Golden rule: never buy a product as soon as it hits the market. In other words: wait at least a couple of years, minimum. No exception! Especially if it is the n-th overpriced products by AlphaTheta,
I've been using Sennheiser HDR 160 for this exact purpose at home. They're originally marketed for listening at home or on the go but they work just as well for home DJing with no latency. They utilize a separate transmitter as well with Sennheiser's patented KLEER wireless technology. Which is basically their version of audio over WiFi. I originally paid $200 for them in 2012 and they still work magnificently.
Being able to mix vinyl with wireless is a game changer IMO. How many times have I pulled the wire trying to reach for something. It’s a shame as I splashed out on a pair of Pioneer HDJ-X7’s last year.. but I’m def gonna go and test these when I get back to London.
DJ Gear is like Gaming Gear. $500 for some wireless headphones is nuts. As long as they slap that Gaming or DJ on the label it boosts the price through the roof.
Nobody seems to have covered the Helix headphones using SKAA wireless technology that have been out for quite some time and work similarly. They're not as premium, but certainly an option in the space.
For a supposedly "PRO-Audio" product, the fact that they are charging $500.00 and don't even give you a "Hard-Shell" case, but rather a flimsy "PLASTIC" bag for protection; Is outright "INSULTING"🤬
Thats the same bag I got with my $200 HDJ-X7. If Im not mistaken, the X10 had a hardshell case. If these are the upgrade for the X10, why remove the case?
Very nice indeed but its large size is indicative of it being a first generation product. The second generation will very likely be packaged better, be more affordable and be available on a wider range of headphones. Early adopters will enjoy it as-is but for it to move beyond being a niche within a niche it needs to evolve.
Is there a particular reason they are Bluetooth 5.2 not anywhere more from that? Isn’t it from 2020 5.2? Would like to know why they have old Bluetooth technology that’s not up to date on them but they are released in 2024.
My headphones are not permanently on my head so I can put up with a cable for the price of £469 also for that price I would expect clear audio, far too many reviews are reporting a background hiss when using the sonic link
We didn't really detect anything too worrying there, it was only on the noise cancellation there was a little background hiss. Maybe my ears are shot! 🤣
It's something we spotted and mentioned in the written review. Not really a deal breaker in a real club situation, but there is a small amount of background hiss, you're right.
2.4 GHz and 15ms latency? No thanks. I'll stick with my Xvives. They are also 2.4 GHz, less than 5ms latency, can turn any headphones wireless, and are less than $200.
@@lukeannett Phil says its not noticeable so idk! it's not noticeable on my xvives unless you're trying to do precise scratching, and I think these will have the same issue. not for turntablists. not yet, any way.
These look interesting. I used HD25 for years, but the build quality is nowhere nearly as good as it used to be & I don't think the sound is as good either - still workable, but they are not built like they were even 10 years ago never mind 25 years ago. I had a pair for 20 years & they were a bit like Triggers broom with the cables & pads - but the main unit still did the job. I like the BT idea for mixing at home, but for playing out... hmm... so it's nice they have the wired option in case things go wonky. I tried the wireless AIAIAI & my god, they were quiet. There's just no way I'm going to hear those kicks over a moderately loud set of club/festival monitors. Are these a good step up from those volume wise?
They are too much money i wouldnt pay all that much for that for sure 😂 i personally think the perfect dj headphonea are just headphones like the m40x or perhaps some earplugs and the m40x cost like 4 times less of that.
cost cutting is horrible. The originals come with an awesome hard case not this cheesy bag basically guaranteeing they will break in your back pack transporting at some point. Alpha Theta losing its direction bad. Before putting this out which nobody cares about should have spent more time on Omnus Duo - so many missing features at double the price of Mixstream Go. Colossal fails so far since the takeover. Cant wait to see this XDJ AZ at 3K missing half the stuff denon has.
@@digitaldjtipsany idea when they will actually release the AZ. I’m so curious to see what they do with it. It will really show all of us where they stand. Innovation or status quo
I agree. This reeks of problems. MWM Phase is having controller issues due to being wireless. I've never had a problem with a cable attached to a mixer. I've never in my entire life have complained about it. Wireless mic? Ok, that makes sense. But headphones? I too think it's a gimmick, but I'm open to hear where the advantages are.
@@elephantgrass631 completely agree with you! Never heard of a single DJ complaining about having wired headphones. You watch mixers in the future won’t have headphone jacks and you will be forced to buy overpriced wireless headphones, mark my words
People say "once you've tried it you won't go back" - and the company are saying it is to replace every headphone a pro may carry. Agree though, not everyone will see any benefit here.
@@olivergroves2007 Apple did it to us, I don't see why "Alpha Theta" wouldn't. I guess it's somewhat of a compliment to compare "Pioneer DJ" to Apple lol.
@@digitaldjtipsI have not … but I have tried the AiAiAi TMA studio wireless+ and I can tell you that they are amazing and do the exact same thing that these alpha thetas do without the 200 dollar fanboy markup tax . Plus the design and build looks suspect at best . But m also on the fence as to why any dj would need wireless headphones … how far from the mixer do you need to be while playing ?
Golden rule: never buy a product as soon as it hits the market. In other words: wait at least a couple of years, minimum. No exception! Especially if it is the n-th overpriced products by AlphaTheta,
Bingo: No 50mm, No Fast Charge, No Case, Plastic earcups. Just Wait for the second wave.
I've been using Sennheiser HDR 160 for this exact purpose at home. They're originally marketed for listening at home or on the go but they work just as well for home DJing with no latency. They utilize a separate transmitter as well with Sennheiser's patented KLEER wireless technology. Which is basically their version of audio over WiFi. I originally paid $200 for them in 2012 and they still work magnificently.
Great to hear, thanks for sharing!
Transmitters built into Pioneer/Alph Theta DJ gear can’t be far off with the obvious price rise accordingly.
You'd think not
Heck yeah. Put the receiver in the next gen mixers!! Wires are going to way of the Dodo
There will be a new controller/all in one released next week with one built in. XZ replacement ….
@@Ronniezim The XDJ-AZ?
Being able to mix vinyl with wireless is a game changer IMO. How many times have I pulled the wire trying to reach for something. It’s a shame as I splashed out on a pair of Pioneer HDJ-X7’s last year.. but I’m def gonna go and test these when I get back to London.
some see the benefit of this, some don't!
DJs need an All-In-One zero latency wireless network box which does headphones, monitors and speakers.
Nice idea!
I will keep my hd 25 for now.
They're a classic!
DJ Gear is like Gaming Gear. $500 for some wireless headphones is nuts. As long as they slap that Gaming or DJ on the label it boosts the price through the roof.
Well they will only charge what they can get…
Great review!
Thanks Pri
What happened to RF headphones? I remember them being very good for DJing with no latency at all 🤔
No idea!
Nobody seems to have covered the Helix headphones using SKAA wireless technology that have been out for quite some time and work similarly. They're not as premium, but certainly an option in the space.
We covered them if I remember rightly
For a supposedly "PRO-Audio" product, the fact that they are charging $500.00 and don't even give you a "Hard-Shell" case, but rather a flimsy "PLASTIC" bag for protection;
Is outright "INSULTING"🤬
Thats the same bag I got with my $200 HDJ-X7. If Im not mistaken, the X10 had a hardshell case. If these are the upgrade for the X10, why remove the case?
As we said, we felt they should have come with a better case/bag.
This is solving a problem that doesn’t exist, no thank you.
Not always a crime to do that, but definitely a risk
I guess the AZ will be revealed on October 10
Very nice indeed but its large size is indicative of it being a first generation product. The second generation will very likely be packaged better, be more affordable and be available on a wider range of headphones. Early adopters will enjoy it as-is but for it to move beyond being a niche within a niche it needs to evolve.
Just put that small box inside the big box 📦 🤷🏾♂️🙄
They don't really feel bigger than any other of that style of headphone
@@digitaldjtips I was referring to the separate box.
@@digitaldjtips nah they just need to put it inside the unit! Saves time! I told them this at NAMM. They don’t listen 🤦🏾♂️🙄
hey my HDJ-CX broke too! I wonder if the XDJ-AZ will have a Sonic Link transmitter in it!!?
Yeah, the HDJ-CXs don't appear to be very durable from the feedback we get from our students
Is there a particular reason they are Bluetooth 5.2 not anywhere more from that? Isn’t it from 2020 5.2? Would like to know why they have old Bluetooth technology that’s not up to date on them but they are released in 2024.
They are primarily designed for the new DJ wireless protocol I guess
I wish someone come out with some IEM like this set up. (No wires running down beneath your shirt)
We are Shure they will (see what I did there?)
@@digitaldjtips you always on point. nice little hint to AlphaTheta
My headphones are not permanently on my head so I can put up with a cable for the price of £469 also for that price I would expect clear audio, far too many reviews are reporting a background hiss when using the sonic link
We didn't really detect anything too worrying there, it was only on the noise cancellation there was a little background hiss. Maybe my ears are shot! 🤣
I have got a question what camera are you using ?
Sony Alpha DSLRs, various lenses depending on the shot.
No mention of the hissing?
It's something we spotted and mentioned in the written review. Not really a deal breaker in a real club situation, but there is a small amount of background hiss, you're right.
Can we just buy sonic link separately?
Yes, you can buy the transmitter - but not the receiver (so you can't currently use with IEMs/your own headphones etc.)
That’s sad, if they sell tx and rx package separately, that would be a big hit
A fucking bag for a $499 pair of headphones??
Exactly lol. They think buyers are dumb cuz they know you’ll buy it cuz it says pioneer or alpha theta on it. Mindless zombies 🙄
2.4 GHz and 15ms latency? No thanks. I'll stick with my Xvives. They are also 2.4 GHz, less than 5ms latency, can turn any headphones wireless, and are less than $200.
15ms is far too long. Kicks will not match up precisely between foldback and headphones.
@@lukeannett Phil says its not noticeable so idk! it's not noticeable on my xvives unless you're trying to do precise scratching, and I think these will have the same issue. not for turntablists. not yet, any way.
9ms, actually
These look interesting. I used HD25 for years, but the build quality is nowhere nearly as good as it used to be & I don't think the sound is as good either - still workable, but they are not built like they were even 10 years ago never mind 25 years ago. I had a pair for 20 years & they were a bit like Triggers broom with the cables & pads - but the main unit still did the job.
I like the BT idea for mixing at home, but for playing out... hmm... so it's nice they have the wired option in case things go wonky.
I tried the wireless AIAIAI & my god, they were quiet. There's just no way I'm going to hear those kicks over a moderately loud set of club/festival monitors.
Are these a good step up from those volume wise?
100%, that is the main aim here they told us - to do the same thing but really loud! "Trigger's broom" - always makes me laugh
@@digitaldjtips 😅😅 thanks
They are too much money i wouldnt pay all that much for that for sure 😂 i personally think the perfect dj headphonea are just headphones like the m40x or perhaps some earplugs and the m40x cost like 4 times less of that.
Fair enough!
Battery replacement?
No word on that
Design looks like a V-Moda and AIAIAI combination.
Good point
Almost $500 and they don’t even come with a carrying case. They actually comes headphone bag really
Yes, it's a headphone bag
any latency is not Zero latency...I MISS PIONEER PRODJ.
true, but they themselves call it zero latency, I cannot detect it at al (and I am meticulous), and so who cares really?
@@digitaldjtips 10-4!
Wireless but with extra transmitters and weak points $500 👎
Wow
cost cutting is horrible. The originals come with an awesome hard case not this cheesy bag basically guaranteeing they will break in your back pack transporting at some point. Alpha Theta losing its direction bad. Before putting this out which nobody cares about should have spent more time on Omnus Duo - so many missing features at double the price of Mixstream Go. Colossal fails so far since the takeover. Cant wait to see this XDJ AZ at 3K missing half the stuff denon has.
You nailed it!
Alpha Theta knows people will just buy because "clube standard" and have stopped innovating. Its sad
@@Aves_1 I’m tired of that term!! Club standard crashes too!
We will see Adam...
@@digitaldjtipsany idea when they will actually release the AZ. I’m so curious to see what they do with it. It will really show all of us where they stand. Innovation or status quo
Put the receiver in the mixer!!
Exactly!! what a miss!!🤦🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
you mean the transmitter? Yes, you'd think that if this idea takes off, that is what will happen
@@digitaldjtips anther company is already on it and will perfect it
Thank you, Phil ❤
you're welcome
Nah my Shure IEM w/wireless transmitter and receiver system works just fine for me🤷🏽♂️
Good to hear, it's a great solution.
This is the same thing except with cans.
I'll stick with my Audio Technia ATX M50 X wired flat response Cans
Great cans!
@@digitaldjtips Thanks so very much
Am I missing something but why would you want wireless headphones for djing when you stand right next to the decks? It’s a gimmick
I agree. This reeks of problems. MWM Phase is having controller issues due to being wireless. I've never had a problem with a cable attached to a mixer. I've never in my entire life have complained about it. Wireless mic? Ok, that makes sense. But headphones? I too think it's a gimmick, but I'm open to hear where the advantages are.
@@elephantgrass631 completely agree with you! Never heard of a single DJ complaining about having wired headphones. You watch mixers in the future won’t have headphone jacks and you will be forced to buy overpriced wireless headphones, mark my words
People say "once you've tried it you won't go back" - and the company are saying it is to replace every headphone a pro may carry. Agree though, not everyone will see any benefit here.
@@olivergroves2007 Apple did it to us, I don't see why "Alpha Theta" wouldn't. I guess it's somewhat of a compliment to compare "Pioneer DJ" to Apple lol.
@@elephantgrass631 yes the motion is in wheels now for company to follow the apple route. Glad that you can see the future!
440 euro's.. no way in hell
It was only a matter of time
True
Moneys gone XD
Like them way too expensive for me
Yeah they are a bit pricey!
Yeah I’m out.
Again …. Just have sonic link built in their units!!! 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
Surely it is coming...
@@digitaldjtips they should’ve did that from the jump! They working backwards 🙄🤦🏾♂️
Is it so the THOTS can do more spins while 'djing'
Second! 😂😅
Zeroooooo chance that anyone should spend 500 bucks on this dog water alpha sheta headphones
Tried them have you?
@@digitaldjtipsI have not … but I have tried the AiAiAi TMA studio wireless+ and I can tell you that they are amazing and do the exact same thing that these alpha thetas do without the 200 dollar fanboy markup tax . Plus the design and build looks suspect at best . But m also on the fence as to why any dj would need wireless headphones … how far from the mixer do you need to be while playing ?