Наушники — Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet

The ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet is a closed-back over-ear headset from Audio-Technica that joins the headphone section of the ATH-M50x with a cardioid condenser microphone on a boom arm. The capsule is based on the condenser element developed for the company's 20 Series microphones, and the headset is built for streaming, monitoring and content creation. The UK price is GBP 169.

Key specs that matter

The proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers use rare earth magnets, and their voice coils are wound from copper-clad aluminium wire. The quoted response runs from 15 to 28,000 Hz, sensitivity is 99 dB per mW, impedance is 38 ohms and maximum input power is 1,600 mW. Without its cable the headset weighs about 330 g. The microphone is a back electret condenser with a unidirectional pattern, a sensitivity of -44.5 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz) and a response of 50 to 20,000 Hz measured at 3 cm. It needs phantom power between 11 and 52 V DC at 2 mA.

Engineering and use context

The 2.0 m cable is permanently attached and splits into two ends, a 3-pin XLR-M plug for the microphone and a gold-plated 3.5 mm 3-pole stereo mini-plug for the headphones, with a 6.3 mm stereo adapter supplied for larger jacks. Because the microphone leaves the headset as a standard XLR signal, it runs into a mixer or interface preamp in the same way as a desk microphone. The cardioid pickup concentrates on sound arriving in front of the capsule and rejects more of what reaches it from the rear and sides. Flipping the boom arm upward mutes the microphone. Two sets of interchangeable earpads are included - the original M50x pads, which stress isolation, and a mesh and leatherette set that puts breathability and comfort first for long sessions.

Pairing

The microphone half calls for an audio interface, mixer or recorder with an XLR input able to supply phantom power within the stated range. The headphone half is an easy load and runs from the headphone output of the same interface, a computer or a portable device through the mini-plug. Because the cable cannot be detached, its length sets how far the operator can sit from the interface or mixer, and the boom stays positioned to reject background noise in front of the user while speaking.

Alternatives

Audio-Technica also offers the ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet, a version of this headset whose permanently attached 2 m cable ends in a USB-A plug with a USB-C adapter, feeding a built-in 24-bit and 96 kHz A/D converter with sidetone circuitry that lets the user hear their own voice.