If you want to get into DJing or are already in it, then you know how important headphones are for listening to the show you are spinning. Open-back headphones are great for private listening with a mixture of the direct and ambient sound, but closed-back headphones are go-tos for DJs. They keep out external sound and isolate the mix in your ears. And in the DJ world, the mix is king.
When it comes to choosing a pair of closed-back headphones that are great for DJing, some of the main features to look for include swivel-function earcups, impedance rating, frequency range, and overall comfort. There are other key features you should consider, as well. So, let’s get into the mix.
- Sennheiser HD 25 Closed-back On-ear Studio Headphones
- Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 Professional DJ Headphones
- Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7 Professional DJ Headphones
- V-Moda Crossfade LP2 Over-ear Headphones
- AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Headphones
- AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ XE Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-back Studio Monitoring Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-back Studio Monitoring Headphones
- AKG K553 MKII Closed-back Studio Headphones
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Closed-back Studio Mixing Headphones
- Behringer HPX2000 High-definition DJ Headphones
- Mackie MC-250 Professional Closed-back Headphones
Sennheiser HD 25 Closed-back On-ear Studio Headphones
Aircraft-grade noise cancellation for serious producers
Kicking off this list are the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones. Originally developed for in-flight passenger use on supersonic Concorde flights from New York to London, the HD 25 ‘phones were so effective at canceling out the rather noisy sound of the 4-hour, Mach 2 flight that passengers sometimes slipped the HD 25s into their bags and off the plane. The rave reviews spread quickly from New York to London, where the DJ scene of the late 1980s was thriving. Soon, DJs on both sides of the pond were donning the HD 25s in clubs. Other than their excellent attenuation, HD 25s were trumpeted for their incredible comfort. They have a cool, split-headband design that is great for all head sizes and shapes. These headphones can handle a jaw-dropping 120dB of sound, have a 16Hz–22kHz frequency response, and offer a 70-ohm impedance rating. These cans are made for the booth and the club. The earcups swivel vertically in both directions and have thick padding for stellar comfort. The Sennheiser HD 25 headphones come with a single-side, detachable audio cable.
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 Professional DJ Headphones
Built to handle intense DJ energy
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 closed-back headphones have earned a reputation on the DJ scene as incredibly comfortable, versatile, and solid. With earcups that swivel 90 degrees in either direction and fold out and up, the HDJ-X10s are ideal for DJs who like a variety of earcup positions while they monitor the room and the booth. And with 50mm drivers, these lightweight cans deliver an excellent 5Hz to 40kHz of balanced sound and solid left-right separation. With a 36-ohm impedance rating, these headphones pair well with mobile devices. DJing gets hot, so these headphones also feature a special water-resistant nano coating on the leather earpads and headband cushion, keeping sweat from wearing out the material over time. The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10s feature a single-side, detachable audio cable for easier storage and better mobility inside the booth.
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7 Professional DJ Headphones
Financially friendly performer ‘phones
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7 headphones are the lower-priced alternatives to the HDJ-X10s and are still respectable if you are looking to save a bit. The HDJ-X7s have most of the same features but provide a narrower frequency range at 5Hz to 30kHz, use a bit more plastic in their build, and lack the nano coating.
V-Moda Crossfade LP2 Over-ear Headphones
V-Moda’s flagship turntablist accessory
V-Moda Crossfade LP2 over-ear headphones have become a popular choice among Sweetwater DJs for their balanced sound profile and session-long comfort. These headphones boast beefy 50mm drivers that yield an impressive 5Hz–30kHz frequency response with superb bass movement. Sturdy metal construction makes Crossfade LP2 headphones almost indestructible, and their headband can be bent completely flat several times before any permanent damage is done. The Crossfade LP2s’ foam cushioning ensures you’re set for success during lengthy DJ performances.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Headphones
Convertible design, unwavering AIAIAI projection
AIAIAI’s DJ-optimized headphones are known for their ingenious, personalized design and performance, and the company’s TMA-2 DJ headphones do not diverge from this standard. These cans’ 40mm bio-cellulose diaphragm is specifically designed for clarity and detail, making them a suitable option for performance monitoring and mix mastering. To boot, an internal speaker vent boosts the presence of your low end to ensure you’re getting an authentic balance across every frequency to dial in the perfect mix. While almost every aspect of AIAIAI’s TMA-2 headphones can be interchanged, the stock build of the TMA-2 DJ models offers an efficient pathway to peak performance without time-consuming trial and error.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ XE Headphones
A formidable headphone starting point
TMA-2 DJ XE headphones are the younger sibling of the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ headphones. At a lower price point, these headphones are acquirable by a larger range of musicians and retain an almost indistinguishable sound from their predecessors, thanks to their 40mm diaphragm and cabled connection point. Considering its adjustable leather-cushioned earcups, these headphones are great for long-term performance sessions and serve as an excellent studio monitoring option. To top everything off, TMA-2 DJ XE headphones adhere to AIAIAI’s convertible design, allowing you to upgrade your rig as you level up your DJing skills.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-back Studio Monitoring Headphones
Wide frequency representation on a customizable chassis
Gaining popularity among the DJing community are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones. These closed-back headphones deliver a beautifully balanced sonic range. In the DJ world, the ATH-M50x ‘phones hit that sweet spot of a flat, 15Hz–28kHz frequency response — ideal for hearing the kick, the hi-hat, and important rhythmic elements. They are also incredibly flexible, featuring cans that swivel 90 degrees in either direction, flip up and out easily, and fold into the headband for incredibly convenient and compact storage and mobility. A set of three detachable cables in various lengths is also part of this package. And as far as comfort, the ATH-M50x earcups are soft on the ears, featuring an improved leather-like material that breathes and stays cool even as your listening session heats up. The ATH-M50xs also have a cushioned headband that feels great on top of your head or around your neck and a single-side, detachable audio cable.
Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Closed-back Studio Monitoring Headphones
Suitable sonics to fit your budget
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x headphones are the lower-priced versions of the ATH-M50xs and still have many of the same great features. The ATH-M40xs offer a narrower frequency range at 15kHz to 24kHz, but they also have less metal in their build, making them even lighter on your head — a definite plus when you’re spinning for hours on end.
AKG K553 MKII Closed-back Studio Headphones
Strong, party-preferred construction
The AKG K553 MKII headphones are primarily known as studio headphones but are winning over DJs for their workhorse build and comfortable design. These cans feature massive, 4.25-inch earcups that provide a secure enclosure for your ears while you monitor. The earcups swivel 90 degrees in one direction but don’t fold in and up. These solid cans put out a 12Hz–28kHz frequency response with an emphasis on the midrange. Some DJs, however, are finding they can keep the house speakers booming without having the low end in their cans during a show. The K553 MKIIs have an impressive 114dB sensitivity rating and have a single-side, detachable audio cable.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Closed-back Studio Mixing Headphones
Mix with ease on comfortable velour
If you’re wanting a bit more boom, then the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones offer bass reflex technology that produces voluminous low end for DJs who are all about that bass. With a 5Hz–35kHz frequency response, however, these cans also give you rich highs and midrange. The DT 770 Pro earcups are legendary for their comfort, featuring a super-soft velour cover that is removable. The headband also features padding with a genuine leather cover. The earcups fold up and in but do not swivel vertically. The headphone cable on the DT 770 Pros is nondetachable. The DT 770 Pro comes in 32-, 80-, and 250-ohm models, with the 80 ohms being ideal for DJing.
Behringer HPX2000 High-definition DJ Headphones
Obtainable, detailed cobalt design
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, then the Behringer HPX2000 headphones come at a low cost and still give you studio- and stage-quality sound. The high-resolution cobalt capsules offer a 20Hz–20kHz frequency response and wide dynamic range, giving you high-definition bass and transparent highs. The HPX2000s are comfortable, can rotate, have reversible oval-shaped earcups, and come with a padded headband — making them great for the DJ booth and home studio.
Mackie MC-250 Professional Closed-back Headphones
Beefy 50mm power fit for studio mobility
Last but not least are the Mackie MC-250 headphones, which have been popular among bedroom producers for their increased bass response. These headphones feature 50mm transducers that deliver up to 100dB of pristine clarity across a 10Hz–20kHz frequency range. The padded, adjustable headband and earpads provide a stellar ergonomic fit for hours of comfortable wear and outstanding sound isolation. The 9.8-foot detachable cable offers unmatched mobility, allowing you to move around while behind the decks or in the studio.
Dial in the Perfect DJ Mix with Sweetwater!
When it comes to choosing a pair of closed-back headphones that fits your DJing style and needs, we recommend any of these headphones. If you have a particular style in mind, then call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 to discuss your specific needs. They’ll help you find the DJ headphones that are right for you.
