are practical for recording setups.
Cons
Recessed midrange and uneven bass weighting make it less dependable for precise mix decisions.
The fixed cable cannot be replaced without repair work if it fails.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 80/100
The ATH-M30x has a broadly consumer-friendly balance rather than strict studio neutrality. Review evidence points to clear upper frequencies and audible low-end thump, but a recessed midrange and uneven upper-bass level keep it from sounding fully even-handed.
Bass
80/100
Bass is audible and lower notes carry a satisfying thump. SoundGuys found the amount of impact dependent on pitch, with higher-bass notes arriving at lower relative volume.
Midrange
76/100
The midrange is under-emphasized, making some synth parts quieter than ideal. Vocals remain intelligible, but the presentation is less balanced for work that depends on judging vocal and instrumental levels accurately.
Treble
84/100
Higher-frequency acoustic guitar and vocals are reproduced at natural, easy-to-hear levels. The review describes this region as clear rather than overly aggressive.
Resolution Detail
80/100
The review says individual midrange synth parts can still be heard despite their reduced level, suggesting usable separation for basic production and everyday listening. It says little about fine low-level detail, texture, or highly complex mixes.
Soundstage Imaging
80/100
The review provides little direct comment on spatial width, depth, or image placement. As a closed-back monitoring headphone, it is presented chiefly as a practical tool rather than a spacious, immersive listen.
Dynamics
79/100
Lower bass notes have more thump than higher-bass notes, but the review does not directly assess transient attack, punch on demanding material, or dynamic contrast. Its uneven bass emphasis may make impact vary between notes.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Comfort Fit
80/100
The supplied review does not discuss clamp force, pad comfort, heat, or long-session wearability. At 220 g without the cable, it is relatively light on paper, but fit impressions are not provided.
Build Quality
80/100
The supplied review offers little direct commentary on materials, durability, hinges, or long-term reliability. The product information confirms a folding design, but does not establish how robust that mechanism feels in use.
Features Usability
82/100
The ATH-M30x folds for storage and includes a protective pouch plus a screw-on 6.3 mm adapter, useful additions for entry-level studio use. Its 3 m straight cable is fixed rather than detachable, which limits replacement convenience.
Value for Money
91/100
At $79, SoundGuys calls the ATH-M30x evidence that quality studio headphones are available for under $100. It is particularly recommended for budget-minded consumers and aspiring producers who need enough accuracy to make solid tracks, though not as a first choice for exacting studio work.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Headphones
- Closed-back dynamic
- Type
- 40 mm
- Driver Diameter
- 15 - 22,000 Hz
- Frequency Response
- 1,300 mW at 1 kHz
- Maximum Input Power
- 96 dB
- Sensitivity
- 47 ohms
- Impedance
- 220 g (7.8 oz), without cable and connector
- Weight
- 3.0 m (9.8'), straight, left-side exit
- Cable
- No
- Cable - Detachable
- Gold-plated stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) connector with strain relief
- Connector
- Neodymium
- Magnet
- Copper-clad aluminum wire
- Voice Coil
- Yes
- Folding/collapsible
- Protective carrying pouch, 6.3 mm (1/4") screw-on adapter
Manufacturer's Description — Audio-Technica
ATH-M30x
The ATH-M30x over-ear wired headphones feature advanced engineering and build quality, making them the perfect headphones for field recording, video editing, and other monitoring applications. Equipped with 40 mm drivers and tuned for enhanced detail with strong mid-range definition, these closed-back headphones deliver a critically acclaimed audio experience.
The ATH-M30x over-ear wired headphones feature advanced engineering and build quality, making them the perfect headphones for field recording, video editing, and other monitoring applications. Equipped with 40 mm drivers and tuned for enhanced detail with strong mid-range definition, these closed-back headphones deliver a critically acclaimed audio experience.
Discover the performance difference of the M-Series professional headphones line with the ATH-M30x studio monitor headphones. The high-quality build makes for a pair of lightweight yet durable wired headphones for studio tracking, mixing, and field recording. Built with professional-grade ear pad and headphone material, the ATH-M30x provides a comfortable fit for extended wear.
Thanks to the circumaural design that contours around the ears, these Audio-Technica wired, on-ear headphones provide unmatched sound isolation with minimal bleed to let you hear all the detail in your recordings – as you capture them in the field and when edit them later in the studio. The essential 40 mm drivers add a professional and balanced sound experience.
The modern headphone’s design features a convenient single-side cable exit for hassle-free listening. Find out why the online reviewers, top audio engineers, and passionate fans agree, the M-Series is an unmatched combination of audio and build quality that provides a pure professional performance for an affordable price.
Included Accessories: The ATH-M30x comes with a 6.3 mm (¼”) snap-on adaptor.
Detailed Definition
The ATH-M30x studio monitor headphones are ideal for AV post production, home studio, and dialog use.
The ATH-M30x studio monitor headphones are ideal for AV post production, home studio, and dialog use.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
- The Audio Association — in-store — Anaheim, California, United States (website)
- A1 Futureshop — online and in-store — North Rocks, New South Wales, Australia (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
- Accesory Jack — online and in-store — New Territories, Hong Kong (website)
- Acclaim Sound and Light — online and in-store — North Bay, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Acoustic Technologies — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Adorama — in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
and 235 more verified dealers