Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII: Reference for Mixing and Mastering
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
Beyerdynamic's DT 1990 Pro MKII: open-back studio headphone with TESLA.45 drivers, made in Germany, built for mixing and mastering.
The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII is an open-back reference headphone for studio work, developed by the Heilbronn-based manufacturer specifically for mixing, mastering, and editing. As the successor to the DT 1990 Pro, it relies on the new TESLA.45 driver and aims to be a precise tool in situations where the smallest details determine a mix decision.
At a glance
- Open-back studio headphone for mixing, mastering, and editing
- New TESLA.45 driver with high resolution and low distortion
- Detachable cable with mini-XLR connector
- Manufactured at company headquarters in Heilbronn, Germany
Open design for a critical perspective on the mix
The open-back design of the DT 1990 Pro MKII is no coincidence, but a concept: according to the manufacturer, it ensures a particularly wide soundstage in which instruments and vocals can be precisely located. In the bass range, Beyerdynamic promises accurate reproduction down to the lowest octaves, while the slightly reduced highs compared to the predecessor model are intended to help avoid misjudgments during mixing.
TESLA.45 driver: newly developed, tight tolerances
The heart of the headphone is the new TESLA.45 transducer. Each DT 1990 Pro MKII contains two of these drivers, which, according to the manufacturer, are measured multiple times within tight tolerances during production. This is intended to ensure consistent quality from unit to unit—an aspect that counts in studio use when reference monitoring must remain reproducible.
Made in Germany and studio routine
The transducers are created at the company headquarters in Heilbronn. For daily studio use, the DT 1990 Pro MKII is also built to be service-friendly: the cable is detachable on one side via a mini-XLR connector, and ear pads and other wear parts can be replaced.
Technical Specifications
| Transducer Principle | Open (Design) |
|---|---|
| Driver | 2× TESLA.45, 45 mm |
| Nominal Impedance | 30 Ohm |
| Frequency Response | 5 – 40,000 Hz |
| Sound Pressure Level | 94 dB SPL (1 mW / 500 Hz) |
| Weight | 376 g (without cable) |
| Cable | 3 m straight cable, detachable (3-pin XLR connector) |
| Connection | 6.35 mm (1/4") jack plug |
"Thanks to our German manufacturing expertise, the DT 1990 PRO MKII sets the benchmark in workmanship and durability." – Beyerdynamic
If you want to keep your overall setup lean, you'll find entry-level alternatives in our overview of a DJ setup for under 500 €. For anyone looking for a closed-back counterpart for on the go, it's worth checking out the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus, which takes a completely different sonic approach.
FAQ
Who is the DT 1990 Pro MKII for?
Beyerdynamic positions it clearly for mixing, mastering, and editing in the studio—so for applications where a neutral, detailed sound image is the priority.
Why is the open-back design important?
According to the manufacturer, it ensures a wide soundstage in which individual elements of a mix can be precisely located.
Source: Beyerdynamic, DT 1990 PRO MKII product page.
