Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Distorted Audio Output

If your Audio-Technica ATH-M40x has distorted audio output, follow this troubleshooting page for some solutions.

If your earphones aren't cleaned often enough, debris can build up within the speakers and ear cups. This can lead to distorted audio. Make sure to clean the headset often to prevent this from happening. Use a headphone cleaning kit to pick out trapped debris, wipe off plastic surfaces, or clean out build-up in the crevices of your headphones.

Outdated audio drivers mean that your device's software to play audio to your headphones is not the latest version. Audio drivers should be regularly checked for updates to fix bugs and other issues.

1. To update your audio driver for Windows, open the Windows Taskbar Search Bar at the bottom of your screen and search for "Device Manager."
2. On the Device Manager screen, click on the arrow next to "Sound, Video, and Game Controllers" to expand the list.
3. Find the device you are using to play audio and right-click on it. Select the "Update Driver" option to search for an update that will install automatically.
4. Complete the update installation and test your headphones again for audio issues.

An incorrect frequency response can significantly affect the sound quality by impacting how well the headphones make sound, like bass, midrange, and treble, making some sounds too high or too low. This can lead to having a muddy bass or a lack of clearness in the midrange. These headphones do not have any built-in frequency response features so you'll need to adjust the settings on your device or with an app or software.
Here are some ideas to fix this issue:

• For detailed information on Frequency Response and Audio-Technica headphones, refer to this site.
• Adjust the frequency settings in your sound settings. This review from Soundguys has helpful tips on EQ adjustments for your Audio-Technica ATH-M40x.
  

The wire and headphone jack are what connect the headphones to your device. These parts should be inspected to see if you have recently purchased your headphones or suspect something could have damaged them.

• Inspect your headphone jack and the metal ends of the wire for any significant damages such as dents, major scratches, or bending. Note that the headphone jacks should be taken care of carefully because audio devices are sensitive to that. If you find any issues with the headphone jack, you may have to replace your wire entirely.
• If the wire is bent, wrap electrical tape around it for added support. If the wire is permanently bent or has exposed sections, consider replacing it.

If your headphone driver is damaged, follow this guide to replace it.