beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones – A Professional's Choice

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones have been a studio staple for many years and are considered by many to be one of the best closed-back headphones available. I recently had the chance to test out the 80 Ohm version and wanted to share my thoughts on their design, comfort, sound quality and overall performance.

Overview

The DT 770 PRO is a closed-back dynamic headphone made in Germany. It has a robust metal headband with soft padding and velour earpads. The earcups swivel vertically and fold into the headband for portability. It comes with a straight cable that is permanently attached on the left earcup. The DT 770 is available in 32, 80 and 250 Ohm impedance versions to match different headphone outputs.

Features and Design

• Closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation
• Velour earpads and headband padding for comfortable long wearing sessions
• Solid metal and plastic construction built to last
• Removable earpads and headband padding for easy replacement
• Single-sided coiled cable terminated in a 3.5mm plug with 6.3mm screw-on adapter
  

Sound Quality

The DT 770 delivered impressively balanced sound with tight bass, clear mids and detailed but non-fatiguing treble. The bass has great extension down to 5Hz and remained articulate even on busy tracks. Mids were smooth and allowed vocals to shine through nicely. Treble had sparkle without getting harsh or shrill. The soundstage was quite spacious for a closed-back headphone. Overall, the sound signature is relatively neutral with just a gentle V-shape bump in the bass and treble ranges.

Comfort

The DT 770 is very comfortable thanks to the plush velour earpads and padded headband. The earcups have a moderate clamping force that keeps the headphones securely in place without causing discomfort. I could wear them for hours without any pinching or hot spots. Those with larger ears may find the earcups a bit small though.

Noise Isolation

The closed-back design and velour earpads provide excellent passive noise isolation. The earcups fully enclose the ears to block out external noise very effectively. This allows you to focus on the audio and prevents sound bleed.

Use Cases

The DT 770 PRO is a versatile headphone well-suited for:

• Music production - Provides excellent isolation for tracking instruments/vocals and accurate monitoring for mixing
• Podcast/voice recording - Closed-back design prevents sound bleed
• Audio engineers and musicians - Reliable studio workhorse headphone
• Home listening - Provides an immersive listening experience with enhanced bass
• Video/film editing - Accurate sound representation for audio syncing

User Feedback Analysis

The DT 770 PRO headphones have thousands of reviews across various sites. They have earned an outstanding average rating of 4.6/5 stars on Amazon based on nearly 25,000 global reviews. These headphones have built a reputation over decades as a studio standard.

The sound quality receives consistent praise for being balanced and detailed. Many describe the bass as deep and articulate without muddying the mids. The midrange is cited as being smooth and present with good vocal clarity. Treble is depicted as sparkly and airy without getting overbearing. The soundstage is commended as being spacious for a closed-back design.

Comfort is highly rated by most users but some note the earcups run small. They report the velour earpads and padded headband provide luxurious comfort for marathon listening sessions. The adjustable sliders and swiveling earcups allow you to customize the fit. Those with larger ears may experience some discomfort over long periods.

The construction quality earns accolades for being solid and durable. Users remark on the mostly metal and high-grade plastic build that can withstand years of regular use. The user-replaceable parts like earpads and cables make them easily serviceable.

Noise isolation is praised as being excellent due to the closed-back design and encompassing earcups. This allows you to focus on the audio without external distractions.

Areas of critique include the non-removable cable and need for amping with higher impedance models. However, most agree the positives far outweigh these minor drawbacks.

Overall, users overwhelmingly agree these headphones deliver outstanding audio performance and comfort at a reasonable price point. The DT 770 PRO emerges as a studio staple that lives up to its venerable reputation.

Pros

• Balanced and detailed sound
• Deep bass extension
• Great noise isolation
• Very comfortable fit
• Solid and durable build
• Spare parts readily available
• Excellent value

Cons

• Earcups may be small for some
• Cable is not detachable
• Requires amping to reach full potential (for higher impedance models)

Value

The DT 770 PRO provides tremendous value at around $150-200. Few headphones under $500 can match its blend of sound quality, comfort, noise isolation and durability. Its proven track record of longevity means it will keep performing for years to come. When you consider the cost per use over its lifespan, the value proposition is undeniable. If your budget allows, the 80 Ohm model is a very rewarding investment for critical music listening and content creation.

Conclusion

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO delivers exceptional sound quality and comfort at a very reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a versatile closed-back headphone, the DT 770 should be at the top of your list. It’s easy to see why these headphones are a modern classic.

Specifications

• Transducer: Dynamic
• Frequency Response: 5 - 35,000 Hz
• Nominal Impedance: 80 ohms
• Sound Pressure Level: 96 dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5%
• Weight: 285 grams

What’s in the Box

• DT 770 PRO headphone
• Straight 3.5mm cable (10 ft)
• 6.3mm screw-on adapter
• Drawstring carrying bag

Usage

The DT 770 PRO is easy to use - simply plug the 3.5mm cable into your audio source, put them on your head and position the earcups over your ears. Adjust the headband slider for a secure yet comfortable fit. Start playback on your device and enjoy! An amp is recommended but not required to achieve adequate volume and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones?

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones are renowned for their closed over-ear design, making them ideal for professional recording and monitoring. They offer pure, high-resolution sound, making them perfect for studio and stage recordings. The headphones come with soft, circumaural velour ear pads that ensure high wearing comfort, and they are durably built in Germany. Additionally, they feature an innovative bass reflex system and come with a practical single-sided cable for convenience.

Are the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones suitable for professional use?

Yes, the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones are highly regarded in the professional audio industry. They are the top choice for music producers, sound technicians, and broadcast users due to their impressive sound volume and detailed resolution. These headphones excel in bass reference capabilities and offer spacious reproduction, making them ideal for monitoring purposes in professional environments.

How comfortable are the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones for extended wear?

While the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones provide excellent sound quality, some users may find them slightly uncomfortable for extended wear. The headphones have a robust spring steel headband and soft, adjustable ear cups, but they may exert significant pressure on the head, particularly for users with larger heads or who wear glasses. Some users have reported experiencing discomfort after wearing them for long periods.

Do the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones require amplification?

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones have an impedance of 80 ohms, which may benefit from amplification to achieve optimal sound quality, especially for users who prefer higher volume levels. While they can be driven by devices such as audio interfaces or mobile phones, using a headphone amplifier can provide additional power and enhance the listening experience, particularly for bass-heavy music or professional monitoring applications.

Can the cable of the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones be replaced?

Yes, the cable of the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm headphones is replaceable, allowing users to easily swap out damaged or worn cables for new ones. This feature adds to the headphones’ durability and longevity, making them suitable for professional use where equipment maintenance and replacement parts are essential.

Tips for Using the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones

• When wearing the headphones for extended periods, consider taking short breaks to alleviate any discomfort caused by the pressure exerted on the head.
• Experiment with different positioning of the ear cups to ensure optimal sound balance and clarity.
• Consider investing in a headphone amplifier to enhance the audio performance, especially if you prefer listening at higher volume levels or require additional power for professional monitoring tasks.