This Korg NC-Q1 Review investigates these cutting-edge headphones to determine if they are worth the investment and deliver the superior sound quality you crave. I meticulously examined these advanced headphones to uncover their merits and shortcomings.
Product Overview
Sennheiser HD25s are my go-to in daily life. I’ve always been intrigued by technology-driven headphones, such as the Korg NC-Q1s. I wanted to know whether they were reliable enough to use professionally, and whether that noise cancelling algorithm was really useful. I had some high expectations for the Korg NC-Q1s, especially since they come at a price point that’s around double that of my usual headphones. The big question is, did they meet those expectations?
They are large and heavy when you take them out of the box, I kind of expected it because of so much technology inside, but the size still grabbed my attention. With noise cancelling and wireless connectivity, plus a clever mixing system for monitoring, there is a lot going on. Yet they look nice, the complexity is well hidden, and they are easy to use. Sound quality is really good, especially when you switch noise cancelling on. It is remarkably effective, shutting out everything but the music, so you can hear every detail. For DJs, there is a clever mixing feature, that allows you to ‘mix’ in external sounds to one ear for monitoring without removing the earcup. It is all very impressive and works seamlessly.
Battery life is good too, lasting 12 hours, but they can also be used with a cable if you forget to charge them. You do lose the noise cancelling without the battery though.
Key Features
The Korg NC-Q1 Review: A User Experience Review (The Good)
Noise cancelling works really well, but importantly, I found though use that it actually helps. In a noisy environment, you switch it on, and you could be in a library, it is that good. That means you can hear the music better, and it makes these headphones sound great. This really is the feature you buy these for, and while I had my doubts, it really makes a difference.
Being able to mix external sounds in for monitoring without moving the earcup is a really good use of technology. I’m not a fan of adding things because you can, but there is a real benefit here. Its user friendly and allows for fine tuning, so you get exactly the right mix every time.
I was a bit concerned when I saw how big and heavy that they were, that I would struggle to wear them. But they are comfortable when on the head. The large earcups surround the ears, so the noise cancelling works properly, and with good padding, they don’t pinch or anything. They are also very well made for the most part, they feel as expensive as they are.
The Korg NC-Q1 Review: A User Experience Review (The Bad)
With the noise cancelling system allowing you to focus on every note, the sound is incredible. But the clarity of having no background noise does hide some issues. The main one is that they lack bass compared to some much cheaper headphones and are significantly worse than many at this price point. This may not be an issue for everyone, and with noise cancelling on, it is really not much of a problem. But if you love bass, they may not be the headphones for you.
The wireless connection is great for freedom, no wires to get tangled or anything. For the most part this works really well, but I have noticed a couple of times where the Bluetooth connection lagged a little. This meant music in my ear was very slightly behind the room. Not a major problem, and only happened a couple of times, but it is there.
There is no getting around it, these are heavy headphones. Korg have done well to design them so that they fit well on the head and are comfortable, with no pinching. However, they can’t hide the weight, and it can be tiring after a while. They are also a bit harder to take on the road, you need to be more careful with them than a normal pair of headphones.
Alternatives
The Korg NC-Q1s bring a unique combination of cutting-edge technology and innovative features. But for the same price, you could also consider the Pioneer HDJ-Cue1, a professional headphone known for its exceptional sound quality and robust build.
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Headphone Name
Price
Pioneer HDJ-Cue1
Verdict
There is no doubting how impressive the technology in these headphones is, but it is incredibly effective as well. The noise cancelling transforms the user experience in noisy environments and helps the audio sound incredibly clear and is delivered with finesse.
The mixer system on the Korg NC-Q1s allows you to monitor your mix without removing the headphones, showcasing Korg’s attention to detail. Additionally, the long battery runtime ensures that these headphones are well-suited for professional use.
All this does come at a cost though, and the question this Kord NC-Q1 review needs to ask, is whether the technology justifies the price tag. They are expensive, there is no getting around it, but as a product, they also perform incredibly well, and there is nothing else out there that can compare. If you like the idea of the latest in noise cancelling tech combined with superb sound all inside a comfortable well-built headphone, then you will not be disappointed.
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