STACK #253 November 2025

TECH REVIEW

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Audio-Technica ATH-R30x Professional Open Back Headphones The ATH-R30x is Audio-Technica’s entry-level open back model in the refined R-Series, designed to deliver spacious, speaker like sound in a set of headphones at a great price. Built around 40mm drivers and featuring the open-back mesh housing, these cans offer a wide soundstage and aim for clarity and transparency over bass-boosted theatrics – you’re hearing more of the recording and less of the “enhanced” version of it. Comfort-wise, they’re impressively lightweight (around 200g) and come with soft velour ear pads and an adjustable headband. These are definitely suitable for long listening sessions, whether you’re mixing in a home studio or editing video content. The open-back design means they’re best used in a quiet setting rather than on commutes. In terms of who they’re for, if you’re a budding creator, home studio enthusiast, or serious listener who wants a balanced, professional tuning experience without spending premium audiophile money, the ATH-R30x are a very smart pick. They might Open-back headphones are ideal for studio use, particularly mixing and mastering, because the design provides greater airflow for a more natural soundstage – and better comfort during long sessions. However, open-back cans don’t block ambient noise or sound leakage, whereas classic over-ear headphones are sealed at the rear for this very purpose. How do open-back headphones di er from other headphones?

REVIEW

Audio-Technica, one of the biggest and most well-respected names in audio, brings two excellent headphone choices for musicians, content creators, or those just looking to add a professional touch to their home studio. Words Paul Jones STUDIO STALLIONS

Audio-Technica ATH-R50X Professional Open Back Headphones Audio-Technica’s ATH-R50x proves you don’t need a rockstar budget to get studio-quality sound. Sitting just beneath the flagship R70xa, these open and silver Audio-Technica branding details across the perforated earcups enhance the professional aesthetic. The comfortable velour ATH-R50X Professional

back headphones bring serious pro-level audio with very few compromises. The R50x comes with two detachable cables: a short 1.2-metre one for everyday use, and a long 3-metre cable with the option to screw on a quarter-inch adapter to the 3.5mm jack. On the left cup, the cable port features a bayonet lock connection and detaching the cable requires the jack to be twisted to the left. It’s an effective system that prevents the cable from being unceremoniously yanked from your cans when it hooks around a chair arm or the like. The jacks are gold-plated for optimum connectivity and durability, and they all pack into a tidy faux-leather carry pouch. Design-wise, the ATH R50x keeps things clean and classic. The subtle matte black

earcups swivel to adapt to the contours of your head, and the same level of comfort is afforded to the two fabric pads on the headband. At just under 210g, these are barely noticeable once worn, making them an excellent option for long sessions. Under the bonnet, the R50x means business. The 45mm drivers cover a massive 5Hz to 40kHz range, giving you rumbling lows and crisp highs that stay balanced and clear. With a 51-ohm impedance, you can run them straight from your laptop, audio interface, or even your phone with no fancy amp needed. And with a max output of around 94dB SPL, there’s plenty of volume on tap. But what about the all important sound quality? Well, it’s seriously impressive. Stereo feels wide and natural,

with excellent detail across the board, and vocals and instruments come through crystal clear. Overall, the tuning hits the sweet spot and is perfect for mixing, video editing, or even just kicking back with your favourite albums. In a nutshell, the ATH-R50x offers big-league sound and comfort at an affordable price. If you want headphones that sound honest, feel great, and don’t break the bank, these should be high on your list.

not match the precision of a higher-tier ATH R50x sibling, but for the price, performance and design, they punch way above what you’d expect.

42 NOVEMBER 2025

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