Question: What types of headphones does Audio-Technica sell?
Audio Solutions Team

By Fit

Over-Ear Headphones – Also known as circumaural headphones, these fully encompass the ears. Because they completely surround the ears they form a seal against the wearer’s head which can aid in attenuating external noise. An example of this type of headphone is the popular ATH-M50x. On-Ear Headphones – Also known as supra-aural headphones, these press against the ears and not around them. They tend to be lighter and smaller than over-ear headphones. An example of on-ear headphones is the ATH-ESW9A. In-Ear Headphones – There are two types:
  • Earbud Headphones – are very small headphones that fit in the outer ear. They are not inserted into the ear canal. An example would be the ATH-CHX7.
  • In-Ear-Canal Headphones – also known as canalphones, are small headphones that are inserted into the ear canal. These tend to provide better external noise isolation than earbuds. An example would be ATH-CK323i.
A-T Headphones Type

By Functional design

Closed-Back Headphones – These are over-ear headphones that have a solid outer shell with no holes or perforations. The closed back provides a level of passive noise isolation. An example would be the ATH-M70x. Open-Back Headphones – These are over-ear headphones that have perforations or slits of some type in the outer shell. This design allows outside sounds to be heard along with what is played through the drivers. An example would be the ATH-R70x. Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones – These are headphones that use active noise-cancelling circuitry to reduce unwanted (mostly low-frequency) sound. An example of this type would be the ATH-ANC7b.

By Use

The lines between headphone use categories have blurred quite a bit of late. For example, our most popular headphones designed for studio use have also become quite popular among DJs and audiophiles. Below are very general definitions of the different categories of headphones according to use. Studio Headphones – Professional monitor headphones deliver accurate audio and outstanding comfort, perfect for long sessions in the studio. Studio headphones tend to have the flatter frequency response needed for studio work. An example of studio headphones is the ATH-M40x. DJ Headphones – These tend to offer a good deal of passive noise isolation. Many are collapsible for storage and have earcups that swivel. Quite often you will find they have exaggerated low end for more bass response. An example of a professional DJ headphone would be the ATH-PRO700MK2. High-Fidelity Headphones – Also known as audiophile headphones, these provide top sound quality and listening comfort. They are made to the highest quality standards, with the music enthusiast in mind. An example of these is the ATH-W5000. Portable Headphones – These are designed for people on the go. They are easy to carry and use, and include in-ear headphones as well as smaller, lighter weight on-ear and over-ear headphones. Examples of these would be the ATH-WS99 and the ATH-CKP500. Gaming Headsets – As the name implies, gaming headsets are designed for video gamers. They include both high-quality headphones for reproducing music and audio effects as well as a microphone for communicating with other online gamers. Examples of our gaming headsets are the ATH-ADG1 and the ATH-PG1. Communication Headphones – These are headphones that include a microphone. They may be used with intercom systems and for broadcasting (BPHS1), for interfacing with a computer  (ATH-COM1) or with Smartphones (ATH-ANC33iS). While there’s still a lot of ground we could cover within each category of headphones, you should at least have a good general idea now of the types of headphones we produce (and hopefully will be intrigued enough to explore our headphone offerings some more on your own.) As always, our Audio Solutions Department is here to help should you have any additional questions. And remember to check back next Wednesday for another “Question of the Week”!