Today, we will review the open-back Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X studio headphones for critical listening and editing. Let's explore what they can do, but first, here's a brief introduction to our article. In 2024, the German audio equipment company Beyerdynamic celebrated its 100th anniversary. This is certainly a respectable milestone for any manufacturer. Since the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones have been one of Beyerdynamic's iconic audio products for about 40 years, the company decided to release a limited edition DT 770 PRO X Limited Edition for its anniversary, which has been included in the company's general catalog as the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X since this year. As a reminder, the DT 770 PRO are full-size, closed-back headphones designed for professional musicians and sound engineers for monitoring and studio recording, according to the manufacturer.
Another well-known and iconic model from Beyerdynamic is the DT 990 PRO. These professional, full-size, open headphones are designed for "critical listening and precise editing." This year, the German company added another model to its catalog: the DT 990 PRO X, which is the subject of our review. The DT 990 PRO X has a number of technical characteristics that resemble the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X model, including a special STELLAR.45 driver, reduced impedance to 48 ohms, and a replaceable miniXLR cable. At the same time, the DT 990 PRO X's design leans toward the classic DT 990 PRO. In our opinion, the DT 990 PRO X is an interesting combination of a classic design and new technology. It may be of interest to users working with sound as well as listeners who prefer detailed, monitor-quality sound. To be clear, we received a model marked "Not for Sale" for our review, but we don't expect any significant differences in the production models. Now, let's begin our review of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X and, as usual, start with the headphone specifications.
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Best Price on Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X
The DT 990 PRO X builds on the legendary DT 990 PRO, modernizing it with smart upgrades while staying true to the original’s analytical sound signature. |
Classic Package
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The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X headphones are packaged in a black cardboard box featuring a photo of the headphones. On the front of the box are three highlights listing the main advantages: sound quality, comfort, and a replaceable cable. The box also contains technical information and a list of included accessories. The headphones are held securely in place by cardboard dividers inside the box. "Made in Germany" is written in an orange rectangle on the box. In other words, the company is expanding the 990 series without changing the place of manufacture. This allows us to once again apply the well-known phrase "German quality" to these headphones.
In addition to the headphones, the set includes a detachable MINI-XLR cable (mini stereo jack 3.5mm), a 3.5-to-6.3-mm adapter (1/4"), a soft drawstring bag, and an instruction booklet. The cable connects to the ear cup via a miniXLR connector and is terminated with a 3.5 mm plug. It is 3m (9.8 ft) long. Clearly, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X is positioned as a professional-use model. Therefore, the set contains everything needed for daily use of the headphones, no additional accessories required.
Judging by the name and series number, DT 990 PRO X, it seems logical that the new model's design is similar to the classic DT 990 PRO. These two models have several features in common, including the longitudinal perforations on the outside of the ear cups, the system for attaching the ear cups to the headband, the gray velour ear pads, and the headband locking mechanism. However, there are certain differences that are not immediately apparent. The ear cups of the new DT 990 PRO X are more convex, and the headband cover, although button-fastened like the 990 PRO, has an eco-leather structure with a groove under the headband. The area where the ear cups attach to the headband is decorated with a plastic rectangle bearing the company's gray-painted logo and name.
We have always been satisfied with the ergonomics of the 990 series and have never experienced discomfort; the DT 990 PRO X is no exception. The headphones sit comfortably on the head. The fixed-adjustable headband allows you to set the desired size for a comfortable fit. The velour ear pads envelop your ears comfortably and prevent them from overheating. The weight is distributed correctly, so they do not cause fatigue. The manufacturer describes the headphones' comfort as "ultra-comfortable" and "headphones you'll never want to take off." Additionally, the detachable cable of the new DT 990 PRO X adds convenience when storing and transporting the headphones.
Like the classic DT 990 PRO, the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X model is a headphone designed for professional use. The DT 990 PRO X features a special STELLAR.45 driver that provides a wide frequency range, low distortion, good dynamics, and high reproduction accuracy. According to the manufacturer, the headphones are characterized as studio headphones for critical listening and editing. The company describes the sound as premium studio quality with remarkable detail accuracy, a natural treble lift, and impressive transparency for an airy, clear, and spacious sound. Overall, we agree with these sound characteristics. The headphones deliver clear, detailed, spacious sound with a definite emphasis on high frequencies.
The open-back Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X headphones offer spatial sound, a wide soundstage, and precise instrument positioning. They convey the sound of the mix as a whole and saturate it with micro-details, reproducing subtle textures and nuances. Although the DT 990 PRO X are professional models, headphones with monitor sound, we would not apply phrases such as “Dry Sound,” “Cold Sound,” or other similar expressions to them. The headphones can also be used for regular music listening if you are a connoisseur of full-scale and balanced sound.
Sometimes one of the problems with open-back headphones is a lack of low frequencies. Unlike other models, the bass in the DT 990 PRO X is not lost or hidden in the overall sound. It is clear, well-defined, and well-controlled. We especially liked how it reproduces the sound of "live" low-frequency instruments. You can follow individual parts, feel the vibrations of the strings, and hear the deep sound.
The midrange frequencies are balanced, relatively dense, and detailed. If necessary, you can focus your hearing on a particular midrange instrument or vocal without any extra effort. This is achieved through the clarity and natural sound of the midrange reproduction. The music is saturated with numerous accurate details. At the same time, the midrange does not sound detached or completely neutral. It is dynamic and has a certain warmth.
Recalling the classic DT 990 PRO, one of the main complaints from several users about this model was its reproduction of high frequencies. While we never had any particular complaints about the high-frequency level of the DT 990 PRO during our studio sessions, some people found it unacceptable. In the new DT 990 PRO X, the sound in this range has been tuned. While maintaining high resolution, openness, and transparency, the high frequencies in the 990 PRO X are not overly sharp, bright, or aggressive. They do not cross the acceptable boundary, at least for us. The high frequencies have more weight, which reduces the unpleasant shrillness and makes the sound more natural. Additionally, the open-back design and sound tuning effectively convey spatial sound. All of these improvements make listening a more enjoyable experience.
Of course, our review of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X cannot be complete without a comparison. Let's briefly compare the DT 990 PRO X with two models that immediately come to mind: the DT 990 PRO and the DT 900 PRO X. Please note that we have separate reviews for these two headphone models available via the link below, in case you need more details for comparison purposes.
The first model in our comparison is the classic DT 990 PRO, which seems logical. With all due respect, the new DT 990 PRO X is superior to the legendary DT 990 PRO in terms of sound clarity and transparency. The soundstage of the DT 990 PRO seems closer to the listener, which reduces the feeling of space. The DT 990 PRO has issues with high-frequency range processing, especially in tracks with significant high frequencies, which makes listening less comfortable. Additionally, the DT 990 PRO has a fixed cable, making it less convenient to store and transport than the DT 990 PRO X with a detachable cable. While we cannot say that the DT 990 PRO and DT 990 PRO X are radically different models, there are notable differences. There is still a certain degree of similarity. However, the DT 990 PRO X has advantages that cannot be overlooked, particularly in terms of sound quality.
We selected the DT 900 PRO X as the second model for comparison. The difference between these two headphones is much more significant. This is immediately noticeable in their appearance. The DT 900 PRO X and the DT 990 PRO X also have different configurations. The DT 900 PRO X comes with more accessories. There is also a noticeable difference in price. At the moment, the DT 900 PRO X is about a quarter more expensive than the DT 990 PRO X. Additionally, these headphone models differ in sound. The DT 900 PRO X does not produce as spacious of a sound as the DT 990 PRO X; the sound is more focused in the DT 900 PRO X, with a better sense of low and mid frequencies. This gives instruments and vocals a more physical feel and has a positive effect on the overall naturalness of the sound. The headphones paint vivid soundscapes and fill them with dynamics. In terms of comfort, we preferred the new DT 990 PRO X model — it has more space for the ears and applies less pressure to the head (especially when new). As sound engineers, we believe that the DT 900 PRO X and DT 990 PRO X can be used for different tasks depending on the audio material's characteristics. The DT 990 PRO X is slightly better for working with stereo panoramas, while the DT 900 PRO X is more suitable for mixing and dynamic processing. In short, the DT 990 PRO X is an excellent choice for video editors and critical listening scenarios. The DT 900 PRO X, meanwhile, is a good option for sound engineers and sound designers.
Here is what the manufacturer says about the difference between these two headphone models.The DT 990 PRO X delivers the familiar sound signature of the DT 990 PRO (80 ohms) with emphasized highs and outstanding spatiality – ideal for revealing acoustic flaws during production. The DT 900 PRO X, on the other hand, offers an impressively linear and precise representation of the entire frequency spectrum, making it particularly suitable for mixing, mastering, and editing. - Beyerdynamic.com
Now that we've reached the end of our Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X review, it's time to summarize the results. After testing the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X headphones, we concluded that they are more than just a cosmetic update of the well-known DT 990 PRO. The DT 990 PRO X features modern materials and high-quality manufacturing for optimal comfort. Additionally, the model features the proprietary STELLAR.45 driver, which enhances the overall sound with balance, accuracy, and control. These headphones can be used by professionals whose work is directly related to sound, as well as by listeners who prefer an analytical sound. The impedance has been reduced to 48 ohms, enabling connection to not only studio equipment, but also a wide range of portable devices. Based on these characteristics, the headphones can be considered a model for professional and home use.
Can we recommend purchasing the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X? - Answer: definitely yes. But if you still want headphones specifically for mixing and mastering tasks, then save up a little money and buy the Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X, even though both devices are equipped with the STELLAR.45 driver.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X headphones. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you already own a DT 990 PRO X and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about these headphones.
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