Introduction
Gaming headsets are tuned to sell in a demo: big bass, wide fake stereo, a microphone that sounds like a phone call. The ATH-M20xSTS starts from the other end. It's built on the ATH-M20x, a studio monitoring headphone, and then adds a microphone good enough to broadcast with.
The drivers are 40 mm with rare-earth magnets and copper-clad aluminium voice coils, running 15 Hz to 20 kHz with the flat response the M-Series is known for. The boom is a back-electret cardioid condenser derived from Audio-Technica's 20 Series microphones, so speech arrives with body rather than the thin compressed tone most headsets produce. Flip the boom up and it mutes, which is the correct place to put a mute button.
Connection is deliberately unclever: one detachable 2 m cable with a 3.5 mm 4-pole plug, plus USB-A and USB-C adapters in the box. PC, Mac, phone, console, all covered without software.
Key Features & Benefits
- Monitoring tuning, not a gaming curve: 40 mm CCAW drivers with the flat M-Series response, so footsteps and dialogue sit where they actually are.
- A microphone people will want to listen to: 20 Series cardioid condenser technology, 50 Hz to 20 kHz, aimed at your voice and not the room.
- Flip-to-mute: lift the boom arm and the mic mutes, with no switch to find mid-sentence.
- One cable, three connections: 3.5 mm 4-pole, plus USB-A and USB-C adapters, covering PC, Mac, mobile and consoles.
- Controls on the earcup: mic mute and headphone volume under your fingers rather than in an app.
- 236 g with mesh earpads: light enough to forget after 4 hours, with breathable padding.
- Serviceable: detachable cable and replaceable earpads, so it outlives a sealed gaming pair.
Gallery
Who It's For
- Streamers and podcasters on PC or Mac who want one device instead of headphones plus a desk mic
- Console and PC gamers who care about positional accuracy more than a bass boost
- Video editors, voice chat and remote meetings, where a clear voice is the whole job
Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone who wants wireless. This is wired only, with no Bluetooth and no dongle option.
- Anyone recording in a hard, echoey room. A sensitive cardioid capsule will hear it, and no headset fixes acoustics.
- Anyone travelling with it. There's no pouch or case in the box.
Quick Specs
- Type: closed-back dynamic, over-ear
- Driver: 40 mm, rare-earth magnet, CCAW voice coil
- Frequency response: 15 to 20,000 Hz. Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW. Impedance: 47 Ω. Max input: 700 mW
- Microphone: back-electret condenser, cardioid, 50 to 20,000 Hz, −44.5 dB (0 dB = 1 V/Pa, 1 kHz)
- Cable: detachable 2 m with a gold-plated 3.5 mm 4-pole plug
- USB audio via adapter: 48/96 kHz in, up to 384 kHz out
- Weight: 236 g without cable
- In the box: headset, 2 m cable, 3.5 mm to USB-A adapter, 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Monitor-grade tuning rather than a hyped gaming curve
- Condenser boom mic well beyond typical headset microphones
- 236 g with breathable mesh earpads for long sessions
- Detachable cable and replaceable earpads keep it serviceable
- USB-C, USB-A and 3.5 mm all covered without software
⚠️ Cons:
- Wired only, with no wireless option
- A sensitive cardioid capsule picks up an untreated room
- No carrying pouch or case included
Where to Buy
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xSTS is open for pre-order at Soundium at €99, shipping September 2026. We stock gear locally for fast, secure delivery.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
- Support from people who actually know the gear
Pre-order the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xSTS from Soundium
Final Thoughts
At €99 the usual choice is a headset that does neither job well or two cheap devices that clutter the desk. The M20xSTS is the third option: a studio headphone you'd buy anyway, with a microphone attached that doesn't embarrass it. If you talk into a computer for a living or for fun, this is the least compromised €99 in the category.
Still Unsure?
Wondering whether it'll work with your console or your interface? Reach out to our team and we'll confirm.