TA H D J - F 1 0 -F10: £369.: £109.(HDJ-F10 & HP-TX01): £ If you thought the DJ controller market was crowded, what about headphones? Just when you think you’re happy with your faithful old *insert name of German brand here*, a shiny new option appears online or someone like me comes along with another review to set yet another cat among the pigeons! 88 Thankfully, the HDJ-F10 from AlphaTheta genuinely offers something fresh. This is down to the company’s new SonicLink technology, which promises wireless freedom in the booth by offering ultra-low-latency wireless connection that’s faster than Bluetooth – a tempting idea for any DJ.

You can easily imagine technology like SonicLink being used more widely once more DJ setups include transmitters, but for now the HDJ-F10 is a pioneer in this arena. If you’re up for exploring this emerging trend in DJ tech, these could be the next headphones for you. Beyond the SonicLink headlines, the HDJ-F10s are exactly what you’d expect from quality DJ headphones: sturdy, heavy, and built to last, whilst combining all the needs of a travelling DJ into a single pair.

They’re clad in classic black with deep earcups that offer ample isolation, and they’re also padded with memory foam for that all-important comfort you need for longer gigs. If you’re a fan of that chunky, over-ear style, then you won’t be disappointed. Furthermore, thanks to Bluetooth and SonicLink, you’re getting a headset that doubles as your daily headphones while also allowing you to DJ wirelessly. It’s a bold idea, and AlphaTheta has gone all-in to make it happen.

In the HDJ-F10-TX bundle there is a SonicLink transmitter (HP-TX01), two USB-C charging cables, and one long, straight audio cord for backup. Battery life is solid; 60-90 minutes of charging gets you about nine hours of use. I charged my demo pair overnight, then played for around eight hours at high volume and they didn't show any signs of dying. If you do forget to charge your headphones, the audio cord allows for wired use, as there’s a plug for either the SonicLink transmitter or the headphones themselves.

A shorter cable might have been nice for a tidier setup, but the system works as it is. The HDJ-F10 features two modes – SonicLink and Bluetooth – that you switch between using a button on the left earcup. In SonicLink mode, the headphones will instantly pair with any compatible DJ gear or a HP-TX01 transmitter. As many of you will know, the reason Bluetooth has not been adopted for the DJ market is latency.

As DJs, we really need to hear the sound as it’s happening and not after the event. I have always thought wired headphones would be the only way to go, but with SonicLink’s ultra-low latency ( just nine milliseconds), ALPHATHETA HDJ-F10 the sound is practically as immediate as a wired connection, and the bass-heavy tuning is perfect for cueing up tracks. This speed is around 20 times faster than the commonly used Bluetooth SEC codec, and couldn’t hear any delay, even when thumping the cue button trying to catch the system out.

For anyone worried about range, I managed to get 15m from the controller, which was exactly as advertised. Although I did wonder why I was so far away from the decks hearing a cued track – perhaps I need some more time getting used to the whole wireless thing! Flip over to Bluetooth mode, and the HDJ-F10s perform as solid, full-featured wireless headphones. You can easily pair with your phone, control volume, navigate tracks, and even take calls – all worked without a hitch.

The headphones are also equipped with Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes. In Noise Cancelling mode you can shut out ambient noise, whilst Transparency mode Let's in external sounds so you can hear those all-important guest requests (on second thoughts, maybe just keep them on noise cancellation…). ALPHATHETA HDJ-F10 alphatheta hdj-f10 One downside? The noise cancellation could be better.

It’s decent, but you won’t get that total isolation of top-tier consumer ANC headphones, though the hefty earcups handle a lot of the noise reduction naturally. There’s also a hint of white noise when SonicLink or Bluetooth noise cancellation is on, but it’s unlikely to bother most DJs in a club or party setting. Even the little details are well thought out. Turn the headphones on and a British voice announces the power-up (I kind of wish I was given the opportunity for the voice over!).

I also wonder if this changes by territory, or perhaps it’s just a little gift for us Brits. So, the HDJ-F10s are definitely innovative. But how much are you willing to pay for that innovation? They are expensive, and no doubt lots of that value is in the wireless and battery technologies, but I do think there’s a strong case for mobile DJs to make the investment.

While the SonicLink transmitter isn’t yet widely compatible, the future looks promising. These headphones show where AlphaTheta thinks DJing is headed; a world with more wireless setups and fewer cables snaking across the booth. Lighting has seen the same shift, with DMX wirelessly transmitted to devices regardless of brand or price bracket, so there’s no reason why audio won’t go this way too. If you’re willing to be an early adopter, a pair of HDJ-F10s could be worth a shot, especially if you’re already using AlphaTheta equipment.

I Overall, the AlphaTheta HDJ-F10s are well-built, bass-boosted, and versatile enough to cover many DJ bases. Whilst they’re not cheap, and the noise cancellation could be improved, they do a great job. With the combination of features, I can easily see myself leaving my airplane headphones, earbuds and DJ headphones at home for long distance gigs, and just grabbing a pair of these instead. After all, I only have one pair of ears… a By Wayne Davies chairman@ Now is the perfect moment to reflect on a in transformative year for the National Association of Disc Jockeys (NADJ) and, indeed, my journey as a your NEC Chairman.

The closing months of 2024 were uniquely challenging yet the experience over the year has been profoundly rewarding. Leading NADJ has often felt like walking a tightrope, balancing the diverse needs and expectations of our membership with the realities of our constitution and the need to modernise. One of the most significant milestones over the past couple of months has been bringing NADJ’s online assets back in-house. By consolidating our websites and services under direct control, we can achieve a level of efficiency, reliability, and responsiveness that simply wasn’t possible before.

This shift has empowered us to deliver greater value to our members, including the launch of a new website: a five page, fully responsive design for just £500. Our members simply need to provide content and images, and we handle the rest. Bringing our digital assets in-house also allows us to focus on strengthening the NADJ hub. After some initial hiccups which were swiftly resolved, the hub has become a centralised platform that now provides a single login for all member services.

This streamlined approach has laid the groundwork for a suite of new offerings, including several online continued professional development (CPD) courses. Education remains at the heart of our mission, and this year has been no exception. In addition to our online and in-person CPD courses, we’ve expanded our educational content to include webinars, workshops, and downloadable resources tailored to the evolving needs of DJs at every stage of their careers.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or newcomer to the industry, NADJ is committed to supporting your growth and success. Highlights include a PAT theory course - designed to debunk common portable appliance testing myths - an audio course inspired by Derek Pengelly’s ‘Wedding Day Secrets’. For those who prefer a more traditional format, physical copies of Derek’s book are still available through the Pro Mobile bookstore. Our commitment to education doesn’t stop online.

Faceto-face NADJ courses will be hitting the road again 2025, bringing valuable learning opportunities to members across the UK. Among these offerings is highly anticipated DMX Day, designed to deepen understanding and skills in lighting control. Keep an eye on our website and socials for more details. Looking ahead, I’m optimistic about the possibility of hybrid AGM/EGM formats, combining in-person and virtual participation to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all members.

Re-aligning with trade shows or taking the meetings ‘on the road’ are all options for us to review. The election brought some exciting changes to the NEC team. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newly elected members: Dan, Tom, and Jack. Their fresh perspectives and energy are already proving invaluable as we embark on the next chapter of NADJ’s journey.

At the same time, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to outgoing NEC members Nick and Keith for their dedication and contributions over the years. I hope they continue to find value and camaraderie within NADJ. I was honoured to be re-elected chairman. This marks the beginning of my third year in the role and, quite possibly, my last.

From the outset, I believed it would take three years to effect meaningful change. By the close of the next year you will be able to measure demonstratable change and draw your own conclusions on whether there should be a fourth year! As we prepare to enter 2025, the future of NADJ looks bright. The past two years have laid a solid foundation for continued growth and modernisation, but there is still much work to be done.

My hope is that NADJ will continue to evolve as a forward-thinking, member-focused organisation that champions professionalism, education, and innovation within the DJ industry. NADJ NEWS The NADJ , held in December, marked key moment for the association. It was an opportunity to reflect on our successes, thank those who’ve contributed, and set the stage for an exciting year ahead. NEC Election Results The 2024/elections were carried out in full compliance with the NADJ constitution, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

Your newly elected committee is: • Chairman: Wayne Davies • Treasurer: Jack Quenby • Vice Secretaries: Tom Westwood & Daniel Ross A huge thank you to our outgoing NEC members, Nick Chatten (Secretary) and Keith Ellwood (Treasurer), for their exceptional dedication and hard work. The association is stronger today because of their efforts, and we are grateful for the solid foundation they leave behind. Secretary’s Report - on behalf of Nick Chatten Here’s where things stand: • Membership records are fully up to date. • Compliance with GDPR and financial filings has been maintained.

Thanks to Nick’s efforts, the association’s administration remains in good order, and we’re in a strong position as we move forward. Treasurer’s Report - by Keith Ellwood As I step down as Treasurer, I’m pleased to report that the NADJ is in a strong and stable financial position. Here’s a quick overview: • Our finances are healthy and well-managed. • All obligations are up to date. • There are no outstanding debts or liabilities. Over the years, it’s been my privilege to oversee the financial health of the association and ensure it remains in a position to support its members.

I’d like to thank the NEC team, past and present, for their support and collaboration. Thank you to all of you for the trust and support during my time as Treasurer. NADJ NEWS a Five Key Goals for 2025 We’re excited about the year ahead and have set out five ambitious goals to help grow the association and deliver more value to our members: • Double Membership: reach 1,000 members by the end of 2025. A bigger community means more opportunities for everyone. • ‘Ready for Residency’ Initiative: introduce a project to set minimum professional standards for hotel DJs, helping to elevate the industry. • Enhanced Insurance Products: source and deliver the best, most relevant insurance options for DJs. • Workshops That Matter: offer free workshops, online and in person, that focus on improving skills, boosting profits, and helping members succeed. • Supporting Venue & Club DJs: partner with the NTIA and key industry players to open up new opportunities for trainee DJs and grow bar and club engagement.

These goals reflect what matters most to you – raising standards, creating opportunities, and building a thriving, supportive community. Chairman’s New Year Message As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to thank you – our members – for your passion, professionalism, and continued support. This past year has been a reminder of what makes the NADJ such a fantastic community: hard work, collaboration, and the drive to keep raising the bar. Whether you’ve been a part of the association for years or only recently joined, you’re part of something special, and I’m proud of what we’re building together.

To Nick and Keith, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Your work has left a lasting legacy, and we thank you for everything you’ve done to move the association forward. The year ahead is full of opportunity. With a strong team in place and a clear plan for growth, I truly believe 2025 will be a standout year for the NADJ.

Let’s keep supporting each other, striving for excellence, and growing as a community. Here’s to a successful, exciting, and rewarding year ahead! 91