A total of 1 review of this product on Reddit.
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Honestly, you’re better off asking /r/headphones. I’m definitely not an expert on this topic, but I’ll help however I can.
Let’s start by referring to the frequency response chart for the M50x (top left corner). The “in-your-face” range for male vocals to cut through the mix occurs around 5 kHz, which are at -25 dB. No wonder vocals sound overpowered. For comparison, here is the same chart for another closed back, over ear headphone, the Oppo PM-3. Like most headphones of this type, they also have a decline from 2 kHz to 5 kHz, but they’re only at -15 dB around 5 kHz. As a result, vocals cut through much better. I own these headphones and I think they still sound like the vocalist is standing a couple inches too far away from the mic. If I’m using an EQ, I add a +3 dB boost to get them to where I like. Hopefully that helps contextualize just how bad I personally think the M50x is for guitar based music with vocals.
As far as recommendations go, it really depends on your budget and sound signature preference besides allowing vocals to cut through the guitars. I’m assuming you’ll want another closed back headphone and to stay somewhat close to the price range of the M50x. At $400, the PM-3 is a bit pricey and a bit too boring for metalcore. You might like the Fostex T40RP for $140, but they’re pretty hard to drive with just your phone or computer, and the sub-bass drop off is noticeable if you A/B with another headphone. The NAD Viso HP50 retails for $250 and has gotten pretty good reviews, as did the Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 which usually goes for $180-200 on Amazon. I have not listened to either of these headphones myself, as I tend to gravitate toward open headphones, but based on my research I would start with those. I highly recommend checking out /r/headphones’ daily purchase advice thread to get thoughts from people who’ve actually tried these headphones or have other suggestions.
