Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII Premium Tesla studio Review
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII offers studio-grade accuracy that exposes every detail in your mix. But is its brutal honesty worth the price for non-pros?
The 30-Second Version
A scalpel for your ears. Essential for studio work, overkill for everything else. Buy them if your job depends on hearing every flaw in a mix.
Overview
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is a tool, not a toy. If you're looking for a pair of headphones to make your music sound 'fun' or to block out the world, look elsewhere. This is a brutally honest, open-back studio monitor for your head. The one thing you need to know is that these headphones are designed for one job: revealing every single detail in your audio, for better or worse. They're for mixing, mastering, and critical listening, and they do that job exceptionally well. Everything else is a compromise.
Performance
The sound performance is what you're paying for, and it delivers. That 83rd percentile ranking for sound is no joke. The Tesla drivers are incredibly fast and detailed, with a frequency response that goes from a sub-bass rumble you can feel at 5Hz up to airy highs at 40kHz. What surprised us was how unforgiving they are. They won't flatter a bad recording or a weak source. They'll expose it. If your mix has a problem, these headphones will find it and point it out to you. That's their whole purpose.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
- Below average social proof (8th percentile) 8th
- Below average connectivity (20th percentile) 20th
- Below average mic (21th percentile) 21th
- Below average anc (30th percentile) 30th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | Over-Ear |
| Open/Closed | Open |
| Weight | 0.4 kg / 0.8 lbs |
| Ear Cushion | Velour |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Freq Min | 5 |
| Freq Max | 40000 |
| Impedance | 30 |
| Codecs | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII Premium Tesla studio headphones for mixing, mastering and editing (open-back) - Black |
Connectivity
| Wireless | No |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm |
| Cable Length | 3 |
| Range | 3 |
Value & Pricing
At around $525, these are a serious investment. For a hobbyist or casual listener, they are absolutely not worth it. For a working audio engineer, producer, or a dedicated audiophile who demands reference-grade accuracy, they are worth every penny. You're paying for a professional tool, not a consumer gadget.
vs Competition
Don't even compare these to wireless ANC cans like the Sony WH-1000XM6 or AirPods Max. Those are for commuting and convenience; the DT 1990 Pro is for work. A more relevant competitor is the Sennheiser HD 600/650 series. The Sennheisers are often described as more 'musical' or laid-back, while the Beyerdynamics are more analytical and revealing in the treble. The DT 1990 Pro also has better bass extension. For pure studio accuracy, the Beyerdynamic has an edge. For long, relaxed listening sessions, some prefer the Sennheiser's signature.
| Spec | Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII Premium Tesla studio | Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Wireless Over-Ear | Apple AirPods Max Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Closed-Back | Sennheiser Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless Active | JBL JBL Tune 770NC Noise-Cancelling Over-Ear | Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX Noise-Canceling Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size (mm) | — | 30 | 40 | 37 | 40 | 40 |
| Impedance Ohms | 30 | 48 | 16 | — | 32 | 24 |
| Wireless | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | — | true | true | true | true | true |
| Open Closed Back | Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Bluetooth Version | — | 5.3 | 5.0 | 5.2 | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Battery Life Hours | — | 30 | 20 | 50 | 70 | 35 |
Common Questions
Q: What actually comes in the box?
You get a lot for your money. The headphones, two different sets of velour earpads (one for analytical listening, one for a more balanced sound), a coiled cable, a straight cable, and a hard carrying case. It's a proper studio-grade package.
Q: Can I use these for gaming or on my phone?
You can, but you shouldn't. Our data shows they score terribly for gaming (32/100) and calls. They're open-back, so your game audio will leak out and everyone around you will hear it. They also have no microphone. For a phone, the 30-ohm impedance is low enough, but the lack of isolation means you'll hear all the street noise.
Q: Are they comfortable for long sessions?
This is the biggest gripe. They have a strong clamp force out of the box. The pads are plush, but the headband pressure can cause fatigue for some. They usually loosen up over time, but if you have a big head, be prepared for a break-in period.
Who Should Skip This
Skip these if you want headphones for the office, travel, or gaming. The open-back design means everyone hears your music and you hear everyone else. Also skip them if you just want to enjoy music without analyzing it. For those needs, grab a pair of closed-back headphones like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, or a wireless set like the Sony WH-1000XM6.
Verdict
If you are a music creator who needs to hear exactly what's happening in your mix, buy these headphones. They are a fantastic, detailed reference tool that will make you a better engineer. If you are anyone else—a gamer, a commuter, someone who just wants to enjoy music—you will likely find them uncomfortable, inconvenient, and overly bright. For you, a good pair of closed-back or wireless headphones is a much better choice.