Three of the new models are the ATH-M20x, ATH-M30x or ATH-M40x each with 40-mm drivers with neodymium magnets, copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils and the same operating impedance for consistent volume on a common headphone system. Top of the line is the ATH-M50x with 45-mm drivers and the same sonic signature of the original ATH-M50.

Perfect for a first-time buyer or student on the go are a pair of ATH-M20x ($69 MSRP/$49 MAP). These are a basic and solid set of headphones with excellent build quality and, like the entire line, use a circumaural design that provides good isolation from environmental noise or other singers and musicians in studio sessions. Like all in the M-Series, it comes with a 6.3-mm (1/4-inch) gold-plated adapter.

Great for live tracking and field recording are the ATH-M30x headphones ($99 MSRP/$69 MAP). They have a more focused and detailed mid-range sound that enables close scrutiny of audio quality. Both the ATH-M20x and ATH-M30x models have permanently attached 3-meter long single-side cable with the ATH-M30x including a carrying bag.

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-- Audio-Technica's New M-Series Of Studio Headphones--

Jump to the ATH-M40x ($139 MSRP/$99 MAP) and you step up to swivel ear cups for one-ear monitoring and a fully collapsible design. Great for DJ monitoring, these headphones transform into a minimal flatten profile for easily packing them in the included travel pouch and then into your backpack. They come with two detachable cables--a 1.2m to 3m coiled and a straight 3m cable. Besides the backup cable, they have a durable pro-grade headband ready for abuse if you must.

The ATH-M50x professional monitor headphone ($239 MSRP/$169 MAP) comes with all the features and kit of the ATH-M40x and is the epitome of the line. They also come with a short 1.2 m straight cable perfect for use with portable music players and come in black, white (nice for worship space use) and a limited-edition blue tinged model called the ATH-M50xBL ($259 MSRP/$189 MAP).

I've been using my set of ATH-M50x during a mix session here at my studio and I was impressed by the way they revealed details in the mix I missed while listening on my main monitor speakers. This is a good thing! I use headphones (among other monitor speakers) to verify that my mixes translate to outside the studio and sound as expected.

I like the smooth overall sound and especially the neutral bass response and I found that same sonic 'signature' with the M20x, M30x and M40x headphones. I got thumbs up from the musicians and producer on the project I was mixing all listening on all four models of the new M-Series headphones plugged in at the same time!