Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII: Reference Headphones for the Studio

The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII is the second generation of the open studio headphones from Heilbronn – a model that has established itself for years as a reference for mixing, mastering, and editing. With this new edition, the manufacturer replaces the entire driver base, thereby sharpening precisely what producers value in open headphones: resolution, impulse response, and a sound image that flatters nothing.

At a glance

• New TESLA.45 driver (45 mm) for higher resolution and lower distortion
• Nominal impedance lowered to 30 ohms – works with more devices without an amplifier
• Two ear pad sets (Producing Velours & Mixing & Mastering Velours) for two sound signatures
• Production still entirely in Germany, weight 376 g without cable

What's new with the driver

The core of the revision is the new TESLA.45 generation. According to Beyerdynamic, the 45mm driver has been completely redeveloped to improve resolution, low distortion, and impulse response – signal fidelity is to be maintained even at high levels. At the same time, the nominal impedance is now 30 ohms. This makes the DT 1990 PRO MKII compatible with significantly more audio interfaces and laptops, without necessarily needing a headphone amplifier in between – a point that is particularly important for mobile producer setups.

Two ear pads, two characters

The MKII comes standard with two pairs of pads: The "Producing Velours" reportedly deliver a fuller sound with a slight bass boost for producing, while the "Mixing & Mastering Velours" are designed for a more analytical reproduction. You can identify them by the number of small holes on the back. Two cables are also included – a 3-meter straight cable and a 5-meter coiled cable, both with a lockable 3-pin mini-XLR connector – stored in a hard case.

Tuning for modern productions

The fundamental principle of the open, circumaural design remains unchanged: It ensures a natural, spatial sound image that precisely locates instruments and voices in the stereo field – classic strengths of open studio headphones for mixing. The development team has fine-tuned the frequency response itself.

"With the DT 1990 PRO MKII, we had a very balanced sound in mind," explains Ante Mihalj, the responsible acoustic engineer. "Modern productions often have very complex highs. Therefore, the DT 1990 PRO MKII now reproduces highs a little smoother than its somewhat more assertive predecessor."

Beyerdynamic has also improved wearing comfort: a flexible spring steel headband for even contact pressure, skin-friendly velour pads, and a fontanelle cutout that relieves pressure-sensitive areas on the head. The headband and ear pads can be replaced if necessary – an aspect that speaks for long studio sessions and the device's longevity.

For everyday studio use, precise monitoring during EQ mixing is one thing – the right monitoring setup is another. If you're also looking for a mobile, closed companion, you'll find a classic DJ contrasting design in our article on the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus.

FAQ

Who is the DT 1990 PRO MKII intended for?

Beyerdynamic positions it as studio headphones for mixing, mastering, and editing – meaning for analytical control in the studio, not primarily as DJ headphones for the club.

What specifically distinguishes it from the previous model?

The most important differences are the newly developed TESLA.45 driver with a reduced nominal impedance of 30 ohms, as well as, according to the manufacturer, a smoother high-frequency range, tuned for modern, high-frequency-rich productions.

Source: beyerdynamic, manufacturer's specifications for the DT 1990 PRO MKII.