The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 stands out as a professional set of DJ headphones from the moment you open the box. The Crossfade range has recently hit its third iteration. Changes include a variety of new colour options and a slightly punchier sound. The headline feature of Crossfade 3, however, is the improved wireless battery life, quoted as up-to 30 hours from a single charge. Durable metal is used in the moving parts of both the HDJ-X10 and the HDJ-X7 headphones to create a strong construction. You can use them in sweaty and uncomfortable settings without having to worry about the materials breaking down, or you can make the most of them in the cold rain, and they still perform well. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 and HDJ-X10 bundle is the ultimate DJ setup for professional DJs and aspiring music producers. This bundle includes the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 controller and the HDJ-X10 headphones, which together provide seamless mixing and exceptional sound quality.

The new carrying case is flatter, which makes it slip into DJ bags easier (the HDJ-2000MK2 had a bulky clamshell case that reminded me of the UFOs in the TV series “V”), though I found it to be a less rigid than I would’ve liked. Inside the case are four slots for SD cards and a pouch for thumb drives on one side, and a compartment for the HDJ-X10 headphones in the other. No doubt Pioneer DJ has aimed these headphones straight at club DJs who spin with CDJ media players – if that’s you, then this bag will be the only thing you need. The sound stage makes the modulation in things like electronic music feel much wider than it would with similar headphones in the range. There are many details in these headphones, with excellent performance around the 500 to 700hz environment.The DDJ-FLX10 is a powerful four-channel mixer with a range of advanced features, including versatile performance pads and advanced FX controls. It is designed to work seamlessly with Serato DJ software, and provides an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for DJs of all levels. The carrying case is resilient but compact, making it a great choice when you need something to slip into your kit bag. Older products in the HDJ line were more likely to feature bulky cases.

The combination of the ear pads and the build of the cups create a marvelous tight seal around the ear that shuts out the world around you. As with most technology, there’s a big difference in price and quality. You’ll know yourself the budget you have to work with but what we would say is that a quality set of headphones is an important investment. You can get away with cheap models to a point, but nobody who invested in a decent set ever regrets it in the long term. Do I need wired or wireless DJ headphones? The polyurethane leather ear pads and headband cushion on the HDJ-X10 headphones are resistant to deterioration thanks to the use of nano coating, a world first for DJ headphones, so you can easily wipe off sweat and dirt.To help you find the perfect fit, the HDJ-X headphones feature a flexible, durable headband. Passing our stringent test to open and close 20,000 times, it’s built to withstand intense use.