New Toys: Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS

The ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB StreamSet™ are the world’s first headsets for live-streaming content creators that use the ATH-M50x professional monitor headphones along with a 20 Series condenser microphone on a flexible boom. The well-known M50x's 45-mm large-aperture drivers provide clarity over an extended frequency range plus a deep, accurate bass. They come with two sets of ear pads: the regular M50x ear pads for quality audio and good isolation and also a pair of lightweight mesh and breathable leatherette ear pads for more casual uses.

Both models have a directional, cardioid condenser capsule on the end of a fully adjustable boom arm. You get a studio-quality vocal sound but without background noise and, since the mic stays locked in position in front of your mouth, your vocal is always a constant level. Flipping the boom arm up out of the way mutes the mic. Flipping the boom arm up out of the way mutes the mic. Great idea!

Both headsets use a 2-meter (6.6-foot) permanently attached cable. The ATH-M50xSTS comes with 3.5-mm (1/8-inch) headphone cable, plus a 6.3-mm (1/4-inch) adapter) as well as a XLR microphone output connector. For connection to PCs and Macs, the ATH-M50xSTS-USB's cable terminates with an USB-A connection and comes with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.

The ATH-M50xSTS-USB has an A/D converter with a sampling rate of up to
24-bit/96 kHz; you may feed the mic audio directly to the headphones if
required through an adjustable volume control. 

The ATH-M50xSTS sells for $199 MSRP and the ATH-M50xSTS-USB sells
for $229 MSRP. With them you have the option of either all-analog headphones
and a phantom-powered microphone system or all digital using a single USB
connector. What a great idea and I want a pair! 

audio-technica.com/en-us/ath-m50xsts