beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO: The Open Back Studio Classic

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Walk into enough studios and you will see the same gray headphones hanging on the hooks. The beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO has been a studio fixture for decades, and it is still one of the most popular ways to hear a mix in detail at home. It is open back, built in Germany and designed for long sessions. Here is what you get and who it suits.

What it is

The DT 990 PRO is an open studio headphone from beyerdynamic. The company describes it as a headphone for critical listening and editing, and it belongs to what beyerdynamic calls its classic range: the DT 770 PRO, DT 880 PRO and DT 990 PRO. Those three models differ mainly in how open they are. The 770 is closed, the 880 is semi open and the 990 is fully open.

Key details for the 250 ohm version, according to beyerdynamic:

• Operating principle: open
• Impedance: 250 ohms
• Frequency response: 5 to 35,000 Hz
• Nominal sound pressure level: 96 dB
• Headband pressure: a firm fit for professional use, roughly 3.5 to 5.5 N
• Cable: coiled
• Ear pads: soft, circumaural velour pads that can be replaced
• Headband: durable spring steel with padding and adjustable fit
• Made in Germany

The sound

Open back headphones let air and sound pass through the ear cups, and that changes the listening experience. beyerdynamic's help center says open headphones sound a little more voluminous and detailed and give a better feeling of spaciousness, which reduces the sensation of music happening inside your head. On the DT 990 PRO, beyerdynamic highlights a wide stereo image and spatial sound reproduction, which makes it easier to hear where each instrument sits.

That is why it is a favorite for mixing and editing. When you can clearly hear the placement and depth of each part, it is easier to make small changes with confidence. To understand the trade offs of open designs, read our guide to open back vs closed back headphones.

Handcrafted to last

beyerdynamic says the DT 990 PRO has been handcrafted in Germany for decades, built with materials made to last. Its pitch is simple: a headphone that will not quit, even after years of daily use. The ear pads can be replaced when they wear, and beyerdynamic describes the spring steel headband as durable. For a tool you will wear for thousands of hours, that durability matters as much as sound.

PRO vs Edition

beyerdynamic also makes Edition versions of its classic headphones for home listening. The company explains the difference in two points. The Edition models have a softer fit for enjoying music at home, while the PRO models have a slightly firmer fit for professional use. And the Edition models use a straight cable, while the 250 ohm PRO uses a coiled one. The coiled cable stretches when you move around a desk and stays tidy when you do not.

Powering it

At 250 ohms, the DT 990 PRO is designed for studio equipment. beyerdynamic's own guidance is that higher impedance headphones need more voltage to reach a good volume, which audio interfaces and headphone amplifiers supply easily but phones often do not. Plug it into a decent interface from our list of the best audio interfaces for home recording and it will have plenty of headroom. Our explainer on headphone impedance covers the details.

Who should buy it

Buy the DT 990 PRO if you mix, edit or simply love detailed, spacious sound, and you listen in a quiet room with an interface or amp. It is a natural partner to a closed headphone for recording, like the DT 770 PRO.

Skip it if you need isolation. Open headphones leak sound both ways, so they are a poor choice for commuting, shared offices or tracking vocals near a microphone. If you want something in between, the semi open DT 880 PRO is worth a look.

Where to buy

beyerdynamic sells the DT 990 PRO directly, and music retailers carry it widely. Make sure you choose the 250 ohm version if you plan to use it with studio gear.

For more studio gear, browse our home studio picks.