Mods to properly tune the M50x?

Submitted by Iateshit2 t3_112b7jn in headphones

I have had them for a while, since then I have been mostly collecting IEM. Once I got used to proper tuning I can’t go back to them. They are too harsh for me, no mids and loads of treble. I don’t mind bright headphones but those ain’t it chief.

Do you know if anyone has attempted to mod them in a way that would bring out the mids and tame the treble? I am willing to cut into them. Loosing a bit of detail is also alright with me as long as the tuning is pleasant. Thicker foam seems sensible but I doubt it would accentuate the mids. I would actually love to go all out with the mods

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FastGecko5 t1_j8j3lwl wrote

Sell them and buy something else? Lmao

But for a real answer, you could try a couple layers of various different things in front of the drivers (for example coffee filter, paper towel, old t-shirt, etc). If they have some sort of bass port you can experiment with covering it partially or fully. Can also experiment with adding sticky tack inside the cups or filling the rear volume with cotton or other fillers. Everything I've mentioned is easily reversible so you can experiment without worrying about permanently changing something.

Changing the pads for something deeper or covered in a different material can change the sound as well.

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Iateshit2 OP t1_j8kab9q wrote

Thanks, for the tips, will start with those mods. If any of the ones you suggested would work then great, if not will probably try something more drastic.

When it comes to selling, they are pretty heavily used wouldn’t probably ask more than 50$ for them. And I can afford a new pair and I have a few pairs of good iems, it’s all about the fun

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DandyVampiree t1_j8ki7wk wrote

No no you were cooking in the beginning. Sell M50X and buy HD600

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PockyG t1_j8jidts wrote

https://dekoniaudio.com/articles/audio-technica-athm50x/

Here's an article showing the changes in response that earpads make for the M50X.

IMO I'd just look at the graph and buy Brainwavz over Dekonis since they're about half the price for similar quality.

You can put stuff like toilet paper over the drivers but IMO that usually compromises tonal balance too much for most headphones.

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Iateshit2 OP t1_j8kbwmg wrote

Thanks a lot, pads surely need to be changed

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PolarBearSequence t1_j8j0p5m wrote

Modding can be a lot of fun and all that, but if you’re really "just" looking for a way to make your headphones sound better, use EQ. You can still experiment around with it a lot! The r/oratory1990 or AutoEQ presets are good starting points, and from there, you can find out what you’d like to change.

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Iateshit2 OP t1_j8j259x wrote

I am aware of eq but yeah, it’s for fun and I’d like a “permanent” fix. I just like building stuff

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PolarBearSequence t1_j8j5a8k wrote

Absolutely fine. It can be pretty fun, after all!

If you want to dampen the treble, the most reasonable way would probably be to add additional front dampening: extra, thicker foam, or paper, or combining multiple materials. If you want to work with the bass, the easiest way is finding out where the vents are and completely or partially covering them, and then observing how the bass changes. More radical changes would be changing the dampening within the cup: for example, by adding additional material (foams, polyester wool, …), or removing the existing material. The most radical change possible would be drilling additional vent holes, which would convert the headphone into a open/semi-open.

You can also try pad rolling, though that can get a bit pricey fast.

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Iateshit2 OP t1_j8kbpwc wrote

I find bass quite satisfactory, it’s a bit muddy in some parts but wouldn’t want more. For me the bass is the best part of them, just the right amount. I just cannot understand the dip in the frequency response in the vocals range and have no idea how to bring them out. The treble seems pretty straightforward to dampen. Oh, thanks for the tips!! Will have some fun with those. Converting them into open cans seems tempting, would definitely give them more soundstage which they lack. But I am not sure how drastic a change in sound it would be, probably will be the last mod to try out

Edit: now that I think about it maybe there is a happy medium that wouldn’t boost too much bass and bring out the lower mids

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AbbottsOnion t1_j8k9svt wrote

Sell them and buy a pair of AKG k371 or use parametric eq (specifically oratory 1990 profile)

I have an ATH-M50s (older coiled cable version) and I have tried pad rolling but it doesn't really work. Only thing that has is parametric EQ. If i could do it again I would sell it and buy something like an AKG K371 or a pair of good IEMs.

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Iateshit2 OP t1_j8kdqp5 wrote

I could but I already have some decent IEMs. Had the zs10pro, after they failed me bought the zsx (both obnoxious but fun), after that came the arias and the timeless. I am more into IEMs afterall. The M50x’s served me well for 6 years, want to have some fun with them now

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