Picking out dj headphones can feel a little tricky when you’re just starting out. There are so many options, and what sounds good for listening to music might not be the best for mixing. Don’t worry, though!
We’ll make this super simple. We’ll walk through everything step by step so you can find the perfect pair to get your DJ career spinning. Let’s get you set up with the gear you need.
Key Takeaways
- You will learn what makes certain headphones good for DJing.
- We will cover the different types of DJ headphones and their uses.
- You will understand important features like sound isolation and durability.
- We will explain how to test headphones to find the best fit for your needs.
- You will discover tips for caring for your DJ headphones to make them last.
What Makes DJ Headphones Special
DJ headphones are not just any headphones; they have specific qualities that make them stand out for creating music. When you’re a DJ, you need to hear every little detail in your music, especially when you’re trying to mix two songs together. This means the headphones have to be really clear and powerful.
They also need to be tough because DJs often move around and use their gear a lot.
Regular headphones are usually made for just listening to music. They might sound great for your favorite songs, but they don’t always handle the demands of live mixing. For example, they might not block out the loud sounds from speakers as well.
They might also break easily if they are dropped or pulled by the cord. DJ headphones are built to handle these challenges.
Sound Isolation
One of the most important things about DJ headphones is their ability to block out outside noise. This is called sound isolation. When you are in a club or at a party, there are lots of other sounds, like music from the main speakers, crowd noise, and chatter.
Your headphones need to create a quiet space for you to focus on the music you are mixing.
Good sound isolation means you can hear your headphones clearly without turning the volume up too high. This is better for your ears in the long run. It also helps you make better mixing choices because you can hear subtle differences in the tracks.
Many DJ headphones achieve this with earcups that fit snugly around your ears and are made of thick, dense material.
Imagine you’re trying to beatmatch two songs. Beatmatching is when you line up the rhythm of two songs so they play at the same speed and in sync. If you can’t hear the bassline of the song that’s currently playing through your headphones clearly, it’s going to be very hard to get the next song to start at the right beat.
Good sound isolation makes this process much smoother.
Durability and Build Quality
DJ headphones often face a tougher life than headphones used for casual listening. They might get tossed into a bag, have their cords yanked, or be worn for many hours at a time. Because of this, they are built to be very strong and last a long time.
This means they use strong materials and have good designs that can handle a lot of use.
A common problem with less durable headphones is a broken cord. DJ headphones often have replaceable cords, which is a big plus. If your cord gets damaged, you don’t need to buy a whole new pair of headphones.
You can just buy a new cord. This saves money and keeps you from being out of action.
The hinges where the earcups attach to the headband are also usually reinforced. This prevents them from cracking or breaking when you fold them up or put them on. Even the materials used for the earcups and headband are chosen for their ability to withstand wear and tear.
This means they might feel a bit heavier than other headphones, but that’s often a sign of their sturdiness.
Sound Quality for Mixing
While regular headphones might boost the bass or treble to make music sound more exciting, DJ headphones aim for a more balanced and accurate sound. This is called a flat frequency response. A flat response means that all the sounds, from the lowest bass notes to the highest treble sounds, are played at a similar volume.
Why is this important for DJs? When you hear a track with a flat response, you hear it more like the artist and producer intended. This helps you make better decisions about equalization (EQ).
EQ is like a tone control for music. You can use it to make the bass louder or quieter, or the treble sharper or softer. If your headphones color the sound, you might make bad EQ choices that don’t sound good when played through large speakers.
For instance, if a DJ headphone exaggerates the bass, a DJ might reduce the bass in the track, thinking it’s too much. However, when played on a system with a flat response, that track might then sound weak in the bass. A flat response lets the DJ hear the true balance of the music and make precise adjustments.
This accuracy is key to a professional-sounding mix.
Types of DJ Headphones
There are a few main styles of DJ headphones, each with its own benefits. The most common type is over-ear headphones. These cover your entire ear.
There are also on-ear headphones, which rest on your ears. Knowing the difference helps you choose what’s best for your comfort and how you DJ.
Over-Ear DJ Headphones
Over-ear, or circumaural, headphones are the most popular choice for DJs. They completely surround your ears. This design naturally provides excellent sound isolation.
The large earcups help create a seal around your ears, blocking out external sounds effectively. This is crucial for hearing your mix clearly, even in noisy environments like clubs.
The comfort level of over-ear headphones is often higher for long DJ sets. Because they don’t press directly on your ears, they can be worn for hours without causing discomfort. Many over-ear models are also designed with swiveling earcups.
This feature is very useful for DJs who often monitor one ear and listen to the crowd or other sounds with the other.
A prime example is the Sennheiser HD 25. While it is often considered on-ear by some, its supra-aural design with large ear pads offers excellent isolation and is very comfortable for many DJs. Its robust build and clear sound have made it a standard in the industry for decades.
This model shows how effective even a more compact design can be for DJing when engineered correctly.
On-Ear DJ Headphones
On-ear, or supra-aural, headphones sit directly on your ears rather than around them. They are generally smaller and lighter than over-ear models. This can make them more portable and less bulky.
For DJs who move around a lot or prefer a less enclosed feeling, on-ear headphones can be a good option.
However, on-ear headphones typically offer less sound isolation compared to over-ear designs. They rely on the padding pressing against your ears to block noise, which is often less effective. This might mean you have to turn the volume up higher to hear your mix, which can be tiring for your ears over time.
They can also become uncomfortable after long periods as they press directly on your ears.
A well-known example of on-ear DJ headphones is the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x. These are highly regarded for their balanced sound and build quality. While they sit on the ear, many users find them comfortable enough for extended use, especially when paired with softer aftermarket earpads.
Their portability is a definite advantage for mobile DJs.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back Headphones
When looking at DJ headphones, you’ll often see the terms “closed-back” and “open-back.” For DJing, closed-back headphones are almost always the way to go.
Closed-Back DJ Headphones
Closed-back headphones have a solid back on the earcups. This design prevents sound from leaking out and also keeps outside noise from getting in. This is exactly what you need for DJing.
You want to hear your mix without the music bleeding into the microphone or the crowd hearing what you’re playing.
The closed-back design is also excellent for providing good bass response. The sealed earcups trap the sound, creating a more powerful and defined bass experience. This is helpful for DJs who want to feel the rhythm and make sure their low frequencies are solid.
Because they isolate sound so well, they are the standard for most professional DJ applications.
A common statistic is that around 90% of professional DJs prefer closed-back headphones due to their superior sound isolation and bass reinforcement. This preference is driven by the need to monitor tracks accurately in loud environments and prevent sound bleed, which is essential for both performance and recording.
Open-Back DJ Headphones
Open-back headphones have grilles or holes on the back of the earcups. This lets sound escape and also allows some outside noise to enter. While they can offer a more natural and spacious sound for casual listening or studio work, they are not suitable for DJing.
The sound leakage from open-back headphones is a major problem for DJs. It means the music you are hearing in your headphones will also be heard by the audience, especially if you are using a microphone. This can cause feedback loops and a messy overall sound.
Additionally, the lack of sound isolation makes it very difficult to hear your mix clearly over loud club music.
For example, imagine a DJ using open-back headphones in a busy bar. They would struggle to hear the details of their mix over the chatter of the patrons and the ambient music. This would make beatmatching extremely difficult and could lead to off-beat transitions, ruining the flow of the set.
Therefore, open-back headphones are generally avoided by DJs.
Key Features to Look For
Beyond the type of headphone, several specific features contribute to a great pair of DJ headphones. These include the drivers, impedance, frequency response, and comfort. Paying attention to these details will help you make a more informed choice.
Drivers
Drivers are the small speakers inside your headphones that produce the sound. The size and quality of the drivers have a big impact on the sound you hear. Larger drivers, generally 40mm or more, are common in DJ headphones because they can produce a wider range of frequencies and handle more power without distortion.
The materials used for the driver diaphragm also matter. Common materials include Mylar, titanium, and beryllium. Titanium and beryllium drivers are often found in higher-end headphones and are known for their stiffness and lightness, which can lead to clearer sound and better transient response.
Transient response refers to how well the headphone can reproduce sudden, short sounds like drum hits.
A good driver can accurately reproduce the punch of a kick drum, the crispness of a snare, and the warmth of a vocal. For example, a 50mm driver in a quality headphone can deliver a more powerful and detailed sound profile than a smaller 30mm driver. This makes a significant difference when you are trying to pick out specific elements in a track for mixing.
Impedance
Impedance is a measure of how much resistance the headphone’s drivers offer to the electrical signal from your audio source. It’s measured in ohms (Ω). Headphones with lower impedance (around 16-32 Ω) are easier to drive, meaning they don’t need a powerful audio source to get loud.
These are good for mobile devices like phones.
DJ headphones typically have higher impedance, usually between 32 Ω and 600 Ω. Higher impedance headphones often sound better and can handle more power without distorting, which is important when connecting to DJ mixers or amplifiers that can provide a strong signal. A headphone with 50 Ω impedance, for instance, will likely sound cleaner and more dynamic when connected to a DJ mixer than a 24 Ω headphone.
This higher impedance allows DJs to push the volume in loud environments without the signal becoming weak or distorted. It ensures that the sound remains clear and powerful, even when you need to crank the volume to hear your cue track over the main speakers. For studio use and DJing, headphones with impedance between 32 and 80 ohms are generally a good balance.
Frequency Response
Frequency response describes the range of sounds a headphone can produce, from the lowest bass frequencies to the highest treble frequencies. It’s usually represented by a graph and measured in Hertz (Hz). A wider frequency range, like 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, means the headphones can reproduce a broader spectrum of sound.
As mentioned before, DJs often prefer headphones with a “flat” or “neutral” frequency response. This means the headphones don’t artificially boost or cut certain frequencies. They aim to reproduce the sound as accurately as possible.
A flat response helps you make better mixing decisions by giving you a true representation of the music.
For example, if a track has a subtle percussive element in the mid-range, a headphone with a truly flat response will let you hear that element clearly. If the headphone has a boosted mid-range, you might think that element is louder than it actually is. This accuracy is vital for fine-tuning your mixes.
Some DJs might prefer a slight boost in bass for practice, but a neutral response is key for professional results.
Comfort and Fit
DJing often involves long hours of wearing headphones. Therefore, comfort is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Over-ear headphones that completely enclose your ears tend to be more comfortable for extended use because they distribute pressure evenly and reduce ear fatigue.
Look for headphones with soft, plush ear cushions. Materials like velour or memory foam can significantly enhance comfort. The headband should also be adjustable and well-padded to prevent pressure on your head.
Some headphones also offer swiveling earcups, which allow you to position them in different ways, such as wearing one earcup over your ear and the other on the side of your head.
A good fit also contributes to sound isolation. If the earcups don’t create a good seal around your ears, you’ll get more sound leakage and less isolation. This can make it hard to hear your cue track.
Try to find headphones that fit snugly but not too tightly. Some DJs even
Testing and Choosing Your Pair
Buying DJ headphones online can be convenient, but it’s always best to try them out if you can. Hearing them with your own ears and feeling them on your head is the most reliable way to find the perfect pair.
Listen to Familiar Tracks
When you test headphones, use music you know very well. This includes songs you’ve listened to countless times and maybe even practiced mixing. This allows you to easily detect any differences or inaccuracies in the sound reproduction.
You’ll notice if the bass is too boomy, if the vocals are clear, or if the treble sounds harsh.
Try listening to a variety of music genres. A track with heavy bass, like hip-hop or EDM, will test the low-end performance. A song with prominent vocals and intricate instrumentals, like jazz or acoustic music, will reveal how well the headphones handle the mid-range and treble.
This broad testing ensures the headphones perform well across your entire music library.
For instance, playing a track with a deep sub-bass line will help you determine if the headphones can reproduce those frequencies with clarity and power, or if they just sound like a muddy rumble. Similarly, listening to a track with sharp cymbals will show if the treble is clear and detailed, or if it’s sibilant and piercing.
Check for Comfort and Fit
Wear the headphones for at least 10-15 minutes. This will give you a good idea of how comfortable they are for longer listening sessions. Pay attention to any pressure points on your ears or head.
Do the earcups get too hot? Do they feel secure when you move your head?
Ensure the headphones fit snugly enough to provide good sound isolation. If they feel loose, sound might leak out, and external noise will interfere with your listening. Also, check if the headband is easily adjustable to fit your head size perfectly.
Some models allow you to change the angle of the earcups, which can improve comfort and seal.
A common scenario is a DJ trying on headphones in a store and finding them comfortable for a minute. However, after an hour-long set, they start to feel the pinch on their ears or the pressure on their scalp. This highlights why a longer test is crucial.
Assess Sound Isolation
If you are in a store, try to create some ambient noise. This could be by talking to a salesperson or standing near a busy area. See how well the headphones block out that noise.
Ideally, when you put the headphones on and play music, the outside world should fade away.
You can also simulate DJing by listening to one earcup while leaving the other slightly off your ear. This helps you see how well the earcup seals and isolates sound when it’s pressed against your head. If you can still clearly hear conversations around you while the music is playing at a moderate volume, the sound isolation might not be sufficient for noisy environments.
Consider this: A DJ playing in a venue with loud speakers needs to hear their cue track clearly. If the headphones have poor isolation, the DJ might not be able to hear the next song to prepare for a smooth transition. This can lead to awkward pauses or incorrect beatmatches, which can disrupt the energy of the party.
Caring for Your DJ Headphones
To get the most out of your DJ headphones and ensure they last as long as possible, proper care is essential. Treating them well will save you money and prevent interruptions to your DJing.
Keep Them Clean
Dust, earwax, and sweat can build up on your headphones over time. This can affect sound quality and hygiene. Gently wipe the earcups and headband with a soft, dry cloth after each use.
For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth with water or a mild cleaning solution.
Make sure to clean the earpads too. If they are removable, you can often wash them gently. Always let them air dry completely before reattaching them to the headphones.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the headphones.
For example, earwax buildup inside the earcup can muffle the sound. Regularly cleaning the mesh behind the earcup can help prevent this. It’s also a good practice to clean the headphone jack regularly to ensure a good connection with your audio devices.
Store Them Properly
When you’re not using your headphones, store them in a protective case or in their original box. This guards them against dust, damage, and accidental drops. If they don’t come with a case, consider purchasing a durable, padded headphone case.
Avoid storing them in places where they could be crushed, like at the bottom of a backpack or in a cluttered drawer. If your headphones have a detachable cable, unplug it before storing them. This prevents unnecessary strain on the cable connectors.
Some DJs also prefer to hang their headphones on a stand when not in use, which is a good way to keep them organized and protected.
A common mistake is to coil the cable too tightly around the headphones. This can damage the internal wires. Instead, loosely loop the cable to avoid kinks and stress on the connectors.
Proper storage helps maintain the structural integrity of the headphones and their cables.
Handle Cables with Care
The cable is often the most vulnerable part of any pair of headphones. Always handle the cables gently. Avoid yanking them out of devices or stepping on them.
When coiling the cable, do it loosely to prevent stress on the internal wires.
As mentioned earlier, many DJ headphones come with detachable cables, which is a great feature. If a cable gets damaged, you can simply replace it. This is much more cost-effective than buying a whole new set of headphones.
Always try to use the correct type of replacement cable specified by the manufacturer.
Consider investing in a good quality coiled cable if your headphones support it. Coiled cables are designed to extend and retract, reducing the risk of tripping over them or putting tension on your mixer. They are a common sight in DJ booths for this reason.
Common Myths Debunked
Myth 1: All Headphones Sound the Same
This is far from true. Different headphones are designed with different purposes in mind, leading to vastly different sound profiles. Regular consumer headphones often emphasize bass or treble to make music sound more exciting.
DJ headphones, on the other hand, aim for a neutral or flat frequency response. This means they reproduce sound as accurately as possible, which is crucial for precise mixing. The drivers, materials, and overall design all contribute to unique sound signatures.
Myth 2: Expensive Headphones Are Always Better
While higher-priced headphones often feature better build quality, superior materials, and more refined sound, they aren’t always the best choice for everyone. A mid-range pair of DJ headphones can be more than adequate for beginners and even many experienced DJs. The “best” headphones depend on your specific needs, budget, and listening preferences.
Sometimes, a slightly less expensive model might offer the perfect balance of features and sound for your particular setup.
Myth 3: You Need Open-Back Headphones for Accurate Sound
This is a common misconception, especially for those coming from studio monitoring. Open-back headphones can offer a very natural and spacious soundstage, which is great for critical listening and mixing in a quiet studio. However, for DJing, especially in loud environments, they are impractical.
The sound leakage from open-back headphones means your audience can hear what you’re cueing, and external noise will interfere with your mix. Closed-back headphones provide the necessary sound isolation and bass reinforcement essential for DJing.
Myth 4: “Gaming” Headphones Are Suitable for DJing
While some gaming headsets offer good sound and comfort, they are typically not designed for the specific demands of DJing. Gaming headphones often have emphasized bass and treble to enhance game audio, which can skew your perception of music. They may also lack the durability and swiveling earcup features common in DJ headphones.
Furthermore, the microphone on a gaming headset is usually unnecessary and can sometimes interfere with audio connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the most important factor when choosing DJ headphones?
Answer: The most important factor is sound isolation, as it allows you to hear your cue track clearly in loud environments. Durability and a neutral sound profile are also very important for professional mixing.
Question: Can I use my regular earbuds for DJing?
Answer: While you might be able to get by in a very quiet practice space, regular earbuds generally lack the sound isolation, durability, and accurate sound reproduction needed for serious DJing in louder settings.
Question: How do I know if the sound is “flat” or “neutral?
Answer: A flat frequency response means the headphones reproduce all sounds at a consistent volume without artificially boosting or cutting certain frequencies. This allows you to hear the music as the producer intended and make accurate mixing decisions.
Question: Are detachable cables really that important?
Answer: Yes, detachable cables are very important. They make it easy to replace a damaged cable, saving you the cost of buying new headphones. They also make storage easier and reduce strain on the connection points.
Question: How often should I replace my DJ headphones?
Answer: With proper care, DJ headphones can last for many years. You typically only need to
Summary
Finding the right dj headphones involves looking at sound isolation, build quality, and a neutral sound. Over-ear, closed-back designs are generally best. Test them with familiar music and check for comfort.
Proper care will make them last. Choose wisely to improve your mixes.