3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
OneOdio Studio Max 1 DJ headphones review: Pro-level sound and 100+ hour battery
Over the past two weeks, I've been testing the OneOdio Studio Max 1 DJ headphones, specifically, the co-branded Ariana Edition. These headphones offer low-latency wireless audio, long battery life, and comfort tailored for DJs and creators alike.
Design
Although the Studio Max 1 is primarily built from plastic, the design doesn't feel cheap, thanks to metal reinforcements in the hinges and headband. The headset is predominantly black, but the red stitching on the headband, red backing inside the ear cups, and silver "L" and "R" markings add a touch of subtle style to the overall design.
The outside of the earcups has a grooved plastic finish that unfortunately scratches relatively easily. Still, they swivel and rotate freely, allowing DJs to monitor with one ear.
In the box, you'll also find three cables (3.5mm, 6.35mm, and a combo cable), a USB-C charging cable, a carrying pouch, a wireless transmitter, and some documentation.
Comfort and fit
Despite weighing 352 grams, the Studio Max 1 is surprisingly comfortable. The memory foam ear cushions are thick and soft, and the headband is well-padded without putting pressure on the crown. The earcups are large and encompass the ears without clamping too tightly.
I wore them for extended sessions, and while the earcups do get a bit warm, that's par for the course with over-ears. The generous padding and adjustability make these comfortable for both casual listening and serious mixing.
Sound quality
I found the sound signature is clear and balanced, with deep bass and crisp treble. A built-in equaliser can be activated by double-pressing the power button, which adds a noticeable low-end punch. The EQ mode has an impact on bass-heavy tracks, but I preferred to leave it off. The headphones are equipped with 50mm composite diaphragm drivers and LDAC support for Hi-Res audio. Regardless of what I was using them for, the sound quality remained consistently impressive, particularly for the price.
Battery life
Battery life is where the Studio Max 1 truly stands out, outshining many other brands with up to 120 hours of playback. The quick charge feature is also a welcome bonus, just 5 minutes of charging gives you an extra 2.5 hours of listening time. The included wireless transmitter lasts up to 15 days with daily use and adds only 20ms of latency, making it ideal for real-time DJ monitoring.
Features and connectivity
What makes the Studio Max 1 unique is its flexibility across a wide range of use cases. They support four different connection modes: DJ Wireless Mode via the included low-latency dongle (20x faster than conventional Bluetooth), a professional-grade 6.35mm wired option for traditional setups, a 3.5mm jack for everyday compatibility, and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless listening on the go. Switching between Bluetooth and the wireless dongle is seamless, thanks to a dedicated button on the right earcup.
It's worth noting that when using a physical cable connection, the headphones automatically power off, which disables the onboard EQ and volume buttons. While this might seem like a drawback, the analogue fidelity of the wired connection makes up for the loss of digital features.
The built-in microphone system performs admirably as well. Dual microphones with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) effectively isolate your voice, making it suitable for calls and voice recordings, even in moderately noisy environments. During my outdoor tests, the headphones effectively suppressed wind and traffic noise while maintaining clear and intelligible vocals.
Verdict
The OneOdio Studio Max 1 DJ headphones offer low latency and a comfortable fit. While build quality could be a tad more refined, they offer excellent value, especially for DJs or audio creators. If you're after a versatile, long-lasting, and great-sounding pair of headphones for professional or casual use, the Studio Max 1 deserves a spot on your shortlist.
€180