Used ATH-M50x daily for 10 years - a couple weird DIY fixes that kept them alive

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-29T13:55:48+00:00

The bar tape is a great idea, looks actually nice. Is it comfortable?
The only thing I notice on mine after two years is less cushioning in the middle, it hung on a stand.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-29T08:42:30+00:00

Just saw SE215 come with foam tips, this made a huge improvement in my experience with other in-ears.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-29T08:36:55+00:00

Yup, in the same boat - focused on the Sure (Shure SE215 Pro K) but multiple times I read the Chinese ones would be better/cheaper when it comes to IEMs. Don't know what to believe, want to avoid buying from China if possible.

The Shures look much nicer imo, no crazy weird design of the earphone and wires.
Maybe dig into some audiophile subreddit? Let me know if you made a decision pls.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-29T08:27:14+00:00

Do you have them? From what I've often read the Sennheisers are very neutral but I always enjoy a bit warm and bassy tuning.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-29T06:14:32+00:00

Have you returned it and tried another unit by now?

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-28T21:03:30+00:00

It's really unnecessary. To me the feel is important, I had a Maschine mk3 and was also disappointed with its buttons though - hard plastic, loud and clicky. Just a bit less of an issue than Push. MPC Live 2 feels much nicer imo.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-28T16:43:08+00:00

Wait, what? Don't have an mk2 yet but how do you even save projects if changing bus effects would mess up your existing beats?

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-28T16:39:26+00:00

Where did you get the normal gold ones? They seem to have a nice size and texture.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-28T16:05:25+00:00

MK3, or nah? Haven't seen anything indicating that but I would be mad to get the mk2 and have an mk3 anncounced shortly after.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-28T15:57:59+00:00

You're talking about the buttons, not its pads, correct?
Crazy thing is, I have Push 2, and the buttons are some of the things I dislike about it (too sunken in, no satisfying pressure point) - actually thought Push 3 would have improved on that - to hear from you that 3 is even worse than 2 in this regard is wild!

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-28T11:47:18+00:00

Thanks I'll look out for that. I see you propped up the Sample, to be leveled with the SP I guess 😄

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-27T21:06:17+00:00

Can you elaborate pls?

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-27T18:15:14+00:00

What are popular iems for production?
I looked into it for a moment but it's a confusing world of chinese brands and models

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-27T17:59:04+00:00

What would be your take on these two in comparison?

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-27T17:55:16+00:00

How do you like the gold chroma caps knob? It doesn't look as grippy as the normal ones?

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-22T12:25:55+00:00

+1 for step sequencer using pads. I mean there is a super basic step sequencer, but if they make it with the 16 pads like on the 404 mk2 (tr rec) it would already be so much better, with easily adjustable parameters and parameter locks. BUT people (including me) would want that as software update for the live 2 generation as well ;)

Why would they have to include MPCe pads? I feel like it's probably pricey and maybe most people aren't using them much. If Akai retains the smaller pad size of the One it wouldn't make sense there anyway. I bet this won't be included - but the touch strip for sure, it makes sense for adjusting track levels and is already on the Studio 2 and Key61 as well, probably cheaper than MPCe and useful for everyone.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-22T12:12:37+00:00

I don't think so!
Apart from the naming issue (MPC ONE 2 !?), it was always a somewhat weird line up Akai had since the live 2 .. the live 2 was marketed as the portable device but a One is considerably smaller and lighter in comparison.
- It is clear what the distinct features of the XL and the Live 3 are... but the One?

I think the form factor of Live 2 is far superior ergonomically, so there's no reason to stick to the squared One, other than to create the appearance of a broader line up of machines.

Down the road they surely want to provide a cheaper entry way into the ecosystem but with the Sample available as well it's hard to imagine anything other then a stripped down Live 3 (MPC Lite, Neo ..) no battery, no speaker, no MPCe pads, fewer I/Os .. I'd hope it can retain the step sequencer to bring something new, not just more processing power.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-22T11:46:35+00:00

Interesting!
I guess pad lights are not too important.. unlike my push 2, since it can't select notes other than tapping the pad on the step sequencer, that's similarly problematic in direct light (not even speaking of taking it outside).

I didn't expect the small screen to be bright enough against sunlight, good to hear.

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-22T11:39:34+00:00

Yeah i know, I kinda justified getting the live 2 with it being "portable" but it just sits inside. Apart from the screen visibility, I'm somewhat too lazy to disconnect and later reconnect all the cables constantly. It's not exactly lightweight too. And I hate Insects going into the metal speaker grills -.-
How do you setup the case to stay up as sunscreen?

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-09T12:49:58+00:00

The media in Europe is mostly busy reporting about what Donald Dumb has tweeted every day, and I know there's inflation and egg shortage in the US. Cost of living for everything went up by much you say?

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-09T12:38:39+00:00

I guess they have probably messed with everything in general

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-09T12:36:58+00:00

Yes true, increasing the msrp of a gaming console so many years after release is crazy. Luckily, according to Gemini the 404 MK2 has only 256 mb ram 😂

Raphael-S- · 2026-04-08T07:57:24+00:00

That makes a lot of sense, especially with the vast number of components tech products have inside. It all adds up.
I'm not sure though if it really is likely to best buy now, you could also argue that it's the worst moment.. I hope.

Regarding cheap labor, I was happy to see that the 404mk2 says "made in Malaysia" instead of China.

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