Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII review: open-back headphones for mixing and mastering

After testing the closed version, we’re now turning our attention to the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII open-back monitoring headphones. Designed for both professionals and music lovers, this model, priced at €549, boasts even more precise sound reproduction and optimized comfort for long listening sessions in the studio or at home.

Included accessories

When you unpack the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII headphones, you’ll find two 3.5mm mini-jack cables, a straight 3-meter one and a coiled one stretching to 5 meters, plus a 6.35mm stereo adapter. Two pairs of velvet ear pads are also included. Delivered in a sturdy hard case, these headphones are perfectly protected for transport.

Presentation

TESLA.45 transducers

Like the DT 1770 Pro MKII, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is equipped with TESLA.45 transducers, a state-of-the-art technology developed in Germany. Designed for music lovers and sound professionals alike, these headphones offer particularly detailed and immersive sound signature. The transducers’ neodymium magnet generates a flux density in excess of one tesla, optimizing diaphragm movement. As a result, headphones offers a highly linear frequency response from 5Hz to 40kHz.

What’s more, thanks to their open design, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII headphones deliver a wider, more natural soundstage than their counterpart, ideal for mixing and mastering environments. They are particularly suitable for long sessions, music production or critical listening in quiet spaces.

Interchangeable pads

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII hi-fi headphones come with two pairs of ear pads. The “Producing Velours”, recognizable by the many small holes at the back, are designed for music producers. They refine musicality with the promise of a rich, powerful sound and a slightly accentuated bass response. On the other hand, the “Mixing & Mastering Velours”, with their four acoustic cut-outs at the back, guarantee a more neutral, analytical sound reproduction for precise, detailed listening, essential for mixing and mastering.

Broad compatibility

With an impedance of 30 ohms, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII open-back headphones are compatible with a wide variety of audio equipment, from headphone amplifiers to professional audio interfaces. To this end, they come with two detachable 3.5mm mini-jack cables: a 3-meter straight cable for everyday use and a 5-meter coiled cable, ideal for studio use, for example. These cables feature a lockable 3-pin mini-XLR connector, ensuring a secure and reliable connection to the headphones. For optimum versatility with different audio systems, a 6.35mm stereo adapter is also included.

Comfort and robustness

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII hi-fi headphones are extremely comfortable to wear. Their weight (376g) is evenly distributed over the head thanks to the spring steel headband, padded with memory foam and covered in synthetic leather. The velvet ear pads, also generously padded, ensure optimum comfort, although they can cause your ears to get warm. We would have liked to have seen an additional pair in leather, which would remain cooler. Nonetheless, interchangeable ear pads are a welcome addition, as they extend the lifespan of the headphones. However, a more practical fastening system, such as clips or a magnetic mechanism, would make replacement easier.

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII hi-fi headphones are designed and manufactured in Germany. The use of robust materials, such as anodized metal, guarantees excellent resistance. As with their predecessor, these headphones feature easily replaceable parts, including the ear pads, headband and cables. Thanks to their modularity and robust design, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII hi-fi headphones are an excellent investment for audio professionals or music lovers looking for a reliable product with long-term durability.

Key specifications

• Open-back over-ear monitoring headphones
• TESLA.45 transducers
• Frequency response: 5Hz to 40kHz
• Nominal impedance: 30 Ω
• 3.5mm mini-jack cables (straight and coiled) and 6.35mm stereo adapter
• Headphone connector: 3-pin mini-XLR
• Weight: 376g

Listening conditions

To test the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII hi-fi headphones, we paired them with the FiiO R7 headphone amp and network player, a smartphone and a computer. We listened to Hi-Res music streamed from Qobuz and Spotify.

Our impressions

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII headphones provided a remarkable listening experience, combining precision and immersion. On Joe Hisaishi’s The Flower Garden, the wide soundstage and excellent spatialization allowed each instrument to be identified with impressive clarity.

With Aerosmith’s Dream On, these headphones revealed striking dynamism. Steven Tyler’s powerful vocals were clear, and the high notes, particularly in the chorus, were conveyed cleanly, without harshness. The notes of the percussion instruments and guitars were perfectly rendered, contributing to our total immersion in this classic track.

Finally, on Billie Eilish’s The Love of My Life, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII impressed with their ability to reproduce vocal nuances. The artist’s intimate, hushed voice was enhanced by the precise sound reproduction, while the strong bass added subtle depth without drowning out the midrange or highs. These headphones bring out every detail, offering an analytical listening experience while retaining an airy musicality. The sound remained very similar with both pairs of ear pads, but the “Mixing & Mastering Velours” pair offered a more analytical result.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII VS MKI

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII compared with the DT 1770 Pro MKII

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII share the same build quality and TESLA.45 transducers, but differ in their design and use. With their open-back design, the DT 1990 Pro MKII offer a wider soundstage and natural sound reproduction, making them ideal for mixing, mastering and critical listening, where spatial precision can be essential. On the other hand, the DT 1770 Pro MKII, with their closed structure, guarantee better acoustic isolation, making them ideal for studio recording and monitoring. Both models feature interchangeable ear pads, allowing the comfort and sound signature to be adapted as needed. But which model you choose will depend mainly on your working environment and specific requirements.

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII VS Sennheiser HD 660S2

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII, with their TESLA.45 transducers, offer greater sonic precision, a wide soundstage and an analytical rendering ideal for mixing, mastering and critical studio listening. By contrast, the Sennheiser HD 660S2, with their warm, engaging sound signature, favor an immersive musical experience, particularly suited to personal hi-fi listening at home. Note also that the Beyerdynamic headphones are easier to drive with their low impedance of 32 ohms, compared with 300 ohms for the Sennheiser.

Who are Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII headphones designed for?

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII headphones are aimed above all at audio professionals, such as engineers, producers and artists seeking sonic precision for mixing, production, mastering and critical listening. Thanks to their open design and detailed sound reproduction, they are ideally suited to studio environments where precise analysis is essential. They will also appeal to discerning music lovers who want to enjoy an immersive, detailed listening experience at home, somewhere quiet. Their sturdiness and interchangeable ear pads make them a durable and versatile choice.

Our verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII are reference-level open-back headphones, perfectly suited to the needs of professionals and demanding music lovers. Their detailed sound reproduction, wide soundstage and optimal comfort make them the perfect choice for situations such as mixing, mastering or critical listening. Robust and built to last, they’re a wise investment for anyone looking to combine performance and durability.

We liked

• The precise, detailed musical reproduction
• The width of the soundstage
• The spatialization
• The interchangeable pads
• The robust design

We would have liked

• A simpler ear pad replacement system
• A pair of leather pads