Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 Headphones review: Vibrant DJ Wear

Pioneer DJ is one of the better-known brands for music masters. This is a company that builds some of the most impressive controllers on the market, as well as DJ mixers, samplers, turntables, PA systems, and monitor speakers.

You can also get a fantastic set of headphones from Pioneer DJ too. 

Over the years, Pioneer DJ has introduced some true market leaders for DJs, including the HDJ-2000s, which are essentially iconic at this point. Not so long ago, the brand decided to branch out to a more entry-level market, creating affordable yet compelling DJ earphones.

The Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headset is an attractive and vibrant over-ear headset, taking inspiration from Pioneer’s more expensive product line.

Are the Pioneer HDJ CUE1 DJ headphones any good? (in short)

Whether you choose the Bluetooth or wired HDJ CUE1 option, you’ll get an intuitive experience that’s perfect for entry-level DJs. The sound is crisp, the design is comfortable, and when you’re done playing, you can simply fold your headphones down and put them away. It’s hard to find a reason not to invest in a pair of headphones like this.

Watch our video review

Introduction

The Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones are a set of entry-level cans built on the DNA of Pioneer’s previous models but introduce a much more affordable price.

Some of the most attractive (and accessible) headphones on the market, the HDJ-CUE1 promises a professional look and feel, stunning sound, and a range of color options too. 

Depending on your needs, you can choose the Bluetooth version of the headphones or the non-Bluetooth version. 

Tech Specs:

Driver	40mm Dome
Cable	1.2 Short, Coiled
Input Power	2000 mW
Sensitivity	104db
Frequency	5hz – 30kHz
Bluetooth	Optional
Weight	215g

The Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones come simply packaged, with an optional coiled cable, and the instructions for setting up your new device. 

Design

There are several things to love about the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones. First, you’re getting a high-quality DJ headset for a low price.

Second, you’ve got the comfort of a set of well-padded over-ear cans. However, the first thing likely to grab your attention when you buy one of these headsets is their design. 

The Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones aren’t afraid to have fun. There’s a handful of exterior colors to choose from for your cans, including traditional white or sophisticated black.

At the same time, you can choose bright colors for the included cable and ear cushions, to add a pop of personality to your purchase.

With almost neon-bright shades of blue, green, red, pink, and yellow to choose from, you might struggle to decide which design to get.

The good news?

The customization kits, which come with an extra fee of $30, can be switched out. If you get bored of the current color you’re using, just switch them out for something new. 

If you want to experiment with styles, you can also try your headphones on virtually before you buy them with a unique IG filter. Aside from the customizable look, the build of the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones is also impressive because it’s so lightweight and comfortable. 

Despite excellent interior technically, the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones won’t weigh you down. You can wear them four hours at a time when monitoring your mixes.

Plus, the cups also twist a full 90 degrees if you need to listen to something else for a moment. All that, and you can fold your headphones down flat for transportation too. 

Setting Up

Importantly, while the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones are a Pioneer product, they’re also a step in a new direction for the company.

Pioneer DJ isn’t used to creating low-budget products, but without the custom cushions and cable, you can get a set of these headphones for around $60.

It’s easy to go into a Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 review assuming to find something amiss.

One possible issue straight away is that the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones don’t come with a case or a bag to protect them on the move.

However, the folding functionality does make transport easier. Another possible problem is the absence of a ¼ to the 1/8-inch adapter.

The cable has a 1/8” plug included, which should be fine for most DJs. However, if you ever find that you’re in need of a quarter-inch socket, you’re going to struggle with these headphones.

Of course, the lack of a 1/4” input doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You can get a convertor online for a couple of dollars if you’re in a pinch. 

Another thing you might notice is that these headphones look a little smaller than the standard DJ headset. That doesn’t mean they’re not durable though.

The sturdy headband feels strong and high-quality. There’s also plenty of movement in the headphone cans, so you don’t have to worry about flexibility issues.

The earcups themselves have a molded plastic design with padding that simulates faux leather. 

We were particularly fond of the cable included with the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1. The coiled variation is generally a lot more reliable than your standard straight alternative. The cable is also available to detach and replace, just like the earphone cushions, so you can create your own custom look. 

Key Features

One thing that’s sure to impress you about the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1, is the presence of the pro-level sound tuning taken from the Pioneer HDJ-X5. You know that you’re going to get high-quality sound from Pioneer, and the HDJ1 CUE headphones don’t disappoint.

They’re lightweight and built to last, with a variety of features that make you feel like a pro. 

Connections and controls

The left earcup is where you’ll find the controls and ports for your headphones. There’s a microphone here too, which we’ll come back to in a bit. Your buttons control the volume, power, and play/pause/skip functions on your headphones.

There’s also a handy Bluetooth connect functionality that’s included if you choose the Bluetooth-ready version. 

Below the multi-function button is the port for your coiled cable, followed by the microphone. That coiled cable can extend anywhere up to 70 inches by the way, but it’s around 47 inches long as standard.

Everything feels intuitive and plugging your headphones in will automatically put them in passive mode. A

nother fun feature?

The connection has a locking option so you can’t accidentally yank the cable free when you’re moving around. 

Functionality

The Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 comes with around 30 hours of battery life on a full charge, which is decent if you’re looking for a standard set of comfortable headphones without active noise cancellation.

Pioneer also notes that your battery life might vary depending on your volume levels. 

As mentioned above, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 headphones come with a lot of rotation options in the earcups. However, you can’t access the same 180-degree tilt that you would get with more expensive products.

If you want the freedom to flip your ear cup around completely, that might be an issue for you. For most people, it’s probably not going to be a big deal. 

Connectivity

The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 headphones come in either a Bluetooth-ready or non-Bluetooth version. These days, it seems likely that most DJs will choose the Bluetooth option, just because it’s there.

The connectivity here is particularly good, with a Bluetooth 5.0 rating, and support for SBC and AAC codecs.

Unfortunately, you won’t have support for AptX. 

Even in Bluetooth mode, these headphones perform well, delivering a good combination of crisp highs and powerful low frequencies.

Even at higher volumes, the bass doesn’t distort or become overwhelming. It’s a delightful listening experience. 

Microphone 

The Pioneer HDJ CUE1 headphones feature a built-in microphone, which you might use for video calls when you’re at home, recording notes, or phone calls. Generally, this isn’t going to be the device you choose if you’re recording high-fidelity audio.

The microphone is fine, but you may notice that the audience sounds a little muddy on the other end. 

Customizations

As mentioned previously, the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 comes with an option to choose from different colors for your outer shell, and a range of bright shades for the cushioning and the cable included. These colors all look fantastic, and you can test what they’re going to look like on you with the IG filter offered by Pioneer.

There’s nothing to stop you from getting multiple sets, either. 

Sound Quality

Sound performance is easily the most important consideration when investing in a set of DJ headphones. Fortunately, Pioneer knows exactly what it’s doing in this regard.

You can enjoy the full impact of your music with the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones, at any volume you choose. Dynamic drivers ensure that you can feel the bass, just like most DJ-focused headphones. 

The Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1’s sound is warm, approachable, and great for those making their initial foray into the DJing world.

Unlike other cheaper headsets, these headphones don’t middy tones together in more complicated songs. That means that you should have a simple enough time monitoring your music. 

Thanks to sensational tech from Pioneer’s more expensive ranges, it’s hard to argue with the audio you get from the Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1.

They aren’t as amazing as some of the more costly alternatives out there, but they compete well with many entry-level headsets and come at a fraction of the price.

For cueing, mixing, and general listening, these headphones will get the job done with no problem.

However, if you’re looking for an audiophile experience, you might feel that these Pioneer cans are lacking in some areas. 

In passive mode, when the cable is connected to your headphones, the sound signature is fantastic.

However, Bluetooth and passive modes seem to deliver a similar level of bass and higher frequency response.

The wired option will give you slightly higher fidelity audio, but the Bluetooth drivers are well-tuned enough to work in any mode. 

Pros and Cons

Pioneer DJ has delivered something special with the HDJ-CUE1. These comfortable cans are an excellent insight into what you can create with the right technology and a focus on affordability.

While it’s true that there are more advanced headphones out there, you’ll struggle to find an entry-level set with this much potential. 

The Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 headphones are durable and built to last, perfect for DJs that place a lot of additional stress on their equipment.

Sensational dynamic drivers boost the quality of your audio and help to keep different frequencies from bending into each other.

You even get the added benefit of a comfortable headset that isn’t going to clamp your ears or head too much after hours of work. 

The fact that you can add your own customizations to your headphones with different color accessories makes this product even more compelling. You can really start to create a look for yourself by mixing and matching different headset outer colors and pads.

The biggest risk we can see is that some DJs might decide that they want to collect all the looks. 

Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1: The Verdict

Typically, you might not expect such a cheap pair of DJ headphones to be reliable for your audio-focused career. Usually, a lower price means that the company has cut corners somewhere, whether on comfort, sound quality, or durability.

However, Pioneer DJ has definitely gone against the grain with the HDJ CUE headphones.

If you’re already a fan of Pioneer technology, like most DJs, then you’ll know that they deliver quality in just about everything they do. These affordable headphones might be cheap, but they don’t look, feel or sound that way. The HDJ-CUE headphones are an excellent choice if you want to upgrade your look before you hit the club and access some great mixing experiences. 

Whether you choose the Bluetooth or wired option, you’ll get an intuitive experience that’s perfect for entry-level DJs. The sound is crisp, the design is comfortable, and when you’re done playing, you can simply fold your headphones down and put them away. It’s hard to find a reason not to invest in a pair of headphones like this.