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Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

Audio-TechnicaStudio headset

ATH-M20x

Released February 2014.1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Japanese maker page. Release date (発売日) 2014-02-14 Last checked 21 October 2026.

Form factor
Over-ear
Audio connections
Analog
Active noise cancelling
No
Battery life (claimed, max)
Not available

48 of 161 fields known.

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At a glance

All specs

SourceCalculated

General

Series
M-Series1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026The page speaks of the ATH-M20 series and sits beside the other M-Series models. The M-Series name is from the 2014 launch release5Press articleprosoundweb.com/audio-technica-introduces-next-generation-m-series-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Audio-Technica has remastered its M-Series line of professional monitor headphones
Model numbers
ATH-M20x, ATH-M20x WH1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Model number ATH-M20x. The white online-store model has its own page with model number ATH-M20x WH2Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20x_WHRead 15 October 2026White online-store limited model, model number ATH-M20x WH. Release date 2024-09-27
GTIN / EAN
4961310125400, 49613101631981Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026JAN code 4961310125400 for ATH-M20x. The white model page gives 49613101631982Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20x_WHRead 15 October 2026JAN code 4961310163198
Announced
January 20146Press articlemusicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2014-audio-technica-reveals-new-m-series-headphones-591670Read 15 October 2026Article published 2014-01-23 reproduces the maker release dated 2014-01-20: the ATH-M20x made its debut at Winter NAMM 2014
Status
Available1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Current product page, updated to a sales figure dated October 2026. Thomann also has it in stock7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026In stock on the access date
Predecessor
Not available
Successor
Not available
Launch price (US)
$695Press articleprosoundweb.com/audio-technica-introduces-next-generation-m-series-headphonesRead 15 October 2026U.S. MSRP: ATH-M20x $69. Street prices were lower, and SoundGuys later lists $49
Launch price (EU)
Not available
Markets
JP, US, EU1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Sold in Japan by the maker. The US MSRP comes from the launch release3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026The file is an EU conformity file for the EMC and RoHS directives, with an authorized representative in Leeds, UK and distribution contacts in Germany, France and Hungary.5Press articleprosoundweb.com/audio-technica-introduces-next-generation-m-series-headphonesRead 15 October 2026U.S. MSRP published for the launch7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Thomann, a German shop, lists the black ATH-M20x in stock on the access date.
Colours
Black, White2Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20x_WHRead 15 October 2026White colour model (ホワイトカラーモデル), limited to the official online store7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Colour: Black. The white ATH-M20xWH is listed as a variation of the product
Segment
Studio1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Product category: Professional monitor headphones (プロフェッショナルモニターヘッドホン)

Design

Form factor
Over-ear7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Circumaural, over-ear design
Ear cup enclosure
Closed1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Type: closed dynamic (密閉ダイナミック型)7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Closed-back
Wearing style
Headband8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026Over-ear headphones with a padded crown band and a metal-reinforced headband
Folding
None4Owner's manualaudio-technica.co.jp/pdf/support/ATH-M20x-50x_UM.pdfRead 15 October 2026The model table gives the ATH-M20x only items A (3.0 m cable) and E (6.3 mm adapter). The folded position G is listed for the ATH-M30x, ATH-M40x and ATH-M50x only. SoundGuys confirms that the ATH-M20x does not fold8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026The ATH-M20x does not fold down at all
Swivelling ear cups
Not available
RGB lighting
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available

Drivers and sound

Driver type
Dynamic1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Type: closed dynamic3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Type: closed-back dynamic7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026
Driver size
40mm1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Driver: 40 mm, new strong-magnet CCAW voice coil driver3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Driver diameter 40 mm. Voice coil: copper-clad aluminum wire7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 202640 mm driver with neodymium magnet and copper-clad aluminium wire voice coils
Drivers per side
Not available
Diaphragm material
Not available
Magnet
Neodymium3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Magnet: neodymium7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Neodymium magnet
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Min15 HzMax20 kHz1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Frequency response 15 to 20,000 Hz3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Frequency response 15 - 20,000 Hz7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026
Wireless audio transmission band
Not available
Impedance (passive when specified)
47Ω1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Impedance 47 ohm3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Impedance 47 ohms7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
96dB1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Output sound pressure level: 96 dB/mW3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Sensitivity 96 dB. The reference is not stated here7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026
Sensitivity reference
Per 1 mW1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Published as 96 dB/mW
THD (claimed)
Not available
Max input power
700mW1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Maximum input 700 mW. The EU technical file adds at 1 kHz3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Maximum input power 700 mW at 1 kHz7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Max. input level 700 mW at 1 kHz
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
DAC
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Custom EQ bands
Not available
EQ presets
Not available
Volume limit
Not available

Spatial audio

We could not find any of these 3 fields. Show them
Spatial audio support
Not available
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Head tracking
Not available

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling
No8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026The review describes passive isolation only and does not mention active noise cancelling
ANC type
Not available
ANC microphones
Not available
Adaptive ANC
Not available
ANC levels
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Transparency mode
Not available
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Conversation detection
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Not available

Measured

Frequency response notes
Under-emphasises almost the whole range against the SoundGuys studio curve, apart from a slight emphasis at 2 kHz. The main deviations are below 70 Hz and in the highs at 5 kHz and between 8 and 10 kHz.8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026SoundGuys lab measurement against its studio target curve. Slight emphasis at 2 kHz, under-emphasis elsewhere. Main deviations below 70 Hz, at 5 kHz and between 8 and 10 kHz. The review also notes that the ear cups rotate 15 degrees and that the headphones have no rotating ear cups, so the swivel field is left out
Bass amount
Not available
Treble amount
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Measured noise isolation
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Mic quality notes
Not available
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Measured latency
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Measured battery life
Not available
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
Clamping force
Not available
Weight (measured)
Not available

Microphone

Microphone
None1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026The specification table has a driver, plug and cord section and no microphone section. The ATH-M20xSTS page of the same maker does list a microphone section
Microphone element
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Not available
Voice microphones
Not available
Total microphones
Not available
Mic frequency response
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
Flip to mute
Not available
Mute button
Not available
Mute indicator
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available

Connectivity

Audio connections
Analog8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026The ATH-M20x connects to a source with a 3.5 mm cable and ships with a 1/4 inch adapter
Analog source plugs
3.5 mm TRS, 6.35 mm1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Plug: 6.3 mm standard and 3.5 mm mini, gold-plated stereo 2-way plug. Stereo is read as a 3-pole TRS plug4Owner's manualaudio-technica.co.jp/pdf/support/ATH-M20x-50x_UM.pdfRead 15 October 20266.3 mm stereo plug adapter (accessory) for the 3.5 mm gold-plated stereo plug7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 20263.5 mm jack plug, 6.3 mm adapter included
Cable connector on headset
Fixed cable6Press articlemusicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2014-audio-technica-reveals-new-m-series-headphones-591670Read 15 October 2026Maker NAMM 2014 release: single-side cable exit with a permanently attached 3 m cable7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Replaceable cable: No. A fixed three-metre cable on the left-hand side8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026The cable is not detachable or replaceable
Longest included cable
3m1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Cord length 3.0 m3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Cable: 3.0 m (9.8 ft), straight, left-side exit6Press articlemusicradar.com/news/tech/namm-2014-audio-technica-reveals-new-m-series-headphones-591670Read 15 October 2026Permanently attached 3 m cable7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 20263 m cable with 3.5 mm jack plug
Headset USB plug or port
Not available
Audio over USB-C cable
Not available
Passive wired listening
Yes1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026The table lists only a plug and a 3.0 m cord. No battery, charging or wireless item is listed, so analog playback needs no power
Wireless receiver
None1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Wired plug and cord only. The wireless ATH-M20xBT is a separate model
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
Bluetooth
Not available
Bluetooth codecs
Not available
LE Audio
Not available
Auracast
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Not available
Multipoint devices
Not available
Paired devices remembered
Not available
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Base station
Not available

Latency

We could not find any of these 2 fields. Show them
Low latency mode
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available

Compatibility

We could not find any of these 3 fields. Show them
Compatible platforms
Not available
Connection per platform
Not available
Official licence
Not available

Battery and charging

Battery capacity
Not available
Swappable battery
Not available
Batteries included
Not available
Claimed battery life
Not available
Battery life (claimed, max)
Not available
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
Not available
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
Charging port
None1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026No battery, charging or wireless item in the table
Full charge time
Not available
Quick charge time
Not available
Quick charge playback
Not available
Use while charging
Not available
Charging dock or stand
Not available

Controls

Controls
Not available
Volume control
None1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026No remote, control or microphone item in the table. The cord is a plain 3.0 m cord
Game and chat mix
Not available
Remappable controls
Not available
Wear detection
Not available
Voice assistant
Not available

Comfort and build

Headband type
Padded7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Well padded and adjustable. The page lists swivelling ear cups up to 90 degrees, which the maker page and SoundGuys do not confirm, so no swivel value is stored. Its weight lines (251 g and 200 g with cable) are inconsistent and are not used8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026Headband is comfortable, with padding similar to the other ATH-M headsets
Headband material
Not available
Frame material
Plastic with metal reinforcements8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026Lightweight plastic build save for metal reinforcements
Ear cup material
Plastic8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026Matte plastic ear cups with a glossy black logo. The build is lightweight plastic apart from metal reinforcements. The review text says both that the ear cups rotate 15 degrees and that the ATH-M20x has no rotating ear cups, so no swivel value is stored.
Ear pad material
Vinyl8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026Vinyl-covered ear pads
Replaceable ear pads
Yes1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Sold separately: replacement ear pads HP-M30x
Ear pad attachment
Stretch-over9Owner's manualdocs.audio-technica.com/eu/p52521_mseries_earpad_replacement.pdfRead 21 October 2026Audio-Technica instruction P52521 for HP-EP replacement earpads names the ATH-M20x among the models. Step 2: slide the new earpad's flange into the slot of the earcup. Step 3: gently stretch the flange over the slot until the pad is securely in place.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Ear pads (HP-M30x)1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Sold separately: replacement ear pads HP-M30x

Software

We could not find any of these 3 fields. Show them
Companion app
Not available
App platforms
Not available
User firmware updates
Not available

Dimensions and weight

Headset weight
190g(6.7 oz)1Maker product pageaudio-technica.co.jp/product/ATH-M20xRead 15 October 2026Mass without cord (質量(コード除く)): about 190 g. The cord is fixed, so the stored value excludes it, as the maker states3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Weight 190 g (6.7 oz) without cable and connector8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026Review page lists 190 g, the same as the maker
Headset dimensions
Not available

Certifications

Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Communication certifications
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
Other certifications
EMC (2004/108/EC), RoHS (2011/65/EU)3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Declaration of Conformity TCF No. ATTWCE-HP140318001 (PDF page 9, dated 18 March 2014) covers ATH-M20x/30x/40x/50x. It states conformity with the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC (EN 55103, EN 55020) and the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (EN 50581:2012). Section 2.4 describes a microphone and is a copy error, so it is not used.

In the box

In the box
Headphones with fixed 3.0 m cable, 6.3 mm stereo plug adapter3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Accessory included: 6.3 mm (1/4 inch) snap-on adapter. No pouch or other accessory is listed4Owner's manualaudio-technica.co.jp/pdf/support/ATH-M20x-50x_UM.pdfRead 15 October 2026Accessories for the ATH-M20x: the 6.3 mm stereo plug adapter7Retailer pagethomannmusic.com/audio_technica_ath_m20x.htmRead 15 October 2026Incl. a 6.3 mm adapter8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026Ships with a 1/4 inch adapter and no other extras
Cables included
TypeLength (m)Count
Straight cable, fixed to the left ear cup31
Source3Maker spec sheet (PDF)docs.audio-technica.com/eu/DOC_ATH-M20x_30x_40x_50x.pdfRead 15 October 2026Cable: 3.0 m (9.8 ft), straight, left-side exit. The MusicRadar copy of the maker release calls it permanently attached
Carrying case
None8Measurementsoundguys.com/audio-technica-ath-m20x-review-63732Read 15 October 2026You don't get any extras, not even a carry bag

Warranty

Manufacturer warranty (source market)
1year4Owner's manualaudio-technica.co.jp/pdf/support/ATH-M20x-50x_UM.pdfRead 15 October 2026Japanese warranty certificate: one year from purchase. It is valid only in Japan. This is Japan coverage, not a global warranty claim

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Variants

Each variant lists only what differs from the specs above.

Model numberGTINLaunch price (US)MarketsColours
ATH-M20x4961310125400$69JP, US, EUBlack
ATH-M20x WH4961310163198Not availableNot availableWhite

Sources

We read 9 sources for this headset. The numbers match the markers in the sheet.

  1. Read 15 October 2026Backs 27 fields
  2. Read 15 October 2026Backs 4 fields
  3. Read 15 October 2026Backs 14 fields
  4. Read 15 October 2026Backs 5 fields
  5. Read 15 October 2026Backs 5 fields
  6. Read 15 October 2026Backs 3 fields
  7. Read 15 October 2026Backs 18 fields
  8. Read 15 October 2026Backs 14 fields
  9. Read 21 October 2026Backs 1 field

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