The most musically loving member of the Japanese group Pioneer, Pioneer DJ, has a new member in his headphone family, the HDJ-CUE1 BT. It is an evolution of their HDJ-CUE1, which includes bluetooth technology and is available in three different colors.

In this case, we analyzed the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 BT in black. After opening the box, we find robust headphones with a modern design, they are accompanied by:

• 1.2m coiled cable (extended length 1.8m)
• Micro-USB charging cable
• Security precautions
• Instructions for Use (Quick Start Guide)

Specifications Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 BT

With the HDJ-CUE1 BT, Pioneer DJ invites us to enter the world of DJing and music production following the DNA of its most professional models, but at a more affordable price. Ideal if you are entering this world but still don’t want to make big expenses.

However, even though it is specifically designed for a more demanding profile, its design, finishes and sound quality appeal to all types of users, and with the bluetooth technology that comes as a new addition to this model, it represents a versatility that adapts to any use.

We can distinguish two main modes of use: the more common mode, with bluetooth and in which we will have both a microphone for calls and buttons for volume, pause, etc.; and a more DJing and production-focused mode with a cable jack that disables both the buttons and the microphone so you can focus on your mix.

design and construction

Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 BT are closed headphones with a flexible padded surface. They have 40mm drivers, which indicates the attention paid to the quality and clarity of the sound. Its design is compact and portable, with earcups that rotate 90 degrees to lay completely flat for easy portability. This twist is also very useful if you use them for mixing.

In terms of comfort, its pads are nice, but keep in mind that these are in-ear headphones and, as in most cases, they are uncomfortable after prolonged use as they squeeze around the ears. Personally, after 1 hour and a half or two hours, I start to feel the pressure. Perfect for shorter use, for longer use it is better to take breaks.

An interesting aspect of the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 BT is customization. In addition to being available in three colors (black, white and red), we can change the pads and cable of our headphones to get another color. These packs are sold separately and are available in 5 colors: orange, yellow, green, blue and pink.

electronics and connections

One point that I personally find very negative is that the device’s power supply (in case you want to use it with bluetooth capability) is micro USB. When you think about having one usb-c cable (one cable to rule them all) that you can connect any device to without having to look at which plug it is or if it’s upside down or upside down. When you finally reach that perfect moment… A new micro USB device arrives. To this day, I personally think it’s worth considering, especially if you want to use bluetooth.

In case you prefer wired use, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 BT includes a 1.2 meter coiled cable (extendable up to 1.8) to give you freedom of movement, and has a bayonet connector to prevent accidental disconnection.

Sound quality

When it comes to sound, a mainstay in the Pioneer DJ house, the HDJ-CUE1 BT have a frequency response of 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz. This range allows them to get a well-balanced bass that does not color the low frequencies too much, but gives enough power and punch in the bass. sub-bass, bass drums, etc. A bit more sharpness is missing in the mids and highs, although these can easily be improved using any equalization software.

In addition, it should be noted that the headphones do not have dedicated software, which does not allow them to get the most out of their functions. Any adjustments you want to make to tailor the sound to your preferences will need to be done using external software. Granted, since this is a software issue, it’s something they can improve on in the future, but right now we’re missing it.

conclusions

Overall, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 BT is a good choice for both budding DJs and music fans looking for headphones with professional features at a more affordable price, as well as a wider audience looking for quality equipment at an affordable price. … adjusted price. Very positive points are the sound quality, compact design and the possibility of connecting via cable and bluetooth. However, we have to take into account some aspects that may not convince us so much, such as the discomfort after prolonged use, the micro USB connection or the absence of its own software.

The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 BT comes in three colors (black, white and red) and is available from retailers like Amazon for (sale) €79 further (depending on the color).