The ATH-M50x vs DT 770 question is the closed-back studio headphone debate for home recordists. Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are go-to picks for tracking and general studio work, and both are closed-back so they isolate well and minimise bleed into the mic. The core difference is sound and comfort: the M50x is punchy with strong bass, while the DT 770 is airier up top with a more spacious feel.
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This is research-based editorial guidance. Here is what each one is, how they differ, and which to choose.
ATH-M50x vs DT 770: the quick answer
- Choose the ATH-M50x for a punchy, bass-forward sound, a detachable cable and a more portable, folding design.
- Choose the DT 770 Pro for long-session comfort, an airier, more detailed treble, and excellent isolation — but note the impedance options.
What the ATH-M50x is
The M50x is a closed-back studio headphone hugely popular for tracking and everyday use. It has a fairly bass-emphasised, energetic signature, detachable cables (a practical plus), and a folding design that travels well. Its low impedance means it is easy to drive from interfaces, laptops and phones. If you are weighing it against the other obvious Audio-Technica-era classic, our Sony MDR-7506 vs ATH-M50x comparison digs into that pairing.
What the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is
The DT 770 Pro is a closed-back staple known for outstanding comfort thanks to its plush velour earpads, plus a detailed, airy top end and strong isolation. It comes in multiple impedance versions — typically 32, 80 and 250 ohms — which affects what you need to drive it. The cable is fixed (coiled or straight depending on version). If you specifically want that airier signature in an open form, it is worth seeing how the DT 770 stacks up against the DT 990 first.
Key differences that matter
Sound signature
The M50x leans punchy and bass-forward with a slightly recessed upper midrange, which makes it satisfying for tracking and casual listening. The DT 770 has a more pronounced, airy treble and a spacious presentation; the 80-ohm version is the popular all-rounder for studio use. Neither is perfectly flat — for critical mix referencing, see what are reference headphones.
Comfort
The DT 770’s velour pads and lighter clamp are widely praised for long sessions. The M50x uses pleather pads and a firmer clamp, which isolates well but can feel warmer over long stretches. For multi-hour tracking or editing, many prefer the DT 770.
Isolation and bleed
Both are closed-back, so both isolate well and limit bleed into the microphone during recording. That makes either a sensible tracking choice over open-back headphones, which leak sound. If you want to see how they sit among rivals, both feature in our roundup of the best closed-back headphones for recording.
Impedance and what drives them
The M50x is low impedance and easy to drive from almost anything. The DT 770 comes in 32, 80 and 250-ohm versions; the higher-impedance models benefit from a proper headphone amp or a capable interface output. For a typical home interface, the 80-ohm DT 770 is the safe choice.
Cables and build
The M50x has detachable cables (easy to replace) and folds for transport. The DT 770 has a fixed cable but a famously robust, repairable build with replaceable pads.
Pros and cons
| ATH-M50x | DT 770 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Punchy bass, detachable cable, folds, easy to drive | Superb comfort, airy detail, strong isolation, repairable |
| Trade-offs | Firmer clamp, bass-forward voicing | Fixed cable; higher-impedance versions want an amp |
How to choose between them
Rather than asking which headphone is “better” in the abstract, work backwards from how you actually record. A few honest questions will settle it faster than any spec sheet.
What will you mostly use them for?
If the headphones live on a vocalist’s head while they track, prioritise comfort and isolation over a perfectly neutral tone — the person singing needs to hear themselves clearly and stay comfortable for take after take. Here the DT 770’s velour pads earn their reputation. If instead the headphones are your own all-rounder for tracking, editing and a bit of casual listening, the M50x’s energetic voicing and folding portability make it the more flexible single pair.
What are you plugging them into?
This is the detail people most often get wrong. The M50x will play loud and clean from a phone, laptop or any interface. The DT 770, by contrast, is sold in different impedance versions, and that choice has to match your source. Pair a 250-ohm pair with a weak laptop output and it will sound quiet and gutless; the same headphone on a proper amp sounds completely different. If you are unsure, the 80-ohm version is the dependable middle ground for home interfaces.
Do you also mix on headphones?
Neither of these is a true flat reference, so do not lean on either for final tonal-balance decisions. They are tracking headphones first. If you mix in headphones out of necessity, keep a flatter reference pair alongside and cross-check the low end and the brightness on another system before you commit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying the wrong DT 770 impedance. The biggest regret is grabbing a high-impedance pair to use straight from a laptop. Match the version to your output, or default to 80-ohm.
- Mixing tonal decisions on bass-forward cans. The M50x’s lifted low end is fun to track with but can trick you into pulling too much bass out of a mix. Reference elsewhere before finalising.
- Judging fit in a five-minute try-on. Clamp pressure that feels fine briefly can become tiring over a two-hour session. If long sessions are your norm, weight comfort heavily.
- Forgetting about replaceable parts. Both pairs reward you over time — M50x cables and DT 770 pads are replaceable, so worn parts need not mean a new headphone.
Which should you choose?
- Tracking plus portable everyday use: ATH-M50x.
- Long studio sessions and treble detail: DT 770 Pro (80-ohm for most home setups).
- Driving from a phone or laptop: M50x, or the 32-ohm DT 770.
- You also mix on headphones: consider a flatter reference pair alongside either; see reference headphones.
For tracking, pair these with good mic placement and sensible gain staging. More options are in the studio monitors and headphones hub.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more comfortable, the M50x or the DT 770?
Most listeners find the DT 770 Pro more comfortable for long sessions thanks to its soft velour pads and lighter clamp. The M50x isolates well but its firmer clamp and pleather pads can feel warmer over time.
Which impedance DT 770 should I buy?
For a typical home interface, the 80-ohm version is the best all-round choice. Choose 32-ohm if you mainly use phones or laptops, and 250-ohm only if you have a proper headphone amp.
Are these good for mixing or just tracking?
Both are excellent for tracking because they are closed-back and isolate well. Neither is perfectly flat for critical mixing, so cross-check important decisions on monitors or a flatter reference pair.
Can I use one pair for both tracking and listening?
Yes, and that is exactly how many home recordists use them. The M50x in particular doubles well as an everyday pair because it folds and is easy to drive. Just remember that an enjoyable listening voicing is not the same as a neutral mixing reference, so verify mix decisions on something flatter.
