The EAH-DJ1200 is a wired DJ headphone made under the Technics name by Panasonic and designed to withstand harsh use by professional DJs in loud surroundings. Its contemporary black styling was updated to match the SL-1200MK7 turntable, and Technics lists it at USD 199.99 on the US market.
Key specs that matter
A 40 mm driver sits in each earcup, fitted with a CCAW voice coil, and the published frequency response runs from 8 Hz to 30,000 Hz measured with the cord attached. Impedance is 45 ohm with the detachable coiled cord, and sensitivity is 106 dB per mW. Power handling reaches 2,500 mW to IEC, a high figure for a headphone that reflects the high-volume booth conditions it was designed for. Weight is approximately 233 g without a cord and approximately 251 g with the detachable straight cord. The headphone is specified for operation between 0 and 40 degrees Celsius. The plug is a three-pole 3.5 mm stereo type with an L-shaped body that resists internal wire breakage, and the finish is a matte black.
Engineering and use context
The CCAW voice coil, short for copper-clad aluminium wire, is lighter than a solid copper winding, and Technics pairs it with a newly developed driver meant to accept high input without distortion even at high volume. Two cords are supplied - a 1.2 m straight cord and a coiled cord that measures 1.5 m and stretches to 2.2 m. Both detach from the headphone and lock into place, so a tug during a set does not pull the cable out. The earcups swivel through 270 degrees, which lets a DJ hold one side to the ear for single-side cueing while the other ear stays free for the room. The headband and cups fold for carrying and storage in a compact bag. Ear pads and head pads were shaped for comfort over long sessions and chosen to limit wear from sweat. The on-ear design keeps the weight down for use through a whole night, and the swivel mechanisms can be locked in position. A carrying pouch and a 6.3 mm plug adapter come in the box, and the coiled cord is easy to clean.
Pairing
Being an easy load, the EAH-DJ1200 runs from the headphone outputs of DJ mixers, controllers and portable players alike. Phones and laptops take the mini plug directly, and the supplied adapter suits mixers with a full-size socket. The high power rating means the headphone copes with the high output levels common in club booth monitoring.
Alternatives
For listening at home rather than in the booth, the Technics EAH-TZ700 is a wired in-ear model with a 10 mm magnetic fluid driver and 37 ohm impedance.