Audio-Technica spins its M-series, well known in home studios, into an all-in-one version for people who talk as much as they listen. The ATH-M20xSTS pairs a closed-back headphone derived from the M20x with a flexible boom mic, all for €99. The point isn’t to reinvent sound but to combine headphone and mic into a single object on one connection — exactly what a creator starting out in podcasting or streaming is after.
An M-series headphone with a mic grafted on
On the listening side, it’s the M20x recipe: closed 40 mm drivers, a stated 15 Hz–20 kHz response, 47-ohm impedance. Nothing spectacular, but an honest, familiar monitoring base. The mic is a cardioid electret on a flexible boom, with a 50 Hz–20 kHz range: enough to capture speech cleanly, provided you position it right. The whole thing weighs 230 g and leans on breathable mesh earpads for long sessions.
Plugs in anywhere, on one connection
This is where the STS (for StreamSet) earns its name. The detachable two-metre cable ends in a TRRS mini-jack for a console or interface, and the box includes USB-C and USB-A adapters for a computer or a phone. In short: the same headset moves from a console setup to a direct computer connection with no extra accessory. For a mobile podcast rig or an improvised stream corner, simplicity wins.
Why it matters
At €99, the ATH-M20xSTS targets the creator who wants to start without stacking a mic stand, a boom arm, headphones and an interface. It won’t replace a proper large-diaphragm mic in front of the mouth — a headset mic is always an ergonomic compromise — but it settles the gear question in one go for a first podcast or streaming chain. To go further on capturing voice, our guide to podcast voice done right covers the fundamentals, and if you host remote guests, mix-minus is the concept to master. Details are on the Audio-Technica site.
My take
Here’s a product that owns what it is: an entry point. Starting from a known M-series headphone and grafting on a decent mic is smart for anyone who wants a single purchase that just works, from the cans on your head to a signal in the computer. The boom mic won’t rival a good condenser, and that’s fine at this price. Still, for a two-voice podcast, a gaming stream or a tidy video call, having it all in one box for €99 saves a lot of back-and-forth. The kind of thing you recommend when someone asks “where do I start?”
Frequently asked questions
What can you plug it into?
A console or interface via the TRRS mini-jack, and a computer or phone thanks to the included USB-C and USB-A adapters. Since the cable and mic are on a detachable connection, you match the hookup to the setup.
Is the mic good enough for serious podcasting?
For well-placed speech in a minimally treated room, yes. It’s a decent cardioid electret, not a studio mic: if voice quality is your absolute priority, a dedicated condenser is still better.
Is it open- or closed-back?
Closed-back, derived from the M20x. The isolation suits recording and live use, where you want to keep headphone sound from leaking back into the mic.
Are the mic and cable removable?
Yes, the mic-and-cable assembly detaches. Handy for storage, replacement, or using the headphones on their own.
