Audio-Technica's ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet marks a significant leap in audio quality for headsets, specifically tailored for streamers and content creators. It wasn’t long ago that we tested the ATH-m50xBT series, and the M50xSTS is another step forward as it amalgamates the legendary studio sound of ATH-M50x headphones with the precision of the 20 Series microphones. This review explores the ATH-M50xSTS's features, benefits, and potential drawbacks, as we consider whether an investment in this high-quality audio gear will be worth your coin.
Specifications
- Price: $199.00 USD (From Audio-Technica Store)
- Type: Closed-back dynamic
- Driver Diameter: 45 mm
- Frequency Response: 15 - 28,000 Hz
- Maximum Input Power: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Cable Length: 2.0 m, left-side exit
- Plug: 3-pin XLR-M type plug, 3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug/3 pole
- Microphone Type: Cardioid condenser
- Microphone Frequency Response: 40 - 20,000 Hz
- Microphone Sensitivity: -39 dB (1V/Pa at 1 kHz)
- Microphone Impedance: 100 ohms
- Microphone Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Weight: 292 g without cable and connector
- Connector: 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo mini-plug
- Accessories Included: Earpads, 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo adapter
Unparalleled Sound Quality
I’ve been a fan of Audio-Technica’s microphones for the greater part of the last decade after having a good experience with a shotgun microphone that spent many years in my travel bag as part of my interview equipment. However, when I’m sitting at my desk, I have an overabundance of audio equipment, boom arms, and interfaces, and rarely think about the possibility that a single headset can cover all of those bases. The ATH-M50xSTS stands out in several areas for its exceptional sound quality for both input and output. We’ve had some previous experience with Audio-Technica’s 20 series microphones, but this was my first time to have one available and connected to my head. Recording audio was crystal clear, and the flexible design of the microphone arm made positioning the microphone itself a breeze.
Unlike some other headsets, once the microphone was set in a position, it wouldn’t jostle or move unless I wanted it to. This doesn’t seem like a feature that needs to be said, but after several hours of extended use, you don’t know how important it is to have a microphone that won’t creep closer (or further away) from your mouth.
The cardioid condenser microphone, adapted from Audio-Technica's renowned 20 Series, is specifically designed for studio-quality articulation and intelligibility, and after it was positioned where I wanted it, I didn’t have to worry about any annoying pops or excessive breathing noises. Setting up the correct positioning for the ATH-m50xSTS required that I use the audio passthrough on my audio interface, as the M50xSTS analog doesn’t have the Sidetone circuitry that the STSUSB model does.
One of my favorite features for the microphone apart from the superior sound quality, is the mute function. Instead of fiddling around looking for a particular button, the M50xSTS lets you flip up the microphone itself to mute. While the boom arm is malleable, on the bottom of the left headphone is a solid plastic hinge that lets you flip the mic up and down without having to touch the microphone itself. This way you minimize having to reposition the microphone every time you mute and unmute your headset.
A great quality of life feature of the ATH-M50 series is its swivel earphones. This design not only contributes to the headset's durability and portability but also allows for easy, flat storage, such as in a drawer. The swivel design is perfect for gamers like me that may often need to remove and set down my headset, or quickly pack them away in a bag with limited space such as a laptop bag.
There are certainly no complaints when it comes to sound quality from my PC. The earphones fit snuggle and are easily swapped if the alternate set provided are more to your liking. The StreamSet provides sound isolation, which aptly keeps out any exterior noises, so you can really focus on what’s going on in game, or during a stream. The sound is rich and warm, with a slight drop on bass tones but still crisp on the treble. Directional sound feels authentic, and it was easy to orient myself even in immersive VR games such as Blade and Sorcery by listening for the faint sound of the ocean despite not facing the beach.
Wearing the set is quite comfortable as well. The headband can be adjusted by simply pulling the earphones out to your desired length. The band is soft and rests comfortably without much pressure to the top of the head. While there is ample softness to both the earphones and headband, it wasn’t overwhelmingly plush to the point where I felt like my ears were overheating. The aesthetics of the StreamSet are minimal, with no protruding buttons or excessive lighting. Visually, you can see the superior build quality that screams professional in every sense of the word.
The inclusion of XLR connectivity can be both a blessing and a curse for the ATH-M50xSTS. While the analog nature and XLR connection can grant you far more non-digital customization options, it isn’t quite as plug and play as the USB version. That means that you’ll probably want to travel with your favorite interface of choice if you want to extend the benefits of utilizing an XLR headset such as the StreamSet on the go. However, if you’re looking into an XLR headset of this caliber, this is already something you’ve realized.
The Right Headset for the Right Person
The ATH-M50xSTS is far and away the best sounding headset I’ve had the pleasure of using, but it has its limitations. Its positioning as a prosumer product may alienate regular gamers due to its higher price point. At just shy of two-hundred dollars, if you aren’t consistently streaming, recording video content, or in the very least, tantalizing other gamers with your vocal prowess through online gaming, you may not see too many benefits to a prosumer or enthusiast headset like the M50xSTS.
Probably the most glaring drawback of the M50xSTS is the lack of any noise cancelling accessories. While positioning your headset properly, such as pointing it directly in front of you, can help in some cases, the microphone itself is very sensitive, and when monitoring my voice through my interface, it’s astounding what background noises are picked up. Unlike other standalone microphones, there are no additional pop filters or wind screens that come along with this headset, so while the lack of active noise cancelling is understandable for an analog set, a windscreen in the very least would have been a major boon, as wind from my ceiling fan comes through loud and clear. Luckily, this is only a minor annoyance, and aftermarket windscreens for headset mics are relatively cheap.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS is a formidable contender in the vast realm of professional-grade and prosumer streaming headsets. Its exceptional sound quality, user-centric design, and superior microphone make it a worthwhile investment for serious content creators. However, its higher price and lack of noise cancellation accessories may limit its appeal for casual users as there’s a high likelihood you’ll want an exceptional interface to use alongside your new StreamSet.
