Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones have earned a legendary reputation among audio enthusiasts and professionals for their spacious open-back sound, detailed audio reproduction, and durable build quality. In this review, we take an in-depth look at the 250 ohm version of these classic German-engineered studio headphones.

Overview

The DT 990 Pro headphones feature an open over-ear design that provides a wide soundstage and allows your ears to breathe. They have large, circular ear cups with soft velour earpads that ensure comfort during long listening sessions. The headband is made of spring steel for durability and has a padded cover.

Key specs:

• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Driver Size: 45 mm
• Frequency Response: 5-35,000 Hz
• Impedance: 250 ohms

Features

• Open over-ear design provides spacious soundstage
• Soft velour earpads for comfort during prolonged use
• Durable spring steel headband with padded cover
• 45mm dynamic drivers deliver full frequency response
• Crisp extended highs and punchy bass reproduction
• Excellent imaging and positional audio
  

Design and Build Quality

The DT 990 Pro sport a clean, retro design with grey earcups and silver metal parts. The build quality is excellent thanks to Beyerdynamic’s decades of engineering expertise - every part feels sturdy and made to last.

The headphones have a single-sided coiled cable that is 3m long when fully extended. The cable is permanently attached but has a standard 3.5mm connector so you can use a replacement if needed. A 1/4” adapter is included.

Comfort

The velour earpads and padded headband provide a good level of comfort for long listening sessions. The earpads are replaceable as well. The headphones clamp firmly on the head but the steel headband is flexible and should adjust to different head sizes. Those with larger heads may experience some pressure points after prolonged use.

Sound Quality

The DT 990 Pro delivers a fun V-shaped sound signature that accentuates the lows and highs while slightly recessed mids provide clarity for vocals and instruments.

Bass reproduction is strong and punchy, perfect for genres like EDM, hip hop, and rock. The mids are smooth and detailed. Highs are crisp and airy thanks to the open-back design.

The soundstage is very spacious, giving the impression of being immersed in the music. Imaging is excellent as well - you can pinpoint the positioning of individual instruments.

Amp Requirements

With a high 250 ohm impedance, the DT 990 Pro requires more power to reach proper listening volumes. A dedicated headphone amp is recommended to drive them properly and achieve their full dynamic potential. They will sound anemic and thin when underpowered.

Noise Isolation

As open-back headphones, the DT 990 Pro do not block external noise or prevent sound leakage. Use them in quiet environments for uninterrupted listening. They are not suitable for loud public places or commuting.

Who Are They For?

The DT 990 Pro headphones shine for:

• Music listening - the fun sound signature breathes new life into your music library.

• Audio mixing/mastering - the accurate reproduction allows engineers to make mixes that translate across different systems.

• Home studios - detailed open-back sound helps producers and musicians hear every nuance in recordings and instrument playback.

• Gaming - stellar imaging provides excellent positional audio for competitive and immersive gaming. Add a microphone for voice chat.

User Feedback

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones enjoy overwhelmingly positive reviews across retail sites, forums, and YouTube, indicating high levels of customer satisfaction.

On Amazon, they have a 4.7 out of 5 star rating based on over 18,000 global reviews. The most common praise includes:

• Great sound quality with crisp highs and deep bass
• Very spacious and open soundstage
• Extremely comfortable velour earpads
• Durable and long-lasting construction
• Excellent value for the price

The most common complaints mention:

• Bright treble that causes fatigue for some listeners
• Tight clamping force that takes time to break in
• Requires amplification to properly drive them

Looking at audiophile forums like Head-Fi, reviewers compliment the immersive three-dimensional soundstage and lively, engaging tuning. They agree the DT 990 Pro provide professional-grade sound at an accessible price point.

YouTube reviews uniformly praise the expansive sound and comfortable design. Reviewers describe the listening experience as clear, detailed, and spacious.

Overall, the majority of users are highly satisfied with the DT 990 Pro headphones. They provide an open, lively sound with strong bass and crisp treble. The spacious soundstage and quality build make them a popular choice for critical listening applications.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Spacious, detailed open-back sound
• Quality bass and treble reproduction
• Extremely comfortable earpads
• Rugged and durable build
• Great imaging and soundstage

Cons

• Requires amplification to reach full potential
• Clamping force may be tight for some
• Open design allows sound leakage

Value

At around $150-170 USD, the DT 990 Pro offer tremendous value for money. They compete well above their price bracket, providing studio-quality audio that rivals headphones costing two or three times as much.

The open, accurate sound reproduction, durable build, and exceptional comfort make them a bargain for home studio and audiophile use. It’s rare to find open-back headphones with this level of sound quality and premium feel at such an accessible price point.

For those looking for professional-level audio and construction without breaking the bank, the DT 990 Pro are widely considered one of the best bang-for-buck headphone options on the market.

Conclusion

Beyerdynamic’s DT 990 Pro headphones live up to their legendary status by delivering spacious, detailed audio in a durable and comfortable open-back design. Their vibrant bass and sparkling treble make music come alive. While they require ample amplification to reach full potential, the DT 990 Pro provide professional-grade sound at a reasonable price point. If you want accurate studio-quality audio for music listening, audio production, and gaming, the DT 990 Pro should be at the top of your list.

Specifications

• Driver Type: Dynamic
• Driver Size: 45 mm
• Frequency Response: 5 - 35,000 Hz
• Impedance: 250 ohms
• Sound Pressure Level: 96 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: \<0.05%
• Earpad Type: Velour
• Weight: 270 g
• Cable Length: 3 m coiled
• Connector: 3.5 mm TRS with 1/4” adapter
• Type: Wired, open-back
• Sensitivity: 96 dB SPL @ 1 kHz
• Max Input Power: 100 mW
• Rated Impedance Range: >80 ohms
• Nominal SPL: 96 dB
• Transducers: Dynamic 45 mm
• Headband Pressure: approx. 5 N
• Ear Pad Contact Pressure: approx. 2.8 N
• Case Type: Soft carrying pouch
• Magnet Type: Neodymium ferrous
• Distortion Factor at 100dB SPL: \<0.2%
• Rated Load Impedance: >80 ohms
• 3.5mm Plug: Gold plated
• 1/4” Adapter: Gold plated
• Cables: Copper
• Earcups: ABS plastic
• Color Options: Grey, Black

What’s Included

The DT 990 Pro package contains:

• DT 990 Pro headphones
• 1/4” adapter for studio equipment
• 3m coiled cable with 3.5mm connector
• Carry pouch

Using the Headphones

Connect the DT 990 Pro to headphone jacks on studio equipment, audio interfaces, or headphone amplifiers. Use the 1/4” adapter when plugging into professional gear.

Listen at moderate volumes to avoid excessive high frequency fatigue. The open design allows sound to leak out, so use them in quiet private settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones ideal for professional mixing, mastering, and editing?

The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro 250 ohm headphones are designed specifically for studio applications, offering transparent, spacious sound with strong bass and treble. Their open over-ear design contributes to impressive spaciousness and detailed tonal depth, allowing sound engineers and musicians to perceive even minor changes in positioning of the acoustic source while mixing.

How does the design of the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro enhance wearing comfort during long studio sessions?

The DT 990 Pro headphones feature soft, circumaural, and replaceable velour ear pads, which not only provide high wearing comfort but also ensure that the headphones can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. The robust spring steel headband design also contributes to a secure and comfortable fit, minimizing fatigue during long working hours.

Are the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro headphones durable for everyday studio use?

Yes, the DT 990 Pro headphones are known for their hard-wearing, durable, and robust workmanship. They are handcrafted in Germany, using high-quality materials, ensuring that they can withstand the demands of everyday studio use and are a sound long-term investment for professionals.

Tips

1. Breaking-In: Allow some time for the headphones to break in. Over time, the sound character may mature, offering an even more refined listening experience.

2. Cable Care: The headphones come with a practical single-sided 3.0m coiled cable. Ensure proper storage and handling to avoid tangling and potential damage, which could affect sound quality.

3. Ear Pad Replacement: Over time, the velour ear pads may wear out. Since they are replaceable, consider ordering a spare pair to maintain comfort and sound isolation.