DT 990 PRO X vs. DT 990 PRO vs. DT 900 PRO X vs. DT 1990 PRO MK II
If you’re trying to decide on which open-back studio headphones you should buy, you’ll quickly notice there’s a wide range of beyerdynamic headphones to choose from. That said, the differences lie in each of the specific model’s details. To help you find the model that truly fits your requirements and workflow, it’s worth taking a closer look at each open-back headphone available.
Let’s help shortcut the process by comparing our line-up in the following criteria:
Application, Sound, Impedance, Design & Technology
Application
All the models compared here are open-back studio headphones, thanks to their open-back design they offer an especially airy, natural, and spacious sound. While the DT 990 PRO and DT 990 PRO X are specifically designed for critical listening and editing, the DT 900 PRO X and DT 1990 PRO MK II are also ideal for mixing and mastering.
They deliver a transparent sound reproduction along with a realistic stereo image; perfect for anyone who relies on the most accurate sound assessment for their work.
Sound
Both models share a similar sound signature: bright, analytical, and with impressive spatial depth making them ideal for critical listening and precise editing.
The DT 990 PRO X features our recent STELLAR.45 driver with a low 48-ohms. The result: an extended frequency response from 5–40,000 Hz, low total harmonic distortion (THD), and a detailed, dynamic playback across a variety of playback devices.
The classic and original DT 990 PRO has been a studio standard for decades. Its open design and wide stereo image make it a top choice for musicians, producers, and sound engineers around the world.
Both models use the STELLAR.45 driver but differ in tuning. The DT 990 PRO X has a slightly brighter sound and offers a wider stereo stage – ideal for analytical listening and editing. The DT 900 PRO X is tuned more neutrally and, thanks to its balanced sound profile, is perfectly suited for mixing, mastering, and long sessions without listener fatigue.
DT 990 PRO X vs. DT 1990 PRO MK II
The DT 990 PRO X delivers an airy, transparent sound with a slight treble boost and a wide stereo image. With its analytical tuning, it acts as a kind of “sonic magnifying glass”: the finest details and imperfections in a mix become audible and can be corrected with precision. Especially when used alongside studio monitors, the DT 990 PRO X is an excellent complementary tool.
The DT 1990 PRO MK II offers a more balanced overall sound with an even higher resolution across the entire frequency spectrum. The bass is deep and controlled, mids and highs are clearly defined. Its precise spatial imaging makes it the ideal headphone for reference-level mixing and mastering.
Impedance
Both the DT 990 PRO X and the DT 900 PRO X are equipped with the modern STELLAR.45 driver and feature an impedance of 48-ohms. The combination of a powerful neodymium magnet and an ultra-light, copper-plated voice coil enables exceptionally fine sound resolution with minimal distortion. Thanks to their low impedance, both models can be easily driven by a wide range of devices – from audio interfaces in home studios to mobile playback devices or professional monitoring systems.
The DT 990 PRO is available in two impedance versions. The 80-ohm version is ideal for use with typical audio interfaces or mixing consoles in home and project studios, while the 250-ohm version fully unleashes its sonic potential in professional studios with powerful headphone amplifiers.
Learn more: Want to dive deeper into the topic of impedance and how it affects headphone performance? In this blog post you’ll find all the relevant information and helpful tips on what to consider when buying headphones.
For the highest level of sonic precision, the DT 1990 PRO MK II is the go-to choice. Handmade in Germany It features two TESLA.45 drivers, and with an impedance of only 30-ohms, it offers exceptionally high efficiency, outstanding detailed reproduction. This makes the DT 1990 PRO MK II the ideal choice for professional applications such as mixing, mastering, and reference listening in the studio.
Design
Compared to the iconic DT 990 PRO, the DT 990 PRO X offers a range of modern design upgrades tailored to the needs of today’s musicians, sound engineers, and producers. Instead of a fixed cable, the DT 990 PRO X comes with a detachable 3-meter straight cable featuring a lockable mini-XLR connector – ideal for flexible workflows and easy cable replacement in everyday studio use. In addition, the detachable plug-n-play cable can be replaced with an optional USB-C cable offering maximum flexibility.
Another comfort PRO X upgrade: the newly developed headband padding with a fontanelle recess, which effectively reduces pressure points during long sessions. In terms of included accessories, both models are equally equipped: a carrying pouch and a 6.35 mm (¼”) adapter are included.
The DT 990 PRO X and DT 900 PRO X both feature the powerful STELLAR.45 driver system and come with a detachable cable and lockable mini-XLR connector – a clear advantage for studio flexibility. While the DT 990 PRO X design echoes the iconic look of the classic DT 990 PRO, the DT 900 PRO X presents a distinct, modern aesthetic. A practical everyday detail: the DT 900 PRO X includes not only a 3-meter cable but also a shorter 1.8-meter cable, ideal for desktop use or on-the-go listening.
DT 990 PRO X vs. DT 1990 PRO MK II
Both the DT 990 PRO X and the DT 1990 PRO MK II offer premium features and excellent build quality, making them well-suited for professional studio use – though they differ significantly in application and target audience. The DT 990 PRO X impresses with its rugged design, detachable mini-XLR cable, and high wearing comfort, ideal for engineers and musicians who value flexibility and long-lasting quality.
The DT 1990 PRO MKII is aimed at professional sound engineers and musicians who demand maximum precision. Premium materials, anodized metal components, and two sound tuning options via interchangeable ear pads make it the reference model among beyerdynamic’s open-back studio headphones.
The included “Producing Velours” pads provide a fuller sound with subtle bass enhancement, while the “Mixing & Mastering Velours” offer a more analytical tuning. Two included cables, a 3-meter straight cable and a 5-meter coiled cable, along with a sturdy hard case complete the package.
Whether you’re looking for open-back studio headphones for analytical listening, detailed editing, or precise mixing and mastering – within our current DT studio headphone portfolio, you’re sure to find the model that meets your sonic needs and fits your workflow.
Are open-back studio headphones also suitable for Gaming?
In a simple word YES!
Open-back studio headphones are oftern the go-to choice for serious Gamers, especially when playing (FPS) first-person-shooter games. You can have several advantages by way of clearer reproduction of the finer audio details in the game scape allowing for precise spatial localisation (footsteps, directional changes & enemy positions). Users will also benefit from a high degree of wearing comfort over long gaming sessions.
If you require a Gaming headset with microphone, check out our dedicated Gaming page!
A revision of an article originally published by beyerdynamic Germany.
We hope that the information above is of assistance to you.
