Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Must Read Before Buy

Hear yourself clearly with Audio-Technica ATH-M40x professional monitor headphones which are the best for professional sound monitoring, mixing, gaming, DJing etc. It is widely regarded as one of the best deals when it comes to studio headphones, offering pro-quality monitoring on a reasonable budget.

  • Connectivity: Wired
  • Driver : 40mm Neodymium
  • Type : Over-ear
  • Earcup Type: Closed-back
  • Best For: DJ, Studio Mixing, monitoring
  • Frequency Response: 15-24000 Hz
  • Features: Foldable, Detachable Cable, 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter, Over-ear

There are so many other headphones that give better results in studio mixing, monitoring, and DJing, but they are so costly. In my opinion, you should choose headphones that are within your budget but give the best sound quality. It should also have the required features like foldable, noise canceling, built-in mic, lightweight, comfortable, and easy to set up.

The ATH-M40x covers almost all the features. It produces great natural sound tuned for accurate studio monitoring across the entire 15Hz–24kHz frequency range. The 90° swiveling earcups offer easy 1-ear monitoring. Professional sound monitoring, mixing, gaming, and DJing are all recommended.

Specifications (Details information)

SpecificationsInformation
Headphone TypeClosed-back, Over-ear
Frequency Response15 Hz – 24,000 Hz
ConnectivityWired
Driver (Diaphragm)40 mm Dynamic driver
MagnetNeodymium
Impedance35 ohms
Sensitivity98 dB
Earcup Swivel15° In / 90° Out
Folding/collapsibleFoldable
Built-In MicrophoneNot available
Maximum Input Power1600 mW
Water ResistanceIPXX
Noise ManagementNoise isolation (very poor)
ColorBlack
Cable2 detachable & interchangeable Cable
i. 1.2 m – 3.0 m (3.9′ – 9.8′) coiled cable
ii. 3.0 m (9.8′) straight cable
BatteryNot Available
Sound MoodStereo
Weight240 g without cable and connector
Included AccessoriesProtective carrying pouch
6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter
Warranty2 years (Only for US)
Voice CoilCCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire)

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Review


Design & Comfort

It is a large-sized headphone with obal-shaped closed-back earcups. It has 40mm dynamic driver of Neodymium magnet. It is not too tight or too loose. So, it may not be the cause of the ear pain. 

Passive noise isolation is provided by closed-back and soft synthetic earpads. But it is also the cause of hot ears for long time use. 

Earcup cushion

You can rotate and swivel the ear cups freely, 15° in and 90° out. It gives the facility to monitor sound with one ear.

Audio-Technica provides too many accessories, such as 3.5mm two detachable cables. One is coiled and the other is straight. Both are 3 meters long. Smart locking system makes secure. The 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter gives more compatibility. 

It is foldable and portable. It is easy to fold and carry inside its high quality protective carrying pouch. 

Foldability of ath-m40x

Noise Isolation ( Are they good for noise cancelling?)

The noise isolation feature of Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is poor. There is no Active Noise Canceling (ANC) or  dedicated Noise isolation technology. Ear Cups are closed-back. And the headphones cover your full ear. For this, slight noise isolation can be seen.

For this, it is not the best option to listen to music or DJ, mixing in a noisy environment with ATH M40x. Rather than, you should choose other such Bose, Philips headphones or Slightly higher versions of the M series.

How is the sound quality?

The Audio Technica ATHM40 is undoubtedly a good studio headphone. It produces very accurate sound, which is so important for sound monitoring. By this, you can easily separate one sound from another. The 15–24, 000 Hz frequency response gives a wider range. 

In the lab, we have tested its sound delivery from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. As it is within the range of our ears that sounds can be heard. And the result is – 

sound delivery test Frequency response of ATH M40x
Tone Generator test Frequency response of ATH M40x

ATH-M40x comparison with direct recording through Focusrite 8i6. And the upper graph was found. You can easily see that ATH M40x is quite accurate. It just amplified at 4k -10k Hz frequency, which negligible.

The second test was designed for music. Music is recorded though ath-m40x and direct Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 to see accuracy. You should check the background skobeloff color(slightly green and blue). On Music Playing test, it performs very well. As you know, this headphone price is under 100 dollars.

Music playing test of Audio Technica ATH-M40x

In this price range, you can not find more accurate sound giving headphone. For this, I have give a rank on my Best studio headphone under $100 List.

Features

There are so many other headphones that give better results in studio mixing, monitoring, and DJing, but they are so costly. In my opinion, you should choose headphones that are within your budget but give the best sound quality. It should also have the required features like foldable, noise canceling, built-in mic, lightweight, comfortable, and easy to set up.

Features - Audio Technica ATH M40x Headphonicity
Features – Audio Technica ATH M40x Headphonicity

The ATH-M40x covers almost all the features. It produces great natural sound tuned for accurate studio monitoring across the entire 15Hz–24kHz frequency range. The 90° swiveling earcups offer easy 1-ear monitoring. Professional sound monitoring, mixing, gaming, and DJing are all recommended. Average loudness (98 dB), maximum power input 1600 mW and 35 ohms impedance gives the best sound quality.

Connection

You know that wired connection always gives better sound experience. For this, almost all the studio headphones are wired. As the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a professional headphone which is specialized for studio monitoring, DJ, mixing, it also has wired connection.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x connection
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x connection

Two untouchable high quality wires included. One is the 1.2 m long spiral wire which can be extended up to 3 meters. It is the best for home use and DJing.

The other wire is 3 meters long. It is the best for studio use. 

Moreover, one 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter is also included. By this, you can use headphones with a mixer directly.

For being detachable, you can replace wire easily. A safety lock protects for debouching when you are working with headphones.

ATH M40x for gaming

Some people say the ATH M40x is the best for gaming. Because every footsound of enemy/opposition can be heard clearly by this. 40mm dynamic driver produces super bass. And normally gamers are bass lovers.

We are agreed with these. But the great problem is, it has no built-in microphone. So, you must use an extra mic for contacting your teammate. 

After consuming by more than 100 dollars, extra mic use is not acceptable for me.  Beside that with a mic near to my mouth, my gaming feeling was not exciting. That’s why I don’t recommend it for gaming.

Compatibility

PC Compatibility:

Only Analog audio compatible through headphone jack. Most of the PC and Laptop have 3.5mm headphone jack port. You can use this. One thing more, as it has 35 ohms impedance, you may get it not enough loud. In this case, you can follow this article to loud it.

On the other hand, it has no USB support and Bluetooth support.

Mobile (Android & iPhone) Compatibility:

ATH-M40x is both supported, Android smartphones and iPhones. But nowadays, some phones are excluding 3.5mm audio jack to reduce space and make it thin. To cover these features, they provide USB type-C port or charging to port compatibility and wireless connectivity.

But ATH M40x does not accept USB and wireless connections without any extension. So, before buying these headphones, you should check your phone’s 3.5mm audio port.

PlayStation Compatibility :

ATH-M40x is compatible with a regular 1/8″ TRS or TRRS audio cable. But there is no USB wired and wireless Bluetooth connection available. You can use it with PS4 and PS5 both.

What we like

  • Sound Quality
  • 2 Detachable cable with locking system
  • Most accurate natural sound production under $100
  • Wires can be replaced
  • Foldable
  • Wider Frequency Response range
  • Value

We do not link

  • Poor isolation, No active noise cancelation
  • No Built-in mic.
  • Only wired connection; No Bluetooth wireless support.

Price Comparison (Where to buy?)

Headphonicity is user friendly. You know what, if you check the price of a headphone in some shops, you’ll find a different price at different shops. Then why do you pay more for the same products? For this, we arranged Audio-Technica ATH M40x price comparison. It will help you choose your budget and where to buy it.

Where to buy?Price
Amazon$119 Click Here to Update
AliExpress$94.99 Click to update
Best Buy$119.99 Click to update
eBay$128.03 Click to update
Walmart$119.00 Click to update
Official Site$119.00 Click to update
Sweetwater$119.00 Click to Update

Price comparison of ATH-M40x using graph below –

Audio Technica ATH M40x price comparison
Audio Technica ATH M40x price comparison

Are they easy to set up?

It is so easy to setup your ATH-M40x.

Audio Technica ATH M40x setup

Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Chose one cable and insert its audio pin into the headphone audio pin receiver.
  2. Rotate it from left to right, as the image and video show. It is for locking. 
  3. Now another jack attach to your device, such as – PS4, PS5, studio instrument, phone, or computer.
ATH-m40x setup

That’s all. Your headphones are ready to play.

ATH M40x skins 

ATH M40x comes with a silver Audio-Technica logo on black colored headphones. But you can make it even more awesome by using custom skins. 

There are a lot of varieties of the Audio Technica ATH M40x skin. 3 types of finishes are available.

  1. Matte: For an elegant, sophisticated look that provides a softer, flat finish.
  2. Carbon Fiber: A textured laminate that adds the appearance of real carbon fiber.
  3. Glossy Glitter: A smooth, high gloss finish with a sparkle of glitter.

Personally, my favorite is the carbon fiber finish for its durability and texture.

Audio Technica ATH M40x skins
Audio Technica ATH M40x skins

Where to Buy These Skins?

You can buy from your local shop and also online. If you want to order online, we can help you. 

Mightyskins takes orders for preprinted and custom design skin. To see there store for more skin design click the link below –

Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures the long life of the headphones. You should clean your headphones once a month. Remember, alcohol and paint thinner must be avoided for cleaning purposes.

  • Cleaning the Headphone: To clean, wipe with a dry cloth specially earcup outer region and headband. Sweat or water can discolor earpads and headband. If the earpads or headband get wet, wipe them with a dry cloth and allow them to dry in the shade.
  • Cleaning the Cable: If the cables are dirty, wipe them with a dry cloth immediately after use. Using dirty cables can cause them to deteriorate, become hard, and cause problems.
  • Cleaning the Plug: If you continue to use the plug after it has become dirty, you may experience noise or sound interruptions. When there is debris in the plug, use a clean, dry cloth to remove any dirt.

FAQs

Are Audio Technica M40x good for music?

Yes, Audio-Technica M40x is one of the best for listening to music. Awesome bass, and sound accuracy, produce the best experience in music. You should know that this headphone is designed specifically for DJs and sound professionals. So, you can use this without any doubt for listening to music.

Is Audio Technica M40x good for casual listening?

It produce natural, controlled bass, treble sound. For sound accuracy, you can hear loud noises to every faint sound. However, it lacks ANC. So, you cannot get proper enjoyment in a noisy environment. Overall, it is the best for casual listening at home, not on the road.

Are ATH-M40x good for mixing?

Yes, the ATH M40x is a mid-range and budget friendly headphone for mixing. The frequency response is 15-24,000 Hz, and the 40mm dynamic driver produces accurate sound. Three mixing experts from our team have been tested and they are satisfied. Though more than $300 headphones give more accurate and more features for sound mixing, it is enough and better for beginners. 

Are they good for noise cancelling?

No, ATH-M40x does not has any mic. For this, there is no Active noise cancelation. But for being closed-back, it provide poor noise cancelation or isolation.

Conclusion

The extraordinarily high-performance Audio-Technica ATH-M40x professional headphones have a tuning that is flat, which allows for extremely accurate monitoring of sound across a wide frequency range. Your time spent recording in the studio will be significantly improved by the high-quality sound isolation provided by the swiveling earcups that allow for one-ear monitoring. The M40x is an excellent choice for professional studio tracking and mixing, as well as for DJ monitoring, due to its well-engineered design and use of high-grade materials and construction.