Audio-Technica ATHM40x Professional Monitor Headphones

A little background for context on this review, so please bear with me: I opened my commercial recording studio in 1980 and recorded outside clients up until about 2005. At that point I switched to select clients—whom I continue to record up until present. In the early days of my studio, I used mostly Sony MDR-7506 headphones for my clients. However, after having had to replace a dozen or more transducers on these headphone due to clients cranking them up to 11, I decided to find a good CHEAP alternative; so that every time a client trashed a set of headphones, it wouldn't cost me $100 (actually, the clients always ended up paying for the phones they'd destroyed as I'd always factor the cost of the transducers into their bills.) So, I searched for a relatively-good headphone that would work for my clients. And after a lot of experimenting with various "cheaper" headphones, I found the perfect cans: Sennheiser HD 202 II at $21/each. (In fact I personally liked the sound of these better than the Sonys.) And interestingly, none of these inexpensive, Sennheiser headphones were ever blown by my "rock star" clients. Unfortunately, Sennheiser quit making the HD 202 II. So, I was on the search again for a relatively inexpensive headphone for studio use. Finally about a year ago, I ran across the OneOdio Pro-10 (for $31) that sounded great and even had a detachable cord. I've been using this headphone for a little over a year, and it checks all the boxes. However, I got to reading some of the reviews on the ATH-M40x; and they piqued my curiosity. So, I ordered a set. With high expectations, I ran an A/B test against the OneOdio Pro-10; and in one word, I was "Disappointed." * The sound of the ATH-M40x is actually pretty good, but it lacks the openness and detail that I hear with the OneOdio Pro-10. Both have a nice bottom end; however with the OneOdio Pro-10, you have much better definition. * The fit of the ATH-M40x is decidedly snugger than the OneOdio Pro-10—to the point that the Audio-Technica phones might possibly become a bit distracting during sessions lasting over an hour. * The design of the locking coiled cord that comes with the ATH-M40x (actually two cords come with the phones, this coiled one and a long straight one) causes the cord to "dangle" and "swing" over my computer keyboard—very distracting, as the headphone jack on my audio interface is right beyond my keyboard. On the other hand, the design of the coiled OneOdio Pro-10 cord is: straight > coiled > straight, so that there is some straight cord coming directly out of my audio interface before turning into the coiled portion. This is just an idiosyncrasy peculiar to my specific set up, so this cord design may not be a minus in your particular situation. * The cost of the ATH-M40x is more than twice that of the OneOdio Pro-10. And as stated above, the sound of the OneOdio Pro-10 is slightly better; and not to mention, the comfort level of the OneOdio Pro-10 is decidedly superior. * Both these headphones have a bit of a "cheap/plastic-y" feel compared to the cans I've used over the years, such as the Sony MDR-7506s, the Sennheiser HD 202 IIs and a couple of the higher-end AKG models that I used to use. * I'm not a shill for the company that makes the OneOdio Pro-10; in fact I'd never even heard of this brand until my purchase a year ago based on reviews. I'm simply leveling with you and telling you my experience. I will keep the ATH-M40X phones; because, in all fairness, I've only had them a couple of days (and you can never have too many headphones, right?) But I thought I'd share with you my first impressions of the ATH-M40X.