Field Test · Studio Gear Review
Audio-Technica ATH-M70X
Technical assessment of the Audio-Technica ATH-M70X monitoring headphones
Audio-Technica
- Studio/DJ Headphones
- This is what customers who viewed this product bought
- Accessories & matching items
- 107Customer ratings
- Compare options
- Smart Navigator
Spec Sheet
- Circumaural
- Closed
- Specially developed 45 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Swivelling ear cups (up to 90°)
- Frequency range: 5 – 40,000 Hz
- Max. input power: 2000 mW at 1 kHz
- Impedance: 38 Ohm
- SPL: 97 dB
- Detachable cables
- 1.2 m – 3 m Coiled cable
- 1.2 m Straight cable
- 3 m Straight cable
- Weight with cable: 307 g
- Weight without cable: 283 g
- Colour: Black
Studio Log
| Available since | February 2015 |
|---|---|
| Item number | 358000 |
| Sales Unit | 1 piece(s) |
| Design | Over-Ear |
| System | Closed Back |
| Impedance | 38 Ohms |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz – 40000 Hz |
| Adapter | No |
| Weight | 283 g |
| Replacable Cable | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Max. SPL | 97 dB |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB |
| Type Of Connector | Mini Jack |
| Adaptor | Yes |
| Replaceable Cable | Yes |
Demo Footage
Field Photography
QC Pass — Field Test
Customer Review Summary
Introduction
The Audio-Technica ATH-M70X has been positioned as a professional closed-back over-ear headphone, designed primarily for accurate audio monitoring and critical listening in studio environments. Released in 2015 and retailing at approximately £245, these headphones feature proprietary 45 mm drivers using rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils, aiming to deliver a neutral and detailed sound signature.
Technical Specifications and Design
- Impedance: 38 Ohms, allowing for efficient pairing with both mobile devices and audio interfaces without requiring an amplifier
- Frequency response: Very wide range from 5 Hz to 40,000 Hz, theoretically providing extended bass and treble response well beyond human hearing
- Sensitivity: 97 dB, facilitating adequate loudness
- Maximum input power: 2000 milliwatts at 1 kHz, suitable for professional monitoring
- Weight: 283 grams (without cable), which is moderate for this headphone category
- Design: Circumaural closed-back with swivelling ear cups rotating up to 90°, enhancing portability and flexibility during use
- Cabling: Comes with three detachable cables (coiled 3 m, and two straight at 1.2 m and 3 m), all connect via mini-jack, allowing ease of replacement and adaptability
- Colour: Black
- Accessories: Supplied with a semi-rigid carrying case for protection
Sound Quality
The ATH-M70X delivers a predominantly neutral and revealing audio reproduction, highly regarded for its transparent response across mids and highs. This neutrality aids in detecting subtle details, such as sibilance and high-frequency artefacts, making it suited for critical mix referencing. Users have noted the headphones’ clarity and precise stereo imaging, which helps in localising sound sources within the mix confidently.
Low frequencies tend to be less emphasised compared to other models in the Audio-Technica line-up such as the ATH-M50x. This attribute leads to a bass-light perception, which may not satisfy those seeking more pronounced low-end presence for casual listening but benefits those tracking or mixing where bass accuracy is crucial. Some describe the sound profile as bright, with heightened upper mids and treble response, which, while useful for identifying issues in these ranges, can be fatiguing over extended sessions.
Comfort and Fit
The headphones provide a snug seal around the ears, offering effective passive noise isolation from external sounds. Ear cups are adequately padded, and the overall clamping force ensures they remain securely in place. Compared to the popular ATH-M50x, the ATH-M70X is generally reported to be more comfortable to wear physically for extended periods. However, the intimate fit can cause some users discomfort after several hours. The closed-back design can also lead to heat accumulation around the ears during prolonged use.
The design accommodates different user needs, including those wearing glasses, though comfort may vary depending on ear size and head shape. The swivel function enables convenient on-the-neck placing or flat storage during pauses.
Build Quality and Durability
Initial impressions of construction indicate a lightweight design utilising aluminium and plastic components. While this contributes to the headphones’ moderate weight, the robustness of certain parts, particularly the hinge assemblies connecting ear cups to the headband, has attracted criticism. Multiple users report a recurring failure at these joints after relatively short periods of usage, typically between one to four years, even with careful handling.
These breaks often necessitate potentially expensive repairs, around €150 according to some repair estimates. The plastic used for these articulation points appears vulnerable to stress from normal positioning and removal. Although the headphones come with detachable cables and a sturdy case aiding longevity, the weak point in plastic hinges detracts from the overall build confidence, especially given the premium price point.
Usage Scenarios
The ATH-M70X excels in studio scenarios where detailed and neutral monitoring is required. Users employ them for vocal and acoustic instrument recording, mixing, and critical listening tasks. Their effective isolation prevents bleed into microphones, facilitating clean recording sessions. The relatively low impedance allows compatibility with laptops, mobile devices, and audio interfaces without additional amplification.
While not ideal as casual music listening headphones due to their bright sound and bass restraint, they remain a favourite among professionals who need reliable monitoring reference headphones. DJs or listeners desiring bass-heavy profiles or long-session comfort might find alternatives more suitable.
Summary
- Pros: Detailed and neutral sound reproduction, wide frequency response, effective passive noise isolation, comfortable for mid-duration sessions, versatile detachable cables, and useful carrying case
- Cons: Fragile plastic ear cup hinges susceptible to breakage, bright and bass-light sound profile can cause fatigue, fits tightly which may be uncomfortable over long periods, relatively high price point
Conclusion
The Audio-Technica ATH-M70X delivers the precision and neutral sound signature demanded by professional users requiring accurate monitoring. Its comfortable design and extensive frequency range are assets in studio environments, particularly for detailed mixing and critical listening. Nevertheless, its structural fragility and sound character limit its appeal primarily to professionals aware of these trade-offs. Buyers should weigh the risk of mechanical weakness against the auditory benefits, especially if longevity and robustness are paramount. For those prioritising uncompromising sound detail in a closed-back format, the ATH-M70X remains a compelling choice albeit with caveats on build durability.
