10 Best… is a new series in which we look at the top 10 items from a particular niche of DJ & studio equipment, and to kick things off we take an in depth look at the best headphones on the market.
How exactly does one navigate the treacherous terrain between bass response, swivel mechanisms and frequency ranges? And which ones actually feel comfortable whilst nestled on your head?
Let Juno you…
Skullcandy SK Pro
Of their vast range of headphones, Skullcandy produce a number of models aimed specifically at DJ’s.
The SK Pro’s are among these, and with a variety of eye-catching colours, may not be to everyone’s taste but are nonetheless extremely popular.
With ear cups large enough to fit comfortably around your ears (rather than rest on them) and soft, thick leatherette ear pads, these headphones are very comfortable to wear for long periods. Sound-wise these aren’t fatiguing, with their large 50mm drivers delivering crisp, clear treble and deep, warm bass.
With ear-cups that swivel 90 degrees, a coiled cord, carry case and a folding design, they’re compact and portable, and give plenty of bang for your buck.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 20-20,000Hz |
| Weight | 350g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided |
| Cord Length | 3.92m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | Yes |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts Available | No |
Sony MDR-V700
Amongst their range of consumer and pro-audio headphones, Sony produce several models designed specifically for the DJ market. The MDR-V700DJ is the top of their DJ range but also the most popular, with a wider driver and deeper bass response (down to 5Hz) than their other models, ear-cups that swivel and reverse a 10 foot-long cord and a carry case.
The chunky silver design gives the impression they might weigh heavily on the head, but in fact they feel light and comfortable to wear and the wide moulded headband keeps them firmly in place. Sound-wise they deliver the goods – the bass is strong and the upper frequencies detailed, with a warm, balanced sound that doesn’t tire the ears over time.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 5 – 30,000Hz |
| Weight | 300g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided |
| Cord Length | 3.0m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | Yes |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts Available | No |
Sennheiser HD 25-C II
Sennheiser’s industry standard HD 25’s have been the headphones of choice for professional DJs for many a year.
Their isolation from outside noise is far superior to most other headphones, making them ideal for use in extremely noisy environments, and their rugged build construction means they won’t break easily.
Even if they do become damaged, virtually every part on them is replaceable (albeit at a premium price), so they can literally last you a lifetime.
Other features include rotating ear-cups for one-ear monitoring, a 3 metre-long coiled cable, a nylon carry bag and replacement pair of velvety velour earpads.
With a split headband and a wide range of adjustment, they’ll fit virtually any head size, and their lightweight construction makes them comfortable even when worn for extended periods.
Clear, detailed treble, punchy mids and deep bass make them perfect for DJ or studio use.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 16 – 22,000Hz |
| Weight | 140g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided, detachable |
| Cord Length | 3.0m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | No |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts Available | Yes |
Audio-Technica ATH-PRO5-MS (camouflage)
Aside from making DJ headphones for Allen & Heath (XD-53s), Audio
Technica also have an extensive range of their own DJ and consumer
headphones.
Among their DJ range are their stylish ATH-PRO5-MS
camouflage headphones.
Their wide frequency range (15 – 28,000 Hz) gives
them a natural sound with an extended high end, while their powerful
40mm drivers make for warm sounding bass.
The large earcups mean they
sit snugly over the ears, and their overall lightweight nature and
well-padded headband and earcups make them comfortable to wear.
The jack
connector is a severely rugged all-metal affair, and the single-sided
coiled cable means it won’t tangle or break easily. While the earcups
rotate, the lack of a swivel mechanism to turn them sideways means they
won’t appeal to everyone.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 15 – 28,000Hz |
| Weight | 200g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided |
| Cord Length | 1.5m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | No |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | No |
| Replaceable Parts Available | No |
Panasonic RP-HTX7 (black)
Panasonic’s retro styled RP-HTX7 headphones come in a range of
distinctive colours and are one of their bestselling models.
With a wide
headband and vast range of adjustment, these headphones should fit most
people comfortably.
Sitting around the ears rather than on top, and
with large leatherette covered foam earpads, the RP-HTX7’s don’t put too
much pressure on your head, making them pleasant to wear for prolonged
periods.
Their wide frequency range (7 – 22,000 Hz) gives them a warm,
full sound that doesn’t tire.
Their relatively short straight cable
(1.2m) is a potential drawback, but being single-sided means it won’t
tangle easily.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 7 – 22,000Hz |
| Weight | 153g |
| Cord Type | straight, single-sided |
| Cord Length | 1.2m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | No |
| Rotating Earcups | No |
| Jack Adapter Included | No |
| Carry Pouch Included | No |
| Replaceable Parts Available | No |
Sennheiser HD-215
The HD-215’s are the most affordable of Sennheiser’s broad range of DJ headphones, but still boast many of the features of their more expensive models.
Excellent isolation from outside noise, a rotatable ear cup for one-ear monitoring and a detachable single-sided coiled cable (3m) are amongst the DJ-friendly features, while soft foam earpads and a padded headband make them comfortable to wear, and the large earcups sit cosily around the ears without moving around too much.
However, their large ear-cups and overall chunky feel means they’re not ideal for people with small heads or those wanting low profile headphones.
Sound-wise, they’re very detailed and neutral sounding and the excellent stereo imaging gives them a real sense of depth and space.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 12 – 22,000Hz |
| Weight | 280g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided, detachable |
| Cord Length | 3.0m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | No |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts Available | Yes |
Allen & Heath Xone XD-53
Manufactured by Audio Technica, the XD-53s are Allen & Heath’s first foray in the DJ headphones market and are a cracking pair of headphones.
They provide excellent isolation from ambient noise, making them ideal for DJs working in loud environments.
Features include earcups that rotate and swivel for easy one-ear monitoring, an adjustable metal-reinforced headband, a coiled single-sided cord (3m), a leatherette carry pouch and a folding design for compact portability.
The sound is the killer feature though – they sound fantastic and with an incredibly wide frequency range (5 – 33,000 Hz); their large (53mm) drivers produce deep thumping bass, punchy mids and detailed crisp highs without distortion. A detachable cable would have been the icing on the cake on an otherwise near perfect pair of headphones.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 5 – 33,000Hz |
| Weight | 320g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided |
| Cord Length | 3.0m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | Yes |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts Available | Yes |
Sennheiser HD 25 SP II
Sennheiser’s HD 25 SP headphones are a more affordable alternative to their hugely popular HD 25s, retaining the overall look and many of the features of their big brother but with a price tag around £60 lighter.
The HD 25 SPs feature a single rather than split headband, a smaller, more lightweight design, a narrower frequency range (30 – 16,000 Hz compared with the16 – 22,000 Hz of the HD 25’s) and a double rather than single sided cable.
Not having a single-sided cable is the main gripe as it means the cable can become tangled under your chin.
Like the HD 25s, the HD 25 SPs are rugged and certainly built to last, and if they should become damaged, virtually all parts on them can be replaced.
The HD 25 SPs offer superior isolation from outside noise compared with most other headphones, have a clear detailed sound and are comfortable even when worn for long periods.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 30 -16,000Hz |
| Weight | 115g |
| Cord Type | straight, double-sided, detachable |
| Cord Length | 1.5m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | No |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | No |
| Replaceable Parts Available | Yes |
Technics RP-DH1200
Technics make several different models of DJ headphones, but one of their leading models is the RP-DH1200s.
At 435g, they’re pretty weighty and their chunky construction might put some off, but the pseudo-deck decoration and bright shiny face on the ear cups have made them a familiar sight in DJ booths.
Sound-wise, they’re commendable, with an impressive frequency range (5 – 30,000 Hz) giving them plenty of bass and a bright sound that manages not to tire.
The RP-DH1200s fold down for easy storage and transportation, and come with a leatherette carry case to put them in.
Their closed ear-cups swivel and rotate for one-ear monitoring, and give good sound isolation from outside noise.
The detachable, single-sided coiled cable won’t tangle easy and the right angled jack won’t jut out of the mixer and get in the way. The padded headband and ear cushions make for comfortable listening and keep the headphones firmly on your head.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 5 – 30,000Hz |
| Weight | 435g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided |
| Cord Length | 3.0m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated, right-angled |
| Features | Folding | Yes |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts Available | No |
Technics RP-DJ1200A
Equally as popular but with a much smaller profile and different styling to their RP-DH1200s, Technics’ RP-DJ1200A headphones will suit DJs who prefer a sleeker, more compact headphone.
The RP-DJ1200As have the same wide frequency range (5 – 30,000 Hz) as the RP-DH1200s, and thus deliver a similar bassy sound, but their smaller drivers (41mm) mean the sound isn’t quite as thumping as the RP-DH1200s.
Their ultra-rugged headband with folding swing arms swivel 270 degrees, allowing one-sided monitoring, or almost any configuration you like.
The single-sided coiled cord minimizes tangles and at 3 metres, is long enough to not be restricting.
| Specifications | Frequency Range | 5 – 30,000Hz |
| Weight | 330g |
| Cord Type | coiled, single-sided |
| Cord Length | 3.0m |
| Jack Size/Type | 3.5mm, gold-plated |
| Features | Folding | Yes |
| Rotating Earcups | Yes |
| Jack Adapter Included | Yes |
| Carry Pouch Included | Yes |
| Replaceable Parts Available | No |
Ben Daly
Tue 26 Mar - 0:28 by Hexaliohm
![[Valid RSS]](https://2img.net/h/www.trancemoon.com/images/forum/valid-rss.png "Validate my RSS feed")
Music Production
Subject: 10 best DJ headphones - review 
