Stanton DJ Pro 3000 MK2

Stanton DJ Pro 3000 MK2 DJ Product Review

by Ria on Aug.04, 2009, under DJ Product Reviews

Stanton DJ Pro 3000 MK2

Here’s the skinny on the Pro 3000 MK2

Stanton is among the hottest DJ suppliers in the world, and for many good reasons. It can be compared with Pioneer for quality in design, and it can even be compared with Numark and Gemini for product affordability. Obviously, it’s not hard to love Stanton, but with some of the negative reviews I’m hearing about the Stanton DJ Pro 3000 MK2, I wonder why it’s so hard to love their headphones.

After working DJs review this particular product, their conclusion is either they love it, or they hate it. I’ve hardly seen any "happy medium" feelings with these headphones. So I decided to review them for myself, starting with the skin (aesthetics) and ending with the heart of the product (functions, special effects, durability). When it comes to aesthetics, the 3000 MK2 is doing a pretty good job so far. The color is sleek, the design is sexy, and from the picture, it has a rugged and bulky look which makes me, personally, think these headphones are built to last. The cushioning looks plush enough to wear them for hours in the studio, and it seems as if it can seamlessly adjust to any head shape.

But unfortunately, looks aren’t everything.

Stanton DJ Pro 3000 MK2

Stanton DJ Pro 3000 MK2

Stanton’s 3000 MK2s function nicely, because as a working DJ, what’s the number one function you demand to be the best from your headphones? Great sound. These headphones provide a sound you’ll love and even brag about for months down the road. As Stanton states, they have a wide frequency response for perfect sound reproduction, a closed ear cup design for extra isolation and passive high pass and low pass filters, wrapped in one flexible and unique design.

As far as "special effects" go, Stanton offered additional, extremely convenient, features most working DJs look for in a headphone. Additional features such as the:

Rotating ear cup for flexible positioning and single sided/shoulder wearing styles
A coiled cord that’s detachable and easy to replace
Foldable design for quick transportation
Blue LEDs that blink to the beat of the music (I wonder why they added the blinking LEDs…who would need them? I guess they are pretty hot…)

Durability is where Stanton and their 3000 MK2 loses my interest and probably every other working DJs on the planet. For $130 MSRP, there’s no questioning whether they’re more affordable than most on the market. They’re much more affordable than Seinnheiser, Ultrasone, Pioneer and even Sony. However, if they’re going to break one month down the road, that low price needs to get a whole lot lower. Djs can find them for around $100 street, but to me, even that seems like a waste if they crumble like a sand castle.

Aside from that, these headphones are pretty incredible. If the price got knocked down again, I’d advise working DJs to buy them with little to no hesitation. But when you use them. use them carefully. The material may be weak, but the headphones still function smoothly. You can’t knock them for one detail, can you?