beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII & DT 1770 Pro MKII Headphones Review
Update of the Popular Studio Headphones
4,5 / 5,0 | 
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII & DT 1770 Pro MKII Headphones Review · Source: beyerdynamic
The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII are two of beyerdynamic’s most popular studio headphones. The German manufacturer has improved both headphones with a revised TESLA.45 driver, an impedance of 30 ohms and a few small tweaks. We were curious to see how the two ‘newcomers’ sounded. DT 1990 and DT 1770 Pro MKII in a quick review at Gearnews. Spoiler alarm: Both are fantastic!
All About beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII & DT 1770 Pro MKII
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII – the most important facts in a nutshell
- Professional studio headphones
- Circumaural
- Open construction for the DT 1990 Pro MKII
- Closed construction for the DT 1770 Pro MKII
- New TESLA.45 driver
- Optimised headband with fontanel cut-out
- 30 Ohm impedance
- Frequency response from 5 Hz to 40 kHz
beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII
The latest generation of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro and DT 1770 Pro has been available for a few days now. The two MKII models feature a new driver, a new sound tuning, a comparatively low impedance of 30 ohms and some small improvements in detail.
The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is still available as an open version and, according to the manufacturer, is particularly suitable for mixing and mastering. The DT 1770 Pro MKII, like its predecessor, is a closed pair and is said to be ideal for recording and monitoring.
The two studio headphones have a lot in common. Both are over-ear models, both use the new dynamic TESLA.45 drivers, both cover a frequency range from 5Hz to 40kHz and both have an SPL of 110dB.
I already mentioned that the impedance of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro and DT 1770 Pro MKII is now 30 ohms. The manufacturer wants both headphones to work with a wide range of devices and still sound loud enough.
Small design improvements
Visually there is only a small difference, which is mainly due to the construction. The open beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro looks slightly different to the DT 1770 Pro MKII because of the earcups – otherwise they look like they were cast from the same mould and even weigh the same (the slightly heavier DT 1770 Pro MKII weighs 377g), with the exception of a 1g difference.
The headband is made from a combination of memory foam and synthetic leather, and a new fontanelle cut-out is designed to protect potentially painful areas of the head. Both the headband and velour ear pads are replaceable. The spring steel headband construction has been tried and tested over many years and remains the basis of the mechanical design.
On both models, the cable is routed to one side and connected and locked to the headphones via a 3-pin mini XLR connector. This seems to be the new standard for professional headphones these days – personally, I prefer it when the cable just ‘slips out’ of the headphones in a hurry, rather than having to pull on the plug.
Both headphones are made in Germany and there is nothing to complain about in terms of workmanship. And both look very smart in their own way – even if they do look a little ‘bulky’ compared to some other studio headphones. I also appreciate that the new headphones have no rivets like the DT 770 PRO X LE.
Package Contents
The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and ST 1770 Pro MKII come with two cables. In addition to a 3-metre straight cable, there is also a coiled one with a length of 5 metres. Both cables have a gold-plated 6.35mm adapter.
Both headphones also come with a second pair of ear pads. The DT 1990 PRO MKII headphones come with pre-installed ‘Producing Velours’ ear cushions, which provide a slight bass boost. Alternatively, ‘Mixing & Mastering Velours’ pads are included for an analytical reference sound. The DT 1770 Pro MKII is equipped with velour ear pads for comfort, while the additional leatherette ear pads included in the pack provide a higher level of sound isolation.
The headphones, cable, adapter and second pair of ear pads are stored in a protective hard-plastic hard case for each pair of headphones.
Comfort
How comfortable your headphones are on your head is very important if you spend a lot of time wearing them. In this respect, the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII are undoubtedly convincing. Both studio headphones are very comfortable to wear and won’t get on your nerves during long sessions. To be honest, I wasn’t expecting this.
The pressure is relatively high, but the ear pads still sit comfortably over the ears. The headband feels comfortable thanks to the padding and doesn’t pinch, even after prolonged use. If you wear glasses, you will also be very happy with this, which is sometimes a critical point.
Because the design hasn’t changed much, the earcups aren’t as flexible as on some other headphones, but that doesn’t bother me here.
The leatherette ear pads that come with the DT 1770 Pro MKII are a little more bulky than the velour ones, but they offer even better sound isolation. This is definitely an advantage in some situations, such as recording or live performance.
For me, comfort is a big part of the overall experience of a pair of headphones. The two new Pro models deliver on that front across the board.
This is How the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII Sound
Now we come to the most important question, because in the end it’s all about the sound. The names DT 1990 Pro and DT 1770 Pro have been synonymous with excellent sound for some time now, and the successors certainly don’t disappoint. However, beyerdynamic has made a few minor improvements.
The new TESLA.45 drivers use an optimised neodymium magnet and the new diaphragm has improved distortion and impulse response compared to its predecessors. In addition, the PEEK polymer diaphragm is designed to provide more accurate bass reproduction. And the weight-reduced voice coil made of aluminium-coated copper wire promises a finer sound profile in the treble range.
The high-frequency range of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII has been specifically designed to sound very detailed above 10 kHz, but with a slight reduction around 8 kHz. This is intended to make the high frequencies of this model sound a little less ‘sharp’, while at the same time reducing ear fatigue during long sessions.
And indeed, the DT 1990 Pro MKII’s sound is precise, natural and without any noticeable distortion. The stereo image is also excellent and the transient response is equally convincing. And if you want a little more bass, you can switch to the aforementioned Producing Velours. These headphones will not let you down when it comes to mixing and mastering.
I like the DT 1770 Pro MKII even more (because of the closed design and the increased bass range). The bass has a surprisingly full sound, the sound is voluminous without being over-the-top, and the good isolation gives me the feeling that I can really immerse myself in the music. It’s simply fun to make and record music with them. The new DT 1770 Pro is also very loud!
However, I would find it difficult to choose between the two if I had to. I would rather keep both. I can lose myself in music for hours with the DT 1990 Pro MKII, and it’s open design makes it feel a little ‘airier’. I would probably use the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII for mixing.
The Bottom Line
With the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and 1770 Pro MKII, the German manufacturer has delivered an excellent update of two studio headphone classics. Both sound excellent, but remain true to their famous predecessors when it comes to the most important features. In my opinion, the main focus here is on improvements to a few details. But these are not negligible. The sound profiles have been carefully reworked and the impedance has been re-adjusted to make the headphones even more compatible with today’s studio workflows.
The DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII are comfortable to wear and have an elegant, modern look. The extensive scope of delivery is also worth mentioning.
If your focus is on mixing and mastering, you’ll be very happy with the DT 1990 Pro MKII. For recording and creative studio work, however, my first choice would be the DT 1770 Pro MKII. If you already own one of the predecessors (or maybe both), you’ll have to decide whether the new features justify a purchase. After all, these two professional headphones cost a pretty penny. But it’s money well spent.
Availability and Price
The beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII cost €549 each and are available from Thomann*.
Advantages and disadvantages of the beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII and DT 1770 Pro MKII
Pros
- High wearing comfort
- Good workmanship
- Convincing sound
- Can be used with all standard playback devices without problems thanks to the new impedance
- Detachable cable
- Second pair of ear pads and two cables included
- Hard case included
Cons
- The locked mini-XLR cable connection can be subject to a lot of strain if you move your head carelessly
More information
- DT 1990 Pro MKII on the manufacturer’s website
- View DT 1770 Pro MKII on the manufacturer’s website
- More from this manufacturer
- More about headphones
Originally written by Dirk for GEARNEWS.de.
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