Review of Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones
In the world of audio production, mixing, and mastering, the choice of headphones can significantly impact the quality of your work. Among the various options available, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones consistently stand out as a preference for both amateur and professional audio engineers alike. After extensive use and comparison, this review will delve into the key features, performance, comfort, and overall value of these headphones.
Key Features
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones are designed specifically for studio applications and offer several noteworthy specifications:
- Impedance: 250 Ohm
- Frequency Range: 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Connector Type: 3.5 mm Jack with an included 1/4″ adapter
- Weight: 8.8 ounces (0.55 pounds)
- Cable: 3.0m coiled, single-sided cable
- Ear Pads: Soft, circumaural, and replaceable velour
- Build Quality: Made in Germany with robust workmanship
This combination of features makes the DT 990 Pro a versatile choice for various uses, including audio monitoring, recording, gaming, and even disc jockey use.
Sound Quality
One of the most critical aspects of any headphone is sound quality, and the DT 990 Pro does not disappoint. Users report a transparent and spacious sound that is ideal for mixing and mastering. The headphones deliver a balanced audio profile, with pronounced bass that is both deep and controlled, ensuring no muddiness in lower frequencies. Highs are crisp and clear without being harsh, making them perfect for revealing subtle details in the mix.
The frequency response of 5 Hz to 35,000 Hz means that these headphones can handle a wide range of audio, making them suitable for critical listening. The soundstage is notably impressive, providing an immersive experience that allows users to pinpoint the placement of individual instruments within a mix.
Comfort and Build Quality
Comfort is paramount when it comes to studio headphones, especially during long mixing sessions. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro excels here with its soft velour ear pads that envelop the ears without causing fatigue. Many users report being able to wear these headphones for hours on end without discomfort, a crucial factor for audio professionals who spend extended periods working on their projects.
Regarding build quality, the DT 990 Pro is constructed mainly from durable ABS plastic, with metal elements in the headband and forks, which enhances longevity. The headphones feel sturdy yet lightweight, contributing to their overall comfort. Additionally, the replaceable ear pads ensure that users can maintain their headphones over time, enhancing their lifespan.
Versatility and Use Cases
The DT 990 Pro’s design and sound profile make them a versatile tool in the arsenal of any audio professional. They are ideal for:
- Mixing and Mastering: Their balanced sound allows for accurate representation of audio, making it easier to make critical decisions regarding levels, EQ, and effects.
- Casual Listening: While they are designed for professional use, they also excel in casual listening environments, providing an enjoyable experience whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or simply enjoying your favorite music.
- Durability for Travel: The included carrying bag and tangle-free cable make these headphones easy to transport, ensuring they can accompany users to studios or anywhere else they may need high-quality sound.
Price Point and Value
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro offers exceptional value for its price. Priced competitively within the high-end headphone market, they stand out due to their performance, comfort, and build quality. For those seeking a pair of studio headphones that can handle a variety of tasks without breaking the bank, the DT 990 Pro is certainly worth considering.
Conclusion
In summary, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones offer an outstanding combination of sound quality, comfort, and durability. Whether you are a professional audio engineer, an avid gamer, or simply someone who appreciates high-quality audio, these headphones are a fantastic investment.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
We would confidently rate the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro with a 5-star rating. They deliver exceptional audio performance, unrivaled comfort, and a build quality that promises longevity. If you’re in the market for high-quality studio headphones, look no further—these are a true gem in the realm of audio equipment.
Eli J. –
I’ve tried several different models, including the Sennheiser HD599, and these headphones are incredibly comfortable with fantastic sound quality. They remain comfortable even during long listening sessions. I use them for music on my PC and gaming, and I’m absolutely thrilled with them. Are there better options out there? Of course. But for the price, I think they’re excellent.
kevin –
The package arrived heavily damaged, with the factory seal cut and only a “Master Áudiostore” sticker placed over it to mislead. Additionally, the product itself showed signs of previous use, with the headband looking significantly worn as if it had been used for years. The headphones also displayed incorrect readings on the multimeter, showing 20W to 30W more than expected.
Renny –
If you’re anything like me, you likely spend countless hours researching products, comparing prices, and weighing the pros and cons—headphones included. After using my AD900x headphones for several years, the cable finally gave out, prompting me to explore new options. I narrowed it down to three choices in the same price range, all open-back: the Sennheiser HD599, the Beyerdynamic DT990, and another pair of AD900x. I didn’t consider AKG models since they all seemed to require an amp in that price range. I may not be a professional audiophile, but I do take sound quality seriously—it’s crucial for me. I’d like to share my impressions after owning all three sets of headphones due to some circumstances I’ll explain later.
Sennheiser HD599: Pleasant.
To my ears, these headphones are designed for a pleasant sound rather than strict accuracy. Initially, I was concerned about the infamous “Sennheiser Veil,” but I was pleasantly surprised. While there is a slight “Veil”—essentially a dip in the high mid frequencies—the high frequencies remain crisp and enjoyable. I found myself reaching for these headphones when I wanted to relax or simply enjoy music. You could easily fall asleep while wearing them, as many have noted. I recommend these for those seeking a laid-back sound profile. They also seem to have the most bass of the three. Unfortunately, I had to return them due to a defect that caused an imbalance favoring the right side, but they were a used pair, which is something to keep in mind.
AD900x: Natural.
In my opinion, the standout feature of these headphones is their soundstage—it’s the best I’ve heard among the three. They offer the most neutral tuning and are incredibly comfortable, despite their unconventional headband design, which I found surprisingly effective over four years. This design keeps them lightweight, often making me forget I’m wearing them. I use these headphones when I want to feel immersed in the music, as if I’m in the same room. They have enough treble to satisfy, although the bass is a bit lighter. The exceptional soundstage does come at a slight cost in detail, including bass response, but that’s not necessarily a downside. I recommend these for those who prioritize neutrality and soundstage, even with a minor sacrifice in detail.
DT990: Detailed.
These headphones seem tailored for studio production, and I wholeheartedly recommend them for that purpose. I have the 80-ohm version plugged directly into my motherboard. They provide the most detail of the three, which I greatly appreciate. After the defect in the Sennheisers, I chose to try these, despite concerns about the treble response that some users have mentioned. I’m pleased to report that it hasn’t been an issue for me; if I hadn’t heard the complaints, I likely wouldn’t have even noticed. Yes, they are bright, but I enjoy that quality—it’s akin to the difference between speakers with and without tweeters. While the treble might be perceived as harsh by some, I find it effective at reproducing sound accurately. When I need to pinpoint details in my mixes or hear nuances in familiar tracks, I reach for these headphones. They also provide better bass response than the AD900x. I recommend these for anyone looking to hear every detail in their audio, especially useful for production or mixing.
Conclusion:
Personally, my favorite are the DT990s for their outstanding detail and comfort. However, you can’t go wrong with any of these models—they each serve their purpose exceptionally well. If you have specific preferences, choose the headphones that best meet your needs. The DT990s, in particular, have a build and sound quality that’s hard to beat.
Nutshell:
Sennheiser HD599: Comfort
Audio Technica AD900x: Soundstage
Beyerdynamic DT990: Details
I hope this review helps anyone with similar questions. Cheers!
SSD –
This was definitely not an impulsive purchase for me, but rather the result of a lengthy search for a versatile pair of open-back headphones that are lightweight, comfortable, and deliver near-reference sound quality without being overly analytical, all at a reasonable price. Was that too much to ask? Apparently not, as my search led me to the Beyerdynamic DT990-Pro-250. For those curious about the “AMS” label on this Amazon listing, it stands for “American Music and Sound,” the US pro-audio distributor for Beyerdynamic. In essence, the AMS designation is just a marketing label; there is only one type of DT990-Pro, regardless of whether you purchase it in North America, Europe, or Asia.
Now, let’s talk about the build quality: The DT990-Pro is primarily constructed from ABS plastic, except for the metal headband and the forks that hold the ear cups, which I would assume are aluminum based on their weight. The headband is covered with a soft black plastic material secured by four small clasp-buttons. Surprisingly lightweight and incredibly comfortable, these headphones rival the other “most comfortable” pair I own, the Sennheiser HD-598. Overall, I’d rate the build quality as excellent, though the cable strain relief on the left ear cup seems somewhat underdeveloped. The coiled cable is about 3 meters long, ending with a 1/8 inch jack, and a screw-on 1/4 inch jack is included. I worry that the strain relief at the connection point is too small; the heavy coiled cable may lead to connectivity issues over time. Additionally, the silver velour pads may appear dirty depending on the lighting, but this is a minor concern, especially since black velour or leather pads are available online.
Moving on to sound quality, here are the computer/audio setups I used for my listening tests:
Playback software included Audacity, iTunes, and VLC, with source quality from standard CDs at 44.1kHz/16bit and native HD at 88.2-96kHz/24bit. I used 3.5mm to RCA and RCA-to-RCA cables (3ft each) from AUVIO and Monoprice brands.
In summary, the sound quality (evaluated across both DACs and headphone amps) offers good dynamics, detail, clarity, staging, and imaging. The frequency response is tuned to emphasize the low and high ends. To compare the DT990-Pro with the other headphones I own, it nearly matches the Superlux HD681 in bass impact without sacrificing dynamics, easily equals the Sennheiser HD598 in mid-range sparkle and staging, and competes well with the Audio-Technica ATH-A900 in high-frequency extension.
The Sennheiser HD598 is the closest in overall sound quality, but despite its more neutral sound, I find the DT990-Pro more appealing. It has superior low-end performance and smoother, extended highs without the veil that characterizes some Sennheiser models. The DT990-Pro also presents highs with more precision compared to the ATH-A900, without sounding grainy, and offers a balanced sound akin to the Superlux without being excessively bright. However, it’s essential to note that the DT990-Pro has high impedance (250ohm) and is less efficient than the other headphones mentioned, requiring amplification to fully realize their potential. For example, my iPod Shuffle (max output: 0.57Vrms) struggles to drive them adequately, leading to a distorted sound, while my MacBook Pro’s sound card (1.4Vrms) can provide sufficient volume but still distorts, resulting in a harsh listening experience. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend these headphones for portable use without a proper amp. Additionally, they require about 8-10 hours of initial break-in to sound their best, as they initially present a bass-heavy and somewhat cloudy sound. After 30-35 hours of use, my sound quality breakdown is as follows:
Other ratings:
In conclusion, the Beyerdynamic DT990-Pro headphones provide a near-reference sound that sacrifices a bit of neutrality for a more natural and fuller acoustic experience. They are the only headphones I own that I can enjoy with any genre of music without the need for EQ, which speaks volumes. Overall, this is an impressive offering from Beyerdynamic that I highly recommend!
Eli J. –
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm headphones have truly impressed me with their ability to turn every listening session into an immersive experience. As a creative professional, I’m always on the lookout for tools that enable precise and inspired work, and these headphones excel in both areas.
Sound Quality
The first thing I noticed when I put them on was the soundstage: expansive and incredibly detailed. The highs are crystal clear and brilliant, capturing even the most subtle nuances, while the lows are present but never overpowering. The mids are well-balanced, giving voice to each element without drowning out the others. This equilibrium allows me to mix and produce with confidence, as I can hear exactly what’s needed without unnecessary emphasis.
Comfort
Comfort is another strong point. The velvet ear pads feel luxurious against the ears, even after hours of use. I often wear them during long work sessions, and not once have I felt the need to take them off due to discomfort. The padded headband is also well-designed, distributing the weight evenly.
Build and Design
The build quality is exemplary, as expected from Beyerdynamic. The headphones are sturdy, with a design meant to last even in a demanding work environment. The coiled cable is practical and long enough to avoid any hassle.
DT 990 PRO for Production
The DT 990 PRO have become my go-to for production. Their open design provides a wide soundstage, essential for capturing every detail and making accurate decisions during mixing. They are ideal for projects that require both precision and creative inspiration.
Comparison with DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm
I also own the DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm, which are exceptional in their own right but serve different purposes for me. The closed-back design of the DT 770 PRO offers superior acoustic isolation, making them perfect for recording sessions where minimizing external sound interference is crucial. Their sound response is equally detailed, but the soundstage is more “constricted,” which doesn’t bother me during recording but is something I prefer to avoid in production.
For vocal or instrumental recording, the DT 770 PRO are unbeatable: the isolation helps maintain focus and allows for precise monitoring without distractions. However, when it comes to production, I find that the DT 990 PRO shine more due to their spacious sound.
Conclusion
If I had to choose, I would say that the DT 990 PRO are my favorites for production, thanks to their open design and wide soundstage. However, I could never part with the DT 770 PRO for recording, where isolation is essential. Both headphones excel in their respective areas, and for anyone working in audio, having both is a winning combination.
SSD –
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pros are definitely worth the investment. The sound quality is outstanding, featuring clear highs and a wide soundstage. They’re also extremely comfortable, allowing for hours of wear without any discomfort. The build quality is impressively solid. After two years of use, I have no doubt that they will continue to last for many more. I highly recommend these to anyone in search of high-quality studio headphones.
kevin –
Here’s a humble opinion from a music enthusiast. I purchased the 80-ohm version. [Updating my review after 8 months of use]
Rating from 1 to 10 based on quality-price ratio:
Construction: 8.5 – The cable is non-detachable and there are a few design points that might be a bit concerning, but overall the quality is very good.
Comfort: 10 – No hesitation here; they are lightweight and incredibly comfortable for long hours of use, and the cable is not cumbersome.
*Sound Quality in flat frequency.
Bass: 10 – Simply beautiful, excellent bass extension, with clear and precise lows, featuring zero reverb and no extra gain.
Mids: 9.2 – They are good and clear, but could use just a touch more. However, for those of us who appreciate feminine beauty, the female vocals are a delight to the ears.
Highs: 10 – Plain and simple; they are non-piercing, airy, very precise, and detailed.
Overall, these offer nearly excellent audio quality for their price; they are legendary in the mastering field. You’ll find many details in the music, and if a song was poorly recorded in the studio, you’ll definitely notice it. For the price, this is one of the best options available. A DAC AMP is recommended but not necessary; the 80Ω version works well with almost any device at decent volume. However, using a DAC AMP does enhance sound quality across all frequencies; I use them with a Fiio K3.
Note: The sound improves positively as you continue to use them. After about 3 or 4 months, you’ll notice the difference. Initially, I felt they lacked bass, and the mids seemed muted while the highs were a bit pronounced, but it turns out the drivers loosen up over time and improve significantly.
I recommend these headphones for anyone looking to delve into the audiophile world without breaking the bank.
Rylee Bennett –
Without a doubt, the best headphones I’ve ever owned! The sound quality is outstanding, and the comfort is beyond words! Absolutely incredible!