STEREO GUIDE test verdict
The OneOdio Studio Max 1 combines LDAC streaming, 120 h battery and DJ functions. In the test, it showed strengths in terms of features - and weaknesses in terms of sound.
Advantages
- Unbeatably versatile connectivity with transmitter
- Enormous levels and dynamics in passive mode
- Excellent battery life
Disadvantages
- unbalanced voices, garish timbres
- Listening gets tiring quite quickly
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Sound: naturalness / transparency5.7
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Sound: Bass / Dynamics9.2
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Practice / Connectivity9.2
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Price / Performance8.8
Headphones sometimes differ significantly depending on the application: home hi-fi, mobile music enjoyment, DJ or studio require completely different concepts, tunings and strengths. The
The superlatives don’t stop at the concept and appearance. With the LDAC codec, it is aimed at even the most demanding Bluetooth connoisseurs with special Android phones, with a record-breaking 120 hours of battery life for travelers, and with 20 ms latency for gamers and DJs who prefer it wireless. It was tuned in collaboration with DJane Arianna. As the OneOdio is also advertised as being highly ergonomic and comfortable to wear, we immediately ask ourselves what it can’t actually do (apart from the lack of noise-canceling and app support, both of which the cheaper OneOdio Focus A6 offered).
Everything in it, including classic technology
We can attest to the Studio Max 1’s solid touch quality and high level of comfort as soon as we unpack it. It is surprisingly stable mechanically, but also surprisingly lightweight. The manufacturer promises that this is not a sign of cost-cutting in the transducer or amplifier technology, as the large 50 mm driver is designed to meet high-end specifications.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer does not provide any information on amplifier power and level, but for decibel-hungry users there is the passive mode on the external amplifier.
Operation and connection are extremely simple: analog signals come via cable, the Bluetooth connection works smoothly via the dedicated button, at least after several attempts. Three classic buttons with a pressure point are available as control elements: two for the volume and a third button with a tactile groove that has multiple functions, including play/pause.
Connectivity: Fully equipped!
Connectivity is the great strength of the Studio Max 1, which supports analog wire cabling, wireless connection from the dongle and wireless Bluetooth operation. Unfortunately, the USB-C input is not suitable for data transfer, but is purely a charging socket.
However, if you want to transfer data from a tablet or laptop via USB-C, you can use the supplied dongle transmitter. It has both USB-C and 3.5 mm analog inputs. This is extremely practical, as it turns the Studio Max 1 into a wireless headphone for home, DJ or studio use.
Bluetooth is also available in version 5.3 and the manufacturer only promises the high-quality, but less common LDAC and AAC, which is popular in the Apple world, as codecs. There is no support for Apt-X codecs, which means that most Android users are left out in the cold when it comes to high-quality wireless transmission.
As a true DJ headphone, the OneOdio can also be operated passively via cable. Whether on a mixing console, pro audio headphone amplifier, older laptop or hi-fi amplifier: with a 3.5mm or 6.3mm plug, it always fits and provides sound, even if the battery runs out.
We particularly liked the convenient coiled cable for passive operation: it has a 3.5 mm jack on one end and a 6.3 mm jack on the other. As the OneOdio has both sockets, it can be easily reversed depending on whether the headphones are to be used with a laptop or a mixing console. Exemplary!
The OneOdio Studio Max 1 in practice
When unpacking and putting on the Studio Max 1, it may seem surprisingly light, but it scores points for ergonomics and touch quality in the key areas. The ear pads and headband are generously padded and have a high-quality feel. It sits securely and comfortably on the head, just as you would expect from DJ or studio headphones for hours of work.
Despite the rather thick ear cups, it can be folded up quite compactly with a special folding mechanism, which gives it advantages when traveling. The joints and sliding devices for adjustment appear to be of a much higher quality and more stable than we would have expected given the price. In DJ mode, however, they also ensure that a cone folds over involuntarily if it is “lifted” briefly. Classic one-ear operation when adjusting the beats to the PA is therefore not recommended, even if the manufacturer advertises the possibility of the foldable cone.
Visually, the Studio Max 1 looks quite symmetrical. All the more reason for us to appreciate the large “L” and “R” markings on the driver covers.
The stated battery life of up to 120 hours is enormous, but seemed realistic to us in the test. In the lowest latency mode on the transmitter dongle, this drops to 60 hours, which is still more than practical.
Sound test OneOdio Studio Max 1
The initial question of where the OneOdio Studio Max 1 compromises on its impressive feature list was quickly answered in the sound test: the sound. With electronic music at a high volume, it sounded powerful and direct, and its crisp, fast upper bass and almost cuttingly clear brilliance are certainly practical in DJ mode when it comes to assertiveness against the PA and the rhythmic assessment of the material being played. The level reserves are just fine for these requirements with the built-in amplifier. In passive mode on the mixing console, the Studio Max 1 delivers full power and is incredibly loud without distorting the highs; a slight pumping in the low bass will not be a problem in DJ mode.
As soon as vocals or any overtone-rich instrument sounds were added, the positive picture changed: In the brilliance range, the OneOdio consistently displayed an unpleasantly metallic, intrusive emphasis. This not only caused a discoloration of the timbres, but also caused hearing fatigue after a short time, so that we quickly fed the Studio Max 1 with other material again. Unfortunately, the problem affects acoustic music as well as pop, rock, jazz, classical and especially metal, and could not be remedied with an external equalizer (due to the lack of a suitable app, the Studio Max 1 does not have its own EQ adjustment anyway).
Need a boost?
In Bluetooth mode, the OneOdio does have a bass boost mode, but this only ensures that the already loud upper bass is boosted and completely dominates the sound without solving the tonal problems in the brilliance range. In our opinion, these are not caused by distortion, but rather by a resonance problem, as the Studio Max 1 remains clear but intrusive even at high volumes.
If you don’t place too high demands on tonal balance and vocal reproduction, and at the same time appreciate a very intense, powerful PA feeling on your ears, you might be happy with the OneOdio Studio Max 1 as DJ and party headphones.
Conclusion and alternatives
If you are not explicitly a DJ or whose listening habits are limited to intense party music and electronic music, we would not recommend buying the OneOdio Studio Max 1. Its idiosyncratic tonal tuning and unpleasant voice reproduction prevent this.
We have yet to find a hybrid headphone consisting of wired DJ and Bluetooth headphones with level reserves, but from a sound perspective, the Mackie MC-40BT does the best job with limited bass. If you mainly want to listen to music on the go with a kick, the slightly more expensive Cambridge Audio Melomania P100SE is probably the best choice.
OneOdio Studio Max 1: Technical specifications
- Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: 180 euros
- Type: Over-Ear
- Transducer principle: dynamic, closed
- Weight: 300 gram
- Battery life: up to 120 hours
- Special features: Streaming dongle with analog input & USB-C, ultra-low latency mode, passive analog operation on spiral cable
- More at www.oneodio.com
