Audio Technica’s known for quality headsets and microphones, but this time we have something a little bit different than the gaming headsets we usually work with – this is the ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet, which is meant to replace a little bit of your desktop streaming setup. It’s available for $199 in both XLR and USB flavors, and we’re running the USB model. Before we get into it, let’s look at the specs:
- Closed back dynamic
- 45mm drivers, 15 – 28,000 Hz frequency response
- Mic: back electret condenser
- Mic frequency response: 50 – 20,000 Hz (at 3 cm)
- USB 2.0 type-A (USB-C adapter included)
Design and Functionality
Explaining the design is pretty simple and can be summed up in a nutshell – it’s AT’s traditional M50x headset with a boom mic hard attached. But here’s the thing about that boom mic – the condenser has the power of one of their 20-series microphones. So picture an M50x with a 2020 or 2040 mic attached to it. Already it’s a space saver for your desk,
The mic has good flex to accommodate position, but the real practical feature is that flipping it up automatically mutes it. Sure mics have LED’s or red lights to indicate when you’re muted (because none of us want those hot mic moments), but with this design you never have to wonder or miss it. Mic up? muted. Mic down? Back online.
Like I said at the top we’re running the USB model, so easy hookups to laptops and desktop PC’s. To make it easier though, They include a USB-C adapter in the box too, so you can still use it with modern ultrabooks that only run USB-C, and yes, you can also plug it into your mobile device.
It ran just as flawlessly on my Samsung phone and tablet as well as my laptop and desktop PC.
Sound and Performance
The one thing we don’t have to worry about with the streamset is lag. It’s a fully wired connection so 2.4GHz or Bluetooth latency is a non-issue. This is ideal for streaming, where you don’t want your voice chasing your mouth movements looking like they’re trying to catch up.
Audio quality is shot for shot the same as the M50x Bluetooth model we ran a while back. We ran it through a couple of our favorite test songs for range an quality. First was Ramin Djawadi’s renditions of “Wicked Games” from Westworld, which is a great orchestral score behind a fun fight scene. Like the M50xBT2’s, we got the complete range of orchestra, from the high strings down to the low cello and bass vibes, with good balance all the way across.
We got similar results with Massive Attack’s “Teardrop,” with the high vocals coming through like a bell and the bass hits being balanced as opposed to an overwhelming punch to the ear.
Looking at the Red Circle scene from John Wick, again we were immersed into the scene, with all of the screaming, voices, soundtrack, and pings of gunfire filling the soundstage. It was as expected a great immersive experience.
But this is after al the StreamSet, so it’s meant for streaming and podcasting. I live in entertainment and corporate, so I handed it over to Jenesee Grey who lives more in that space, She had the following to say:
“It’s tough to comprehend that this light headset with a tiny mic has the capability to match my podcasting setup that requires a shock mount, arm and weighty hardware. But it does.” – Jenesee Grey
High praise, not only on the sound quality but with the fact that this can be your one-stop portable podcasting setup without so much hardware.
Both of us experienced, from the exciting world of podcasting to the boring world of zoom calls, some of the best headset audio and voice clarity we have ever seen. That’s saying a lot, because I’ve tested out a bunch.
Overall
It’s easy to say that $199 is too high a price for a wired headset, but that’s not looking at the full value of the unit – it’s an M50x combined with a 20-series condenser, resulting in some of the best audio capture on a headset we’ve ever experienced. It also can replace desktop microphones without sacrificing quality, making your ability to stream or cast on the go much easier.
If we had to have a gripe about it, there’s not volume control on the headset itself. But that’s really it. Audio Technica drilled it with this one.
