We’ll help you to pick a suitable pair of cans in terms of technical specifications and different prices.

It should be mentioned that headphones manufacturers specify the models for DJ headphones as a separate category since a DJ uses professional equipment that is considered to meet high quality demands. Being a deejay involves rhythmic motions, loud music, and moving from one club to another. All these factors make it necessary to produce professional headphones with specific characteristics.

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Criteria for choosing DJ headphones

Criteria for choosing DJ headphones

#1.Construction. An important thing to keep in mind is that your cans are to fit comfortably on your head and to provide sufficient noise isolation. Since a DJ has to work for several hours at a stretch, it’s vital that they are lightweight and are securely fastened to one’s head. Ear pads (cushioned pads enclosing the speaker part of headphones) are supposed to be good at blocking out ambient sounds so that a DJ can listen to the next track.

#2.Ear cups are equipped with rotating swivels so that both ear cups can rotate backward and forward up to 90 degrees in each direction. Such a mechanism has its advantages. First, it lets a DJ use only one ear cup for monitoring as it can be easily placed on one ear. Second, ear cups can be rotated inward making your cans compact and easy to store and carry. It should be noted that high-quality headphones are unlikely to get loose and wobbly.

#3.Professional headphones have a cable made of strong material which is usually connected to the device with a locking connector. Such a solution provides a proper connection and safe transportation. The headphones for DJing are commonly packed with a coiled cable so it can stretch and not get tangled under DJ’s feet. Sometimes cans come with both straight and coiled cables.

Headphones technical specifications

According to disc jockeys, the key parameter when selecting headphones is performing at high volume. Your gadget must produce sufficiently loud sound in a noisy club environment. It’s worth noting that a DJ often has to work on somebody else’s equipment so the headphones should be amply powerful.

It should be mentioned that the pros usually have two pairs of cans: for work in a club and for studio use. It’s not necessary for studio headphones to be very loud but sound quality requirements for them are higher.

DJ headphones. The best models of 2016:

For your convenience, we made a list of the TOP-10 best headphones for DJs of 2016. Once you read the information, you will have a good handle on new professional audio gears and learn how to pick the right cans depending on their technical specifications and price/quality ratio.

1. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is at the very top of the list of DJ headphones

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

These high impedance cans have definite requirements to the signal source and play different genres of music perfectly well, whether it’s classical or electronic music, or even sophisticated vocals. The DT 770 PRO closed, dynamic headphones cover a frequency range from 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz. Impedance: 250 ohm; Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW; Noise Attenuation: 18 dB; Cable: Coiled, 3 m. Jack: 3.5 mm; Connector: 6.3 mm; both gold-plated. Weight (without cable): 270 g..

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2. The Audio-Technica ATH-PRO 700 MK2 takes the second spot in the list

Audio-Technica ATH-PRO700MK2 headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-PRO 700 MK2

Audio-Technica ATH-PRO 700 MK2 closed full-size professional headphones are intended first and foremost for DJing and monitoring. The MK2 is an improved second version of the ATH-PRO 700 with an extended frequency range, higher sensitivity and a detachable cable. Large 50mm drivers are tuned to provide clear sound across the whole frequency range. However, the most important feature of these cans is that they deliver deep and mellow bass.

The model is supplied with both straight and coiled detachable cables so you can choose a suitable one for particular situations and equipment. There is also a carrying case in the set. Foldable design of the Audio-Technicas provides easy portability and convenient storage.

In the view of experts, these cans have one major drawback – the price.

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3. The Pioneer HDJ-2000 holds the third place in our top list

Pioneer HDJ-2000 headphones
Pioneer HDJ-2000

These cans are considered to be suitable for all deejays. Having been developed and tested with the assistance of the professional disc jockeys, they turned out to sit tight on one’s ears and maintain comfort even after wearing them for a long time. According to the experts, these headphones provide an ideal mix of quality, comfort, and style.

The high-tech 50mm speakers with magnets deliver an extensive and strong audio stream. Providing high resolution at the mid-range frequencies, the HDJ-2000s are made for pleasant and easy work. Due to the high grade sound isolation, you can stay focused on music while working in a club or engineering in the studio. The maximum input power of the cans (3,500 mW) is considered to be one of the highest which means that the sound will stay clear and polished even at maximum volume.

The impressive-looking HDJ-2000s were designed to mark out the professional status of a DJ. The headphones are made of high-quality materials: a light metal alloy and soft-touch plastic and rubber. Their protein-leather ear pads filled with memory polyurethane foam fit firmly and snugly as they easily take the shape of your ears.

The HDJ-2000 construction includes special features and functions. Supplied with the robust I-type hinges, the ear cups can swivel 90 degrees, and an auto-return feature makes them easy to use for on-the-shoulder monitoring. The ear pads are complete with the switch between mono and stereo modes saving the need for program switching. In addition, you can fold the headphones flat and remove the cable so that you can transport and store them after the gigs or working in the studio.

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4. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is ranked fourth in our list

Audio-TechnicaATH-M40x
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

The 90 degrees rotating ear cups make the headphones multi-purpose. The index X means that they are complete with a replacement cable (coiled for DJ use or straight with smart phone controls) which won’t get tangled or break when properly used. The ear pads ensure a comfortable fit; the cable is attached to one side of the cans.

Japanese manufacturers provided for potential problems that a DJ might encounter using closed headphones and designed the perforated ear pads in order to reduce powerful bass response. An extended frequency range from 15 Hz to 24,000 Hz helps to reach an optimal tonal balance while performing a track. The Audio-Technica high-quality noise isolation cancels out the surrounding sounds.

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5. AKG K240 Semi-Open Studio takes the fifth place in our top list

AKG K 240Semi-Open Studio
AKG K240 Semi-Open Studio

The model is an upgrade version of the classic AKG K240 Monitor. The new XXL diaphragm ensures a smooth and melodic sound. The AKG K240 construction is well-tried and, in the opinion of deejays, it doesn’t cause fatigue and discomfort after a long gig. These headphones are good at reproducing high, medium, and low frequencies.

The AKG K240s offer the following features: a durable construction; pristine sound; comfortable ear pads made of faux leather that can be replaced with new ones or with a pair of velour pads; an oxygen-free copper cable; a 3.5 mm jack plug and a 6.3 mm connector, both gold-plated; a replacement upgrade cable.

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6. The Sennheiser HD 380 PRO “lands” on the sixth place in the list

Sennheiser HD 380 PRO
Sennheiser HD 380 PRO

These headphones are capable of handling an extended frequency range and high sound pressure delivering accurate sound reproduction. In addition, the HD 380 PRO closed circumaural design ensures outstanding passive attenuation of ambient noise making the cans ideal for control and monitoring applications. All DJs, who have to wear the cans for a long time, will approve of the HD 380 PRO lightweight and comfortable construction. The model features the extended frequency range, high sound pressure, closed circumaural design intended for passive noise attenuation, and a single-sided coiled cable.

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7. The Behringer HPX 2000 is ranked seventh in our top list

Behringer HPX 2000
Behringer HPX 2000

In spite of the price, these headphones are capable of reproducing the accurate bass and pure high range frequencies. What’s more they have an ultra-high dynamic range. Considering an active lifestyle most deejays have, the HPX2000 manufacturers designed a single-sided cable with oxygen-free copper wires that prevent tangling and provide maximum durability. The model comes with a 1/4-inch TRS adapter for the 1/8-inch TRS connector so it’s compatible with all the devices from an MP3 player to a DJ mixing console.

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8. The Shure SRH750DJ is on the eighth spot

Shure SRH750DJ
Shure SRH750DJ

The SRH750s have a swivel construction making them suitable for holding on one ear while mixing songs. Handling high impedance and maximized power, these cans are tuned to use on professional DJ mixers. They are complete with a replacement cable, a carrying case and a gold-plated 1/4-inch connector.

The Shure SRH750 DJ specs: Dynamic; Closed design; Sensitivity: 107 dB; Maximum Input Power: 3,000 mW; Diaphragm Diameter: 50 mm; Weight: 300 g. The Shure’s high-quality cans are endowed with such important features as replaceable ear pads, background noise attenuation, and adjustable collapsible headband.

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9. Next to last in our list are the Numark Red Wave Professional headphones

Numark Red Wave Professional
Numark Red Wave

These cans are made specifically for the pros. The rotating ear cups enable you to monitor with one cup on and mix songs.

Their perfect sound, stylish looks and convenient design make the Red Wave headphones suitable for professional disc jockeys.
The Red Wave massive 50 mm neodymium drivers deliver pure and powerful output. These cans employ the swiveling ear cups so they are comfortable to wear between the ear and shoulder. The soft protein-leather ear pads surround the ears in comfort for a snug fit making the headphones perfect for long periods of use.

The Red Wave state-of-the-art design ensures eye-catching looks as well as great sound. The Red Wave cans are complete with a gold-plated 1-inch adapter to quickly plug into MP3 players and a carrying case for easy transport.
The Red Waves come with a carrying case for added protection and storage, cable and adapter, and 1/4-inch connector with 1/8-inch adapter for use with any DJ equipment.

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10. The last of the TOP-10 best DJ headphones are the Tascam TH-02

TASCAM TH-02
Tascam TH-02

These cans have a soft headband, plush ear pads, and 90 degrees rotating ear cups.

The Tascam TH-02 sensitivity and frequency response provide pristine and balanced sound, regardless of genre and applications. These headphones are capable of delivering pure high, clear medium and full low frequencies.

Featured with a soft headband and plush ear pads, the Tascam TH-02s won’t cause discomfort after wearing them for several hours at a stretch. The ear cups can each rotate 90 degrees for maximum flexibility, so you will enjoy wearing these cans while listening to your favourite tracks. The Tascam TH-02 folding design provides easy portability and compact storage.

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Best DJ Headphones. Summary Table

Name Features Come with Manufacturer

1. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Table. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
  • Bass Reflex technology for improved bass response
  • Comfortable fit due to adjustable, soft padded headband and velour ear pads
  • Sturdy headband made of spring steel
  • One of the most reliable, easy to use as all parts are replaceable
  • Coiled single-sided oxygen-free copper cable (99.99%) with 3.5 mm gold-plated jack plug
  • 3.5 mm jack plug
  • 6.3 mm connector
Germany

2. Audio-Technica ATH-PRO 700MK2
Table. Audio-Technica ATH-PRO 700MK2
  • Firm construction with swiveling ear cups
  • Coiled cable, length: up to 3 m
  • Replaceable ear pads
  • Foldable construction
  • Ear cups supplied with robust rotating mechanism
  • carrying case
  • detachable cables (straight and coiled)
Japan

3. Pioneer HDJ-2000
Table. Pioneer HDJ-2000
  • Robust I-type hinges providing 90 degrees ear cups swiveling (and their auto-return)
  • Built-in switch between mono and stereo modes saving the need for program switching
  • Protein-leather ear pads filled with memory foam
  • Detachable, easily replaceable cable
  • carrying case
  • gold-plated connector
  • jack/mini jack plug
Japan

4. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Table. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
  • Collapsible construction with 90 degrees swiveling ear cups
  • Perforated ear pads
  • Drivers with rare earth magnets
  • carrying case/pouch
  • two cables: 1.2 – 3 m (coiled), 3 m (straight)
Japan

5. AKG K240 (Semi-Open Studio)
Table. AKG K240 (Semi-Open Studio)
  • Solid construction
  • Smooth, pristine sound
  • Comfortable over-ear replaceable ear pads made of faux leather
  • Oxygen-free copper cable
  • 3.5 mm jack plug and 6.3 mm connector, both gold-plated
  • Replacement upgrade cable
  • 6.3 mm connector
Austria

6. Sennheiser HD 380 PRO
Table. Sennheiser HD 380 PRO
  • Extended frequency range
  • High sound pressure
  • Closed circumaural design intended for passive noise attenuation
  • Comfortable for long-term use
  • Coiled cable attached to one side of the headphones
  • Durable construction due to replaceable parts
  • 3.5/6.3 mm connector
  • replaceable cable
  • hard carrying case
Germany

7. Behringer HPX 2000
Table. Behringer HPX 2000
  • Accurate bass and pure high range frequencies
  • High-efficiency cobalt 40mm capsule
  • Foldable rotating ear cups
  • Coiled oxygen-free copper cable, length:1 m (stretches up to 2.5 m)
  • 1/8-inch stereo mini jack adapter
  • 1/4-inch stereo jack adapter
Germany

8. Shure SRH750DJ
Table. Shure SRH750DJ
  • Swivel construction
  • High impedance and maximized power tuned to use on professional DJ mixers
  • Replaceable ear pads
  • Comfortable fit and background noise attenuation
  • Adjustable collapsible headband
  • replaceable cable
  • carrying case
  • gold-plated 1/4-inch adapter
USA

9. Numark Red Wave Professional
Table. Numark Red Wave Professional
  • Flexible swivel construction
  • Skin-friendly leather ensures comfortable fit
  • Massive 50 mm neodymium drivers deliver pure and powerful output
  • Detachable 1-inch adapter to plug into MP3 players
    • carrying case
    • 1/4-inch connector with 1/8-inch adapter
    USA

    10. Tascam M TH-02
    Table. Tascam M TH-02
  • Soft headband, plush ear pads
  • 90 degrees rotating ear cups
  • Collapsible design
    • 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) to 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) adapter
    USA

    Our detailed review of the best DJ headphones of 2016 will help you to pick a right pair of cans for DJing and mixing in the studio. We always keep abreast of new professional DJ audio gears and post up expert reviews on our website clubdancemixes.com. Join us and be the first to know about the latest news!