By Mario Machaieie 
The headphones beloved by DJs are back and better
Urbanears has become synonymous with stylish audio gear that doesn’t compromise on performance, combining smart audio engineering with sleek Scandinavian design and the option for vibrant hues. With the newly relaunched Zinken headphones, the brand is aiming to elevate your listening experience without breaking the bank, and they’re very affordable at £89.99.
The first iteration of the product came out 2013 and won over many DJs and music fans, leading to Urbanears continuing to stock spare parts due to demand after retiring the line in 2017. Now after some fine-tuning, an improved design has arrived, featuring improvements to the sound and durability, as well being more sustainable.
From the moment of unboxing, it’s clear that Urbanears has paid attention to design, with a minimalistic aesthetic that is available in ‘Jet Black’, or ‘Salsa Red’ and ‘Taxi Yellow’ for the more adventurous. Crafted from a blend of sturdy plastics (87% recycled) and metal accents, the Zinken headphones are built to withstand the rigours of the road and the chaos of DJ tours. A partnership with NTS has seen the gain the back of DJs such as Fauzia, Moxie, and Marcel Dettmann.
While the sturdy build helps the durability, they’re less well-suited to long listening sessions, because the weight of the product and tightness of the earcups feels heavy after a while, though the plush ear cushions and adjustable headband do help to offset this.
When it comes to sound quality, the Zinken headphones deliver. Equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, these headphones offer a balanced sound signature that’s a treat for the ears. The frequency spectrum is well balanced, ensuring an immersive listening experience across all type of sounds.
Urbanears’ acoustic team works collaboratively with DJs engaging in a physical tuning process. The result is a precision-powered audio experience with a high level of clarity and a perfectly balanced sound profile, even amid the loudest club environments.
