The idea to make a comparison of these three models of studio headphones – the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, Audeze MM-100, and Neumann NDH 30 – came to us for a reason. Although these models are in different price categories, they are quite similar and are of interest to both audio industry professionals and audiophiles. Those who are willing to spend that kind of money on sound for listening or studio needs have definitely looked at the competition and, not having access to all models at once, found themselves at a crossroads, not knowing whether to spend the extra money to get one or the other. This is exactly the choice we are now faced with personally. Consider this a motivator for writing, but we are genuinely interested in exposing these competitors.
Warning: there are a lot of letters and words here, so you'll have to read. But we hope that this article will be useful to you and clarify certain points, and maybe even help you understand what you need. It was difficult to structure, but we tried to understand everything as accurately as possible for ourselves and to explain it as clearly as possible for you as well.
So why is there such a big difference in price, yet we call them similar? First, all of the models are open-back headphones, which we consider much more successful and advantageous for professional use and general listening (except when inappropriate). The Neumann NDH 30 and the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro have the same 38 mm driver size and fairly similar impedance (130 ohms for the Sennheiser and 120 ohms for the Neumann). They also have fairly similar dynamic ranges, from 5 Hz to over 30 kHz. In our naivety, we had hoped to get the iconic Neumann for half the price in the form of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro… Or something like that. Of course, it turned out not to be as simple as it seemed at first.
We were very impressed with the Audeze MM-100s, which we reviewed. They look very different on paper, but! Based on a comparison of frequency response graphs on the internet, we assumed that they would perform well in real-world conditions, so we added them to this "battle." They are quite similar to the other two candidates in the bass-midrange range. It's clear that the MM series is positioned in the same professional segment.
Additionally, over time and with the headphones that have passed us by, we have come to appreciate modern standards in the form of lower impedance and a cable that can be removed for storage and transportation or simply replaced with another. All three models have swivel ear cups and can be folded into a "travel position" for storage. Modern and often necessary.
Perhaps we should start by saying that the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO sounded familiar to us from the beginning of the test, though we didn't immediately understand why. It was only when we remembered that another model from the same manufacturer with a similar dynamic driver was in use at our SoundGale studio that we decided to check the measurement graphs. Take a look at the screenshot below. We won't bore you with technical details, but these could basically be the same model of headphones, and the difference between units always looks something like this. We're talking about everything that happens in the range up to 4 kHz. This is especially true when you consider that, over time, ear pads deform and people forget to replace them. They have a much greater impact than the few dB difference shown in the graph. So, what is this model so similar to the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO? They are very reminiscent of the Sennheiser HD 660 S2 in terms of sound design and have the same driver size.
Note that we are not saying they are identical; we are saying that, in our opinion, the difference in sound is as small as the difference between the HD 600 and the HD 650. However, the Sennheiser HD 660 S2 has an impedance of 300 ohms, so you can pump more power into them, which improves detail and resolution. The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO and Sennheiser HD 660 S2 are completely different in terms of their intended use, although both are considered studio headphones. However, Sennheiser has given bedroom producers a "gift," as they most likely only have an audio interface with 200–300 mW in reserve. Audiophiles may be smiling slyly right now, but don't be too quick to judge – this is more than enough power for most musicians and enthusiasts. Thanks to such audio interfaces, many hits are made on the road, and entire concerts are performed.
We cannot say that the Sennheiser HD 660S2, which is designed for stationary use, is exactly the same as the HD 490 Pro. However, the two headphones have the same driver and a similar oval shape and ear pads of approximately the same size. All of these features make the sound signature of the two headphones noticeably similar. The width of the soundstage is similar as well.
|
Best Price on Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (Plus)
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO (Plus) headphones are a testament to Sennheiser's commitment to quality, performance and sound accuracy. |
Pro Plus Package
|
The first thing you would notice when describing this sound signature is the excellent balance of bass and midrange. You won't find this in the hi-fi segment, where the trend is to exaggerate the bass, which literally overshadows the midrange. All live instruments, vocals, synthesizers, and drums become less prominent. When the average user hears such a sound, they may say the midrange is boosted, but that's exactly how it sounds neutral.
Note that we're talking about using the Sennheiser 490 Pro with fabric ear pads, not velour ones. There are two pairs in the set. The fabric ear pads have a narrower soundstage but a higher resolution and a more neutral frequency response in the bass-midrange range.
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is the same benchmark for evaluating everything that happens in the track up to 2 kHz, and after 3 kHz, they have a slight rise. They are more enjoyable to listen to than the Neumann NDH 30, but this is no longer neutrality, but rather what can be called "cosmetics." This signature is very impressive when listening to music, monitoring yourself and your instrument or voice, and with this sound, it is very pleasant to spend time playing the guitar or synthesizers. There is more "air" and more appeal in this sound, and this is the main difference from the Audeze MM-100 and Neumann NDH 30.
The Neumann NDH 30 turned out to be a completely different "beast". There were almost no similarities, and no miracle occurred – the two models have completely different sound signatures. The price is almost twice as high. If you spend an hour or two switching back and forth between the two pairs of headphones, you will notice many advantages of the Neumann. The bass on both the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and the Neumann NDH 30 is equally articulate and fast. When compared closely, you can hear that the difference lies mainly in the Neumann's resolution. Frequency conflicts and overall layer separation are more easily discerned with the NDH 30.
There is simply much more information, and it is easier to hear. The midrange is the NDH 30's forte, and they outperform not only the HD 490 Pro but also many budget studio monitors in terms of resolution. In other words, if we consider all studio monitors in the $2,000-per-pair budget range, only Neumann, Adam, and Genelec have produced something similar. However, Adam Audio monitors have a 1 kHz dip that they haven't been able to fix for years, even in their most expensive models. In general, all monitors require sound preparation and resonance elimination in the room. Neumann has blown us away with this studio headphone model. To say we're thrilled about having a true reference without needing a perfect room is an understatement.
Like the best open-back headphones, the Neumann NDH 30 has a wide soundstage. The sense of positioning within the soundscape is phenomenal, allowing you to clearly determine the angle at which an instrument is located. This remarkable separation is achieved thanks to the headphones' width. The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO is less transparent in this regard, but its sound profile is accurate, and its frequency response is almost identical to that of a clear reference instrument.
|
Best Price on Neumann NDH 30
The Neumann NDH 30 is a high-end open-back, over-ear headphone designed primarily for professional audio work such as editing, mixing, mastering, and critical listening. |
Pro Plus Package
|
However, there is still an important difference between the Neumann NDH 30 and the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO in the high frequency range. We haven't listened to the Audeze MM-500 yet, but this model is said to have a similar neutral top end above 3 kHz. Such highs may seem boring for listening purposes, but we were personally delighted to hear such a level of naturalness from Neumann. Note that this comparison is with headphones that cost three times as much. You won't find a single negative review of the Neumann NDH 30s. The level of detail and resolution is simply exceptional!
If you thought we favored the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, that's not the case. In the section on how we think they should be used, we'll discuss where and how to use them. We've compared them to a much more expensive model that closely resembles the ideal studio headphones, so it would be strange if they were identical in terms of capabilities. After all, Sennheiser and Neumann are different divisions of the same company, Sennheiser, and use common developments. It would be impossible to imagine the company creating direct competition in similar price segments. Neumann entered the segment with the NDH 20 and NDH 30, in which Sennheiser is almost completely absent.
We also recommend reading our detailed review of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, in which we describe all the features of these headphones in as much detail as possible and also make some comparisons with other headphone models.
The Audeze MM-100 is simple and straightforward. Imagine Yamaha HS/NS studio monitors that have been lightened and adapted to fit your ears. The magnificent bass, raised midrange, and even highs do an incredible job. All instruments in the midrange stand out from the entire soundstage. This is especially noticeable with guitars and vocals. The vocals sound beautiful here!
While the soundstage and panorama are inferior to the Neumann NDH 30, we would argue that the positioning is slightly wider and more precise than the Sennheiser. Overall, the positioning is slightly more accurate than the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO's, and similar to the Yamaha HPH MT-8's. The Yamaha once impressed us with its elevated, clear, and accurate midrange, as well as its precise panorama. However, they had a rather narrow soundstage. As we wrote in our review, the Audeze MM-100s are a bit "shrill" at 3 kHz, but you can wear them for hours without discomfort. This sound signature allows you to turn the volume down without reducing the level of detail due to the elevated midrange. An unexpected bonus!
|
Best Price on Audeze MM-100
The Audeze MM-100 represent a professional-grade open-back planar magnetic headphone offering accurate and detailed sound with a neutral tonal balance. |
Classic Package
|
In terms of detail, the Audeze MM-100 and the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro are roughly equal. Sometimes one is slightly better, and sometimes the other. The main difference lies in the sound signature: more neutral for the Sennheiser and raised midrange for the Audeze. It's literally a choice between Yamaha studio monitors and Focal, for example. We can't choose for you; they're all very cool, and you need to consider your preferences. However, the planar magnetic driver is faster. From time to time, when you compare them, you can hear the Audeze MM-100's advantages in transient speed.
The Neumann NDH 30 has a similar soundstage to the Audeze MM-100, but the latter is less accurate in panning. However, the speed of the drivers is very similar. Audeze has planar magnetic drivers, which are faster than dynamic ones. This is an example of the difference between Sennheiser and Neumann drivers, which is why we consider them different, at least in terms of materials and technical specifications. This speed is phenomenal for this type; only "planars" have been able to transmit transients so quickly until now.
All right, let's continue our Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, Audeze MM-100, Neumann NDH 30 comparison and let's figure out how to select a particular model.
The Neumann NDH 30 proved to be a "true champion in all sports!" They sound excellent! If the high frequencies are too simple for you, a software or analog equalizer can correct the frequency response. However, we personally enjoyed the "uniformity" we had become accustomed to over years of using studio monitors. The monitoring is almost perfect, but only "almost" because these are open-back headphones. When playing drums or recording with a condenser microphone, you will hear "bleed" in the microphone recording when sound from the headphones leaks into the microphone and onto the recording. For such purposes, you need exclusively closed-back headphones. However, when working with dynamic microphones or playing the guitar, synthesizer, or key instruments, the monitoring is great because of the detailed, natural sound of the instruments, which is as close to reality as possible.
Personally, we had a very specific use case: monitoring while playing the guitar and watching a TV series. When learning to play the electric guitar, you need to spend a lot of time training your hands while playing with a metronome to hammer everything into your muscle memory. This is a lifelong process for a "guitarist". This task is monotonous and doesn't require constant mental focus, so you can run scales, practice solo pieces, and do other exercises while listening to the metronome click in your headphones and the quiet sound of the amplifier. Therefore, you need to hear the guitar separately, albeit quietly, so the sounds of the click, guitar, and TV don't mix together. The Neumann NDH 30, Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, and Audeze MM-100 are very convenient for this, as they meet your needs in every detail.
We often needed to play a musical instrument "to a track or arrangement," and at those times, separation might not be enough. Even studio monitors won't allow you to clearly separate your guitar from the already saturated overall sound. That's why we used to have a pair of monitors in our setup and one more additional one, where we sent a separate guitar signal. With the Neumann NDH 30, everything is separated, and everything can be heard clearly and distinctly. We were speechless – there are no other words to describe it.
The Neumann NDH 30 is great for mixing, and it's the only model out of the three that can be used without additional devices from start to finish. Neither the Audeze MM-100 nor the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro can do this; you definitely need to monitor on other output devices.
The Audeze MM-100s are delightful for listening and monitoring, though they have the same limitations as other open-back headphones. While they offer slightly less detail than the Neumann NDH 30, the boosted mids bring instruments that depend on the midrange and vocals to the forefront. Therefore, the Audeze performed well in the specific cases described. They make mixing easy – balancing volume, equalization, compression, side compression, and automation – and there is enough resolution for everything and more. However, mastering… As mentioned above, it's only possible with post-control on other headphones, studio monitors, in the car, on grandma's speakers, AirPods, and whatever else you can think of. We stand by our opinion from the review – these are simply wonderful tools for almost all scenarios. Yes, there are some reservations, but only when compared to the best ones. Even just listening to music with them is a wonderful, exciting experience.
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is probably the one of the three headphones that can be called "pretty cool." They're the kind of headphones you can put on and instantly forget about any problems. They're excellent for monitoring and great for listening, though perhaps with velour ear pads; the fabric ones are a more professional solution. They handle mixing equally well at all stages; however, mastering is the same situation as with the MM-100. However, this is true for all Beyerdynamic, Sennheiser, AKG, AT, and other brands. Neumann is the step that marks the beginning of a 100% match of all factors for the extremely complex task of balancing a mix.
In our opinion, the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is a much better choice for the average enthusiast who previously chose something from the 600 series. The 490s are more of an evolution than a correction of mistakes and will be in demand for studio work for many years to come. They have lower impedance, replaceable ear pads, a detachable cable, swivel cups, a low weight, and an excellent signature and range. This whole set of improvements makes them usable not only at a stationary console or amplifier.
Finally, we've reached the end of our Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, Audeze MM-100, Neumann NDH 30 comparison, so it's time to summarize the results. Indeed, the headphones are in different price categories, but the power required to drive them to the same volume is identical. The detachable cables and swiveling ear cups make them easy to transport. The frequency response accuracy is reference-grade. When it comes to minimizing your setup, they have no competitors. If you don't want to buy studio monitors, for professional tasks on the go or just at home, for musicians, arrangers, and composers, this is the next step after the Beyerdynamic DT 880 (990), AKG 701/702, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, and others.
The only thing left to mention is that the price difference between the Audeze MM-100 and the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is negligible. If you need more neutrality, the HD 490 Pro is definitely the one for you. If you want faster transients, elevated vocals and guitars, and a stronger midrange, choose the MM-100.
Of course, the difference of a few hundred dollars is noticeable, but the additional capabilities offered by the more expensive models are impressive and completely justify the cost. The cost of all the models is justified because these are headphones that sound great: accurate and detailed. All that's left is to check your budget and consider the possibility of achieving complete mastering with Audeze and Sennheiser headphones (but, unfortunately, it cannot be done without post-control, even with studio monitors).
We hope you enjoyed our comparison of the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, Audeze MM-100, and Neumann NDH 30 open-back 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 an MM-100, HD 490 PRO, or NDH 30 and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about these masterpiece headphones.
