beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones

The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro are a pair of high-end open-back studio headphones designed for mixing, mastering, and critical listening applications. Released in 2016, these headphones utilize beyerdynamic’s Tesla driver technology to deliver a clear, detailed sound with an open and spacious presentation. The open-back design, replaceable earpads, and reference-class tuning make the DT 1990 Pro a versatile set of headphones suitable for studio use as well as home listening. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the sound quality, design, features, and use cases of these headphones to see how they perform.

Overview

The DT 1990 Pro represent beyerdynamic’s top-of-the-line open-back studio headphones, sitting above models like the DT 880 and DT 990 in their product lineup. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $599, they are targeted at audio professionals and enthusiasts looking for a more affordable alternative to flagship studio headphones from brands like Sennheiser and Focal. The DT 1990 Pro feature newly developed Tesla drivers, an open-back earcup design, and come with two sets of earpads to allow for some tuning of the sound signature. Overall, these headphones aim to provide studio-quality sound and comfort for mixing, mastering, and critical listening applications.

Sound Quality

Frequency Response

The DT 1990 Pro aim for a relatively flat, neutral frequency response with a slight boost in the bass and treble ranges. The included earpads allow some customization of the sound signature - the “Analytical” earpads provide more treble energy while the “Balanced” earpads scale this back for a smoother top end. Even with the more analytical earpads, the treble boost is quite modest and avoids harsh or fatiguing spikes in the high frequencies. The enhanced bass provides some extra impact and fullness but does not overwhelm the mix.

Soundstage

As an open-back headphone, the DT 1990 Pro provide an extremely open, spacious soundstage. The sense of space and separation between instruments is immediately apparent, with music elements clearly laid out from left to right. The open design gives the overall presentation a very natural and realistic feel, with seamless transitions as sounds move across the stereo panorama.

Imaging

Imaging on the DT 1990 Pro is excellent, with pinpoint accuracy for locating individual sounds and instruments within the expansive soundstage. Great separation between midrange elements allows for clear definition of each element’s position, even in busy mixes. The open soundstage gives sounds room to breathe while still maintaining precision in placement.

Detail and Resolution

The DT 1990 Pro resolving ability is top-notch, revealing fine details and nuances in recordings. Subtle textures, reverb tails, and spatial cues are rendered with care and attentiveness. Microdynamics come through clearly, allowing analysis of the subtle volume and timbral shifts that bring instruments to life. The Tesla drivers have no issue retrieving information from even dense recordings.

Design and Build

Open-Back Design

The DT 1990 Pro utilize an open-back design with vented earcups. This allows air to pass freely through the earcups and provides an extremely open, spacious sound compared to closed-back models. The tradeoff is sound leakage - others around you will hear what you’re listening to. This open construction makes these headphones ideal for critical listening but less suitable for tracking or recording applications where sound isolation is needed.

Replaceable Earpads

Beyerdynamic includes two sets of earpads - “Analytical” and “Balanced” - which alter the sound signature slightly. The analytical earpads provide more treble energy while the balanced pads scale back the treble for a smoother top end. This allows some customization of the sound based on listening preferences and applications. The removable design also means the earpads can easily be replaced over time as they wear out.

Materials and Comfort

Build quality on the DT 1990 Pro is top-notch. The headphones feature metal yoke and fork assemblies with a steel headband wrapped in padded leather. High-quality plastic is used for the earcup enclosures. Memory foam earpads provide excellent long-wearing comfort, aided by the self-adjusting headband mechanism. Overall the headphones are built like a tank and very comfortable for extended listening sessions.

Features

Tesla Drivers

The DT 1990 Pro are the first set of beyerdynamic headphones to use Tesla driver technology. These proprietary drivers use a mix of neodymium magnet systems and copper voice coils to deliver high efficiency, detailed resolution, and precise transient response. They help contribute to the open, spacious sound and articulate imaging of the DT 1990 Pro.

Impedance and Sensitivity

With a nominal impedance of 250 ohms and high sensitivity, the DT 1990 Pro provide quality sound even out of lower power sources but will scale up nicely when paired with a headphone amp. Their high efficiency allows them to reach loud volumes with minimal amplification, important for studio monitoring applications.

Included Cables

Beyerdynamic includes both coiled and straight 3 meter cable options terminated with a mini XLR connector. The cables lock securely into place and are simple to swap out. The extended length gives flexibility for studio use.

Care and Maintenance:

The DT 1990 Pro earpads can be cleaned as needed by carefully wiping down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The headband and earcup exteriors can be wiped down in a similar manner if they get dirty. These headphones are quite durable but should still be handled with care to prevent damage - avoid dropping, crushing, excessive bending, or exposure to moisture. Store them in the included case when not in use.

Noise Isolation:

As open-back headphones, the DT 1990 Pro do not provide any passive noise isolation. Sounds from your environment will be audible alongside the audio coming from the headphones. This allows you to remain aware of your surroundings but means these are not suitable for use in noisy environments. If sound isolation is needed, a closed-back headphone would be a better choice.

Use Cases

Mixing and Mastering

The DT 1990 Pro tuning provides a relatively flat, honest frequency response without hyping any particular element of the sound signature. Their high resolution and spatial reproduction allow for detailed analysis of mixes. Comfort is also excellent for long studio sessions. For these reasons, the DT 1990 Pro make an excellent choice of headphone for mixing and mastering applications.

Critical Listening

For leisurely listening, the open, detailed sound of the DT 1990 Pro provides a highly engaging experience on well-recorded music. Their smooth, natural tonality prevents fatigue over long listening sessions. The open soundstage immerses the listener in the recording and reveals nuances that closed-back headphones tend to miss.

Home Listening

While designed for studio use, the build quality, sound signature, and comfort also make the DT 1990 Pro a compelling option for home listening. Their neutral tonality works well across a variety of music genres. The open design does mean they are best-suited for quiet home environments where sound leakage won’t disturb others.

Value:

At their typical retail price of $599, the DT 1990 Pro reside in the upper mid-range of audiophile headphone pricing. Their high-quality open-back design, studio-ready tuning, and premium materials justify this higher cost, placing them below flagships from brands like Sennheiser while still providing stellar performance. Many users feel the immersive, detailed sound of the DT 1990 Pro competes well above its price point, providing reference-class performance at a more accessible price point. Considering the natural open sound, build quality, and ownership experience, these headphones represent very good value.

Conclusion

With their open-back design, excellent resolution, and reference-class tuning, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro are a superb pair of headphones for critical studio work as well as audiophile home listening. Though not cheap, they provide excellent performance for the price. If you’re looking for a more affordable high-resolution open-back headphone for mixing, mastering, or just enjoying music, the DT 1990 Pro absolutely deserve an audition.