Audio Technica ATH M40x - The Ultimate Beginner DJ Headphone In India?

Introduction

If you’re in the market for a solid pair of all-rounder studio or DJ headphones that won’t break the bank, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x might be exactly what you need. These headphones have built a reputation for their balanced sound, comfortable design, and professional build quality—all at a price that makes them a steal. Whether you’re mixing tracks, producing music, or need reliable professional DJ headphones, the M40x delivers without unnecessary hype. Let’s break down why these are among the best DJ headphones under 10000.

Design & Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Audio-Technica M40x feels like a premium product. The black and silver finish gives them a sleek, professional look, and while most of the build is plastic, they still feel durable, sturdy, and well-made. The headband is padded for extra comfort, and there’s plenty of room for adjustment, making them a great fit for different head sizes.

The ear cups are well-cushioned and do a decent job of blocking out ambient noise when you’re at those noisy club environments. They also rotate, making them perfect for one-ear monitoring, which is a must for DJs. And if you’re always on the go, you’ll appreciate that these headphones fold up for easy storage and transport.

The only minor gripe? The ear cushions can feel a little firm, especially if you’re wearing them for hours at a time. They’re not uncomfortable, but if you’re planning on long DJ sets or extended studio sessions, you might notice it after a while.

Comfort

Comfort is always a big deal with headphones, and the ATH-M40x does a pretty solid job. The headband padding helps distribute pressure evenly, and the over-ear design ensures a snug fit. The rotating ear cups also help you adjust to find the most comfortable position.

For shorter sessions, these are great. If you’re wearing them for hours, though, you might find that your ears get a little warm. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you’re planning to wear them all day.

Sound Quality

This is where the Audio Technica M40x truly shines. Unlike some DJ headphones that boost the bass, these are tuned for flat and accurate sound reproduction. If you’re mixing or mastering, you’ll appreciate the neutral, balanced frequency response—what you hear is what you get.

Bass: Clean and well-defined. It’s not overpowering but still has a punch.
Mids: Clear and detailed, making vocals and instruments stand out.
Treble: Crisp and sharp without being harsh.

If you want a true-to-life sound for production, mixing, watching movies, or listening to your favorite Spotify playlist, these are perfect. Even for DJing, the M40x delivers excellent clarity, allowing you to hear every detail in your mix without any artificial boosting.

Compared to the more expensive M50x, the M40x actually has a flatter, more natural sound. Some people prefer this for studio work, as it avoids the extra treble boost found in the M50x. If you need honest audio reproduction, the M40x is the way to go.

Features & Accessories

One of the best things about the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is the detachable cables—a feature you don’t always find at this price point. In the box, you get:

A straight cable (3m) for studio use
A coiled cable (1.2m – 3m) for flexibility
A 3.5mm adapter for plugging into standard devices
A 6.3mm adapter for professional DJ and studio gear
A storage pouch for protection on the go

The detachable cables are a huge plus, especially for DJs and producers who are always on the move. If a cable gets damaged, you can easily swap it out instead of replacing the entire pair of headphones.

Value for Money

At around ₹10,000, the Audio-Technica M40x offers incredible value. You’re getting studio-quality sound, a comfortable design, and pro-level features at a fraction of the cost of high-end DJ headphones.

If you compare them to other models:

M20x (~₹5,000): Decent, but lacks the clarity and detachable cables.
M50x (~₹12,000): A bit more detailed and bass-heavy, but some prefer the M40x’s flatter sound.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro (~₹8,000): Also great for studio use, but the M40x has more accessories and a sleeker design.

I have personally been using the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro for about 6-7 years, and I’m planning to swap it with the Audio Technica M40X as my main headphone and HD 280 as my backup. For anyone looking for the best headphones for DJing or studio work on a budget, the M40x is easily one of the best choices out there.

Who Should Buy the M40x?

These headphones are a great fit for:

DJs who need clear, accurate sound with rotating ear cups for monitoring.
Music producers looking for neutral, studio-quality sound.
Video editors who need a balanced audio response for accurate editing.
Casual listeners who want professional-quality headphones without spending a fortune.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Accurate, flat sound for mixing and monitoring
Great clarity in mids and highs
Comfortable fit with padded headband
Rotating ear cups for DJ use
Detachable cables (huge plus!)
Foldable design for easy portability
Excellent value for money

Cons:

Ear cushions can feel a bit firm over long sessions
Ears may get warm after extended use
Mostly plastic build, though still sturdy

Final Thoughts

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is easily one of the best DJ and studio headphones in its price range. With flat, accurate sound, a comfortable design, and detachable cables, it’s a fantastic choice for DJs, producers, and anyone who values honest sound quality.

While the ear cushions could be a bit softer, and they might get warm after a while, these are minor trade-offs considering the sound quality and features you’re getting for the price. If you’re after professional DJ headphones or just a great pair of studio cans, the M40x is a no-brainer.

If you’re serious about your sound, these are absolutely worth it.