Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Two-minute evaluation
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB) is a good sounding headset. Nevertheless, it brings up a well-recognized query when gaming headsets – and that’s determining what’s vital.
In any case, a number of the greatest gaming headsets provide all kinds of bells and whistles to take gaming audio to the following stage, however don’t fairly hit the mark if you’re simply leaning again and listening to music. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset is undoubtedly one of many greatest wired gaming headsets on the market proper now, but it surely flips the script. You received’t discover a lot in the way in which of options – there’s not even an app. But the sound high quality alone makes up for that.
For me, that sound high quality is extra vital than with the ability to EQ or use directional / spatial / insert-gimmick audio to course of or change what you’re listening to. Since this can be a headset model of the well-loved Audio-Technica ATH-M50x recognized for its outsized efficiency to cost, it’s no shock that the corporate went on this course.
Earlier than digging too deep into the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset, it’s vital to level out that there are two iterations: the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB reviewed right here and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-XLR.
The one variations between the 2 are connectivity. The USB model has an hooked up cable that terminates into USB-A (it additionally comes with an adapter for USB-C ports), whereas the XLR model makes use of that kind of connection that requires an audio interface to connect with your pc. Plus, it wants phantom energy for the mic.
The increase mic right here has a handy flip-to-mute operate, however is most noteworthy for utilizing a capsule from a condenser mic versus the dynamic ones most use.
The variations between these two sorts are past the scope of this evaluation, however the fast model is that condenser mics often sound higher with a fuller frequency vary whereas dynamic mics are higher at simply choosing up the sound in entrance of them.
So far as the aesthetics of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset goes, it nonetheless retains that belongs-in-the-studio all-black look. Although the corporate is advertising this headset to streamers and avid gamers, particularly because the authentic model has been really useful as a headphones different to gaming headsets on each different discussion board, there’s no gamer-focused design decisions apart from the inclusion of that mic.
That stated, Audio-Technica does embrace two several types of earpads, particularly material and leatherette, so you possibly can regulate the consolation a bit. They do provide barely completely different experiences as I discover the leatherette to be slightly hotter to put on. Whichever one you put in, you in all probability received’t need to trip an excessive amount of as they’re a ache to put in.
In relation to ergonomics, there’s a lot readily available because the earcups can tilt and swivel 180 levels. And, after all, the headscarf has loads of extension readily available for various sized heads.
On the finish of the day, the consolation on these headphones are respectable however not superb. Although the clamping drive just isn’t extreme, it’s a little tight. The way in which the load is distributed right here ended up with a lot of the headset’s 330 grams bearing on my cranium. That implies that after lengthy classes, I did really feel slightly strain the place the headscarf sat.
Fortunately, the sound high quality makes up for another points. Not solely did I take advantage of it for video games resembling Starfield, Far Cry 6, and Battlefield 2042however I really used them to do some mixing. That’s as a result of the sound high quality right here just isn’t solely detailed with loads of decision however pretty evenly balanced. There’s slightly extra bass than essentially the most impartial headphones on the market, but it surely’s not overly pronounced. The mid-range is equally full with out being overbearing. And, the high-end retains all of the readability one may ask for, once more with out being overly shiny.
There’s additionally loads of headroom so audio by no means will get compressed as a result of headphones. Nevertheless, the soundstage just isn’t a standout function. Make no mistake, it’s good – simply not particularly large. That stated, the imaging (placement of sound components inside the soundstage) may be very exact so I at all times know the place one thing is, whether or not it’s a guitar or gunshots.
So far as the mic goes, it has slightly little bit of a double-edge sword. Because it makes use of the identical capsule as Audio-Technica’s 20 sequence microphones just like the AT2020USB-XPit has the advantages of a condenser mic in addition to the drawbacks that means that the speaker’s voice is obvious and uncompressed sounding, which is sort of by no means the case with most increase mics, however any environmental noise can even get picked up.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Value & availability
- How a lot does it price? $229.00 / £199.99 / AU$469.00
- When is it obtainable? Accessible now
- The place are you able to get it? Accessible within the US, UK, and Australia
Gaming headsets are available in all kinds of worth ranges from ultra-budget to pretty expensive. Whereas they don’t attain the extent of audiophile headphones, asking for as much as $400 for a gaming headset is sufficient to flip most individuals away.
Fortunately, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet, whereas a bit spendy, remains to be inside attain of most individuals. There are two variations which have been obtainable because the starting of 2023. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-USB is the costlier of the 2, going for $229 / £199.99 / AU$469.
The marginally cheaper Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-XLR, with a going worth of $199.99 / £169.99 / AU$399, trades in a digital USB connection for XLR. In the event you’re a streamer utilizing an interface to attach a number of sources, the XLR might be the higher technique to go. Exterior of the connectivity and the truth that the USB one wants a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter), the 2 headsets are utterly similar.
Although wired headsets go for cheaper than wi-fi as most of the pricier choices from SteelSeries, Razer, Audeze and the like have a tendency to succeed in above $300 / £300, fashions like this from Audio-Technica are a barely completely different breed than most wired ones. And, that’s as a result of the wired connectivity just isn’t a cost-cutting resolution, however one to offer the very best listening expertise.
That implies that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet will sound higher than most wired gaming headsets. The fashions that can give this headset a run for its cash are additionally largely centered on the audio expertise such because the Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 Rwhich is a superb sounding headset that may have a good higher soundstage than the Audio-Technica on account of its open-back design.
It’s additionally a bit cheaper at $199 (about £150, AU$280), although it’s good to think about the truth that it doesn’t include a mic so that you’ll should put money into a USB or clip-on mic. And, because it makes use of an analog 3.5mm connection as an alternative of a USB one, it won’t have fairly the constancy of the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet. As an example, the mic picked up the fan from my rest room virtually ten toes away.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Specs
| Interface: | USB-C, USB-A |
| Platforms: | PC, Mac |
| Mic: | Again electret condenser increase mic |
| Encompass sound: | None |
| Weight: | 330 g (12 oz), with out cable |
Do you have to purchase the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB)?
| Worth | Although at an higher mid-range worth level, it provides a listening expertise that’s greater than price the associated fee. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Design | The design is easy, comes with two kinds of earpads, and loads of ergonomics, although consolation takes a slight hit. | 4 / 5 |
| Efficiency | The sound high quality is nice as is the mic so long as you don’t have any environmental noise to compete with. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Common score | The sound high quality alone makes this a straightforward suggestion, even when it’s mild on options. | 4 .5 / 5 |
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB): Additionally take into account
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB) | HyperX Cloud III | Beyerdynamic Tygr 300 R |
| Value: | $229.00 / £199.99 / AU$469.00 | $99.99 (about £99.99, AU$150) | $199 (about £150, AU$280) |
| Interface: | USB-C, USB-A | 3.5mm, USB-C, USB-A | Wired |
| Platforms: | PC, Mac | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Swap, Mac, and Cell | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Collection X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Swap, Mac, and Cell |
| Mic: | Again electret condenser increase mic | Removable 10mm mic | increase mic |
| Encompass sound: | None | DTS Headphone:X Spatial Audio | None |
| Weight: | 330 g (12 oz), with out cable | 317.5 g (11.2 oz) | 290g (10.2oz) |
How I examined the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB)
- Used often for a pair weeks
- Examined with all kinds of video games and music
- Examined the mic
I used the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset (USB) often for a pair weeks. I used it with a variety of video games together with Starfield, Cyberpunk 2077, Managementand Rocket League. I additionally used it to look at some streaming video and take heed to music.
I checked out different points past efficiency, after all, resembling consolation and ease-of-use. I additionally tried each earpads that have been included.
I’ve examined a variety of tech gear over time from laptops to keyboards and audio system, and so have been in a position to make use of my experience in the direction of giving an sincere and honest opinion, to not point out a vital eye, to any product I check.
Learn extra about how we check
First reviewed November 2023
