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introduction :

Headphones

This is another piece of essential DJ equipment that you simply can't live without. In fact you won't be able to string any mixes together without them. These allow you to hear the next tune and prepare it for mixing before the crowd even has a notion of what to expect.

Decent headphones can make the difference between hearing everything perfectly whilst monitoring the new incoming tune or it completely ruining any chance you have of getting those beats together.

The DJing kings of Headphones have been for some years now Seinheisser. They are simply awesome. the problem you may find with cheaper brands is that you may find that a mixer's headphone output needs to be turned up for you to monitor the next record due to the volume of the external sound (nightclub main sound-system). Cheap headphones at a certain volume level will start to distort with the bass it is trying to amplify. You may be unfortunate enough for your headphones to distort the sound in your monitoring ear before you can hear it in equal volume to your external source (probably hifi in this case). If its in a club you find your headphones simply don't have the capability to make enough noise for you to hear what you are supposed to be monitoring.

In the majority of cases you will be DJing in your bedroom for a while if you are new to all this, so pretty much anything will do. You'll have to combat poor headphones by reducing the hifi/external sound. Just remember that cheap headphones may look ok but functionality may be poor. The most important thing is comfort too, as well as looks. Once you get bitten by the DJing bug you will spend hour after hour with them on your head. Cheap ones will hurt your ears after a while and leave them sore for when you actually drag yourself off to bed.

Basically get any brand that is a hifi brand. They are sure to give you decent results. In my opinion Anything that is a DJ brand of headphones (Ministry of Sound, Soundlab, etc.) should be avoided. They aren't headphones manufactured by these people, they are simply bought from hifi manufacturer and rebadged with their own brand and sold to you for more money. You may buy everything Ministry of SOund related so why not get the headphones as well? Brand loyalty mate. people will buy it whatever. Stick with Sony, some JVC (these tend to be OK), my Wharfdales were ok but if you can afford Seinheisser's then that's the way forward. Pro headphones for DJing use can cost more than £120 (at Feb. 2005).

These DJ specific headphones allow all parts to be removed from the headband for ultimate in customisation so you can remove one ear if you don't want it. All parts are replaceable too so not a problem if you sit on them anymore!

The main difference between good and bad earphones is the driver (or speaker if you aren't up on hifi terminology). The bigger the driver (as a general rule) the louder it will go before distorting. You can check specifications too between models and see what the output ratings are and the frequency response range. This may offer a guide also to the range of sound the headphones will pick up.

Headphones Designs

Closed / Open Back Headphones

This means that each ear cup is internally shielded in its design to prevent any sound passing through the drive to escape into the open air, and leak sound into the air. Ever sat on a bus near someone with a walkman up too loud? That's what I mean. A closed back earphone will drive more sound into your ear and is usually more of a traditional "cup" shape.
They give a more intense sound than the other type; open back headphones. These simply have less shielding and more sound will be transmitted (or lost is probably a better word) rather than it ending up in your ear.

In-Ear headphones are now available. these are designed for DJ use so don't think the three quid ones from Argos will do the same job. They might look the same but they won't function the same. One similarity shared is that they simply fit in your ear like an earplug. I've not used these yet though so can't comment on what they are like.

Wireless

For bedroom use these are pretty cool to have. I've never tried to use them playing out but its extra to carry and batteries dying on you wouldn't be good mid-set. The problem you may find is that on cheaper models they won't go loud enough without distorting or interference can sometimes cause problems. A decent set that transfer the sound on FM frequency will give a good sound at open levels. Especially handy if your vinyl is situated behind you. Turning round and snagging a trailing headphone lead can cause all sorts of chaos. This obviously removes that issue. You may lose a little sound quality but I've never had any problems.

Summary

Wherever possible try before you buy. When you buy some ensure they come with a large jack plug converter fitting, not just the 3.5mm size on the end of the headphone lead. You may get home and find they don't fit otherwise and have to go back out to buy the adaptor. Any decent headphone swill come with both anyway.
You'll be lucky to get anything really worth having for less than about £40 (ranging up to £100+) but good solid headphones for less will do the job adequately in a bedroom. You'll only need to upgrade when you are playing out.
As for most other hi-fi related equipment be wary of any headphones made by budget brands as they will simply be cheap headphones purchased from a manufacturer, a new box and packaging added, the brand name and sold on for a profit.

Don't go mad if our budget is tight as you can always upgraded later. Your first purchase is all about the decks. Like a flash mixer to learn on, nice headphones are great but not what I class as essential. They need to be clear sounded take some bass through them and not distort at a sensible volume.

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