In the Mix: What Makes a DJ Headphone?

Today we take a look at some more fallout from the personal listening explosion, with an assist from the vinyl revival and the continuing rise of electronic music. Visit a headphone retailer these days, you'll find a lot of models meant, supposedly, for the professional DJ - or at least meant to make the casual listener look like they might be the sort of person who spends a lot of time at the decks.

But take a look at just what's on the market, and you'll find incredible variation in what exactly constitutes a DJ model - the offerings range from lightweight, stripped-down portables with little in the way of features all the way on up to overbuilt earspeakers with a host of accessories, modular cables, and everything including the kitchen sink.

So what exactly is a DJ headphone, after all? And what should it offer to make it truly useful to those who spin? We got a couple of recent offerings into the office, and we took the opportunity to muse on the features and sound quality considerations that go into making a good set of DJ cans.

For an additional audiophile perspective I called on Popular Photography technical editor Philip Ryan (who, before he decided to focus his energies on cameras, spent many years as a reviewer of audio gear), and as a representative of the DJ trade we brought in our friend Brett Cleaver, who performs and records as DJ Clever (he's also a longtime employee of NYC's pioneering Breakbeat Science store and label, and currently runs the dubstep-focused Offshore Recordings label).

On to the phones. . .

ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
Minerl's picture

I recently had a wonderful experience buying cosmetics online, and I wanted to share it with you. I discovered a fantastic site https://www.alyaka.com/collections/ambuja-skincareт where I found all the essential information about Ambuja Skincare products. The website's layout is user-friendly, and I was impressed by the detailed descriptions of each item, providing comprehensive insights into ingredients and usage. What caught my attention were the reasonable prices for high-quality skincare. The ordering process was a breeze, offering a seamless and convenient checkout experience. The site keeps you in the loop with up-to-date information on products and promotions, ensuring you stay informed. In conclusion, my experience with Alyaka and Ambuja Skincare was outstanding. The site's ease of use, detailed product information, fair pricing, and convenient ordering process make it a go-to for skincare shopping. I highly recommend exploring the site for a delightful and informative beauty shopping journey.

X