Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones User
Manual
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Package Contents
- Connecting the Headphones
- Adjusting the Headphones for Comfort
- Using the Headphones with Gaming Consoles
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X
Audiophile Open-Air Headphones. These headphones are designed to
provide you with a natural listening experience, featuring 53mm
drivers with CCAW voice coils for outstanding sound quality. Please
read this user manual carefully before using the headphones to
ensure proper use and care.
2. Package Contents
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD500X Audiophile Open-Air Headphones
- Gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector
- 1/4" (6.3 mm) adapter
3. Connecting the Headphones
To connect the headphones to your audio source, follow these
steps:
- Insert the gold-plated stereo 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector into the
headphone jack of your audio source.
- If your audio source requires a 1/4" (6.3 mm) connection,
attach the included adapter to the 1/8" (3.5 mm) connector before
plugging it in.
4. Adjusting the Headphones for Comfort
The ATH-AD500X headphones feature a self-adjusting 3D Wing
Support Housing for a comfortable fit. To adjust the headphones,
simply place them over your ears and allow the 3D Wing Support
Housing to automatically conform to the shape of your head.
5. Using the Headphones with Gaming Consoles
For use with gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 4, connect
the headphones to the controller's headphone jack. Adjust the
volume through the console's settings menu. Note that the
ATH-AD500X headphones do not have a built-in microphone. If you
require a microphone for gaming, consider attaching a separate
mod-mic to the headphones.
6. Cleaning and Maintenance
To clean the headphones, gently wipe the earpads and outer
casing with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any solvents or cleaning
agents, as they may damage the headphones. To maintain optimal
sound quality, periodically check the headphone cable for any signs
of wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
7. Troubleshooting
- No sound or low volume
- Ensure that the headphones are properly connected to the audio
source and that the volume is set to an appropriate level. If using
the headphones with a gaming console, check the console's settings
menu for volume adjustments.
- Distorted sound
- Check the audio source for any issues, such as a damaged audio
file or poor-quality streaming. If the problem persists, try
connecting the headphones to a different audio source to determine
if the issue is with the headphones or the original audio
source.
- Uncomfortable fit
- Allow the self-adjusting 3D Wing Support Housing to conform to
the shape of your head. If discomfort persists, consider adjusting
the position of the headphones on your head or taking breaks during
extended listening sessions.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between the ATH-AD500X and
ATH-AD700X?
- The main differences between the two models are the frequency
response, impedance, and maximum input power. The ATH-AD700X has a
frequency response of 5-30,000 Hz, an impedance of 38 ohms, and a
maximum input power of 700 mW. The ATH-AD500X has a frequency
response of 5-25,000 Hz, an impedance of 48 ohms, and a maximum
input power of 500 mW.
- Can I use these headphones for gaming?
- Yes, the ATH-AD500X headphones can be used for gaming. Connect
the headphones to your gaming console's controller and adjust the
volume through the console's settings menu. Note that these
headphones do not have a built-in microphone, so you may need to
attach a separate mod-mic for voice communication during
gaming.
- Do I need an amplifier or DAC to use these headphones?
- While the ATH-AD500X headphones can benefit from the use of an
amplifier or DAC, they can also be used without one. The headphones
can be connected directly to most audio sources, such as
smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles, and will still provide
excellent sound quality.
- How do I clean and maintain the headphones?
- To clean the headphones, gently wipe the earpads and outer
casing with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using any solvents or cleaning
agents, as they may damage the headphones. To maintain optimal
sound quality, periodically check the headphone cable for any signs
of wear or damage, and replace it if necessary.
FAQ [continued]
Q: How does the sound quality on these compare to the ath-m40x? If
you had to choose between the two for piano practice/orchestras,
which would you pick?
A: As the m40x is closed, I would imagine your question is about
recording and monitoring? A closed monitor headphone would suit
that objective very well. If you meant you were planning on
enjoying music in a quiet and comfort of a room somewhere the
ad700x will definitely open your ears and blow your mind a bit if
you've never had an experience with open headphones before. Closed
for monitoring or noise area, open for quiet and most enjoyable
sound. Closed may have better bass.
Q: Are they good for gaming?
A: I added an Antlion to mine and it works great for gaming. The
positional audio is solid. If you want ground-rumbling bass, well,
don't use a headset. My sounds card has a good EQ and the bass and
overall sound is excellent.
Q: Does the cord have the option of detaching (unplugging) from the
headset?
A: No.
Q: How do these compare to Sennheiser HD 598 headphones?
A: The sound quality is good for listening to music via computer or
iPhone without an amp. In response to how they compare to the
Sennheisers I would say both perform well while listening to music
via computer or iPhone with or without an amp. Where they differ is
comfort. I acquired a headache after wearing the AD 700xs for only
10 minutes. They apply pressure to the temple region of the skull
and I did not enjoy that. The Sennheisers on the other hand are by
far more comfortable. I now own the Sennheiser HD 598s and the
Sennheiser PC 363Ds. I would recommend the Sennheisers over the
AD700xs.
Q: How well does this work on a PS4 with a mic?
A: I use this setup on a daily basis with a "Zalman" mic. The setup
works great, my only gripe would be both cables are very long so it
can be an annoyance. I currently do not use an amp or DAC but I
heard from a close friend using this with an Astro Mix-amp works
very well. If I had to do it again, I would go with a MOD MIC 4.0
instead of the Zalman for the fact that you can clip it on the ear
cup and flip it up when you're done. Hope this helps.
Q: What are the differences between the 500x and the 700x? And how
are these with movies?
A: They are the best headphones I've ever owned. The only
difference is what drivers are actually used, I've never owned the
700x but I'm sure they would more than likely be sufficient.
Q: Is this headset good for gaming and it doesn't come with a mic
correct? And is it better with an amp? If so then what amp? (Mid to
high range amp)
A: No mic, I wouldn't use this for gaming. Amp usage is pretty
subjective for anything outside of high ohm cans (which these are
not). I think these may be the wrong headphones for you based off
of your questions. Worrying about amps with headphones under 300
bucks is generally a waste of your time and money, spend that money
on better cans, better music first, amp later. Mics only come on
gaming gear which is generally really punchy and far from what
these are.
Q: I have huge ears (tall and wide). Would these fit well over them
or should I go with hd 518s instead?
A: I have large ears, I will say that they are plenty big enough to
fit you, unless you. I would recommend trying them on before you
buy some because the wing headrest isn't good for people with small
heads. If your head is large enough, then these are really
comfortable...I have 518s as well, They feel deeper because their
pads are thicker and a little harder. I also think the Sennheisers
give you more height, but for width of ear, I think the ATH series
is better.
Q: What are the specs on the 700Xs and the differences between the
700s and the 700Xs? Thanks!
A: These are an updated model. The outside material has been
changed but the hardware remains the same. It still uses the same
earphone driver but it is now angled. The angle produces more of a
treble-heavy experience. The fit is different. The 700 is a bit
heavier and fits more comfortably whereas the 700x slips and digs
into your head constantly. You have to mod them to be comfortable.
The old ones sound richer due to the different front-facing
material but the newer ones produce higher range (artificially).
Either way, these are great positional audio cans with a decent
amp. I use Sound Blaster Z (has a standalone amp). Personally, I
use MDR-V6 cans with custom fittings.
Q: What is the difference between the 500, 700, and 900 models?
A: If you are talking about the AD-X series, the higher you go in
the series, the higher the frequency response. The coils are all
the same diameter but produce different tonal balance. According to
the manufacturer's website, the 500 has higher bass, the 700 has
higher mids and highs, and the 900 has a precise balance among all.
I have only used the 700X myself; the mids and highs are indeed
clear and strong and the bass is low.
|  User Guide (PDF) |
Specifications
Brand | Audio-Technica |
Manufacturer | audio-technica |
Model Number | AUD ATHAD500X |
Category | Electronics > Headphones, Earbuds & Accessories > Headphones & Earbuds > Over-Ear Headphones |
Product Dimensions | 8.3 x 4.8 x 11.3 inches |
Item Weight | 8.3 ounces |
ASIN | B009S333U4 |
Item model number | AUD ATHAD500X |
Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 3,774 ratings 4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #31,311 in Electronics |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | December 27, 2012 |
Country of Origin | China |
Model Name | AUD ATHAD500X |
Color | Black |
Form Factor | Over Ear |
Connectivity Technology | Wired |
Weight | 8.3 ounces |
Dimensions | 8.3 x 4.8 x 11.3 inches |
First Available | December 27, 2012 |
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