If you’re a part of the music industry, you’ve surely come across the two most widely used headphones – DJ headphones vs studio headphones. Have you ever wondered what the difference between the two is? Which headphones should you opt for? Why are DJ headphones more comfortable? What about noise isolation?
Lucky for you, our team of experts has done thorough research on the two types of commonly used headphones in the industry and put together the similarities and differences between the two. We’ll compare both types of headphones on the following grounds:
- Power handling
- Build, construction and comfort
- Affordability
- Noise isolation
- Durability and Strength
Continue reading to find out more!
1. Power-Handling
If you were to compare these two similar, yet different types of headphones, you’ll notice that studio headphones have a higher power handling ability. As a result of this, they are able to produce much greater volumes, as well as flat frequency responses, which are characteristics of studio headphones.
2. Build, Construction and Comfort
If you’ve tried both DJ headphones and studio headphones, you’ll experience that the former provides much greater comfort. Have you ever wondered why? Firstly, because of the soft cushioning, which lines the ear cups in the case of DJ headphones. Since DJs perform for extended hours and have longer sets, there are high chances of the headphones heating up, especially around the ears. Thanks to the cushioning, which not only provides a comfortable ear padding but also minimizes the heat dissipation.
If a DJ was to wear “regular” or studio headphones for such extended hours, the headphones would become intolerable to wear after a certain amount of time, both due to the heat as well as the lack of cushioning. Hence, for this very reason, DJ headphones are comparatively much more comfortable to wear. If you’ve ever tried DJing while wearing studio headphones, chances are that you will begin to complain about a headache after a certain amount of time.
Secondly, mixing with DJ headphones would give you a smooth and pain-free experience.Upon research, our experts found that the materials used in the building and construction of headphones are usually of much better quality as compared to the material used to construct studio headphones. Unlike studio headphones, DJ headphones have closed-ear cups. Therefore, this makes it easier for the DJ to hear what he or she is mixing and monitoring. Often, the headphones will have rotating ear cups in order to make it easier for the DJ to mix two songs together.
3. Affordability
Constructed with better quality materials and designed to have a compact nature, it’s no surprise that DJ headphones are costlier in comparison to studio headphones. Having said that, depending on the brand, both studio headphones, as well as DJ headphones, can range between less than $50 to over $200.
4. Noise Isolation
Studio headphones provide the user with less noise isolation in comparison to DJ headphones. They are constructed to deliver a flat frequency response, meaning that a track will sound exactly the same as the way it is created – that is, the music sounds natural, and chances are that it will include some external sounds. If you’re wondering how this happens, it’s due to the open-back design of the studio headphones.
Unfortunately, however, this can prove to be bothersome while recording, as sound tends to leak out of the headphones. DJs perform in front of very large crowds, and at times, these crowds may be in small-spaced areas. In such cases, it becomes crucial to be able to distinctly hear your music and tracks. A DJs headphones are designed to block out external ambient noise, which allows him or her to give undivided attention to their music while not having to worry about the crowd’s cheers overpowering the sound of the music.
Also, DJ headphones prevent noise from leaking out as well. However, closed-back headphones can reduce this as they have much better bass than a pair of open-back ones.
5. Durability and Strength
Have you ever paid attention to a DJ when they’re recording or performing? You must have noticed how happy-go-lucky and carefree they seem to be! When they’re mixing or monitoring, their music takes them into a world of their own. At times, DJs can get carried away though, and may end up dropping their beloved headphones.
Luckily, these headphones have been designed and created with top quality materials, and so can definitely bear a fall much better than regular headphones. Do keep in mind, however, that it’s still just as important to be careful and gentle with your pair!Studio headphones, on the other hand, are a little more delicate and a lot less sturdy. You’ll have to be cautious with them. These headphones usually aren’t foldable, unlike most travel-friendly DJ ones, and so can’t be squeezed into a compact arrangement and popped into your backpack.
DJ Headphones vs Studio Headphones – What Do You Think?
Final thoughts: Which one’s better? This question isn’t all that easy to answer.
While both of these types of headphones are quite similar to each other, they are quite distinct too. We wouldn’t recommend using studio headphones to DJ, nor will we suggest using DJ headphones in the studio, especially if you’re a professional. Studio headphones are mainly used to create music. They come in handy for musicians when they need to be able to hear the backing track while recording, allowing them to differentiate between instruments and vocals.
Also, DJ headphones are a must if you’re planning on performing live. We cannot emphasize how useful the noise-cancelling feature is! We hope you found our guide on DJ Headphones vs Studio Headphones useful. If you have any questions, doubts, or queries, feel free to drop a comment in our comment section below, and our experts will get back to you with an answer in no time.
