Choose the Best Headphones for You!

As a DJ, choosing the right headphones is essential for getting the most out of your music. There are three main types of headphones: in-ear, on-ear, and over-ear headphones. In this blog, we'll explore the advantages of each type of headphone and help you decide which one is best for you and your DJ controller, whether you are looking into beginner DJ setups or just poking around for a more comfortable option to your gigs.

In-Ear Headphones

In-ear headphones, also known as earbuds, are small headphones that fit snugly inside your ear canal. They are often used by DJs who need a more portable option for traveling between gigs. Some advantages of in-ear headphones include:

1. Portability: In-ear headphones are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry with you wherever you go.
2. Isolation: In-ear headphones provide excellent isolation, blocking out external noise and allowing you to focus on your music.
3. Price: In-ear headphones are often the most affordable option, making them a great choice for DJs on a budget.
4. Durable: They don’t get sweaty. Do enough gigs with other types of headphones and you will definitely notice the pads start to get worn out and show signs they are not as fresh as the day you bought them.

A great place to start would be the Mackie MP-120 but for better quality sound they offer the MP-220 and MP-240 as well.

On-Ear Headphones

On-ear headphones, also known as supra-aural headphones, are headphones that sit on top of your ears like the Technics DJ1200 headphones. They are often used by DJs who need a balance of portability and sound quality. Some advantages of on-ear headphones include:

1. Portability: On-ear headphones are more portable than over-ear headphones, but still offer a good level of sound quality.
2. Comfort: On-ear headphones are often more comfortable than in-ear headphones, as they don't put pressure on your ear canal.
3. Sound quality: On-ear headphones provide better sound quality than in-ear headphones, as they have larger drivers and can produce more bass.

Over-Ear Headphones

Over-ear headphones, also known as circumaural headphones, are headphones that completely cover your ears. They are often used by DJs who prioritize sound quality over portability. Some advantages of over-ear headphones include:

1. Sound quality: Over-ear headphones provide the best sound quality, as they have larger drivers and can produce more bass.
2. Comfort: Over-ear headphones are often the most comfortable option, as they don't put pressure on your ear canal and have plush ear pads.
3. Isolation: Over-ear headphones provide excellent isolation, blocking out external noise and allowing you to focus on your music.

Some of the most popular models for DJ’s include the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7, or the V-Moda M-200 headphones. Shure also has a variety of options that can be used for both DJ purposes and music production.

Choosing the right headphones for your DJ setup depends on your priorities. If you need a portable option, in-ear or on-ear headphones may be the best choice. If you prioritize sound quality, over-ear headphones are the way to go. Regardless of which type of headphone you choose, be sure to test them out with your DJ console or controller to ensure that they provide the sound quality and comfort that you need to perform at your best while delivering the right frequency ranges to ensure you can monitor your cued tracks effectively when beatmatching..

Check out the rest of the DJ Gear available at Astro!