Audio-Technica is launching its newest special edition of their ATH-M50x wired headphones and ATH-M50xBT2 Bluetooth headphones today. The LAB edition of the iconic studio model, beloved by artists and music lovers around the globe, features a design created and chosen by the fans of Audio-Technica. Since 2020, the yearly Special Editions are influenced and voted for by customers. 

The ATH-M50xLAB and its Bluetooth sibling ATH-M50xBT2LAB started its journey in January 2024, when Audio-Technica first opened its “LAB M50x”, a website that allowed fans to participate in the creation by submitting their own colour designs. Participants were able to select from a variety of colours, in either matte or metallic, for each headphone part, resulting in thousands of exciting and creative designs shared across social media. A panel of experts, including the product manager of the ATH-M50x, narrowed over 14,500 submissions down to three finalists. Out of these three finalists, fans of the Audio-Technica brand selected a design by Sergio Gamarra, an exciting combination of blue, orange and grey, to be made into the ATH-M50xLAB special edition.  

Gamarra, a DJ based in Bolivia, shared some insights on his design: “First, blue represents confidence, reflecting the quality and reliability of the M50x headset. Orange evokes energy and creativity, highlighting the excitement of the music in us. Finally, gray adds a sense of sophistication and elegance, balancing the color palette and adding a touch of modernity.” 

Since its first release as a studio headphone in 2007, the ATH-M50 have evolved continuously, bringing high standard audio quality to a variety of end users. With the first limited special edition being released in 2012, Audio-Technica has offered customers the possibility to add a pop of colour to their set-ups or to their everyday music life. The ATH-M50xLAB marks the first ever special limited edition that has been designed and chosen by the fans, making it the most interactive model Audio-Technica has released to date.