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The Top 8 DJ Headphones Reviewed – Updated 2021
To be a DJ today you, fortunately, do not require excessive gear, but it’s exceptionally vital to get good earphones. The right set of DJ headphones will be your reputable best friend whether you’re gigging in your home town or up on the Ultra Songs Event mainstage.
The headphones market is crowded with thousands of brand names and also models vying for your attention, and also while it holds true that DJ earphones don’t need to be as detailed as earphones meant for creating or mixing in the workshop, a DJ certainly has a detailed collection of points she or he should be trying to find in a new collection of containers.
In this overview, we went to operate in screening as well as selecting the 8 ideal DJ earphones, in addition to giving details on what to search for and how to buy them.
#. How to Shop for DJ Headphones.
Picking your pair of DJ earphones is a little different than buying studio/production headphones, in-ear headphones, or earphones for laid-back listening. There are several detailed points DJ headphones need to do well, so we’ll be looking for the adhering to qualities:
#. Noise – Bass & Volume:
Audiophiles talk a lot regarding earphones having a “level” frequency reaction. For mixing in the studio, you wish to choose flat-sounding earphones that won’t tint the audio. When DJing, that doesn’t quite matter as much. In order to stay in the groove and hear your music in a loud bar, club, or party environment, you require the sound of your earphones to be punchy and loud. This commonly means a fantastic bass action so you can feel the kick and also the bass, and highlighted mid/high frequencies so you can recognize the click of the hi-hats.
#.Com ft & Weight:
Your DJ collection may last thirty minutes or 8 hrs. The longer you go as well as the extra often you DJ, the more crucial it is that your DJ earphones are light and also the pads fit. We have actually all used earphones that seem like a vice has actually been clamped down on our head – that’s the last feeling you require when you’re executing in the DJ booth.
#. Open vs Closed:
This is a simple one. Open-back headphones certainly have their area, yet it’s not in the DJ booth. It’s especially essential that DJ headphones be closed-back, regarding block out the ambient noise around you as well as provide a punchier bass noise
#. On-Ear vs. Over-Ear:
Some DJ headphones have ear mugs that sit on top of your ear, and also some sit over your ear. There’s no right answer as well as it’s completely approximately your preference, but both have pros and cons. On-ear headphones tend to be a bit extra comfortable due to much less stress being put on your head, however, over-ear earphones create a much better seal and also block out more ambient sound.
#. Toughness:
If you had a pair of $1000+ Sennheiser HD 800s in the studio, you might handle them as very carefully as a newborn youngster. That’s not a lot the case for DJ headphones. They will likely get gone down, squashed in your backpack, covered in spilled fluids, twisted, and pulled about. You’ll require a pair that can take the abuse as well as maintain delivering the goods.
#. Rotating Mugs:
Headphones with pivoting mugs are preferred by some DJs. The ability to move the earphone audio speaker away from one ear for a short time can be handy when you wish to swiftly check your mix against stage displays – or pay attention to the individual making a song request – without entirely eliminating your earphones.
#. Portability:
Honestly not as important as the other variables above, considering that for the most part DJ earphones nowadays are all rather mobile. Let’s call it a perk if they fold up great and compact, and include a solid bring situation.
#. Why You Need To Trust Us:
Our Equipboard editorial group has a mixed 15 years of DJing experience, from vinyl to CDJs to entirely laptop-based. We understand the demands of DJing and also we test all the equipment ourselves to make certain it passes our rigorous requirements prior to advising it. For the most part, we buy the headphones ourselves. In the event a supplier sends us a set, we’ll take down it in the testimonial, yet that in no chance influences our decision to consist of the headphone on this checklist or leave out any of its imperfections.
The 8 Best DJ Headphones.
# 1. Sennheiser HD 25:
The Sennheiser HD 25 headphones have actually ended up being the industry requirement for DJs the world over. You won’t come across a “what DJ earphones need to I obtain” discussion where these aren’t stated several times. The reason these get on DJs’ heads – both enthusiast as well as pro – everywhere is that they hit the mark on nearly every point a DJ would certainly respect: they’re comfortable, light, durable sufficient to endure the rigors of life usage, and they provide excellent sound. The icing on the cake is that their cost is not unreasonable.
The Sennheiser HD 25 are an on-ear style, which prompts individuals to think they will not offer the same level of seclusion as over-ear headphones … yet remarkably, these block out ambient sound amazingly well. The magic is that they continue your ears with just sufficient stress to make sure that you can listen to whatever clearly, however not even to create discomfort. On top of that, these are seriously light, being available in at just under 5 oz (140 g).
Audio quality-wise, this headphone is on-point. The best method to define the sound is extremely punchy. It won’t be as immersive as, say, a set of Beyerdynamic DT-770. However again, those are better suited for residence as well as workshop usage. The HD-25 are also not as bass-heavy as the V-MODA M-100 Master. That stated, they deliver exactly the noise a DJ requires: clear, punchy bass, mids, and highs. You will certainly have no trouble hearing the beat and nuances in your tracks as you’re blending.
Lastly, they’re virtually undestroyable. They have an instead simple and easy style, and every part of the earphone is replaceable (spare parts are very easy to discover).
Profits: Are the Sennheiser HD 25 the best DJ headphones? Not quite. Lots of DJs all-out dislike the on-ear style, as well as gravitate to over-ear containers. And while looks are extremely subjective, it’s extensively agreed that the HD 25 isn’t the sexiest looking earphone on the marketplace (and let’s face it, that matters for something when you’re in front of a group). Additionally, a soft bring bag is consisted of, so if you want much more protection you’ll need to purchase an instance individually. These minor concerns don’t eliminate the reality that these are one of the most dependable, finest seeming, and also hardest functioning DJ headphones on the marketplace.
# 2. Leader HDJ-2000MK2:
Keep in mind: The Pioneer HDJ-2000MK2 are no more being made and have been replaced by the HDJ-X10. If you can get your hands on them, we still assume they’re excellent DJ headphones as well as worthwhile of incorporation.
It’s no surprise that Pioneer – a name associated with DJ equipment – would certainly make a top-tier DJ earphone. The HDJ-2000MK2 are a follow-up to the exceptionally prominent Leader HDJ-2000, as well as they have actually enhanced it in nearly every way. The HDJ-2000MK2 can be seen on festival stages around the globe, so Leader is most definitely doing something right with these.
You’ll discover the specs are remarkably similar to those of the Pioneer’s closest competitor, the V-MODA M-100. 10.5 ounces is about double the weight of the Sennheiser HD 25, but there’s a good factor for that. The HDJ-2000MK2 are made with considerably even more metal than both the HD 25 and M-100. All things considered, 10.5 ounces still creates a fairly light earphone, and also we have nothing but good things to say about exactly how these feeling. They have an extremely streamlined minimal look; they’re both extravagant and significant, which is a combo we can hop on board with.
They feature a nice zippered clamshell case for protection, a straight cable, and also a coiled cord. Props to Leader for including 2 sorts of wires. The headband has an ergonomic form, and also after wearing these for several hrs none people reported any pain. The earcups can rotate which is a wonderful feature for DJs, as well as the earpads are soft and comfortable (and conveniently changeable in case they start to flake).
In regards to just how they seem, we’ll right away claim that these Leader headphones sound excellent – the soundstage is nice and also broad, they’re quite loud, and also the bass is punchy as well as complete. They’re definitely purpose-built for DJing, and you’ll discover their frequency reaction is very customized to emphasize the low and mid regularities (300Hz to 1,600 Hz range). When it involves the more dance-floor oriented styles of songs like digital dancing music, pop, or hip jump, these can possibly do their job extremely well.
Bottom Line: The HDJ-2000MK2 are not the cheapest ones on this listing whatsoever; they’ll establish you back a similar total up to the V-MODA M-100. It deserves to keep in mind that you are paying for the famous Pioneer name, experience, as well as dependability when it comes to the globe of DJ devices. The Pioneer HDJ-2000MK2 are an amazing selection, specifically if you require the increased seclusion of an over-ear earphone and also desire an extra superior feel.
# 3.Audio-Technica ATH-M50x:
When investigating what earphones to evaluate out, we were stunned to see the number of DJs advised the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x as their preferred DJ headphone. They are among our faves when it comes to producing songs in the studio. As it ends up, these are also extremely qualified DJ earphones featuring exceptional sound isolation, great and also punchy audio, as well as a price that’s easy to ingest.
At 10 ounces, these evaluate concerning the same as the V-MODA M-100 and Pioneer HDJ-2000MK2. They’re large, however, the develop high quality doesn’t really feel as costs as the various other 2. The construction is almost specifically plastic; make no mistake, it still seems like a high-quality earphone, it’s simply not as lux feeling as the V-MODA and also Leader, which is reflected in the price tag. The plastic hinges and also swivels are most likely where these would damage if based on misuse, so ensure you’re not tossing or dropping them while you do. They fold perfectly to fit in the included soft bring a bag, which is a wonderful touch yet does not supply the same degree of defense as a hard case would certainly.
On a favorable note, the ATH-M50x includes three wires – 2 straight cable televisions that are 3ft as well as 9ft long, as well as one curled cable television that extends. You’ll possibly intend to make use of the coiled cable when DJing, and also straight wire otherwise (workshop, informal listening, etc). One minor gripe is that the cable television can just affix and secure right into the left ear cup.
DJs will value that the ear cups rotate, so you can use them around your neck without discomfort or do the one-ear-on/one-ear-off point. However these experience a little bit in the comfort division. Thankfully throughout a DJ collection, you can take them off occasionally to offer your head a break, so it’s not a bargain breaker.
The noise is well balanced, and also while these are most often recommended for workshop use the bass behaves as well as punchy, and also there’s a subtle bump in the highs, which in fact makes these incredibly flexible and quite well suited for DJing. One of the very best components of these headphones is sound isolation. We were surprised at how little the audio leaked, which will certainly spare your valuable hearing when you’re DJing at a very loud club.
Bottom Line: It’s really very good information that the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x have actually gotten appeal in the DJ cubicle. They are rather low-cost considering their quality, and if you’re mostly a manufacturer that wishes to dabble in the art of DJing or a DJ who intends to attempt his hand at generating in the workshop, these earphones will do double-duty. They’re not marketed specifically to the DJ market as well as therefore aren’t quite as extravagant or well built as Pioneer or V-MODA, but they’re an extremely significant contender for any DJ who may want to also produce currently or in the future.
# 4. Shure SRH750DJ:
Shure is understood for making wonderful earphones, as well as their front runner choice for DJs – the SRH750DJ – is no exception.
Allow’s obtain some drawbacks off the beaten track initially. They’re not the sharpest looking headphones about, as well as their mainly plastic construct leaves something to be wanted. That claimed, it maintains the rate lower.
The cost requires to be stated since sound-wise, they seem like headphones that ought to cost twice the cost! The audio high quality is a DJ’s dream come true. The soundstage is extremely broad, the 50mm drivers obtain loud with lots of basses as well as no distortion, and the high end is really pronounced.
Other DJ-friendly functions consist of ear mugs that swivel 90 degrees, a great level of seclusion, a consist of coiled wire, and also soft bring a bag to protect the SRH750DJ throughout traveling.
Straight from the guidebook, this shows simply exactly how simple it is to fold up the SRH750DJ lug them in the consisted bag.
While they’re not the comfiest earphones we have actually ever used (the headband feels a little tight), they’re comfortable enough. The earpads are soft, as well as Shure consists of a substitute set. Weight-wise you’re looking at 10.26 oz (291g), which is about like the V-Moda and Audio-Technica M50x.
Bottom Line: If you can live with the means they look and also the slightly flimsy feel, rest assured you’re obtaining some of the most effective seeming DJ headphones around.
# 5.V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Master:
The initial V-MODA M-100 headphones were a pillar of our DJ earphone overview, so there was a lot of excitement to obtain our hands on their successors, the M-100 Crossfade Master.
The original M-100 could be seen on the heads of DJs worldwide, leaving the M-100 Crossfade Master to fill up some large shoes. We’re happy to claim these are even much better; refined renovations around, however enhancements nonetheless.
For the uninitiated, V-MODA has carved their particular niche in the crowded earphone area by offering a mix of style and compound. The business ethos has valued layout from the get-go.
The M-100 Master comes in a trendy Exoskeleton situation, and thanks to the all-metal CliqFold pivot the earphones fold to an incredibly little impact. The carabiner allows you to clip the situation to the rest of your baggage.
The construct high quality is excellent. They’re fairly significant (9.98 oz/ 283g) and also utilize a mix of materials, though they are steel on the anxiety points where it counts.
Even the cable televisions are glamorous. 2 are included, a 1-Button Microphone Cord and also a SharePlay cord (which allows an additional cord plug in and listen to the same audio source). They have a really good woven feel, believed for DJs we would recommend acquiring V-MODA’s coil cord.
The ear pad paddings have been boosted over the initial M-100s and also words can’t justify just how soft and also deluxe they are.
The guards can be completely personalized – laser-etched, color printed, or 3D printed. We prefer the Equipboard logo design, however, you can also get precious metals like 14K gold or platinum.
The headband is low profile and also incredibly resilient. There’s a good quantity of pressure on the head however nothing that leads to discomfort over long listening sessions. The pressure combined with the earpad cushions causes outstanding seclusion.
The sound quality of the M-100 was currently exceptional, as well as it’s also better currently with the M-100 Master. The soundstage is wider, as well as while the bass is definitely pronounced it does not muddy up the mix. For DJing purposes, the regularities are boosted in all the ideal locations.
That stated, a lot more so than their predecessors, the V-MODA M-100 Master is marketed as a “transitional” headphone in between the workshop and also DJ cubicle, as seen in their promotion video.
For studio work, we favor their M-200 earphone, and also would certainly call the M-100 Master best suited for 70% DJ job, and also 30% studio work.
Bottom Line: The V-MODA M-100 Crossfade Master is not low-cost by any means, yet such is the rate when aesthetic appeals, construct high quality, and sound high quality come together as incredibly as they do right here. Every one of those, including the myriad modification options, bring about an unparalleled degree of polish. They’re not the most effective value around, however, their adaptability in and out of the DJ booth makes them one of the extra remarkable earphones we have actually ever before attempted.
# 6. Pioneer HDJ-X10:
There’s a brand-new ruler atop the Pioneer DJ headphone schedule, as well as it goes by the name of HDJ-X10. It’s a departure both design-wise and sonically from their predecessors, the HDJ-2000MK2. We’ll alert you upfront … these are NOT inexpensive. Are they worth the money? Hell of course. Continue reading.
Pioneer have surpassed themselves with the HDJ-X10. From the product packaging to the design, to the sound, these just ooze class and also elegance.
Inside the outermost cardboard sleeve is a polished black box with the words “DEEPER CONNECTION” stamped on top. Inside is a beautiful hard-shell lugging situation constructed from a great textured surface area. It’s nearly like Tumi made a headphone case.
You get a 3m curled cable, as well as a 1.6 m straight Kevlar wire, which unfortunately can just be affixed to the left ear cup.
The headphones themselves are works of art. There are numerous textures and also layout accents, and they feel like they can take a severe beating. The construct’s high quality is exceptional; there’s not a squeak or rattle when rotating the ear cups or extending the headband.
The comfort is sensational. We listened for hrs, as well as the sweat immune ear pads are little natural leather clouds of joy. They have a snug fit without hurting to put on, and the isolation is exceptional.
Sound-wise, they far outperform what we get out of DJ earphones. They’re very well balanced throughout the spectrum. They have an unmatched 5Hz-40,000 Hz frequency feedback, which is insanely high because people can not actually listen to much past 20,000 Hz.
Whatever Pioneer made with the layout of these 50mm drivers, congratulations to them. The audio feels so full. We couldn’t think it contrasted to the other DJ headphones we examined – which are quality – but the Leader HDJ-X10 makes them really feel stifled in some way. The sound stage is fantastic like you’re in a room.
Profits: Truly the only drawback right here is their price. It’s truly rather high for a set of cans that you’re possibly not mosting likely to a child for their planned use in the DJ booth. You might decrease to the less costly siblings, the HDJ-X7 and HDJ-X5, yet you would certainly be losing out on the dazzling soundstage of the X10. They’re a splurge, however, you’re not just getting a few of the most effective DJ earphones around; they’re several of the very best headphones we’ve ever listened to, duration.
# 7. Sennheiser HD8 DJ:
When Sennheiser launched the HD8 DJ earphones in 2014, the cost factor was simply too expensive for us to suggest them, in spite of their advantages. Fast forward to now, the cost has actually substantially come down to where we feel they are a lot more fairly priced, and you would be remiss to not consider them for DJing.
Sennheiser says the HD8 is “motivated by the famous HD 25 … focusing on the rhythm as well as defeat matching which experts need.” This is an amazing pledge since the HD 25 is a perennial staple suggestion for DJ usage.
We’re right here to inform you that they definitely deliver on that assurance, yet overall the HD8 is a rather various animal than the HD 25. These really have a lot more in common with V-MODA as well as Leader’s flagship DJ earphones.
The HD8 includes an over-ear style, as well as the seal they form around your ear, which is limited to state the least. Do not confuse that for pain; the rigidity is deliberate which makes their isolation incomparable. If you’re sensitive to tight-fitting headphones the pressure may posture a little an obstacle over lengthy wearing sessions
The earpads are leatherette, however, they include substitute velour pads if you prefer that (switching them out is easy).
They feature a costs hard safety case, but the HD8 are built so well they do not actually require added protection. They’re stylish and sophisticated, as well as the elements that undergo one of the most stress like the ear mug pivot rings and headband are made of steel.
The ear cups can swivel away from your ear as well as click right into place to offer one-ear monitoring if required. They come with a straight and also coiled cable, which you can affix to either ear mug.
In regards to noise, the HD8 deal with mind-blowing quality. The hallmarks of an excellent DJ earphone are all below: crystal clear, loud, thumping bass, thorough mids, as well as existing highs. Incorporate that with their premium seclusion, as well as the HD8 is right at home in any kind of DJ booth.
Profits: Sound-wise, the HD8 takes all the most effective things of the HD 25 and also repackage them into eye-catching, solidly developed over-ear headphone with some glamorous fittings. With a cost that’s far more affordable than what it debuted for, the HD8 is virtually a piece of cake.
# 8. AIAIAI TMA-2:
The AIAIAI TMA-2 headphones are modular, suggesting that you can essentially construct a headphone customized to your needs using their online configurator. You reach choose the headband, the audio speaker devices, the earpads, and also the cable, and also when it arrives at your door you rapidly break every one of the elements together. If that appears complicated, AIAIAI has actually made presets which are preconfigured for various objectives. In our case, the one we liked is DJ Preset.
Unboxing the AIAIAI TMA-2 is a lot enjoyable. Every one of the parts come in their own envelope, as well as it’s enjoyable (and also simple) to put the headphone together. The DJ Preset comes with the H02 headband which is much tougher and also offers a much better grasp. The S02 speaker units are possibly the biggest point distinguishing this pre-programmed from even more studio-oriented presets. According to AIAIAI, they make the middle bass much more “clear and also punchy.” The E02 earpads sit on top of the ear, similar to the Sennheiser HD 25. And also ultimately, the DJ Preset cable television is the C02 design, a coiled wire that encompasses 3.2 meters (concerning 10.5 ft).
The TMA-2 has a minimalistic style that looks truly streamlined. Regardless of being mainly plastic, the build quality really feels truly solid. We’re not keen on breaking ours, but suffice it to claim they feel tough. The headband fits pleasantly; limited however without feeling like a vice. The earcups regrettably do not pivot. The curled cable is great and also has a soft-touch surface.
Being on-ear headphones, the isolation isn’t just as good as over-ear. The great thing about these being modular is that so long as you have some cash money to extra, you can order some over-ear substitute earpads to check out.
Sound-wise, we have no problems. We can certainly hear the punchier bass as well as mids that the S02 speaker devices provide. We mainly evaluated dancing floor-oriented genres of songs, and every little thing came through loud as well as clear.
Bottom Line: AIAIAI provides something really unique with the TMA-2’s modular principle. Reaching construct your very own earphones is fun and also they make it extremely very easy, and the great thing is that if you don’t such as anything regarding them, you can change it out (offered you have the cash to acquire more parts). AIAIAI additionally uses a generous 1-month return policy if you get directly from them, so you have lots of time to examine if these headphones are up to your street. A few downsides are that the TMA-2 is the type of costly, as well as they don’t feature any type of safety bag or hard case. Still, they’ve got design, substance, and also we totally advise the TMA-2 DJ Preset.
FAQ:
Frequently Asked Question.
#. Q: Do the most effective DJ earphones alter every year (2020 vs. 2021)?:.
The solution is it depends! Makers generally do not release brand-new designs frequently; as soon as each year or more seems to be the standard. The majority of producers have an “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” perspective with DJ earphones. As an example, Sennheiser’s HD 25 earphones have been dominating the DJ market for a fair time, however, the business remains to innovate. They launched the Sennheiser HD8 DJ Headphones which are far more specifically marketed to DJs. And also while they’re good earphones (we tested them), it’s really hard to uncrown the HD 25s which have gotten on top for as long.
#. Q: What’s the most effective DJ headphone to acquire?
That’s a tough concern to answer and relies on a lot of things! It’s the reason we created this overview, to aid you to navigate the world of DJ earphones and also make a selection that fits your budget plan and also demands. The advantage is that whether you DJ weddings, periodically play a set at the regional club, or are a headline act at a giant festival, the very same standard concepts use when selecting DJ earphones – they need to appear punchy and loud, and also the build high quality has to be good.
#. Q: What headphones do the best DJs use?
The most-used headphones by the ideal DJs worldwide are the Sennheiser HD 25 and also V-MODA M-100. If you want extra info, you’re in good luck! It is our objective below at Equipboard to document the gear used by the finest musicians worldwide, as well as DJs are no exemption. Curious what headphones Tiesto makes use of? Head to his Equipboard to figure out. Here is a tasting of the world’s top DJs (resource: DJMag Top 100 Djs listing) as well as what headphones they have actually been spotted wearing frequently.
