Gaming is extremely popular, and we’re not just talking about playing alone. Watching others play or share their adventures on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube has also become a popular (and for some very lucrative) activity. But it’s important to have the right equipment!
Japanese Audio-Technica has apparently realized this, because at CES 2023 they launched two new headsets in the StreamSet model series, which specifically target players, live streamers and content creators.
Audio-Technica StreamSet ATH-M50xSTS and ATH-M50xSTS-USB
The StreamSet series consists of wired models with XLR and USB connectors. The earpads are based on the already well-known M50X with 45mm drivers, which are very popular among DJs and other professional users. But here it is delivered with a cable for USB or XLR, and most importantly – a high-quality microphone, borrowed from Audio Technica’s 20-series.
The analog ATH-M50xSTS comes with a two-meter long cable with a jack connector and XLR to connect the microphone to a mixer. The digital ATH-M50xSTS-USB has, as the name suggests, a USB-A cable with a USB-C adapter for direct connection to computers. The STS-USB model also has a built-in 24-bit/96 kHz DAC and a feature that allows you to hear your voice in the headset and adjust the volume with a dial on the side of the ear cup.
Features:
- Legendary studio sound of ATH-M50x headphones paired with the renowned clarity of 20 Series microphones creates the ideal headset for live streaming
- Proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response
- Cardioid condenser microphone, based on the iconic 20 Series microphones, provides studio-quality articulation and intelligibility
- Flexible boom arm keeps mic in position near your mouth, helping to reject background noise and deliver crystal-clear audio
- Boom arm flips up to quickly mute the microphone
- Comes with two types of interchangeable earpads to emphasize either high fidelity and isolation or breathability and comfort
- 2 m (6.6′) permanently attached cable with 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphone input (plus 6.3 mm (1/4″) adapter) and XLR microphone output (ATH-M50xSTS analog model)
- 2 m (6.6′) permanently attached cable with USB-A connection (and USB-A to USB-C adapter) for plug-and-play connectivity to PCs and Macs (ATH-M50xSTS-USB digital model)
- High quality A/D converter with up to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate for superb, high-resolution audio (ATH-M50xSTS-USB digital model)
- Sidetone circuitry lets you hear your voice in the headphones for a more natural, conversational experience (ATH-M50xSTS-USB digital model)
| Technical specifications ATH-M50xSTS / ATH-M50xSTS-USB | |
|---|---|
| Type | Closed-back dynamic |
| Driver Diameter | 45 mm |
| Frequency Response | 15 to 28,000 Hz |
| Maximum Input Power | 1,600 mW |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB/mW |
| Impedance | 38 ohms |
| Weight | Approx. 330 g (12 oz), without cable |
| Cable Length | 2.0 m (6.6’) |
| Plug | ATH-M50xSTS: 3-pin XLR-M type plug, 3.5 mm (1/8”) gold-plated stereo mini-plug/3 pole ATH-M50xSTS-USB: USB Type-A |
| Microphone Type | Back electret condenser |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -44.5 dB (0 dB = 1V/Pa, at 1 kHz) (ATH-M50xSTS) |
| Microphone Frequency Response | 50 to 20,000 Hz (at 3 cm) |
| Microphone Polar Pattern | Unidirectional |
| System Operation | USB2.0 compliant (ATH-M50xSTS-USB) |
| Supported OS | Windows 10, Windows 11 macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey (ATH-M50xSTS-USB) |
| Supported Sampling Rates | 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz / 88.2 kHz / 96 kHz (ATH-M50xSTS-USB) |
| Supported Bit Depth | 16 bit / 24 bit (ATH-M50xSTS-USB) |
| Power Supply | USB power (5 V DC) (ATH-M50xSTS-USB) |
| Phantom Power | 11 to 52 V DC, 2 mA (ATH-M50xSTS) |
| Accessories Included | ATH-M50xSTS: Earpads, 6.3 mm (1/4″) stereo adapter ATH-M50xSTS-USB: Earpads, USB conversion adapter (USB-Type-A to USB Type-C) |
| Replacements/separately sold items | ATH-M50xSTS: Earpads, 6.3 mm (1/4″) stereo adapter; ATH-M50xSTS-USB: Earpads, USB conversion adapter (USB-Type-A to USB Type-C) |
| Notes | For product improvement, the product is subject to modification without notice. |
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