ATH-M50xSTS-WL StreamSet: Audio-Technica Brings 2.4 GHz Wireless to Its Studio Headset and 20 Series Mic
Content creators and players who wanted the monitoring accuracy of studio headphones without being tethered to a desk interface now have a dedicated cable-free option. Audio-Technica has officially introduced the ATH-M50xSTS-WL StreamSet, the first wireless model in its streaming headset family. The closed-back headset pairs the acoustic architecture of the legendary ATH-M50x studio monitors with a 20 Series cardioid condenser microphone over a low-latency 2.4 GHz digital wireless link.
45 mm ATH-M50x Drivers and Dual Interchangeable Earpads
Under the hood, the ATH-M50xSTS-WL retains the exact same 45 mm large-aperture dynamic drivers used in the wired ATH-M50x studio headphones, built around rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire (CCAW) voice coils. In this wireless configuration, the headset delivers a frequency response of 20 to 22,000 Hz, a sensitivity rating of 99 dB/mW, and a maximum input power capacity of 1,600 mW.
Because heat buildup is a major concern during marathon broadcasts like those seen across major livestreaming events on Twitch and YouTube, Audio-Technica ships the headset with two distinct sets of interchangeable earpads. Creators can fit the breathable mesh and leatherette earpads for extended thermal comfort during long sessions, or swap in the standard M50x leatherette earpads when maximum passive sound isolation and low-end punch are the priority.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS-WL StreamSet
- 45 mm large-aperture drivers inherited from the ATH-M50x studio monitor
- 20 Series cardioid condenser boom mic with two-level adaptive noise reduction
- Low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless USB-A/USB-C transceiver, 24-hour battery life, and 2 earpad sets
20 Series Cardioid Condenser Mic with Adaptive Noise Reduction
Unlike conventional wireless gaming headsets that rely on small dynamic capsules, the StreamSet lineup is built around a back-electret cardioid condenser microphone modeled after Audio-Technica's iconic 20 Series (AT2020) studio mics. Mounted on a flexible boom arm that keeps the capsule positioned cleanly near the corner of the mouth, the microphone captures a 50 to 20,000 Hz frequency response (measured at 3 cm) and features a quick flip-to-mute mechanism when the boom is raised vertically.
Exclusive to the wireless model, Audio-Technica has integrated a switchable two-level adaptive noise reduction system accessible directly on the earcup. The onboard processing continuously monitors the input signal to suppress steady background hum from PC cooling fans, air conditioning units, and room ambiance. A selectable sidetone circuit also feeds the user's own voice back into the earcups in real time, making it easier to maintain natural speaking volume during late-night streams.
2.4 GHz Low-Latency Link, Full Specifications, and Pricing
To prevent lip-sync drift on camera and avoid the bandwidth bottlenecks of standard bidirectional Bluetooth profiles, the ATH-M50xSTS-WL connects via a dedicated 2.4 GHz USB Type-A transceiver (7.5 g) operating across the 2.404 to 2.476 GHz band with AFH spread spectrum technology and a line-of-sight range of up to 10 meters (33 feet). An included USB-A to USB-C adapter ensures plug-and-play compatibility across Windows 11 PCs, Macs (macOS Sequoia and Tahoe), and living-room consoles alongside Sony's latest PS5 hardware accessories.
- Drivers: 45 mm closed-back dynamic drivers (rare-earth magnets, CCAW voice coils)
- Headphone Frequency Response: 20 to 22,000 Hz (99 dB/mW sensitivity, 1,600 mW max input power)
- Microphone: Unidirectional cardioid back-electret condenser inspired by 20 Series studio mics (50 to 20,000 Hz at 3 cm)
- Digital Audio Resolution: 48 kHz sampling rate, 24-bit input depth (microphone) and 16-bit output depth
- Connectivity: 2.4 GHz digital wireless (USB-A transceiver + USB-C adapter) and wired USB audio mode (2.0 m USB-C to USB-A cable included)
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours of continuous transmission (approx. 3.5 hours charging time, supports play-and-charge via USB)
- Weight: Approx. 365 g (13 oz) without cable
- Official Pricing (MSRP): $299.00 USD / €279.00 EUR / £239.00 GBP
My Take on the Spec Sheet
Looking strictly at Audio-Technica's official specification sheet, transitioning the StreamSet to a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless link directly addresses the biggest compromise of wireless gaming headsets: microphone fidelity. Pairing a genuine 20 Series cardioid condenser capsule with 24-bit / 48 kHz input capture gives streamers a way to ditch bulky XLR boom arms without sounding like they are broadcasting over a compressed voice-chat headset. While the wireless architecture trims the headphone frequency response slightly to 20 to 22,000 Hz (at 16-bit / 48 kHz output) and brings total weight to 365 grams with the internal battery, the inclusion of both mesh and studio leatherette earpads, 24-hour battery life, and full wired USB passthrough make it a very well-rounded package on paper at $299. We have not yet had a physical unit on our desk—if Audio-Technica's team would like to send over a review sample so we can put its real-world wireless latency, adaptive noise reduction, and 20 Series capsule through a full livestream stress test, our lab doors are wide open.
PC hardware enthusiast and competitive gamer, Arthur 'Heimdall' splits his time between France and the UK working in enterprise B2B software solutions. A business school graduate passionate about component benchmarking, he has been building, modding, and tuning PCs since childhood, optimizing every thermal degree and millisecond of display latency. An avid gamer across Assassin's Creed and sandbox titles, he forged his alliance with Grimtag and Chaya during late-night World of Warcraft raids before joining Pro-Gamer.
