Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed Back Monitor Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a popular and critically acclaimed pair of closed-back, dynamic headphones. It serves as the entry-level model in Audio-Technica’s highly successful M-Series of professional monitor headphones. The M-Series is known for its balance of professional features and durable build quality at various price points, and the M20x is the perfect introduction to that lineage.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Closed-Back, Over-Ear (Circumaural) Design: The M20x features an over-ear design that contours around the ears, and the closed-back construction provides effective passive noise isolation. This is an essential feature for studio work as it helps to:
  • Block out a significant amount of ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your audio.
  • Prevent audio from “bleeding” out of the headphones and into a microphone during a recording session.
• 40mm Dynamic Drivers: The headphones are equipped with 40mm drivers with rare-earth (neodymium) magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. These drivers are specifically tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance, providing a solid bass response while maintaining clarity.
• Wide Frequency Response: The ATH-M20x has a frequency response of 15 Hz to 20 kHz. This extended low-end response is a notable feature for its price class and makes it capable of reproducing a wide range of frequencies, from deep bass to detailed highs.
• Modern Design and High-Quality Materials: The M20x is designed for durability and comfort. While it is lightweight, it is built with high-quality materials, including a robust headband and plush ear pads that can withstand daily use. The earcups can also swivel up to 15 degrees, which helps to ensure a better fit and comfort for a variety of head shapes.
• Convenient Non-Detachable Cable: It features a non-detachable, straight cable that is a generous 3.0m (9.8 ft) in length. The cable exits from the left earcup, which is a convenient single-sided design that helps to reduce tangles.
• High-End Connectivity: The headphones are terminated with a 3.5mm (1/8″) stereo plug for compatibility with consumer devices. It also comes with a convenient screw-on 6.3mm (1/4″) adapter for easy connection to professional audio interfaces, mixers, and headphone amplifiers.
• Medium Impedance: With an impedance of 47 ohms, the M20x can still be driven by most low-power devices like laptops and smartphones, but it truly shines when connected to a dedicated audio interface or headphone amplifier.
• Designed for Studio Use: Audio-Technica specifically markets the ATH-M20x for studio tracking and mixing, and many professional reviewers and users consider it an excellent and affordable tool for that purpose.

Who is the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x for?

• Beginning Music Producers and Engineers: The M20x is often recommended as the first pair of “serious” studio headphones for those starting out in a home studio.
• Content Creators and Podcasters: The closed-back design and good isolation are perfect for recording with a microphone.
• Budget-Conscious Professionals: It serves as a reliable, cost-effective second pair of headphones for a professional studio.
• Students and Audiophiles on a Budget: For those who want a comfortable pair of headphones with a balanced sound profile for extended listening.

Considerations:

• “Studio” Expectations: While the M20x is a great entry point, its sound is not as perfectly neutral as higher-end M-Series models (like the M40x or M50x). It is tuned with a slight emphasis on the low-end, making it excellent for tracking but potentially less ideal for critical mixing and mastering where a flatter response is desired.
• Non-Detachable Cable: The integrated cable, while long and convenient, cannot be replaced if it gets damaged, which is a potential point of failure.
• Comfort: While generally comfortable, some users may find the ear pads to be shallow, and the clamping force can become a bit tight during very long listening sessions.