Tag Archives: monitoring headphones

Best DJ headphones to buy in 2015

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Best DJ Headphones Under £100

Fostex TH7-BB

For its price, this versatile Fostex model is great value and is great for enjoying music as well as a whole host of professional applications.

Imaging and soundstage are impressive thanks to the semi-open design, but isolation is not lost.

Bass goes low but remains tight, mids are clear and natural, highs are detailed and not rolled off, but not too bright.

The impedence and sensitivity may require a headphone amp for portable uses.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A good rugged all-rounder for both in and out of doors, the TH7-BB is a great choice for those on a budget.

 

Best DJ Headphones Under £200

Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro

Beyerdynamic are known for some wonderfully put together and sturdy headphones, with the Custom One Pro being a good example.

The character of the frequency response can be changed whilst the headphones are being worn by means of the adjustable bass ports on each side. Mids are slightly recessed and highs are clear but not too forward/bright.

They are primarily a portable headphone but are useful at home too; isolation is good and they can be adequately powered from any device, although an amp may be required for quieter tracks if going mobile.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

This good looking and sturdy headphone can be further customised, but will sound good however they look.

Shure SRH-840

Shure’s SRH-840 is a fantastic introduction to higher-quality audio; anyone looking to upgrade may be hard pressed to find more bang for the buck.  Shure has a long history in the music industry and the SRH-840 is obviously made by a design team that knows what professional requirements are.

These are well balanced performers, but may leave bassheads wanting more. Mids are well balanced and highs are revealing.

A good headphone for monitoring, but old or low quality recordings may be fatiguing after a while.  This is a monitor designed for professional work.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

An excellent first upgrade to professional quality, but take care if you have a sensitivity to high-frequency sound.

SoundMAGIC HP150

SoundMAGIC’s name is synonymous with fun sounding headphones and the HP150 is a typical example, but this headphone should be taken seriously.

These well upholstered headphones offer superb isolation, and a sound that you’d be happy to share!

The headphone is made better than many other headphones at this price point and feels more like a Beyerdynamic, rather than a Sony.  It’s got a professional feel to it, rather than mainstream consumer.

Bass is warm but controlled, midrange fluid and live, with the treble attention-grabbing but not strident.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

A sturdy, balanced sounding headphone from SoundMAGIC with build quality competes with the well established professional headphone brands.

 

Best DJ Headphones Under £300

Sennheiser HD7 DJ

Sennheiser’s HD-25 headphone (and various iterations) has been justifiably revered by DJs and sound professionals all over the world since its release in 1988; however Sennheiser now have a dedicated DJ range, including the HD7 DJ.

With a little more in the bass region, the HD7 is perhaps better when listening out for that beat in a club environment to get the mix seamless. Midrange is good and gets better with more power; the treble is laid back.

This is a headphone that is designed to plugged into a mixing desk.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Good imaging and airiness make these a good all-round headphone, but an amplifier is recommended for the best sound from the HD7 DJ whilst on the move.

 

Best DJ Headphones Over £500

Ultrasone Signature DJ

Ultrasone have a good range of high quality headphones and the signature DJ does not disappoint. With rugged good looks and build, these are sure to outlast many records and flight cases! They fold flat in their semi-rigid case, if the DJ can stand to put them away that is.

Bass is well controlled and plentiful enough without overpowering the mix, midrange is fluid and clear, while treble is present and detailed without getting too intense.

The S-Logic surround feature is present here too, to give added space and depth to the presentation. The Signature DJ model is for the industry professional and music lover alike; with the Signature DJ the accent is on isolation, but if enjoying music in quieter surroundings, you may wish to investigate the Ultrasone Signature Pro model.

Hifiheadphones verdict:

Enjoy crystal clear audio anywhere; isolation is as fantastic as the sound quality from these stunning headphones.  This is the ultimate in DJ headphones.

 

 

 

 

DJ Headphones – Choosing the best DJ headphones

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Choosing the best DJ headphones can be difficult – it’s a big decision.  If you’re a DJ then you will no doubt be very careful about the headphones you choose for monitoring.  While it’s possible to DJ with a pair of ordinary Hi-Fi headphones, you will likely not be very happy with the result.

DJ monitoring has some very specific requirements, which are quite different to other types of listening.  This article is meant to offer some advice with choosing the best pair of DJ headphone.  DJing presents a tough listening environment and you will need to ensure you have the right equipment to be successful and get the most out of it.

Below are a few key points to think about when choosing DJ headphones.

Good isolation from external sound

While you cue up the next track you need to be able to monitor without interference from the sound being played over the speakers, so headphones with good sound isolation are a must

Good DJ headphones are nearly always of the closed back (or sealed) design, which means you can focus on getting the beats matched perfectly without any external distractions.

Swivel earcups

When you think you got the beat match spot on you will want to compare the beats of your new tune with the sound coming out of the speakers.  Swivel earcups are a convenient way of monitoring the audio coming through the speakers. You just rotate one earcup and hey presto you can hear your new track and the existing track.  Also convenient for chatting with friends nearby while you mix!

For example the Sennheiser HD25 DJ headphones have rotating earcups and also conveniently have a headphone cable that comes from a single earcup, meaning you are less likely to get tangled up in the cord when you are jumping up and down behind the decks.

Sennheiser HD25 DJ Headphones

Clarity at high volume levels

The listening environment while DJing is often very noisy, even if it’s just at home with the speakers turned up loud.  You will need your DJ headphones to be able to cut through the external noise and this may mean turning them up loud for short periods.  A good quality pair of DJ headphones are able to be driven at high volumes without distortion.

Some DJ headphones may even sound a little biased towards mids and treble, which is to help you distinguish audio cues in the music.

Long term listening comfort

As a DJ you may have to wear your headphones for hours at a time, so headphone fit and comfort are vital.  Ears that are hurting will not help your mixing skills.  The best DJ headphones have comfortable earpads and are lightweight.

More Information

The HiFi Headphones store has a big selection of DJ headphones from many of the best headphone brands, including Technics and Sennheiser.