Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X

• Over‑ear, open‑back design tailored to critical listening, mixing, editing, and audiophile use .
• Improvement upon the iconic DT 990 Pro, updated with contemporary features from the PRO X series .

• Driver: STELLAR.45 dynamic driver, developed in Germany .
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz–40 kHz (well above typical hearing range) .
• Nominal Impedance: 48 Ω – low enough to be compatible with studio equipment, laptops, smartphones, and portable DACs .
• Sensitivity/SPL: ≈97 dB @ 1 mW/500 Hz.
• Weight: ~292 g (cableless), cable + adapters ~347 g .
• Cable: ~3 m detachable straight cable with mini‑XLR “lock,” comes with 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm adapters .
• Pads & Parts: Soft velour ear pads and padded headband (with recess for fontanelle). Most parts are replaceable .

• Durability: Constructed from strong steel and reinforced plastics—everyday use in a studio .
• Comfort:
  • Soft memory-foam velour pads cool your ears and comfy them for long sessions
  • Headband features a cutout at the top to decrease pressure (fontanelle recess) .
  • Low clamp pressure, secure fit—won’t come loose easily.

• Detailed & Roomy Sound – Provides remarkably broad frequency response, with music sounding open, airy, and rich-textured.
• Low 48 Ω Impedance – Simple to drive with phones, laptops, and USB DACs—no cumbersome headphone amp needed.
• German Top-Grade Construction – Robust, repairable build with high-grade German-made components.
• High Comfort for Long Play Sessions – Velour ear pads, ergonomic headband, and light weight ensure fatigue-free listening.

• Sound Leaks (Open‑back Design) – Not ideal for noisy environments or shared spaces; people nearby can hear what you’re listening to.
• No Inline Mic or Volume Controls – Lacks built-in mic or controls, so not well-suited for calls or mobile use.
• Bright Treble May Fatigue Some – Accent-sharp highs can be energetic but may become tiring during long sessions.
• No Hard Carry Case – Includes only a soft pouch, so special care must be taken on the road.

• Consider these headphones as surgical tools, not as slouch-around listening gear. They’re built to provide:
  • Unvarnished, direct sound – You listen to everything just as it is—no bass enhancement or “fun” voicing; raw, analytical accuracy.
  • Sweetspot for mixing and mastering – These broad soundstage hints and sharp transient response assist you in identifying problems in a mix.
  • Ease of use on any gear – Due to the 48 Ω impedance, they perform as expected whether used with pro equipment, laptop outputs, or phones.
  • Comfort that doesn’t lag – Designed to be worn all day long, with replaceable parts to make them last longer.
• But, be careful:
  • Your studio quiet is important – External sound will seep in, and your music will seep out—this is not for bus, plane, or noisy room listening.
  • Doesn’t have the convenience of a headset – If you require a mic, volume controls, or portability, you’ll need to add accessories or opt for a different design.
  • Brightness is accompanied by definition – The crisp highs serve to disclose faint nuances—but if you’re trebly sensitive, you may find it tiring.

• Launch price: $199 USD / €199 .
• Comes with: headphones, detachable mini‑XLR cable, 6.35 mm adapter, soft drawstring pouch .
• Available now from Beyerdynamic and authorized retailers .

• Audio professionals (engineers, mixers, editors) who require detail and clarity.
• Audiophile listeners who like open-back headphones and listen in quiet spaces.
• Modern users who desire compatibility with devices such as laptops, interfaces, and smartphones without the need for a headphone amp.

• Sturdy construction with replaceable parts: Built with spring steel, thick plastics, and rugged metal components; almost every part—ear pads, headband, cable, even drivers—is replaceable .
• Long-lasting: Decades of service have been reported by many users with only occasional pad/headband replacement .
• Locking, detachable cable: Mini-XLR cable snaps securely to reduce the chances of accidental disconnection, improving reliability.

• Technical specs (through German PR):
  • SPL: ~97 dB @1 mW / 500 Hz, 111 dB @1 V
  • Total harmonic distortion <0.15% @500 Hz
  • Ambient noise attenuation approximately 16 dB (thanks to open-back)
• Ready for any device: 48 Ω impedance and 100 dB/mW sensitivity enable the headphones to sound great with laptops, portable DACs, or studio equipment .

• Soft but firm: Memory-foam velour earpads and padded headband (with recessed “fontanelle”) provide comfort for extended sessions.
• Adjustable clamp: Built with strong clamping pressure for studio application; users comment it will loosen with time, yet some find it stiff at first .
• Room for upgrading the pads: Third-party thicker pads (e.g., Dekoni) are suggested by some users to enhance comfort and minimize ear contact .

• The “studio magnifying glass”: STELLAR.45 drivers and open-back configuration act like a precision tool for pinpointing mix flaws .
• Impressive technical aspects
  • Bass is controlled but not overemphasized
  • Mids are nuanced and clear, and great for vocals/instruments
  • High frequencies are crisp without harshness or sibilance
  • Amazing soundstage and imaging with clear instrument placement .

• “They literally don’t have a single scratch on them, freaking tanks!”
• “Pads are notorious for wearing out quickly… flatten after 2–3 months”
• “Dekoni Elite Velour… thicker and more comfortable with glasses”

The DT 990 Pro X is a robust, functional, and extremely revealing open-back headphone that is well-suited to studio application and critical listening. They have great specs, a broad soundstage, and durable build quality, with some comfort adjustments suggested for long listening periods.