The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII are the counterpart to the beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII and have many things in common with one decisive difference: While the DT 1770 Pro rely on a closed design, the DT 1990 Pro are premium-class open studio headphones. Our test explains the effects of this and why the manufacturer has created one of the best headphones currently available.
Technical data
| The product | DT 1990 Pro Mk II |
| Headphone type | Over-ear (open) |
| driver | TESLA.45 (45 mm) |
| Frequency band | 5 Hz to 40,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 30 Ohm |
| Sound pressure level | 95 dB @ 1 mW/500 Hz |
| Weight | 379 grams (without cable) |
| Connections | Mini-XLR to 3.5 mm jack / 6.35 mm |
| Color variants | Black color |
| price | € 549.00 * |
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII Review: A huge package
- Hard case and replacement ear pads included
- Two gold-plated cables
- 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter
The scope of delivery of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII does not differ from that of the DT 1770 Pro MKII and is absolutely impressive.
In the cardboard box you will find a generous hardcase carrying case with an additional compartment for the cables. In addition to the headphones themselves, the manufacturer includes two additional velour ear pads – a difference to the 1770, where the second pair was made of artificial leather.
However, both velour versions of the open studio headphones differ slightly in terms of hardness: the pre-installed model, referred to by the manufacturer as producing velour, is slightly softer than the replacement pair (mixing and mastering velour). In terms of sound, however, I couldn’t make out any major difference.
There are no differences in the cables. In the transport case you will also find a small bag containing the headphone cables. Specifically, the Heilbronn-based manufacturer includes two cables in the scope of delivery:
- 1x mini XLR to 3.5 mm jack spiral cable (5 meters long)
- 1x mini XLR to 3.5 mm jack as a stretched cable (3 meters long)
Both gold-plated jack connections also come with a 6.35 mm adapter, which makes the headphones very versatile.
Elegant design made in Germany
- Elegant, timeless design
- Silver openings as a chic design accent
- Outstanding workmanship
The design of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII corresponds to that of the 1st edition of the headphones. No wonder, as there was hardly any room for improvement back then. The new edition also impresses with its elegant, high-quality and timeless look.
Compared to the DT 1770 Pro MKII, the silver openings on the outside of the ear cups bear witness to the open design of the headphones, while the sibling model relies on a closed design.
The robust metal construction ensures excellent workmanship, especially as headphones from beyerdynamic are considered durable and virtually indestructible anyway. And if something does break, the pads and other parts can be easily replaced.
The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII scores points with its elegant look including a black, anodized housing, with the openings on the ear cups providing a harmonious colour accent.
Like the 1770, the DT 1990 Pro MKII are comparatively heavy headphones. They weigh 375 grams without the cable, which is more than many Bluetooth headphones weigh despite the built-in battery.
Nevertheless, the wearing comfort is completely impressive. In combination with the soft ear pads and the low contact pressure, the headphones rest very comfortably on the head even when worn for long periods.
Features of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
- 45 mm TESLA.45 drivers
- wide frequency range from 5 Hz to 40,000 Hz
- versatile thanks to 30 Ohm
However, there are no differences between the two premium studio headphones in terms of features. The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII also relies on the newly developed TESLA.45 drivers, which have a size of 45 mm. The neodymium magnets in the drivers are said to score with a particularly high flux density, which should be reflected in a particularly detailed and powerful sound.
These drivers reproduce a frequency response from 5 Hertz to 40,000 Hz at a sound pressure level of 96 dB SPL.
Thanks to an impedance of just 30 ohms, the DT 1990 Pro are versatile and can be used on a smartphone, notebook, games console or even in the studio. A clear advantage compared to the high-impedance first edition of the headphones, which at 250 ohms were also usually dependent on an amplifier.
Thanks to the 3.5 mm jack and 6.35 mm jack adapter, you are absolutely free when it comes to the connection. The analog headphones are also extremely easy to set up. On the underside of the left ear cup you will find the mini XLR connection, which is used to connect the headphones to the cable. That’s all there is to it.
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: Impressive sound
- incredibly detailed, airy sound
- impressive and precise bass reproduction
- no sharpness in the treble
The DT 1770 Pro and DT 1990 Pro premium studio headphones from beyerdynamic have enjoyed cult status since their release, not only in the studio but also in the private home user sector.
Nevertheless, in the first edition, both headphones tended to have a somewhat exaggerated presentation of the treble, which sometimes makes the otherwise undistorted, neutral and precise sound a little tiring for today’s productions.
Fortunately, the manufacturer has made improvements in precisely this area, as the MKII version slightly lowers the frequency range around 8,000 Hz, which reduces the sharpness of the sound. At the same time, the headphones impressively manage to increase the level of detail in the high frequencies once again.
Even at high volumes, the treble never tends towards peaks and sharpness, which modern heavy metal or pop songs in particular tend to struggle with.
The result is an impressive, incredibly airy and spatial sound that scores across the entire sound spectrum. Thanks to the new Tesla drivers, the headphones even manage to reproduce bass impressively and with a level of detail that puts even some expensive closed headphones in the shade.
Low frequencies are not really the strong point of open headphones – actually. However, the design has another advantage over the DT 1990 Pro MKII, as the mids were slightly behind the other frequencies.
This changes with this model, which, for example, reproduces the instrumentalization and vocals in such detail that even with complex arrangements, all components can be heard clearly separated from each other. The spatial positioning is also impressive.
Comparison of DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII
In a direct comparison between the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII (open construction) and the beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII (closed construction), the open model sounds more analytical and neutral in the mids and highs and also noticeably airier, especially in the higher frequencies. No wonder, since the main area of application is (professional) mixing and mastering.
The closed DT 1770 Pro also delivers an excellent sound and naturally scores with a more pronounced but impressively precise bass response and a generally livelier, more “fun” sound.
For me, both models are at a reference level in terms of sound and deliver a first-class, incredibly detailed sound in all music genres. The headphones even impress when used for gaming, especially in competitive games.
Which model is the right choice for you in terms of sound depends on your personal preferences and requirements. Personally, I find the airy and spacious acoustics of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII more appealing.
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII Review: Conclusion
Design, workmanship, sound and wearing comfort: In all areas, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is absolutely at reference level and thus marks the open headphones against which the competition must measure itself.
The neutral, analytical sound in particular naturally predestines the model for use in mixing and mastering, where the premium model manufactured in Germany is unrivaled (at least I haven’t had better sounding headphones on my head).
Nevertheless, the sound is also impressive in the bass segment with a powerful but precise low-frequency segment that also copes excellently with demanding electro or hip-hop tracks.
Even when used for gaming, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII impressively demonstrate their qualities and tease out acoustic details in competitive shooters that remain hidden with other headphones (not to mention gaming headsets).
I particularly like the reduction of shrill sounds in the high frequency range around 8,000 Hz, which takes the edge off current productions (and games) and thus has a positive effect on listening pleasure, while at the same time further increasing the level of detail.
The price of the new headphones is undoubtedly no bargain, but the quality speaks for itself. Both in terms of sound and workmanship. With replaceable cables and ear pads, you can be sure that the DT 1990 Pro MKII will serve you well for many years to come.
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Value For Money
95/100
With an impressively airy, spacious (and astonishingly powerful bass) sound, impeccable workmanship and excellent wearing comfort, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII are the new reference in the field of open studio headphones.
