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This guide compares audio technica vs MEZE Audio noise cancelling headphone options, though neither model actively cancels noise. Both are wired over-ear headphones designed for black-clad users seeking high-fidelity audio. The primary difference lies in their acoustic design and target use. One features a closed circumaural build for studio isolation, while the other uses an open-back design for a spacious, natural soundstage. You will see distinct trade-offs in driver size, weight, and sound tuning.
Back Design
Closed (Circumaural)
Open-Back
Driver Size
40 mm
50 mm
Connection
Detachable cables included
Detachable 1.8m Kevlar OFC cable
Use
Studio monitoring
Audiophiles
Weight
8.47 ounces
2.58 pounds
Choose the first if
- You need sound isolation for loud studio environments
- You prefer a lighter, more portable build for travel
- You require a flat, accurate frequency response for mixing
Choose the second if
- You want a warmer, richer sound with emphasized bass
- You value premium materials like zinc alloy and velour pads
- You prefer a replaceable, durable design built for longevity
Verdict
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if you need a lightweight, closed-back solution for professional studio monitoring and isolation. Select the MEZE Audio 105 AER if you prioritize a lush, warm tonal signature and premium build quality for critical listening at home. Neither model offers active noise cancellation, so your choice depends on whether you value isolation or soundstage openness.
MEZE Audio vs Audio-Technica Specs
driver size
Edge: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x uses 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. This size is standard for professional studio monitors. In contrast, the MEZE Audio 105 AER features larger 50 mm dynamic drivers. Larger drivers often move more air, which can impact bass response and soundstage width. The MEZE Audio specification explicitly lists 50 mm, while the Audio-Technica data confirms 40 mm. This difference in driver diameter is a key hardware distinction between the two models.
back design
Edge: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones
Acoustic enclosure type significantly changes how you hear music. The MEZE Audio 105 AER is an open-back headphone. This design allows sound to pass through the ear cups, creating a wider, more natural soundstage but offering little isolation from outside noise. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a circumaural, closed-back design. It contours around the ears to provide excellent sound isolation in loud environments. The MEZE Audio data explicitly states open-back, while the Audio-Technica description implies closed-back through its isolation claims.
connection type
Edge: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Both headphones rely on wired connections for audio transmission. The MEZE Audio 105 AER includes a detachable 1.8m thread Kevlar OFC cable with a 3.5 mm to 6.3mm gold-plated jack adapter. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x comes with two detachable cables: a 1.2 m to 3.0 m coiled cable and a 3.0 m straight cable. The Audio-Technica option provides more cable length variety and a coiled option for studio use. The MEZE Audio cable is shorter but uses premium Kevlar material for durability.
weight
Edge: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Comfort during long sessions depends heavily on weight. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x weighs 8.47 ounces, making it very light. The MEZE Audio 105 AER weighs 2.58 pounds, which is significantly heavier. The MEZE Audio uses premium materials like cast zinc alloy hardware and manganese spring steel, which adds mass. The Audio-Technica is built for portability and long studio wear with its lighter frame. The weight difference is substantial, with the MEZE Audio being much heavier.
build quality
Edge: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones
Durability and repairability differ between the two. The MEZE Audio 105 AER is crafted with high-quality fasteners instead of glue, making every component replaceable. It uses cast zinc alloy hardware with PVD coating and stamped manganese spring steel. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x features professional-grade earpad and headband material for durability and is collapsible for portability. The MEZE Audio emphasizes modularity and repairability, while the Audio-Technica focuses on robust, collapsible construction for studio environments.
Choose based on studio or audiophile needs
Studio engineers needing accurate flat response
Our pick: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is tuned flat for accurate monitoring across the entire frequency range. Its 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets provide precise sound reproduction. The circumaural design offers excellent sound isolation in loud environments, making it ideal for professional studio work where neutrality is critical.
Listeners wanting warm, rich bass response
Our pick: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones
The MEZE Audio 105 AER features 50 mm dynamic drivers that deliver a rich and refined sound. It has a slight emphasis on bass and sub-bass regions for deeper resonance. The open-back design creates a lush sonic oasis, appealing to audiophiles who prioritize tonal equilibrium and immersion over isolation.
Users valuing portability and swivel design
Our pick: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x weighs only 8.47 ounces and features 90-degree swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring. It collapses for space-saving portability. The detachable cables include a 1.2 m coiled option and a 3.0 m straight cable, offering flexibility for studio setups without the bulk of heavier audiophile models.
Buyers seeking replaceable parts and premium build
Our pick: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones
The MEZE Audio 105 AER uses high-quality fasteners instead of glue, ensuring every component is replaceable. It includes a hard carrying pouch and a detachable 1.8 m Kevlar cable. The build features cast zinc alloy hardware and stamped manganese spring steel, designed for longevity and timeless functionality in daily use.
Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Best for: Professional studio monitoring and accurate sound isolation
- Form Factor
- Circumaural
- Features
- Detachable Cable
- Use
- Studio
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 11.4 × 10 × 4.1 inches
- Weight
- 8.47 ounces
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a wired studio headphone designed for accurate sound monitoring. It uses 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils to deliver a tuned flat response. The circumaural design provides sound isolation, while 90-degree swiveling earcups allow for one-ear monitoring. Weighing 8.47 ounces, it is built for professional use in loud environments.
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum voice coils
- Tuned flat for accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation
- 90-degree swiveling earcups for easy one-ear monitoring
- Wired connection limits wireless mobility compared to Bluetooth options
- 8.47-ounce weight is heavier than lightweight audiophile open-back models
- You need a wired headphone for studio monitoring
- You require accurate sound isolation in loud environments
- You prefer a flat frequency response for critical listening
- You need wireless Bluetooth connectivity for mobile use
- You prefer open-back designs for a natural soundstage
- You want a lightweight headphone for extended casual wear
Verdict: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Monitor is a solid choice for professionals who need reliable wired monitoring with accurate sound isolation. It fits users who prioritize studio-grade accuracy over wireless convenience.
MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones
Best for: stationary audiophile listening
- Connectivity
- Wired, 3.5 mm
- Form Factor
- Over-The-Ear, Open-Back
- Use
- Audiophiles
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 12 × 10 × 4.5 inches
- Weight
- 2.58 pounds
The MEZE Audio 105 AER is a wired, open-back over-ear headphone designed for audiophiles. It features 50 mm dynamic drivers and weighs 2.58 pounds. The build uses zinc alloy and manganese steel. This model suits listeners who prefer a warm, bass-emphasized soundstage. You get a detachable Kevlar cable and a hard pouch. The open-back design requires a quiet environment for optimal use.
- 50 mm dynamic drivers
- Open-back design
- Wired connection
- Detachable Kevlar cable
- Replaceable components
- 2.58 pounds weight
- Open-back design limits isolation
- Wired connection restricts movement
- You want a wired, open-back soundstage
- You value replaceable parts and premium materials
- You listen in a quiet, controlled environment
- You need active noise cancellation
- You require wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- You want lightweight portable headphones
Verdict: MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back fits audiophiles who prioritize tonal balance and build quality over portability. It is a solid choice for stationary listening sessions where soundstage width matters more than isolation.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones | MEZE Audio 105 AER Open-Back Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | – | Wired, 3.5 mm |
| Form Factor | Circumaural | Over-The-Ear, Open-Back |
| Back Design | – | Open-Back |
| Connection | – | Wired |
| Fit | – | Over-Ear |
| Features | Detachable Cable | – |
| Use | Studio | Audiophiles |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 11.4 × 10 × 4.1 inches | 12 × 10 × 4.5 inches |
| Weight | 8.47 ounces | 2.58 pounds |
| Size | ATH-M40X | 50 mm |
| Model | ATH-M40x | 105AER |
Frequently asked questions
Do these headphones have active noise cancellation?
No, neither model features active noise cancellation. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x relies on a closed-back circumaural design for passive isolation. The MEZE Audio 105 AER is open-back, which means it does not block external noise. You must choose based on whether you need isolation or a natural soundstage.
Which model is better for studio work?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is built for professional studio monitoring. It offers accurate sound isolation and a flat frequency response. The MEZE Audio 105 AER is designed for stationary audiophile listening rather than critical studio tasks. If you need reliable wired monitoring for work, the Audio-Technica is the practical choice.
What is the difference in driver size?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x uses 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets. The MEZE Audio 105 AER features larger 50 mm dynamic drivers. Larger drivers often provide a wider soundstage, which suits the MEZE Audio for audiophile listening. The smaller drivers in the Audio-Technica are standard for precise studio monitoring.
Are these headphones wireless or Bluetooth enabled?
No, both models are wired headphones. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x has a detachable cable for easy replacement. The MEZE Audio 105 AER connects via a wired link. Neither model includes Bluetooth or wireless connectivity. You will need to stay near your audio source or use a DAC with a cable.
How much do these headphones weigh?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x weighs 8.47 ounces. The MEZE Audio 105 AER weighs 2.58 pounds. The significant weight difference affects comfort during long sessions. The lighter Audio-Technica may be more comfortable for extended studio use, while the heavier MEZE Audio suggests a more substantial build for stationary listening.
Which is better for open listening environments?
The MEZE Audio 105 AER is better for open environments. Its open-back design allows sound to escape, creating a wider soundstage. This is ideal for home or studio use where privacy is not required. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is closed-back, trapping sound inside for isolation, which is less suitable for open spaces.
What colors are available for these models?
Both the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x and the MEZE Audio 105 AER are available in black. The Audio-Technica model is described as black in its attributes. The MEZE Audio model also lists black as its color option. You do not have multiple color choices for either specific model in this comparison.