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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beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones
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beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones and EPOS Gaming B20 Streaming Microphone (Bundle)$559.00 $588.99This bundle contains 2 items -
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro PRO X M90 Side Addressed Condenser Microphone (Bundle)$629.00 $678.00This bundle contains 2 items
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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 |
17,322
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1,542
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| Price | $169.00 | $529.00 |
| 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 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $529.00 | -20% $135.49 New Price: $169.00 | $269.00 | -11% $239.00 List: $269.00 | -19% $219.00 New Price: $269.00 | $799.00 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 14 | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 15 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| For gaming | ||||||
| Comfort | ||||||
| Quality of material | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | DigitalDJGear | 6ave | Focus Camera LLC | Focus Camera LLC | Kaviso | Zorro Sounds |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wireless |
| headphones form factor | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear | Over Ear |
| connector type | 3-pin XLR plug, 6.35 mm stereo jack plug | 3 5mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack | 3.5mm Jack, 6.35mm Jack |
| noise control | — | sound isolation | sound isolation | — | sound isolation | — |
| headphones jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack | 3.5 mm Jack |
| cable feature | Detachable | Retractable | Detachable | Detachable | Retractable | Detachable |
Reviews with images
My favorite pair of cans in the $500 range
I got myself the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro Open Studio Headphones, and I'm really impressed. They look and feel really well-made with their metal construction, and the ear cups are super comfortable. I can wear them for hours without any issues.But the best part is the sound quality. The bass is tight, the mids are clear, and the highs are detailed. They deliver a neutral and balanced sound that's perfect for studio monitoring or just enjoying music. And the detachable cable is a handy feature that lets you customize or replace it easily.They're a bit expensive, but if you're serious about audio production or just want top-notch sound quality, these headphones are worth the investment.edit: I ended up returning them for the Hifiman Edition XS. Build quality isn't as good on the Hifimans but the sound quality is better.
Top reviews from other countries
Shawn!
Endgame headphones
Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2023
Shawn!
Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2023
The set is also quite stylish with the silver grill behind the black outer cover giving a very premium look, the leather on the headband is very comfortable for long periods of use as well as the earpads having the same qualities. You are given 2 sets of ear pads (analytical and balanced) to suit your preference, I tend to prefer the balanced pads but if you want to hear more detail in your music while sacrificing a bit of bass, you would swap to analytical.
If you are looking for a headphone set that looks great, sounds great, and will genuinely last you years and years, this is definitely the set for you. Don’t forget to keep these on display, they look too good not to 😉
Images in this review
Luca
Cuffie di un altro pianeta
Reviewed in Italy on January 4, 2024
Luca
Reviewed in Italy on January 4, 2024
Che dire, le ho accoppiate con un DAC Topping E30 II e un amplificatore Topping L30 II, applicato l'equalizzatore di oratory1990 per rendere il suono neutro (lo trovate in rete) e non appena provate ho capito di non aver sbagliato acquisto!
Partendo dall'unboxing, piuttosto minimale in quanto la scatola contiene solo la custodia protettiva delle cuffie e i due cavi di collegamento (uno dritto e l'altro con il coil), la qualità dei materiali si nota subito. Le cuffie sono belle a vedersi e a toccarsi!
Il suono è pieno, corposo, preciso e incredibilmente vasto, sembra veramente di essere circondati dagli strumenti musicali!
Da notare che è un suono NEUTRO, non aspettatevi quelle paia di cuffie con i bassi sparati a mille che coprono tutto e le voci che quasi non si sentono.
Le DT 1990 Pro sono fatte per replicare esattamente la musica così com'è stata registrata, nulla di più, decisamente nulla di meno. Poi si fa sempre tempo a regolare il suono a proprio piacimento tramite un equalizzatore.
Piccola nota su questo punto: replicano talmente bene la musica che ho dovuto riavvolgere alcune delle mie tracce preferite perchè in alcuni punti ho sentito strumenti e dettagli che mai avevo notato prima in diversi anni di ascolto. Incredibile quanto mi ero perso fino ad'ora!
Ascolto diversi generi, dal classico all'elettronico, al folk e anche audiolibri (per quanto la qualità di questi ultimi non sia mai molto elevata), e le cuffie si sono rilevate assolutamente perfette per ogni genere di ascolto.
Sempre online leggevo di due principali "pecche" che diverse persone lamentavano.
Punto primo: i suoni sibilanti.
Le cuffie hanno una precisione e intensità elevata sugli acuti, tra cui appunto le lettere e i suoni sibilanti (lettera S, piatti, strumenti a corda ecc). Qualcuno lamentava addirittura "dolore" con alcuni suoni vista appunto l'intensità delle cuffie. Devo dire che con l'equalizzazione che corregge questo picco sugli acuti non ho mai notato alcun suono disturbante e neppure doloroso.
Punto secondo: comodità delle cuffie
Qualcuno lamentava una stretta troppo forte dell'archetto, ma io personalmente non la noto, anzi sono le cuffie più comode che abbia mai provato. I cuscinetti sono morbidissi e confortevoli, i padiglioni sono spaziosi e l'archetto morbido e mai fastidioso, neanche dopo diverse ore di ascolto. I padiglioni sono regolabili come su diverse cuffie, e trovando la regolazione corretta in base alla forma della propria testa dovrebbe garantire un ascolto confortevole per la maggior parte delle persone. Forse potrebbero risultare strette a qualcuno con una testa "larga", consiglio quindi di provarle.
Posso consigliare questo acquisto a tutti coloro che amano ascoltare musica e che cercano delle cuffie di qualità quasi professionale.
Dico QUASI professionale perchè posso immaginare che cuffie come le HiFiMan o similari possano essere ancora migliori, ma a prezzi decisamente inarrivabili per i più.
Non che che le DT 1990 siano regalate, ma per i "comuni mortali" credo siano tra le cuffie che regalano le migliori emozioni ad un prezzo tutto sommato non impossibile.
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