mc_nibbles
New member
Introduction and Specs
Today I'm going to be reviewing a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M40Fs headphones. These are flat response, closed back headphones designed for audio monitoring and mixing on a budget.
The Audio Technica ATH-M40FS headset comes with 40mm drivers that produce a flat, extended frequency response of 5-28,000Hz which is useful for those who do video editing or audio mixing in a studio environment. It also features field-replaceable cables, drivers, and ear cushions making it a great choice for those who want to be able to replace/repair there own headset easily. There closed-back design provides sound isolation while also producing little to no sound outside of the headphones themselves.
Out of the box it comes with an 11 foot cable with a 1/4" phone plug, perfect for mixers or high end audio equipment.
SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE: Closed-back dynamic
DRIVER DIAMETER: 40 mm
MAGNET: Neodymium
VOICE COIL: Copper-clad aluminum wire
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5 - 28,000 Hz
MAXIMUM INPUT POWER: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
SENSITIVITY: 100 dB
IMPEDANCE: 60 ohms
WEIGHT: 8.8 oz (250 g) without cable
CABLE: 11' (3.4 m) (OFC litz wire, left-side exit)
CONNECTOR: 1/4" (6.3 mm) phone plug
With an MSRP of $150 and an average retail price of $80, this pair of headphones is an affordable option for users who want quality reference sound without the high price tag.
Look and Feel
Out of the box, the ATH-M40fs headset looks very comfortable and sturdy. The headband is very thick and soft, while the ear cups are large enough to fully surround the average ear and provide plenty of cushioning. Though the headset seems to be built entirely of plastic, the major components feel extremely solid, and when stretching it to place it on my head, I don't get the feeling that I'm going to snap it in half like some affordable headphones.
The cable is quite long and thick, but still flexible enough to easily wrap up for storage. The ear cushions are easily removed and replaced, while accessing the drivers and cord require only the removal of four small phillips screws behind a foam cover. Though it states the drivers and cord are field replaceable, it might require having a few small tools on hand to do so.
The only thing I wish they would have included with this headset was an optional 3.5mm adapter or cable end. Though I understand that most users who own or plan to buy this headset will be using it with audio/video production equipment with 1/4" phone jacks, the smaller 3.5mm variant is becoming more and more popular with some hardware due to size.
Performance
When plugged into my iPhone for a simple sound test using a 3.5mm adapter, the sound is just right for its intended use. There is no artificial sound improvement on these headphones, providing you with a flat and accurate representation of the audio you're listening to. The 40mm drivers combined with the wide frequency response creates a nice sound stage, letting the original mix become more apparent than with most headphones at this price. The base relief ports behind each driver are small, but since these don't produce much bass naturally, they do there job well.
When used with an EQ you can give it the flavor of your choice, making it a viable option for everday listening too. The overall volume of this pair of headphones when used with a computer's on board audio or other standard listening device isn't the loudest, but when used with a DAC or other high end audio equipment they produce plenty of volume and even more overall audio quality.
Now at this price point you can expect miracles. Though they do produce a flat frequency response and have a wide sound stage, it's not as wide as some of the higher end headphones have. This downside is simply a side effect of price, at $80 the overall quality of the drivers and acoustics are great, but not amazing.
Being a closed back headphone also gives this set a sound dampening effect, which can be a plus and minus. This provides users in a recording environment the ability to listen at a higher volume without sound leaking into the recordings. The downside can be that when used in an environment where communication is needed, it can be difficult to hear through the headset and any audio you have playing through it. I have regularly been sitting at my desk working on a project while a colleague tries to get my attention from across the room with no luck. The other downside to all closed back headphones is that they aren't the most natural sounding, which is where open back headphones become a much better option. Being almost the opposite of closed back means that they leak a lot more audio in and out, which of course mean's they're bad for audio recording and good for some work environments.
Conclusion
I have actually owned this headset for over a year, and I've used it almost every day for many uses. From editing my own recordings and video projects to gaming and music listening, this headset has provided me with an affordable but quality listening experience I truly enjoy.
The build quality has stood up to being tossed around in my camera bag, guitar case, and the back of an amplifier. The cable's 11' length has come in handy more than a few times, though sometimes I would like to cut it in half.
The sound quality was a big improvement when compared to a consumer-grade headphone, though not as great as some of the higher end closed back headphones I have had the chance to use. When driven by a quality DAC or sound card the quality and overall volume increases to a very acceptable level for a budget conscious professional.
Will these Audio Technica ATH-M40fs headphones be on the wishlist of a veteran audio technician or hifi user? No, but they will provide an entry level video editor or audio mixer with a durable, quality, flat response set of cans to wrap around there head for a few years (or maybe more).
availability and pricing:
Amazon: $72.99
B&H Photo Video: $79.00
Musician's Friend: $79.95
and more
Today I'm going to be reviewing a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M40Fs headphones. These are flat response, closed back headphones designed for audio monitoring and mixing on a budget.
The Audio Technica ATH-M40FS headset comes with 40mm drivers that produce a flat, extended frequency response of 5-28,000Hz which is useful for those who do video editing or audio mixing in a studio environment. It also features field-replaceable cables, drivers, and ear cushions making it a great choice for those who want to be able to replace/repair there own headset easily. There closed-back design provides sound isolation while also producing little to no sound outside of the headphones themselves.

Out of the box it comes with an 11 foot cable with a 1/4" phone plug, perfect for mixers or high end audio equipment.
SPECIFICATIONS
TYPE: Closed-back dynamic
DRIVER DIAMETER: 40 mm
MAGNET: Neodymium
VOICE COIL: Copper-clad aluminum wire
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 5 - 28,000 Hz
MAXIMUM INPUT POWER: 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
SENSITIVITY: 100 dB
IMPEDANCE: 60 ohms
WEIGHT: 8.8 oz (250 g) without cable
CABLE: 11' (3.4 m) (OFC litz wire, left-side exit)
CONNECTOR: 1/4" (6.3 mm) phone plug
With an MSRP of $150 and an average retail price of $80, this pair of headphones is an affordable option for users who want quality reference sound without the high price tag.
Look and Feel
Out of the box, the ATH-M40fs headset looks very comfortable and sturdy. The headband is very thick and soft, while the ear cups are large enough to fully surround the average ear and provide plenty of cushioning. Though the headset seems to be built entirely of plastic, the major components feel extremely solid, and when stretching it to place it on my head, I don't get the feeling that I'm going to snap it in half like some affordable headphones.

The cable is quite long and thick, but still flexible enough to easily wrap up for storage. The ear cushions are easily removed and replaced, while accessing the drivers and cord require only the removal of four small phillips screws behind a foam cover. Though it states the drivers and cord are field replaceable, it might require having a few small tools on hand to do so.

The only thing I wish they would have included with this headset was an optional 3.5mm adapter or cable end. Though I understand that most users who own or plan to buy this headset will be using it with audio/video production equipment with 1/4" phone jacks, the smaller 3.5mm variant is becoming more and more popular with some hardware due to size.

Performance
When plugged into my iPhone for a simple sound test using a 3.5mm adapter, the sound is just right for its intended use. There is no artificial sound improvement on these headphones, providing you with a flat and accurate representation of the audio you're listening to. The 40mm drivers combined with the wide frequency response creates a nice sound stage, letting the original mix become more apparent than with most headphones at this price. The base relief ports behind each driver are small, but since these don't produce much bass naturally, they do there job well.
When used with an EQ you can give it the flavor of your choice, making it a viable option for everday listening too. The overall volume of this pair of headphones when used with a computer's on board audio or other standard listening device isn't the loudest, but when used with a DAC or other high end audio equipment they produce plenty of volume and even more overall audio quality.
Now at this price point you can expect miracles. Though they do produce a flat frequency response and have a wide sound stage, it's not as wide as some of the higher end headphones have. This downside is simply a side effect of price, at $80 the overall quality of the drivers and acoustics are great, but not amazing.
Being a closed back headphone also gives this set a sound dampening effect, which can be a plus and minus. This provides users in a recording environment the ability to listen at a higher volume without sound leaking into the recordings. The downside can be that when used in an environment where communication is needed, it can be difficult to hear through the headset and any audio you have playing through it. I have regularly been sitting at my desk working on a project while a colleague tries to get my attention from across the room with no luck. The other downside to all closed back headphones is that they aren't the most natural sounding, which is where open back headphones become a much better option. Being almost the opposite of closed back means that they leak a lot more audio in and out, which of course mean's they're bad for audio recording and good for some work environments.
Conclusion
I have actually owned this headset for over a year, and I've used it almost every day for many uses. From editing my own recordings and video projects to gaming and music listening, this headset has provided me with an affordable but quality listening experience I truly enjoy.
The build quality has stood up to being tossed around in my camera bag, guitar case, and the back of an amplifier. The cable's 11' length has come in handy more than a few times, though sometimes I would like to cut it in half.
The sound quality was a big improvement when compared to a consumer-grade headphone, though not as great as some of the higher end closed back headphones I have had the chance to use. When driven by a quality DAC or sound card the quality and overall volume increases to a very acceptable level for a budget conscious professional.
Will these Audio Technica ATH-M40fs headphones be on the wishlist of a veteran audio technician or hifi user? No, but they will provide an entry level video editor or audio mixer with a durable, quality, flat response set of cans to wrap around there head for a few years (or maybe more).

availability and pricing:
Amazon: $72.99
B&H Photo Video: $79.00
Musician's Friend: $79.95
and more