Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M40x
The 40mm drivers and circumaural design deliver a flat frequency response for accurate, uncolored sound reproduction during critical mixing. The closed-back, foldable build with 90-degree swiveling earcups provides excellent noise isolation and durable portability for field use, bundled here with a Tascam DR-05 recorder. These are best for budget-conscious audio engineers and musicians who need reliable, wired monitoring headphones for studio tracking and mixing sessions.
Snapshot
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong social proof (94th percentile) 94th
- Strong user sentiment (87th percentile) 87th
- Strong build (78th percentile) 78th
- Strong sound (73rd percentile) 73rd
Cons
- Below average mic (18th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
What owners think
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews - so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 52 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | professional-grade earpad |
| Headband | professional-grade headband material |
Audio
| Driver Type | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 |
| Freq Min | 15 |
| Freq Max | 24000 |
| Impedance | 35 |
| Sensitivity | 98 |
| Hi-Res Audio | No |
| Codecs | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Professional Monitor Headphones, Bundle with Tascam DR-05XP Portable Handheld Audio Recorder |
Noise Control
| ANC | No |
| Transparency | No |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Multipoint | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Cable Length | 3 |
Microphone
| Microphone | No |
| NC Mic | No |
| Boom Mic | No |
| Detachable Mic | No |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| Gaming Mode | No |
vs Competition
| Spec | Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M40x | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 | Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B | Apple AirPods Max Midnight | Technics EAH-A800 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear | over-ear |
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | 40 | 40 | 42 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 35 | - | 470 | 314 | 16 | 34 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed | closed |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 | 5.2 | 5.2 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | - | 30 | 60 | 30 | 20 | 50 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Anc | Mic | Build | Sound | Battery | Comfort | User Sentiment | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica M-Series ATH-M40x | 32.1 | 18 | 77.7 | 73.3 | 44.7 | 53.6 | 87.1 | 42.5 | 93.9 |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Compare | 98.1 | 99.3 | 95.7 | 99.4 | 76.1 | 53.6 | 87.1 | 97.7 | 98.3 |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Compare | 98.1 | 85.3 | 92.3 | 97.8 | 90.7 | 87.6 | 37.6 | 98.1 | 67.3 |
| Sony ULT WEAR WHULT900N/B Compare | 98.1 | 85.3 | 77.7 | 95.6 | 76.1 | 53.6 | 70.6 | 98.9 | 87.5 |
| Apple AirPods Max Midnight Compare | 98.1 | 83.2 | 92.3 | 93.2 | 69.8 | 32.2 | 87.1 | 94.4 | 98.3 |
| Technics EAH-A800 Compare | 93.5 | 98.3 | 77.7 | 97.2 | 85.9 | 53.6 | 53.1 | 97.4 | 60.2 |
Usage Scores
A full written review is coming soon. The specs, scores, prices and charts above are always up to date.
