Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X: The 990 Classic, Now with 48 Ohms
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X: open studio headphones with STELLAR.45 drivers, 48 ohms, and Mini-XLR cable. What this update means for your production.
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X takes a pair of studio headphones that have been hanging in control rooms since the 1980s and gives them what producers have been missing for years: a detachable cable and a driver with only 48 ohms. It continues to be handcrafted in Germany. For you, this means: the familiar, treble-emphasized 990 sound – now also directly on your laptop or mobile interface.
At a glance
- Open, circumaural studio headphones with STELLAR.45 driver and 48 ohms nominal impedance
- Frequency response 5 to 40,000 Hz, according to the manufacturer
- Detachable 3m cable with lockable Mini-XLR connector, 3.5mm jack, and 6.35mm adapter
- Headband with fontanelle recess, velour ear pads, replaceable wear parts
The Classic Gets a New Heart
Beyerdynamic from Heilbronn offers the DT 990 PRO X alongside the regular DT 990 PRO, which is still available with 80 and 250 ohms. The X variant is therefore not a replacement, but a contemporary evolution of the series. We introduce you to its direct predecessor in our article on the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO (250 Ohm).
At its heart is the STELLAR.45 driver, which Beyerdynamic already uses in higher-positioned models such as the DT 1990 PRO MK II and the DT 900 PRO X. The manufacturer specifies the frequency response as 5 to 40,000 Hz – the standard version ends at 35,000 Hz. Bonedo soberly notes that an extended range does not necessarily imply better reproduction.
The Sound Magnifying Glass for Your Tracks
Sonically, the DT 990 PRO X retains the signature of its predecessor: natural treble boost, high transparency, open soundstage. Beyerdynamic formulates its claim as follows:
“Thanks to its natural treble boost and impressive transparency, it uncovers acoustic inaccuracies and thus acts as a sound magnifying glass – and as a perfect complement to studio monitors in the production process.”
— beyerdynamic, DT 990 PRO X product page
That's exactly what it's built for: editing errors, clicks, and artifacts in hi-hats or reverb tails will stand out to you before they stand out in the club. Bonedo therefore primarily classifies it for editing and mix control, citing as a criticism that it is not neutral enough for universal studio use. Beyerdynamic itself refers to the DT 900 PRO X for linear mixing and mastering.
Technical Specifications
| Transducer Principle | Dynamic (STELLAR.45) |
|---|---|
| Design | Open, circumaural |
| Frequency Response | 5 – 40,000 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 48 Ohm |
| Sound Pressure Level (1 mW / 500 Hz) | 98 dB |
| Sound Pressure Level (1 V / 500 Hz) | 111 dB |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (500 Hz) | < 0.15 % |
| Max. Power Handling | 110 mW |
| Headband Pressure | 5.5 N |
| Weight without Cable | 292 g |
| Cable | 3 m, detachable, lockable Mini-XLR |
| Connector | 3.5mm jack with 6.35mm screw adapter |
| Ear Pads | Velour |
Who the DT 990 PRO X Is For
The 48 ohms are the real point: according to kopfhoerer.de, the headphones can be operated not only in the studio but also with mobile audio interfaces, laptops, or mixing consoles.
According to Bonedo, the open design rules out use in noisy environments – there you need a closed model like the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus. For long sessions at your computer, the fontanelle recess in the headband, which reduces pressure on the top of the head, and the velour pads provide comfort. A drawstring pouch is included in the scope of delivery.
FAQ
What is the difference between DT 990 PRO and DT 990 PRO X?
The DT 990 PRO has a fixed cable and comes with 80 or 250 ohms. The DT 990 PRO X uses the STELLAR.45 driver with 48 ohms, a detachable 3m cable with Mini-XLR, and a headband with a fontanelle recess.
Do I need a headphone amplifier for the DT 990 PRO X?
No, that's the idea behind the 48 ohms: Beyerdynamic names audio interfaces to high-end amplifiers as areas of application, and kopfhoerer.de explicitly includes laptops and mixing consoles.
Can I change the cable?
Yes. The Mini-XLR connector is lockable, and according to Beyerdynamic, PRO X cables with USB-C or Lightning, including an integrated DAC, also fit.
Source: beyerdynamic – DT 990 PRO X, kopfhoerer.de, Bonedo
