Audio Technica’s StreamSet line of headphones has become pretty popular among streamers, with its combination of tech from the outfit’s ATH-50x studio monitors and iconic 20 Series microphones. Only problem is, they’ve made them strictly in wired configurations to ensure they’re able to maintain that studio-grade audio quality. Well, that changes now with the Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-WL StreamSet.
The first wireless headset in the line, it finally gives streamers and other content creators a cable-free option, all while being able to maintain the same high-grade audio quality as their wired models. That’s right, you can finally enjoy a StreamSet headset without having to be held down by wires.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-WL StreamSet isn’t a Bluetooth headset, since your PC’s Bluetooth connection with its low polling rate probably won’t be able to handle the ultra-low latency this headset’s studio-grade audio quality requires. Instead, it comes with a 2.4GHz dongle for plugging into PCs and consoles that the headset uses for its wireless transmission. According to the outfit, using their own 2.4GHz connection ensures a stable, low-latency connection in a way that Bluetooth just cannot, although they didn’t list the actual estimated latency rates. The connection, by the way, can work at distances of up to 33 feet, making it viable even for playing console games on the couch.
The headset’s closed-back headphones use 45mm large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire coils that, the outfit claims, deliver the legendary M50x studio sound, each with a frequency response range of 20 Hz to 22 kHz. Its supplied with two sets of distinct earpads: one that’s designed to maximize sound isolation for when you the best audio quality possible; and one that emphasizes breathability and comfort for those longer gaming and listening sessions. These are not ANC headphones, by the way, so it should allow for a pretty natural listening experience.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-WL StreamSet also gets an electret condenser microphone that’s mounted on a flip-up boom arm, so you can easily adjust its position to maximize voice pickup while minimizing background noise. It also automatically mutes when flipped up, which should feel very intuitive. If you have a lot of background noise from fans, ACs, and other ambient sounds, you can also turn on the mic’s switchable noise reduction, which is available in two levels. It also has an adaptive algorithm that can automatically set the appropriate noise reduction levels based on what it hears in your surroundings.
According to the outfit, it uses sidetone circuitry that lets you hear your speaking voice in the headphones whenever you talk, which should enable a natural, conversational experience. The onboard battery is rated at 24 hours of playback, by the way, making it viable even for all-day streams. Other features include a weight of 13 ounces for headset alone, a charging time of 3.5 hours, a fold flat design that makes it viable for transport, and a 6.6 feet USB cable for those times you’re running out of battery and need to plug in to keep the game session going.
The Audio Technica ATH-M50xSTS-WL StreamSet is available now, priced at $299.
