The OneOdio Studio Max 1 headphones make me feel like a DJ

Headphones don’t have to whisper. Clearly aware of that, the OneOdio Studio Max 1 arrive like a pair of speakers that learned to wear a headband and wave glow sticks: oversized, unapologetic and eager to be heard.

They’re built for people who want presence (in both looks and sound) with metal hinges, plush pads and a flash of red that screams ‘DJ booth’. Sonically they favour warmth and weight: forward mids, satisfying bass and clear highs that don’t grate. The design will also polarise; they might not make it onto our list of the most beautiful headphones in the world. And at around £160 they’re not bargain-basement, but if you want pro-leaning tone without selling a kidney, these are worth a listen. Read our full review to find out why.

Design and build

The Studio Max 1 headphones don't exactly try to be subtle. OneOdio leans into a confident, club-ready aesthetic: oversized circumaural earcups, exposed metal hinges and a splash of red fabric and stitching inside the cups that reads more “booth” than “bus”. That red lining is a small but effective flourish; it gives the headphones personality and immediately signals they’re built for presence as much as performance.

Construction feels deliberately robust rather than delicate. The headband and yokes use a mix of reinforced plastic and metal where it matters, and the hinges have a reassuring weight to them that suggests these cans are meant to be handled, packed and used in real-world DJ and studio situations.

The clamping force is firm but not punishing, which helps the headphones stay put during active use; combined with the large pads, that creates a secure fit that’s comfortable for most head shapes.

The padding is generous: the thick, plush ear cushions cradle the ears and isolate sound effectively, though that same density contributes to heat build-up over long sessions, an inevitable trade-off between comfort and ventilation. The cups are not fold-flat, and the overall footprint is on the large side, so portability is not a selling point; these are studio- or booth-first headphones rather than travel companions. At around 330 grams they sit in a middle ground of heft; substantial enough to feel premium, light enough to avoid neck fatigue for typical sessions.

Controls and ports are sensibly placed and tactile, with clearly marked buttons and a removable cable option for wired use. The package also includes a USB-C charging arrangement and a dedicated low-latency transmitter for live monitoring, which reinforces the impression that OneOdio designed these with practical DJ workflows in mind.

Overall, the Studio Max 1’s design is unapologetically bold and function-forward: they look like pro headphones, feel solid in hand, and prioritise comfort and durability over compact form factor. Also, they come with a fabric baggie! Nifty.

Features, performance and price

The Studio Max 1 wear their intentions on their sleeve: these are headphones built for listening with confidence, not for disappearing into the background. Sonically, they favour a warm, full presentation. Mids are forward and engaging, vocals sit up front, and the bass has real weight without smothering the rest of the spectrum. Treble is handled with restraint; highs are clear enough to reveal detail but never shout, which makes long sessions less fatiguing and keeps the overall tone pleasingly musical.

I listen to, let's say, an eclectic mix of music daily, and I didn't find they leaned too heavily towards either bedroom indie rock or '90s stadium techno, although in my ears, they came fully into their own with club-ready artists like Orbital, Fred again.. and Nia Archives.

OneOdio bundles the practical features you’d expect from DJ-leaning cans: reliable wireless pairing, a sensible set of onboard controls, and a wired option for when latency or battery life matters. The low-latency mode is a useful touch for monitoring and live use, and the Bluetooth connectivity is easy to control. Pairing is straightforward and stable across both phones and laptops. Battery life is generous enough that you won’t be babysitting a charger during a weekend of mixing, and fast charging gets you back into the booth quickly.

Where the trade-offs show is in ergonomics: the large pads and firm clamping force create a secure, isolating seal that’s great for focus and stage work, but they also trap heat over long stints. The overall heft and footprint make them less appealing for commuters or anyone who prioritises compactness. For £160, though, the combination of confident tuning, practical DJ features and solid wireless behaviour makes the Studio Max 1 feel like a smart buy for listeners who put tone and function above featherweight portability.

Who is it for?

• Confident listeners and DJs who want a bold, pro-leaning sound, and who prioritise tone and durability over compact form.

Buy them if...

• You want pro sound, not subtlety
• You like headphones with ego
• You prioritise tone over portability

Don't buy them if...

• You commute light and fold often
• You hate warm ears
• You need pocket-sized, featherweight cans