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Image © AmazonAudio-Technica M40x
At a glance
- Brand
- Audio-Technica
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- closed
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2014
Score breakdowngreat overall
Sound7.6
Value8.3
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The Audio-Technica M40x is a budget-friendly wired studio headphone with a balanced, neutral sound profile that suits mixing and critical listening. Its sturdy foldable build and detachable cable add practicality, though it lacks active noise cancellation and onboard controls. While not an endgame reference, it offers solid performance for its price, with minor caveats around long-session comfort and isolation.
What works
- Well-balanced, neutral sound signature
- Sturdy foldable design with detachable cable
- Good value for budget studio monitoring
- Comfortable for moderate listening sessions
What doesn't
- No active noise cancellation, only passive isolation
- Heat buildup during extended wear
- Proprietary cable connector may limit replacements
- Slight midrange dip in response
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15 Hz - 24 kHz |
| Impedance | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 40 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 40 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 15 Hz - 24 kHz |
| Impedance | 35 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
Design
| Weight | 240 g |
|---|---|
| Foldable | Yes |
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| USB-C | No |
| Connector | 3.5 mm |
Where to buy
Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.
What the reviews said
4 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Positiveacross 5 videosReviewers largely agree that the Audio-Technica M40x offers a neutral, accurate sound signature and solid value for its price, often preferring it over the pricier M50x for its flatter response.
Reviewers liked
- Neutral, accurate sound signature
- Good value for the price
- Solid build quality and detachable cable
Reviewers flagged
- Stock ear pads are uncomfortable or run hot
- Bass is less punchy than the M50x
- Proprietary cable system and no short cable included
16:31🟥Audio-Technica ATH-M40x (aka FU©K M50's even harder)
The reviewer praises the Audio-Technica M40x as a superior alternative to the M50x, highlighting its neutral sound, good imaging, and build quality. He recommends replacing the stock pads and cable with aftermarket options to enhance comfort and performance, concluding that with these mods it's an excellent value for closed-back headphones.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
4:43Audio-Technica ATH M40x Review
9.1/10The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x to be a comfortable, well-built pair of studio headphones that deliver clear and accurate sound, though with slightly less bass than the pricier M50x. They conclude that at $99, these are an excellent value for those seeking great sound without spending over a hundred dollars, and they rate them highly.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
5:33Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Headphone Review
The reviewer found the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x to be a solid, affordable closed-back headphone with a fairly neutral sound, good build quality, and comfortable fit, though it has some drawbacks like warm ears over long sessions and a proprietary cable system. They recommend it as a good option for casual listening, but note it won't replace their preferred mixing headphones.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
8:30Audio Technica: ATH-M40x Years Later
The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica M40x to be an outstanding budget headphone, praising its flat, natural sound signature and considering it superior to the more popular M50x for his tastes. He notes that while the build quality and comfort are lacking, the excellent audio performance more than compensates, making it a strong recommendation for those who prefer a neutral sound.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
2:47ATH M40X - things to know before buying
The reviewer highlights several practical drawbacks of the Audio-Technica M40x, including heat retention, limited comfort for long sessions, a bass-light sound signature typical of studio monitors, bulkiness that makes them unsuitable for portability, and a need for a quality audio source to perform well. Overall, the video is a cautionary list of considerations rather than a strong endorsement.
MixedWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
What owners say
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