Наушники — Audio-Technica ATH-M60xa

The ATH-M60xa is a closed-back, on-ear professional monitor headphone in the wired M-Series from Audio-Technica. The model is the updated form of the ATH-M60x that shipped in 2018 at USD 199. Audio-Technica replaced one component of the earlier model, which it states does not change performance or specifications but required a new model number for manufacturing purposes.

Key specs that matter

The dynamic transducer is the same proprietary 45 mm large-aperture driver used in the ATH-M50x, combining rare earth magnets with voice coils of copper-clad aluminium wire. Construction is dynamic and closed-back, and the design targets studio monitoring as well as listening on mobile devices. Frequency response runs from 15 Hz to 28,000 Hz, sensitivity is 102 dB and impedance is 38 ohms at 1 kHz. Maximum input power is 1,600 mW at 1 kHz. The ATH-M60xa weighs about 220 g, against 218 g for the ATH-M60x it replaces.

Engineering and use context

Where the ATH-M50x encloses the ear completely, the ATH-M60xa rests on the ear, giving a lower profile that suits mobile use as well as monitoring work at a studio desk. Metal parts are used in the frame for durability, and the chassis is noticeably lighter than the over-ear ATH-M50x. The ear cushions and the headband padding are made of memory foam and both are removable, so worn parts can be exchanged rather than the whole headphone. The cable detaches and locks in place at the earcup. Three interchangeable leads are supplied - a 3 m straight cable, a 1.2 m straight cable and a coiled cable that extends from 1.2 m to 3 m - and each terminates in a 3.5 mm mini plug. A 6.3 mm screw-on adapter allows connection to equipment with full-size jacks, and a protective pouch is included for carrying. In packaging and accessories the ATH-M60xa therefore matches the older ATH-M60x, so cables and pads for either version follow the same layout.

Pairing

Being easy to drive, the ATH-M60xa runs from phones, laptops, audio interfaces and mixer headphone sockets without a dedicated headphone amplifier. The short straight lead is the natural choice for a phone or portable player, while the long straight or coiled lead gives reach from a studio desk or console. The screw-on adapter covers amplifiers and interfaces with full-size outputs, and the input rating gives headroom on higher-powered studio headphone amplifiers.

Alternatives

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is the over-ear M-Series model with the same driver and 99 dB sensitivity.