Sennheiser
Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Professional Reference Open-Back Studio Headphones
Best open-back headphones for professional mixing and mastering engineers.
Experience unparalleled audio clarity with the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones, engineered for professionals. These open-back studio headphones deliver precise sound reproduction, ideal for mixing, mastering, and content creation. Their expansive soundstage and detailed frequency response ensure critical listening accuracy. Designed for extended wear, they offer exceptional comfort with a lightweight build and specialized ear pads. The package includes the dearVR MIX-SE plug-in, transforming your DAW into a virtual studio for enhanced mixing confidence and ensuring your mixes translate across systems.
$429.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
48
/ 5520
#48 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-27%
Below average
Frequency Response
638
/ Hz to kHz
Who it's for
- Mixing engineers requiring precise, neutral sound for critical decision-making
- Producers working long studio sessions needing all-day ergonomic comfort
- Studio owners seeking durable gear with long-term serviceability
Who should skip it
- Vocalists recording in open rooms or commuters needing noise isolation
- Budget-conscious creators looking for entry-level monitoring solutions
- Users without a dedicated amplifier or high-output audio interface
Performance breakdown
Frequency Accuracy
Delivers a transparent, uncolored response essential for critical studio mixing decisions.
Soundstage Depth
Open-back architecture creates an expansive, natural environment for precise spatial imaging.
Long-Session Comfort
Lightweight build and specialized pads minimize fatigue during marathon editing sessions.
Software Integration
Included dearVR plug-in effectively bridges the gap between headphones and studio monitors.
Build Durability
Robust construction handles the rigors of daily professional studio environments.
Transient Response
Lightning-fast driver reaction captures subtle nuances in complex audio arrangements.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
6 Hz to 38 kHz
Design
Open-Back Studio Headphones
Color
Black
Connectivity Type
Wired
Headphone Style
Over-Ear
Noise Cancellation
Passive Noise Isolation
Intended Use
Studio Monitoring
Commercial Use
True
Features
- Precise mixing and production reference
- Expansive, natural soundstage
- Includes virtual studio mixing plug-in
- Detailed, accurate sound reproduction
- Ergonomic design for long sessions
- Two distinct ear pad sets
- Detachable cable for studio use
- Lightweight, comfortable build
What customers say
Audio professionals highly value the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO for its exceptional sonic neutrality and accurate translation across playback systems. This reliability is indispensable for critical mixing and mastering where precise element identification is essential. The design prioritizes outstanding comfort, featuring a lightweight build perfect for extended studio sessions. Users also appreciate the versatility provided by two included earpad sets, allowing subtle sound profile adjustments. This superior performance and professional utility establish it as a worthwhile investment for serious audio production.
Know before you buy
While the HD 490 PRO is engineered for professional mixing and mastering, their natural, expansive soundstage makes them an excellent choice for critical listening. However, because they are open-back, they will leak sound and offer no isolation, so they are best suited for quiet environments rather than commuting or public spaces.
The two sets are designed to influence the frequency response and comfort level of the headphones. One set is tuned for a more analytical, neutral sound ideal for mixing, while the other provides a slightly warmer profile for longer production sessions.
The HD 490 PRO is designed to be efficient, but like most professional-grade open-back headphones, they will perform best when paired with a high-quality audio interface or dedicated headphone amplifier. This ensures you get the full dynamic range and clarity required for accurate studio monitoring.
The plug-in creates a virtual acoustic environment within your DAW, simulating the experience of mixing in a professionally treated studio room. It helps you make more informed decisions about panning and depth, ensuring your mixes translate better to other playback systems.
Yes, the HD 490 PRO features a lightweight, ergonomic design specifically built for extended wear. The open-back architecture also prevents heat buildup, which is a common issue with closed-back studio headphones during long sessions.
Because these are open-back headphones, sound will escape from the ear cups and likely bleed into your microphone. They are perfect for mixing and editing, but they are not recommended for tracking or recording scenarios where isolation is required.
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