“Designed for DJs and beat makers, they offer punchy loud delivery in a stylish and robust design”: V-Moda M-100 Pro review

What is it?

Roland’s V-Moda headphone range is getting an overhaul and now includes two new models - the more affordable M-10, and our review model, the M-100 Pro, which is an upgraded version of the M-100. Both models have Hi-Res Audio certification from the Japan Audio Society.

The M-100 is V-Moda’s classic DJ and beat production headphone and since its introduction over a decade ago, has carved out its own niche as a stylish and reliable performer. Key features include rugged metal frame construction, snug over-ear closed-back design, replaceable and customisable ear cup backs (shields) and folding ear cup hinges for easy storage.

The M-100 Pro package includes one pair of M-100 Pro headphones, two leads (1.5m straight and 3m coiled) and a ¼” plug adapter. Meanwhile, storage is a regular pouch, which is a bit of a downgrade from the exoskeleton case included with the M-200 and M-100 Master.

In terms of component selection, the headphones feature 50mm dual diaphragm ceramic-coated drivers, with Japanese-made CCAW coils and a bass duct design. Meanwhile, the sturdy metal band and arms are complemented by a padded and branded headband and comfortable memory foam ear pads.

The M-100 Pro employs the same user-replaceable shields as other V-Moda designs, and as mentioned previously, some options here, including the custom shield,s are no longer available or are being gradually withdrawn by Roland. That said, there are still plenty of third-party options available for this very popular feature. As before, construction allows user replacement of earpads; meanwhile, the M-100 Pro now has plug-in earcups, allowing easy user replacement of the whole ear cup assembly if required.

Performance

The M-100 Pro is a very well-built headphone, and although we wouldn’t call it slimline, it’s substantially more slimline than many of its competitors. The ear cups are reasonably compact and memory foam pads ensure a snug fit with very good passive noise cancellation. What’s more, if you want to use just one ear cup, there’s plenty of swivel in the improved ear cup mounts and twist in the headband to help make that possible.

Conveniently, you can attach the cable to either ear cup, and there’s a blanking plug for the empty socket. Meanwhile, use of colour-coded plugs for the ear cup connections – red for right and black for left – provides a useful visual indicator for orientation.

The M-100 design is known for its powerful bass delivery, and the M-100 Pro continues in this manner. This is ideal for beat production, club music and DJ use. What’s more, with a sonic balance that keeps the high frequencies in check, you can comfortably turn them up quite loud without it becoming earsplitting. What’s more, at higher volumes, the bass remains punchy rather than flappy, which is ideal.

Given the obvious design similarities with the M-10, it should come as no surprise that they also sound similar. That said, the M-100 Pro has a more pronounced midrange and slightly less bass. This gives it a bit more focus and also makes it better suited to production rather than casual listening. Overall, we’d say the M-100 Pro has a more desirable and flexible sonic signature than its sibling, which is encouraging given it’s more expensive.

Verdict

V-Moda’s M-100 is a modern classic, and the M-100 Pro is the most refined version to date. It may not be the most flexible headphone and it’s certainly not cheap, but is very well designed for its target users.

Alternatives

Sennheiser HD 25: £150 at sennheiser.com

These popular headphones are lightweight, durable and loud.

Read the full Sennheiser HD 25 review

Pioneer DJ HDJ-Cue1: £60 at pioneerdj.com

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative check out this model from Pioneer.

Read more about Pioneer DJ HDJ-Cue1

Specifications