Features to consider when choosing EDM headphones
There are several features to consider when choosing a pair of EDM headphones. The following sections break down those features, so you know exactly what to look for.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the headphones is rated in decibels, so you may think this determines how loud they can be. This is only partly true. When it comes to sensitivity, the rating actually determines how loud the headphones can play audio without any vibration from the bass. EDM has a lot of bass, so you want a set that has high sensitivity. Though a range of 90-100 dB is great, the Sennheiser HD 25 has the highest rating at 120 dB for the loudest audio without any vibrations from the lower frequencies, giving you better sound quality.
Impedance
When looking at the impedance, you need to consider what gear you’re going to be plugging the headphones into before choosing the right level. Headphones with high impedance, like the Sennheiser HD 25, are designed to be used in studio environments that have multiple headphones plugged into a splitter box, like the setup you’d see in a band’s recording studio.
Headphones with low impedance are meant to be plugged right into a single source, like a mobile phone or a hi-fi stereo amp, generating the sound more efficiently from the low-level input signals that these devices are putting out.
Frequency response
The frequency response is another important feature to look for with EDM headphones. This is because EDM covers a wide range of frequencies, including thick lows with a pronounced kick, warm, pleasant mids, and clean, crisp highs.
Our ears can hear a range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which is what the Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones have to offer. There are also a few models that expand this range, delivering a lower, better bass with even cleaner high frequencies. The better the range, the more enjoyable the listening experience will be.
Driver size
Low-end frequencies are common in EDM, so you need the right driver to ensure you’re getting the right performance for those frequencies. When it comes to headphones, you may want to stick to models that include a 40-50 mm driver for the best results. Some people also choose a neodymium magnet-based driver since these give you more magnetic energy for each ounce when compared to other types of magnets. This gives you optimum control and more power over the audio output.
Maximum power handling
The maximum power capacity tells you the highest amount of electrical power that the headphones can be supplied without causing any damage. These specifications are determined by taking the voltage that’s dropped across the headphones and multiplying it by the amount of current going through them. The answer tells you the maximum power that the headphones can handle before damage occurs.
For those using their headphones with a CD player, iPod, or computer, this rating likely won’t be an issue since these devices won’t send enough power through the headphones to damage them. If you’re using an amplifier, the maximum power handling rating will be something to consider since you’ll need a higher rating to avoid damaging your headphones.
If they’re wireless
Though wired EDM headphones, like the Cleer Next model, offer better sound quality when connected directly to a device, they aren’t as convenient as wireless models in many situations. If you need to leave the device to move around your home or if you’re trying to work out, the cable can restrict your movements. A wireless device makes using the headphones a simpler task since you aren’t chained to one spot.
Cable length
The length of the cable is something to consider since this tells you how much room you have to move when wearing the headphones. If the cord is too short, you’ll likely pull it from the source or yank the headphones off your head when you shift around. A cord that is too long will dangle too low, catching on anything around you when you shift or walk around. Of the three wired models in our reviews, 2 of them include 4.9-foot cables, which is a nice length. The third option, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xWH, includes 3 cables of varying lengths, so you can choose the right one depending on where and how you’re using the headphones.
Weight
The weight of the headphones may not seem important until you put them on and wear them for a while. The heavier the headphones are, the more weight they put on your head, which also adds weight to your neck. This can cause strain after a while since it takes more strength to keep your head upright.
Luckily, most of the EDM headphone models on the market are relatively lightweight, reducing strain, so you can wear the headphones for a few hours if needed without causing pain or injury. In fact, the Sennheiser HD 25 weighs only about 5 ounces, so you likely won`t even notice the difference in weight, even after hours of use.
What’s included in the package
When buying a new set of EDM headphones, you may want to see what is included with them before choosing a set. As well as the headphones there should also be at least one cable included. This will either be a cable for wired use or a cable to recharge a wireless set. Some models even include both. There may also be multiple wired cables, like the 3 included with the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones.
Another handy extra is a storage case. This doesn`t just give you a cool place to store your headphones, it also offers some protection from moisture or damage, ensuring that your headphones are clean and ready to use whenever you need them.
Other features
There are a few extra features that turn a good set of EDM headphones into a great one. Noise cancellation is one such feature. This will block out the ambient noise around you so you can focus solely on the music you`re listening to. Most of the models in our reviews include NC technology, blocking out the lower frequencies but still allowing higher ones through, so they aren`t completely noise canceling.
A foldable design is also something to look for to make your EDM headphones more portable. Rotating earcups are also handy to have, allowing you to flip one side off of your ear so you can hear those around you while still listening to the music.
The warranty is another important feature since not every set of headphones you buy is going to work as it`s supposed to. Rather than buying a second set, a good warranty will get you a replacement set at no extra charge. This will save you money since you`ll still get the headphones you want without paying a fortune to replace an inferior pair. Most warranties will cover everything included with the headphones as well, including connectors and cables, so you won`t have to worry about having to pay for replacement accessories.
On wireless models, the runtime is also something to check out. The longer the runtime, the less often you need to charge your headphones. Many of them even offer a quick-charge feature, which gives you a few hours of use on only 5-10 minutes of charging.
