Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are a pair of wired over-ear headphones designed for studio monitoring and critical listening applications. They feature 40mm drivers, a frequency response of 15-22,000 Hz, and a detachable coiled cable. The M30x are the mid-range model in Audio-Technica’s M-series lineup, positioned below the M50x and above the M20x.

Key Features

• 40mm drivers tuned for enhanced detail
• Excellent mid-range definition
• Circumaural design provides sound isolation
• Collapsible design for portability
• Detachable coiled cable

Design and Build Quality

The M30x have a sleek, professional design with a black color scheme and minimal branding. The headphones fold into a compact shape for portability and come with a carrying pouch.

The build quality is very good, with metal hinges, plastic and metal parts, and adequate padding on the headband and ear cups. The ear cups swivel and can lay flat for one-ear monitoring. The cable is permanently attached and adequately thick, terminating in a 3.5mm plug with a 1/4” screw-on adapter.

Overall, the M30x are lightweight, durable, and have a premium feel suitable for studio use.

Comfort

The M30x are comfortable for long listening sessions thanks to their moderate clamping force and well-padded ear cups. The ear cups are slightly small so users with larger ears may experience some discomfort after a few hours. The headband is adjustable but fits best on medium to large head sizes.

The ear cups rotate to lay flat but do not have much vertical adjustment. Overall, the M30x provide good comfort and noise isolation for closed-back headphones at this price.

Sound Quality

The M30x deliver clean, accurate audio reproduction with a neutral sound signature. The bass is tight and punchy but lacks the deep sub-bass rumble of more expensive headphones. The mids are clear and detailed, making vocals and instruments sound sharp and lifelike.

The highs are crisp and airy without getting overly harsh or sibilant. The soundstage has good width but lacks the spaciousness of open-back headphones. Imaging is precise enough for mixing and analytical listening.

Overall, the M30x provide impressive sound quality for professional studio monitoring at this price point. They have a balanced tonal profile suitable for mixing, mastering, and critical listening across various genres.

Performance and Use Cases

The M30x are easy to drive from phones, laptops, audio interfaces, and portable devices without needing amplification. They isolate a moderate amount of ambient noise, allowing you to focus on the details and nuances in your music.

These versatile headphones work well for studio recording, mixing, podcasting, field recording, and casual listening. They lack Bluetooth but provide excellent wired performance for critical listening applications.

Use Cases

• Studio mixing and monitoring
• Field recording
• Podcasting
• Casual music listening
• DJ monitoring
• Video editing

User Feedback Analysis

With over 10,000 customer reviews, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones have been extensively tested by everyday users. The average rating is an excellent 4.6 out of 5 stars, indicating most customers have a very positive experience with these headphones.

The most commonly praised attributes are the neutral, balanced sound quality and the surprising detail these headphones deliver at this affordable price point. Many reviewers comment on hearing aspects of their favorite songs they never noticed before.

The excellent mid-range reproduction results in crisp, clear vocals and instruments. The soundstage has enough width to provide good stereo imaging. While bass is present, it lacks the deep sub-bass rumble more expensive headphones can produce. Still, many find the bass adequate for mixing and analytical listening.

In terms of comfort, most find the M30x very comfortable thanks to the self-adjusting headband and soft earpads. Those with larger ears do complain about some discomfort after prolonged use. The clamping force provides decent noise isolation without being too tight.

Build quality earns high marks across most reviews. The metal and plastic construction seems quite durable, having survived drops, snags, and other accidents in some cases. The non-detachable cable is thick enough to resist damage as well.

Overall, customer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with most agreeing the M30x deliver outstanding performance and longevity for studio headphones under $100. They represent a “sweet spot” in Audio-Technica’s lineup, providing better sound than the cheaper M20x at a more affordable price than the M40x or M50x. For budget-conscious musicians and audio engineers, the M30x hit a perfect balance of quality and value.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Clean, accurate sound
• Durable build quality
• Good noise isolation
• Highly portable
• Great price-to-performance ratio

Cons:

• Bass lacks sub-bass extension
• Non-replaceable ear pads
• No Bluetooth connectivity

Value

At around $70, the M30x provide tremendous value by delivering studio-quality sound in a durable, portable package. They perform nearly as well as the popular M50x at a lower price point.

The M30x lack some features of the M50x like detachable cables but have a more neutral, analytical sound. They represent the sweet spot of price and performance in Audio-Technica’s studio headphone lineup.

Conclusion

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x are an excellent choice for studio monitoring, mixing, and critical listening on a budget. They sound fantastic, are built to last, and provide good noise isolation. If you want neutral, detailed audio in a flexible wired headphone, the M30x get the job done extremely well for the price.

Specifications

• Driver Size: 40mm
• Frequency Response: 15 - 22,000 Hz
• Impedance: 47 ohms
• Sensitivity: 96 dB
• Maximum Input Power: 1,300 mW
• Cable Length: 3.0m coiled
• Weight: 7.8 oz

What’s Included

The M30x come with the headphones, a 3.0m coiled cable, 6.3mm screw-on adapter, protective carrying pouch, and instruction manual.

How to Use

Using the M30x is simple. Connect the 3.5mm cable to your audio source like a phone, laptop, or audio interface. Make sure the cable is fully inserted into the left earcup. Adjust the headband and ear cups for a secure yet comfortable fit with good noise isolation. Start your audio and adjust the volume as desired. Take care not to drop or bend the headphones to ensure longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones ensure sound isolation?

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones are designed with a circumaural design that contours around the ears. This design provides excellent sound isolation, especially in loud environments. It ensures that the external noise is significantly reduced, allowing the user to focus on the audio without distraction.

What are the key features of the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x’s drivers?

The headphones feature 40-millimeter drivers equipped with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. These components are tuned for enhanced detail and excellent mid-range definition, offering a clear and precise audio experience.

How is the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x built for portability and convenience?

The ATH-M30x headphones are collapsible, making them easy to store and transport. This feature, combined with the convenient single-side cable exit, makes the headphones a practical choice for professionals and enthusiasts who need reliable headphones on-the-go or in various settings.

What accessories are included with the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x?

The headphones come with a protective carrying pouch and a 6.3 mm (1/4”) screw-on adapter, which facilitates their use with a variety of audio equipment. These accessories enhance the user experience by providing additional convenience and compatibility options.

Can the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x be used for studio and field recording?

Yes, the ATH-M30x headphones are specifically tuned for enhanced detail and excellent mid-range definition, making them suitable for both studio tracking and mixing, as well as field recording. Their design and build quality cater to the needs of professionals looking for reliable audio monitoring in different environments.

Tips

• For extended comfort during long sessions, consider the fit of the headphones and adjust them as necessary. The ATH-M30x is designed to accommodate various head sizes and shapes, ensuring comfort and effective sound isolation.
• Utilize the included carrying pouch to protect the headphones during transportation or when not in use. This can help maintain the longevity and quality of the headphones.
• Take advantage of the screw-on adapter to connect the headphones to a wider range of audio equipment, enhancing their versatility for various professional and recreational audio applications.