The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset: A Dream Streaming Headset
Published on May 16, 2023, 9 p.m.
For both aspiring and experienced streamers, finding the right headset can be a challenge. You want excellent audio quality for both listening and broadcasting, smart functional design, and great overall value. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset checks all those boxes and more, making it a dream pickup for streamers and content creators.
Overview
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset combines Audio-Technica’s renowned M50x studio headphones with the clarity of their professional 20 series microphones. The result is a versatile wired USB headset purpose-built for today’s creators.
Key Features:
- Closed-back over-ear design provides isolation
- 45mm large-aperture drivers deliver exceptional clarity
- Flip-up mic mute for convenient silencing
- Studio-quality cardioid mic captures vocals cleanly
- Hardwired USB-A connection for plug-and-play use
- Sampling rate up to 24-bit/96 kHz
Design
Visually, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset features a sleek, closed-back over-ear design. The color scheme is simple yet elegant, with black earcups and headband keeping the focus on the Audio-Technica logo.
The flexible boom arm allows for easy positioning of the microphone near your mouth. This helps reduce background noise for clearer voice capture. A simple flip-up mute function also allows for quick and silent mic muting.
Audio Performance
With 45mm drivers utilizing rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire coils, audio reproduction on the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is exceptional. There’s great extension at both ends, with deep yet accurate bass and crisp, detailed treble. The soundstage feels wide and spacious.
The cardioid condenser microphone based on the 20 series delivers rich and nuanced vocal pickup. Your voice comes through with studio-quality clarity and intelligibility.
Features and Connectivity
The hardwired USB-A connection offers plug-and-play functionality. An included USB-A to USB-C adapter expands compatibility to modern devices. Sidetone circuitry lets you hear your own voice in the headset, improving mic monitoring.
With a sampling rate of up to 24-bit/96 kHz, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset can handle high-res playback. This makes it equally adept at music listening as gaming and streaming.
Usability
Simple and intuitive controls make the ATH-M50xSTS-USB easy to operate. The flexible microphone boom adjusts for ideal positioning. The flip-to-mute function allows quick mic muting by raising the boom arm. Replacing earpads takes seconds with the snap-on/snap-off design.
Build Quality
From the sturdy headband to the rugged earcups, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is built to last. High-quality materials like the aluminum alloy hinges and steel internal headband frame ensure longevity. The earpads can be easily replaced over time.
Noise Isolation
The closed-back over-ear design, along with the around-ear memory foam earpads, passively blocks external noise. This allows you to focus on the clear audio reproduction. Noise isolation performance is further enhanced when music or other audio is playing.
Battery Life
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset does not require batteries, operating solely via the wired USB connection to your computer or mobile device. This eliminates the need to ever recharge batteries.
Water Resistance
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset and microphone are not designed to be water or sweat resistant. Care should be taken to avoid exposing the headset to moisture.
Use Cases:
The ATH-M50xSTS-USB shines in a variety of usage scenarios:
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Live streaming - With excellent audio and vocal reproduction, this headset lets your audience hear you loud and clear.
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Podcasting - Capture your vocals with precision and warmth for professional podcast production.
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Music listening - Lossless audio reproduction lets you hear every detail in high-res tracks.
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Gaming - Pinpoint in-game audio cues and coordinate with teammates using the clear mic.
Diving Deep into User Feedback
Reviewing customer experiences reveals enlightening insights into the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset’s stellar strengths along with a few areas for improvement.
For audio quality, users extol the virtues of the meticulously tuned 45mm drivers that deliver indulgently rich low frequencies, scintillatingly detailed mid-range, and shimmeringly airy highs. The lavish soundstage immerses you in your content, while passive noise isolation cocoons you in your own private listening sanctuary. As one user rapturously described it, “The sound quality is simply divine!”
When it comes to the microphone, listeners are thrilled by the crystalline clarity and capture. Vocals come through with breathtaking presence and intimacy, as if the speaker were right beside you. The vocal reproduction is so pristine that some remarked they could hear the speaker’s mouth sounds clearly. If you seek mic quality that makes your audience feel you’re having a personal conversation with each of them, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset delivers.
Users affirm the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is thoughtfully designed for long-wearing comfort. The plush memory foam earpads embrace your ears like a gentle cloud. The padded headband caresses the top of your head securely yet gently. However, a few mentioned that after multi-hour use, the snug fit creates mild fatigue around the ears.
In terms of usability, buyers found the plug-and-play USB connectivity blissfully simple with no drivers required. The flexible microphone boom enables optimal positioning with ease. Though most appreciated the convenient flip-to-mute function, some were dismayed by the lack of a volume control knob for quick audio adjustments.
Overall, enthusiastic users deem the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset a supremely versatile headset and tremendous value for streamers, content creators, gamers, and casual users alike. It empowers polished, professional-grade vocal and audio reproduction right from your home studio. For those seeking to take their content to the next level, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset is a divine audio blessing.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Superb audio reproduction and sound isolation
- Clear and nuanced microphone for voice
- Sleek design with flip-to-mute mic function
- Easy USB connectivity for most devices
- Great price-to-performance ratio
Cons:
- No built-in volume control
- Mic picks up unwanted ambient noise
- Non-removable cable
Value
Considering the premium audio and vocal reproduction, versatile use cases, and robust construction, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset delivers outstanding value. It outperforms similarly priced gaming headsets, offering studio-level performance for content creators.
Conclusion
For those seeking one headset that can do it all, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB Headset should be at the top of your list. With lush audio reproduction, fantastic mic clarity, and smart functional design, this headset is a streamer’s dream come true.
Specifications:
- Drivers: 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Frequency Response: Extended frequency range with deep, accurate bass response
- Microphone: Cardioid condenser microphone, based on 20 series mics
- Cable: 2m permanently attached with USB-A connector and USB-C adapter
- Sampling Rate: Up to 24-bit/96 kHz
- Earpads: Includes two sets - M50x style and mesh/leatherette style
Box Contains:
- ATH-M50xSTS-USB headset
- Detachable boom mic
- USB-A to USB-C adapter
- Two sets of earpads
- Carry pouch
How to Use:
- Connect the headset via USB-A to your PC or Mac.
- Position microphone near your mouth using the flexible boom.
- Select the ATH-M50xSTS-USB as input/output device in your software.
- Adjust volume, mic gain, and sidetone to preferred levels.
- Flip up the mic mute when not speaking.
- Switch earpads for different style and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset ideal for live streaming?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset combines the legendary studio sound of ATH-M50x headphones with the renowned clarity of 20 Series microphones. This pairing offers an optimal audio experience for live streaming, ensuring that the user’s voice is captured with exceptional clarity and the sound output is of high fidelity.
How does the cardioid condenser microphone benefit users during streaming or recording?
The cardioid condenser microphone, inspired by the iconic 20 Series microphones, provides studio-quality articulation and intelligibility. This type of microphone is adept at picking up sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear, making it an excellent choice for streaming in environments where background noise is a concern.
What are the connectivity options available with this headset?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset offers a wired connection via a 2m (6.6’) permanently attached cable with a USB-A connection, which also includes a USB-A to USB-C adapter. This plug-and-play connectivity supports easy integration with PCs and Macs.
How does the sidetone circuitry enhance the user experience?
Sidetone circuitry allows users to hear their voice in the headphones, creating a more natural and conversational experience. This feature is particularly useful for live streaming or during extended gaming sessions, as it helps users modulate their voice and avoid speaking too loudly.
Can the user choose between different earpad styles for comfort?
Yes, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet Streaming Headset includes two sets of distinct earpads. Users can choose between M50x earpads, which emphasize audio quality and sound isolation, and mesh/leatherette earpads, which focus on breathability and comfort. This choice allows users to customize their headset according to their comfort preference and usage scenario.
Tips
- Utilize the flip-to-mute feature of the flexible boom arm for quick and silent microphone muting, especially useful during live streaming sessions.
- Experiment with both sets of earpads to find the best balance between sound quality and comfort, depending on your activity.
- Regularly check the sidetone circuitry to ensure your voice is transmitted clearly and at an appropriate volume during communications or recordings.
- Consider the environment where you’ll be using the headset. The cardioid microphone is best suited for quieter settings where background noise can be minimized.
