From the moment the first limited edition of the MX50 was released in 2012, it became wanted property by studio professionals, gamers and the masses.

Audio-technica knew it was on a good thing and went on to release a Limited Edition MX50 each year.

Smart marketing gave the limited edition models a sharp edge simply be creating a theme based on a different annual colour.

Since 2012, headphone devotees have been offered the Limited Edition MX50 in blue, black, white and matt grey.

This year’s M50X comes in hard-to-miss, striking satin red with glistening gold accents on both ear cups as well as both hinges. Topping it off, pardon the pun, the theme of gold accents continues with the leather headband sporting gold screen-printing.

Audio-technica says its mission with the new M50xRD was to achieve a dead accurate response and longwearing listening comfort. Features befitting a studiophone designed for professional monitoring and mixing.

Equally meritorious is the MX50s collapsible design that gives the MX50s a portability and space-saving profile favoured by music lovers on the go.

What’s more, gamers love the MX50’s swivelling (180 degrees) circumaural ear pads so they can keep one ear focused on the sounds and commands of the action on their screens whilst lending the other uncapped ear for a good natter with other gamers in the room.

The new MX50’s headband is adjustable and luxuriously padded so it remains comfortable for long periods of time whether in the studio, gaming at home or listening to music or movie soundtracks during a long commute.

Use the new MX50s with decent gear and it soon becomes crystal clear that this model has exceptional power handling and achieves very high SPL levels without a hint of distortion.

Transparency and scads of detail are evidence of the MX50s hi-tech drivers that consistently deliver clear sound along with an extended frequency response populated by shimmering treble and taut, informative bass.

Exploring the drivers reveals they have large 45mm, proprietary apertures and use neodymium magnet systems for ultra-efficient signal transfer. 

As well as a Limited Edition red, the MX50 is available in black with coiled cable (ATH-M50), white with coiled cable (ATH-M50WH), black with straight cable (ATH-M50s), and silver with straight cable (Limited Edition ATH-M50s/LE).

And on the demand, StereoNET’s headphone extraordinaire, ‘Jensy’ rang Audio-technica as soon as he read the press release and personally ordered a pair this morning. Proof writ large as to the appeal of this release.

The Audio-technica ATH-M50xRD will be available from October 2017 for $279 RRP.

For more information visit the Audio-technica brand page.

Specifications

• Type: Closed-back dynamic
• Driver Diameter: 45 mm
• Magnet: Neodymium
• Voice Coil: CCAW (Copper-clad aluminium wire)
• Frequency Response: 15 - 28,000 Hz
• Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 99 dB
• Impedance: 38 ohms
• Weight: 284 g (10 oz) without cable and connector
• Cable: 1.2 - 3.0 m (3.9' - 9.8') Coiled, OFC litz wire
• Connector: Gold-plated stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) connector with strain relief and professional screw-on 1/4” (6.3 mm) adapter
• Accessory Included: Protective pouch