Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Package Contents
3. Setting Up Your Headphones
4. Maintenance and Care
5. Troubleshooting Tips
6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones. These headphones are designed for studio and field recording use, offering excellent sound isolation and enhanced detail with excellent mid-range definition. The circumaural design contours around the ears for improved sound isolation in loud environments. This user manual will guide you through the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new headphones.

2. Package Contents

• Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Headphones
• Protective Carrying Pouch
• 6.3 mm (1/4") Screw-On Adapter

3. Setting Up Your Headphones

Follow these steps to set up your Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones:

1. Unfold the headphones by gently pulling apart the headband and earcups.
2. Adjust the headband size by sliding the earcups up or down until they fit comfortably on your head.
3. Connect the 3.0m (9.8') straight cable to your audio source. If your audio source requires a 6.3 mm (1/4") connection, attach the provided screw-on adapter to the cable before connecting it to your device.
4. Put on the headphones, ensuring the left and right earcups align with your left and right ears, respectively. The circumaural design should contour around your ears for optimal sound isolation.

4. Maintenance and Care

To ensure the longevity of your headphones, follow these maintenance and care tips:

• Keep the headphones away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture.
• When not in use, fold the headphones and store them in the provided protective carrying pouch.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents to clean the headphones. Instead, use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt and debris.
• Avoid excessive bending or twisting of the cable to prevent damage.

5. Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues with your headphones, try the following troubleshooting tips:

1. Check the cable connections to ensure they are securely plugged into both the headphones and the audio source.
2. Ensure the audio source is turned on and the volume is adjusted to an audible level.
3. Try connecting the headphones to a different audio source to rule out any issues with the original device.
4. If you are still experiencing issues, contact Audio-Technica customer support for further assistance.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can these headphones be used with a smartphone?

A: Yes, the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones can be used with smartphones and other devices with a 3.5 mm audio jack. If your smartphone requires a different connection, you may need an adapter.

Q: Are these headphones noise-canceling?

A: While the ATH-M30x headphones are not specifically designed as noise-canceling headphones, their circumaural design does provide excellent passive sound isolation, reducing ambient noise.

Q: Can the cable be replaced if it gets damaged?

A: The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x headphones have a fixed cable, so it cannot be easily replaced. If you experience issues with the cable, contact Audio-Technica customer support for assistance.

Q: Are these headphones suitable for gaming?

A: The ATH-M30x headphones are designed for studio and field recording use, but they can also be used for gaming. However, they do not have a built-in microphone, so you will need a separate microphone for voice communication.

Q: Are these over-ears? I mean will they cover the ears and not right on the ears?
A: Yes, they are circumaural, which means they cover the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments.

Q: Does it have a detachable cord?
A: No, only the ATH-M40x, ATH-M50x, ATH-M50x-R, ATH-M50x-BL, ATH-M50x-BL-R, ATH-M50x-WH, ATH-M50x-WH and ATH-M50mkII have detachable cables.

Q: What is the sound leakage when listening to music? Will the people around me hear my music as well?
A: The headphones have little sound leakage. You have to play music at a high volume for others close around you to hear it. If others around you can hear the music well, you are probably listening at a level unsafe for yourself.

Q: How well do they work when functioning as noise cancellation?
A: These headphones are not designed for noise cancellation. However, they offer excellent sound isolation in loud environments.

Q: Will these ATH-M30x headphones work on a tablet?
A: Yes, these headphones can easily be powered by any smartphone or tablet.

Q: How long is the cord?
A: The cord is 9.8 feet long.

Q: Does these headphones produce deep bass?
A: No, they do not produce an even tone or full level of deep bass. They have a claimed response of 15-20,000 Hz. However, with no parameters or test criteria provided on that spec (such as +-3dB vs reference), those specs don't mean much. In actual use, the response for low notes is down a lot compared to the upper midrange notes.

Q: Apparently these are made for recording and sound monitoring. Are they good for listening to music in general?
A: Yes, these headphones are very good for music. They are tuned for enhanced detail, with excellent mid-range definition.

Q: What is the difference between the M30x and the original M30? I'm trying to decide which pair to buy, but if the design is the only difference I'd probably like to save a little money and go with the M30s.
A: The ATH-M30x is a complete overhaul in design and has better sound quality than the original M30.

Q: How do these headphones compare to the M50x?
A: The ATH-M50x offers a much fuller sound than the ATH-M30x, with crisp, natural highs and warm, clear midrange. The bass is deep and rich, and very well defined without being boomy or muddy. Additionally, the build quality of the ATH-M50x is substantially better and more comfortable. The lower impedance on the ATH-M50x allows for more volume from the same output source, producing less distortion from over-driving them. Overall, while both headphones are good for music listening, the ATH-M50x is in a league of its own.