The Swift Summary
Pros
Cons
- Ideal for studio monitoring, mixing and mastering
- Suitable for competitive gaming
- Lightweight
- With a 250 Ohms impedance rating, you may need a sound card upgrade or an amplifier for optimal performance
Features list for the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones
- Wired studio monitoring headphones
- Open back over ear cup design
- 1.5m-3m coiled audio cable
- Frequency range from 5 to 35,000 Hz
- Extra lightweight construction
- Highly sensitive transducers
- Immersive spacial sound design
- 2 year manufacturers’ warranty
Swift Thoughts
Design
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO headphones have an easily identifiable design that combines a beautifully detailed exposed outer grill with grey velour ear pads. The blend of comfort and purpose is proudly displayed.
Audio Performance
The audio performance of the DT 990s are, in a word–exceptional. The highs very crisp, the lows are smooth and the dynamic range is wide and inviting.
Undoubtedly you will hear additional subtleties and nuances whilst gaming or listening to your favourite tracks. This is all possible with two highly sensitive transducers that make them the ideal tool for professional musicians or budding pro gamers.
The audio rendering isn’t flat like some studio monitoring headphones, the bass is more precise and there is a small but noticeable treble boost. Gamers will definitely appreciate this detail and could potentially give you an edge in competitive FPS matches. Being a wired headset, gamers will also experience zero lag (no audio latency).
Build Quality
These headphones are made in Germany, the pair I reviewed were great and looked pretty durable. Some customer reviews have noted poor quality control around where the wire housing connects to the headphone, but I’m not convinced this is a common problem.
I’d recommend carefully stretching out the coiled cable before use so as not to unnecessarily strain this end point.
Comfort
The Beyerdynamic DT990 PROs are very lightweight and super comfortable for long usage sessions. Weight makes a huge difference when it comes to comfort levels! I found the padded spring steel headband design gives a nice secure fit without feeling too firm.
If comfort is of paramount importance to you then I’d suggest looking at the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Edition variant. These headphones have the same specification when it comes to the audio but are, according to Beyerdynamic, more comfortable. They have a straight cable rather than a coiled one and are primarily aimed at non-professional users.
Functionality
The DT990 studio headphones have simple plug and play performance. For optimal performance though, avoid plugging them into low powered portable devices.
All in all the DT 990 Pro headphones come highly recommended for audiophiles with smaller budgets.
Swift Scores
Design
Audio Performance
Comfort
Build Quality
Functionality
Battery Life
FAQs
Q: What’s the ohm rating of the headphones?
A: 250 ohm.
Q: Do you need an amp to power these?
A: In most cases no. But… with a 250 ohm rating low powered devices (especially portable ones) will struggle to drive them. To get the best sound out of them an amp is recommended. When gaming you may also need a Headphone DAC or you could use a DAC/AMP combo.
Q: I’m not sure about having a coiled audio cable is there an alternative?
A: Yes. Try the DT 990 Edition headphones, they come with a straight cable. 🙂
Q: Is the audio cable detachable?
A: No.
Q: Do they leak sound that my mic will pick up?
A: Possibly. These are open backed headphones. It largely depends on how sensitive your microphone is and how loud your volume is. If in doubt I’d recommend the DT 770s as they are closed back so offer better sound isolation.
Q: Does a higher impedance equate to higher quality?
A: Yes. With a higher impedance the sound will be more balanced across the highs, mids and lows and there will be less distortion at higher volumes.
Q: Can I detach the pads?
A: Yes.
Q: Do they work with PS4?
A: Yes.
Q: Do they work with a MacBook Pro?
A: Yes.
What’s in the box?
- Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones
- 3 metre coiled audio cable (with 3.5mm jack)
- 6.35mm audio cable adapter
- Branded carrying bag
You want it? We’ve found it.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones are available in 1 colour – black and grey.
Tech Talk
Studio headphones – what does it mean?
When a headphone is described as a ‘studio headphone‘ or suitable for ‘audio monitoring‘ it essentially means that the balance of the audio is neutral or has a ‘neutral sound signature‘. That’s basically a fancy way of saying that the audio will have minimal distortion and will render audio as faithfully to the source as possible. For example, studio headphones won’t have boosted bass levels, which is common in consumer-oriented headphones.
If you’re wanting to listen to audio more critically, like professional DJs, musicians or audio mixers then studio headphones are an essential tool. With studio headphones you’ll find it easier to pinpoint distortions, background noise or general audio flaws. Whilst studio headphones may be aimed more towards those with professional needs, they are more than versatile to meet the needs of ordinary consumers who want a crisp, undistorted audio experience.
