I use these for orchestration and film scoring in my home studio with n RME Babyface Pro FS interface. These are open back, they are designed to leak audio, so you can't use these to track vocals or any recording situation where the mic will pick up the sound from the headphones. For that you'll want the DT 1770 closed-back cans.
Let's get right to it:
What's Great
- The more "exciting" sound on the Beyerdynamics after decently taming them (info coming on that)
- The Bass Response... I'm already addicted. It is TIGHT and punchy and has great clarity. I'll put the bass response up against any cans under $1K, but we're not talking hyped Beats junk. First time I listened to the 1990s after 10 straight hours of running an album on repeat to do some burn-in, the piece I listened to a film score cue which has this huge cinematic deep timpani/sound design hit ijn the beginning, and I honestly thought I had left my KH750 Sub on in my room. It was late at night and I leaped up from the chair to turn it off. It was off.
- The Soundstage... wow. As impressive as the bass response. First time listening my mouth dropped! I also own DT 990 Pro 80 Ohm for my laptop which sound great and have really nice soundstage reproduction, but the different Tesla design on the 1990s is really something.
- Clarity & Detail: wow, I am hearing things in recorded pieces I never noticed, I am just bonkers over that, especially coming from the Sennheiser HD650 veil which I now know exists. The 650s sound wonderfully glued together, but now the detail I'm hearing in the 1990s is so nice, I'm hooked and never going back.
- Volume: My Babyface Pro supposedly runs best at 100-150 Ohm headphones for volume output. The 300 ohm (320 actually) HD 650s never seemed to get the volume and punch I wanted, but these 250 Ohm 1990s can get loud enough to blow my neighbor's toupee off, even louder than the 80 ohm 990s I have. So it's not just ohmage... whatever that Tesla technology in the DT1990's drivers does, it works amazingly in both timbre and amplitude. No, BD's Tesla technology has nothing to do with Elon.
- Second set of earpads are included. They are named Analytical pads for a flatter response. If you really want 1990s for mixing, use these pads instead. I'm fairly sure that correction software with the more precise Analytical pads would work well for mixing, but I prefer the gray velour Balanced pads for that addicting bass response, which are the pads the 1990s ship with that we see in the photos. The pads are changeable without tools but it's not easy, so you can't switch back-n-forth in any quick manner. Better to make the commitment to the soundscape you want to hear.
- Comfort: Any BD owner will tell you that when it comes to comfort, BD sets the bar. Most comfortable I've ever worn, and I have a big noggin.
- Made in Germany. I'm a snob I guess. Build quality is so nice on the 1990s.
- Cable Connector: A Mini XLR jack is used for the removable cable. Hold that thought, because the BD-supplied cables almost get stuck in the jack, very hard to remove. More on that in a sec.
- Case: Comes with a nice semi-rigid zippered case, which has a pouch for cables and a well to hold a second set of pads (the Analytical pads are in there for shipping).
What's Important to Know
It is quite easy to tame the odd 8.5KHz spike, plus two other spots that need a tweak (I'll list below). Sonarworks will fix approximately 9 spots but I'd rather Tame & Learn, NOT sterilize. Some 1990 owners use Sonarworks and then dial it back, FYI. For mixing and mastering, again go with the Analytical pads and correction software, you'll get there much easier as opposed to correction with the Balanced pads. Otherwise, Balanced with some EQ smoothing is my absolute fave (settings are coming!).
What I Can't Stand
The supplied cables. UGH. What was Beyerdynamic thinking?? I like a straight cable and they do supply a long 9' cable, but the rubber is so stiff, the "memory" is horrible. I can hold up one end and the remaining cable hangs like a spring coil, and I can even shake the cable and it acts like a Slinky (there's a toy to look up, lol). Completely useless. They supply a coiled cable as well but I can't use it (nor would I want to), I need the long straight cable to route around my desk. BUT, here's the worst part: the cheesy Mini XLR plug on the cable doesn't fit right in the headphones, it's almost like you have to jam it in, and then to remove it I have to grab the left can like gripping a baseball, and with the other hand, wiggle and rock the mini XLR jack to finally get it to pop out. REALLY? I found a perfect replacement solution from an online place called Fog City Audio.
How to Tame These Cans
The 1990s have the notorious 8.5KHz spike but three easy setting on your main output tame them very well and now they sound amazing. The settings:
Main Listening (playing, composing, tracking, listening to recorded music)
225Hz Peak (not shelf): -2db, Q at 1.0
8.5KHz Peak: -10db, Q at 4.0
14KHz Peak: -4db, Q at 4.4
Mixing (my EQ profile based on several frequency response graphs online, including Oratory1990 w/Balanced Pads)
100Hz Shelf: +2db, Q at 0.7
210Hz Peak: -4db, Q at 0.6
1.4KHz Peak: +0.5db, Q at 1.0
3.8KHz Peak: -1.5db Q at 3.0
5.8KHz, Peak: +2db, Q at 3.0
8.5KHz Peak: -12db, Q at 4.0
14KHz Peak: -6db, Q at 4.4
Thes are definitely my desert-island headphones
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From the manufacturer
Made in Germany
As with all beyerdynamic professional studio headphones, the DT 1990 PRO is also handcrafted in Germany. Backed by high-quality materials and meticulous workmanship, this high-end product is a long-term investment.
Uncompromising studio reference headphones
For precise listening, mixing and mastering
For decades now, professional users all around the world have placed their trust in beyerdynamic studio headphones. They remain the number one choice for music producers, sound technicians and broadcast users and are a firmly established piece of equipment in studios worldwide.
The DT 1990 PRO reference headphones combine these decades of expertise in headphone technology with the latest Tesla driver technology and an open design.
High-resolution sound
Power and precision are critical requirements when it comes to sound reproduction. The efficiency of our latest Tesla driver technology is characterized emphatically by accurate resolution and high output power. Brilliant highs, a richly detailed mid range and precise bass combine to ensure a sublime sound quality that is second to none.
Together with an ingenious open-back design, the high-resolution Tesla drivers ensure a wide, dynamic and extremely natural stereo image. Titanium-coated acoustic fabric and carefully selected precision-woven textiles round off the balanced sound quality.
Features
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Maximum wear comfortThe perfected design of the DT 1990 PRO combines innovation with decades of expertise in headphone technology. High-tech textiles and memory foam-filled ear pads ensure exceptional wear comfort. Headphones so comfortable you almost forget you are wearing them. |
Open designNatural and exceptionally spatial sound is achieved thanks to the open, circumaural design. The optimized spatial sound reproduction makes the DT 1990 PRO headphones a reliable reference for mixing and mastering applications as well as for critical listening. |
Two sound characteristicsChoose between a well-balanced sound or deliberately analytical sound tuning thanks to replaceable velour ear pads. Both ear pad variants are included in the scope of delivery and uncompromisingly round off the overall package. |
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| DT 990 PRO | DT 1990 PRO | |
| Customer Reviews |
17,942
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1,590
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| Price | $178.90 | $449.99 |
| Tranducer Type | Dynamic Driver | Dynamic Tesla neodymium driver |
| Cable Length and Type | Coiled cable (5m), fixed | Straight cable (3m) / coiled cable (5M), each with detachable and lockable 3-pin mini-XLR cable connector |
| Sound Profile | Accurate sound, very good resolution and spatiality | Very balanced sound image, excellent resolution and spatiality, high output sound pressure level |
| Extended scope of delivery | Drawstring bag | Two pairs of velour ear pads with analytical sound characteristics, coiled cable in addition to a straight cable, premium hard case |
| Recommended use | Musicians, sound engineers, producers as well as beginners, who want a reliable, robust and affordable headphone as a working tool | Mixing and mastering engineers, producers and musicians who want open and high-end studio headphones with uncompromising performance in all relevant aspects, such as sound, comfort, design and acessories |
From the brand
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Audio technology with outstanding sound quality is our great passion at beyerdynamic - and it shows. Anyone who has ever put on a pair of beyerdynamic headphones and listened to music or played their favorite game with one of our headsets will confirm this. Our DT 770 PRO is now a legend and our MMX 300 is recognized as THE professional gaming headset. Made in Germany.
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Compare with similar items
This Item  beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $449.99 | $269.99 | $269.49 | -15% $169.99 List: $199.00 | -20% $799.00 List: $999.00 | $469.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 21 | Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 21 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Kaviso | Kaviso | Kaviso | Kaviso | Kaviso | BrandsWalk |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Circumauricular | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | 3-pin XLR plug, 6.35 mm stereo jack plug | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack | 6.35mm Jack, 3.5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack | — |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | — |
| cable feature | Detachable | Detachable | Detachable | Retractable | Detachable | Retractable |
| control type | Media Control | — | Volume Control | Volume Control | Media Control | Media Control |
| water resistance | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | not water resistant | — | — |
| material | — | Neodymium, Copper, Metal, Foam | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Aluminum |
| model name | DT 1990 PRO | BEYDT900PROX | BEYDT700PROX | beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R | T1 | HD 490 PRO Plus |
| frequency range | 5 Hz - 40 kHz | — | 5 - 40,000 Hz | 5 Hz - 35 kHz | 5-40,000 Hz | — |
Perfect fit, especially for wide heads. Weightless/balance. Open-backed!!! Not good for gaming.
These are not good gaming headphones unless you have a child and you want/need to hear what's going on around you. That is the point of open-backed headphones for the most part. These are world class open backed headphones. They sound amazing! I have a wide head. I started caring about how headphones fit on my head in 1999. I buying about 45 headphones over that period until recently, most of those crossing into major brands... (I loved my Sony MDR-V700DJ, tattered and broken I still keep my made-in-Japan series). Today when I sit down at my desk and grab my headphones I grab Beyerdynamic 1990 Pro. I've had these for a year and a half and they sound amazing and they fit and feel even better. You are going to want a pre-amp for these but the fit and feel and quality is obvious every time you touch them. I reach out with my left hand and grab the cuff and it feels solid and has just enough slack that you realize that it was meant to fit you. That is why you spend $620 or so on a set of headphones. You feel the quality every day. Oh, and you can fix or replace anything on Beyerdynamic headphones. Not good for gaming but great for life.. and WOW on the build quality!
Top reviews from other countries
Andrea Kosarew
Best value headphone for the money
Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on May 21, 2024Sanchayan Maity
Sound and build quality are excellent
Reviewed in India on May 14, 2024
Sanchayan Maity
Reviewed in India on May 14, 2024
Accessories are excellent. Two set of cables and pads included. Box for storing the headphones are sturdy and build well. The headphone itself is build like a tank and very comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. I hope replacement pads are available easily in the future.
Coming to the sound signature. Some consider the Beyerdynamics to be quite bright and not suitable for folks who might be treble sensitive, I do not have any such problem. I like neutral or neutral bright tuning. As my preferences have changed over time, I find the stock tuning to be somewhat bassy. Bass heads will probably like the default bass tuning. However, these headphones take equalization amazingly well. Equalizing them to 5128 target using AutoEq make them sound lovely.
Worth the prize and very happy with the purchase.
Images in this review
