Messe 2018: Audio-Technica ATH-M60x  | SM Mastering

At the Musikmesse trade show in Frankfurt, Audio-Technica unveiled an exciting addition to their critically acclaimed M-Series monitoring lineup. Officially introduced as the messe 2018: audio-technica ath-m60x professional monitor headphones, these cans target broadcast, studio tracking, and mobile production environments. Combining the powerful sonic performance of their predecessors with a compact, on-ear footprint, they represent a significant shift toward ultra-portable pro audio monitoring.

Engineering Insights: Messe 2018: Audio-Technica ATH-M60x

These headphones utilize the exact same proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers that made the legendary ATH-M50x an industry standard. Featuring rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, the drivers ensure a highly accurate transient response. When assessing the technical capabilities of the messe 2018: audio-technica ath-m60x , engineers will appreciate the exceptional high-frequency clarity and tight, unhyped low-end reproduction. This makes them highly suitable for checking critical mix balances, especially when compared with high-end reference setups like those from Neumann or other elite audio manufacturers.

For mastering and mixing engineers seeking deeper insights into room acoustics, monitoring chain setups, and high-fidelity signal paths, exploring resources on our SM Mastering Audio Articles platform can provide valuable industry context.

Physical Design and Studio Ergonomics

Unlike bulkier over-ear models, the physical profile of the messe 2018: audio-technica ath-m60x is remarkably low-profile. Audio-Technica has utilized a closed-back, on-ear (supra-aural) configuration engineered specifically for maximum passive acoustic isolation. To combat the ear fatigue commonly associated with on-ear headphones, the headband and earpads feature premium, ultra-comfortable memory foam. The sleek, durable metal design ensures these headphones can withstand the rigors of heavy daily use in both broadcast trucks and high-pressure studio environments.

Additionally, the messe 2018: audio-technica ath-m60x operates at a low impedance. This design choice guarantees a loud, clear, and undistorted signal output even when connected directly to low-power headphone jacks, such as those found on modern laptops, field recorders, and mobile devices. It also ships with three interchangeable cables (a 1.2 m to 3.0 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, and a 1.2 m straight cable) along with a protective carrying pouch.

Technical Specifications

Practical Studio Workflow Tips

• Check Your Translation: Because these headphones feature the same drivers as the ATH-M50x but in an on-ear format, they provide a slightly more direct transient impact. Use them to check how your dynamic transients and mid-range details translate compared to open-back models.
• Mobile Reference Power: Take advantage of the low-impedance design. You do not need a high-end external headphone amplifier to drive them; they will perform at their peak directly from your laptop or audio interface on location.
• Interchangeable Cables for Safety: Always match the appropriate cable to your environment. Use the short 1.2 m straight cable for mobile laptop work to avoid clutter, and keep the coiled cable in the studio to prevent accidental cable tugs from damaging your interface’s headphone socket.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the messe 2018: audio-technica ath-m60x stands out as an incredibly versatile asset for modern audio engineers. By porting the celebrated frequency response of the M50x into a compact, highly isolated, on-ear frame, Audio-Technica has created a tool that bridges the gap between field production and critical studio monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the ear pads on these headphones replaceable?

Yes, both the memory foam earpads and the headband pad are fully replaceable. This ensures that your investment remains durable over years of continuous professional use in both studio and broadcast environments.

Do these sound exactly the same as the ATH-M50x?

While they share the exact same 45 mm drivers, the physical enclosure and on-ear coupling create a slightly different acoustic presentation. The ATH-M60x offers tighter isolation and a highly focused mid-range transient response compared to the over-ear M50x.

Can I use these headphones for master reference checks?

Yes. Due to their flat frequency response and reliable clarity across the spectrum, they serve as an excellent secondary reference tool during mastering to verify low-end definition and high-end transient detail.

Written by SM Mastering

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