Audio-Technica ATH-M50x vs Marshall Mode

The ATH-M50x are great sounding headphones with a sound that may fall in the neutral category, but with very slight boosts to the bass and highs; a slightly V-shaped sound. The bass is full and has a lot of power. The sub bass has a hint of elevation though, which can make the bass sound a bit loose on hip-hop or EDM tracks. The mids are fairly neutral with no elevation. The highs are also slightly elevated, which does not add harshness but instead gives the sound a shimmery and detailed feel.

This sound signature of the M50x makes it versatile. It is neutral enough for monitoring use, yet also has just the right qualities to make it a great choice for enjoying music.

The bass of these headphones sound full with a slight boost. This makes the bass quite punchy without drowning the mids or highs.

You get a lot from what you pay for with these headphones. Aside from the great sound, they are also well built and come with a lot of accessories.

The ATH M50x is made from high quality matte plastics which are quite resistant to damage without being too heavy. The hinges move smoothly and do not have unnecessary creaks.

Audio-Technica finally updated the M50's built in cable to a detachable cable. The M50x even comes with three cables, a 1.2 m - 3.0 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, and a 1.2 m straight cable. None of the cables have in-line controls though.

The ear cups and pads are able to keep the sound in and block outside noise. These are suitable for a noisy office as even low volume music is enough to drown out those noisy office mates.

The ear cups can be folded into the headband, reducing its footprint. Combined with the carrying pouch and detachable cables, you can easily chuck these headphones into your bag when going out.

While the Marshall Mode does not offer a lot of features or top-notch build quality, it makes up for it with great sound quality. The bass has a slight emphasis which gives the sound good power and punch. The mids sound natural and slightly forward, while the highs are able to deliver a good level of detail without getting harsh. These earphones sound best for rock music, but can also deliver great low-end performance for hip-hop music and similar genres, and crisp highs for those who love classical music.

These earphones won’t cause comfort issues, even when worn for for several hours straight.. The earpieces are light so they don’t put a lot of weight in the ears.

With the Marshall Mode, you’ll be able to get a good fit and seal in your ears. You get 4 pairs of ear tips in different sizes to choose from. The ear tips are also of decent quality, as they are not too squishy, so they should sit well in the ears and last a reasonable period of time as well.