Setting up the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT headphones For those that treat headphones like a fashion/lifestyle accessory, the ability to personalize your headphones can keep them updated and fresh. And if you want to customize those base colors, Pioneer also offers a range of swappable earcup options in vibrant orange, yellow, green (my choice, shown at the top of the page), blue, and pink. In terms of aesthetics, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT headphones come in black, red, and silvery-white (the color I tested). One thing not included, however, is a handy carrying case for the headphones and/or cable. It only takes 150 minutes to fully charge these headphones, which is relatively fast considering how long the battery lasts. If they do need juice, though, the package includes a USB charging cable that connects to that feature-packed left earcup. The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT headphones’ battery life is stated to last up to 30 hours, so you won’t need to plug them in every night even if you’re using them frequently. Over-ear headphones specifically designed with stabilizers and/or extra clamping force might be a better contender when it comes to on-the-go use. And, unlike in-ears, the Pioneer DJ headphones aren’t well-equipped for exercising or intense movement, though that’s not a shortcoming of this particular brand but the over-ear design in general. While the faux leather padding certainly adds a layer of comfort over the plastic, it’s not very dense, which made the headphones slightly uncomfortable for extended use-especially when I was wearing my glasses. The headphones are built primarily of hard plastic but include metal sliders to adjust the size, faux leather padding on the ear cups and headphone, and swiveling hinges that can adjust to your specific head shape. Though this is helpful if you’re looking to be hands-free while listening, finding the buttons and knowing which one coordinates to what control was less streamlined for me than when I’m using the touch functionality on my AirPods to control my iPhone. The headphones also offer controls on the left earcup, which you can use to power on, pair, skip tracks, answer calls, and toggle the volume of your track.
I’m an over-ear novice used to carrying AirPods, which weigh 4g each, but the Pioneer’s weight of 250 grams (without the 1.8m cord that connects to the left earcup) was easily manageable. I found the Pioneer headphones to be lightweight considering their size.
Or if wired headphones aren’t your thing, connecting to the playlists on your phone with Bluetooth is just a tap away. If you want to feel like you’re working the crowd, whether it’s at the Paradise Garage circa 1977 or it’s from the main stage at Coachella, a detachable short-coiled cable can connect to a DJ mixer, laptop, or other devices with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Compared to Pioneer’s pro models (such as the HDJ-X5), these headphones build on quality benchmarks while adding connectivity and customization features. Check Price What are the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT headphones?Ĭoming from a company with a long history in DJ equipment, the HDJ-CUE1BT headphones have features designed with DJs in mind, but they are also well-suited to be an average user’s daily pick.