headphones

Dj TechTools meets up with MSTRKFT to find out what they have hiding in their dj bag!

via eangolden:

Musikmesse: Allen & Heath has launched the XD-53 professional monitoring headphones, designed to complement Allen & Heath’s leading brand of Xone DJ mixers.

The XD-53’s incorporate a circumaural isolation design, providing high level isolation from ambient noise, which make them the ideal product for DJ’s requiring immersive listening in loud environments.

Comprising 53mm diameter drivers – the largest drivers currently available – with high power neodymium magnet design, 1500 mW of power handling, and high SPL capacity, the XD-53 headphones deliver excellent sound reproduction. They also have rotating earpieces for easy one-ear monitoring, a coiled cable with convenient one-side exit, and a folding design for compact portability.

“The Xone range of DJ mixers has a staunchly loyal following and many customers were asking if we could design headphones to complement their audiophile set up, comments head of Xone design,” Andy Rigby-Jones. “We’ve bought the same design ethos to the XD-53 headphones as we use for our mixers – they sound fantastic with tons of power, and a sturdy construction.”

The XD-53 headphones will be available from May 2007, SRP £122 (ex VAT).

NAMM: beyerdynamic introduced the Headzone, a portable surround mixing system.

Using DSP technology, Headzone provides headphone-based 5.1 surround sound reproduction and is ideal for a variety of applications including studio, mobile recording and post-production.

For use with Headzone, beyerdynamic has added “Headtracking” technology to its popular DT 800 PRO headphones. This ultrasonic-headtracking system locates the orientation of the listener’s head with respect to the source material and adjusts the audio accordingly. An engineer recording with Headzone can move around while the source material remains fixed in position as if they were in a 5.1 control room.

“Headzone’s portability and small size offers an affordable, flexible and space-saving alternative to mix surround sound in live situations,” explains Paul Froula, Pro Audio Business Manager. “It eliminates the need for six or seven speakers set up in the proper locations in a room in order to do a live surround mix. You just connect the Headzone to your Mac, PC or analogue inputs and instantly are ready to monitor in surround.”

The system features a 5.1 digital firewire input and 6 discreet analogue inputs. In addition to being compatible with Logic and Pro Tools, Headzone also comes equipped with an advanced room simulation software, which allows the users to create an ideal auditory space within which to monitor the surround audio and, therefore, provide the optimal “sweet spot.” Users can adjust the parameters of their room for size, ambiance level and distance their head is away from the loudspeakers. The software also allows for adjustment of the surround channels and overall mix.

2007 Winter NAMM Show: Audio-Technica introduced its flagship ATH-M50 professional studio monitor headphones.

Specifically intended for professional monitoring and mixing applications, the ATH-M50 headphones feature a collapsible design for easy portability and convenient storage. Employing Audio-Technica’s proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with neodymium magnet systems and CCAW voice coils, the ATH-M50 headphones have exceptional power handling and very high SPL capabilities while delivering clear, natural, accurate sound with deep resonating bass and high-frequency extension.

The ATH-M50 also features a closed-back cushioned earcup providing exceptional clarity and superior isolation in high volume listening situations. In addition, the circumaural earpieces swivel a full 180° for easy one-ear monitoring.

The ATH-M50 has a lightweight and adjustable cushioned headband for maximum listening comfort. A coiled OFC litz wire cable at the left earpiece terminates to a gold-plated 1/8″ connector with included professional screw-on 1/4″ adapter.

The ATH-M50 will be available February 2007 with a U.S. MSRP of $199.00.

2007 Winter NAMM Show: Audio-Technica announced the availability of its ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint active noise-canceling headphones.

The ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones employ a miniature microphone in each earpiece that monitors ambient noise (such as airplane cabin or traffic noise) and creates a sound-canceling signal that reduces distracting background noise by up to 85%.

Ideal for use with MP3, CD, DVD and in-flight entertainment systems, the ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones provide maximum comfort in a closed-back, streamlined design; they feature propriety large-aperture 40 mm drivers with neodymium magnet systems for deeper bass and extended treble, and have a wide frequency response of 10-25,000 Hz.

The noise-canceling electronics for the ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones are fully integrated in each earpiece, with no need for bulky external modules. The headphones fold flat for easy portability, are powered by a single AAA alkaline battery and can operate in passive mode without the battery. The ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint headphones come complete with a 5.2′ (1.6 m) detachable cable (remove for noise-canceling mode without audio) terminated with 1/8″ (3.5 mm) mini plugs; a 1/4″ (6.3 mm) stereo adapter; a specialized airline adapter for connecting to in-flight entertainment systems; and a carrying case with attached accessory pouch.

The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC7 QuietPoint active noise-canceling headphones will be available Spring 2007 with a U.S. MSRP of $219.95.