Beyerdynamic
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Black Special Edition
Best open-back headphones for professional studio mixing and critical home listening.
Experience exceptional audio clarity with the Beyerdynamic DT 990 Black Special Edition headphones. Designed for discerning listeners, these headphones deliver a clean, uncolored, and open sound profile perfect for studio mixing, mastering, or immersive home listening. The plush velour ear pads and over-ear design ensure supreme comfort for extended sessions. Built with Beyerdynamic's renowned durability, they feature replaceable components for lasting performance. Enjoy precise stereo imaging and a spacious soundstage that brings your audio to life.
$155.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
454
/ 6142
#454 in Headphones
Price vs Category Average
-74%
Below average
Wearing Style
Over-ear
/ Over-ear
Who it's for
- Long-session listeners prioritizing comfort for all-day wear
- Professionals needing gear that survives daily studio wear and tear
- Audiophiles and gamers seeking immersive, wide-reaching spatial audio
Who should skip it
- Users wanting easy cable customization or simple field repairs
- Commuters or office workers requiring privacy and noise isolation
- Listeners sensitive to harsh or piercing high-frequency sounds
Performance breakdown
Soundstage Width
Open-back design creates an expansive, airy environment for your music.
Long-term Comfort
Plush velour pads make marathon mixing sessions feel effortless.
Build Durability
Rugged construction with easily replaceable parts ensures years of reliable service.
Imaging Precision
Pinpoint accuracy allows you to place every instrument in the mix.
Power Requirements
High 250-ohm impedance necessitates a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance.
Frequency Neutrality
Clean, uncolored output provides the transparency needed for critical studio work.
Key Specs
Wearing Style
Over-ear
Operating principle
Open
Transmission Type
Wired
Impedance
250 Ohms
Nominal Headband pressure
Approx. 2.8 N
Features
- Open-back design for expansive soundstage
- High-impedance drivers for detailed sound
- Plush velour ear pads for superior comfort
- Durable construction with replaceable parts
- Excellent stereo imaging and reproduction
- Ideal for studio mixing and mastering
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
What customers say
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Black Special Edition is praised for its outstanding comfort and solid construction. Users frequently mention the soft velour ear pads, enabling extended listening sessions without discomfort. The open back design contributes to an immersive, spacious soundstage. Its elegant all black finish provides a stylish appearance. Despite a fixed cable, the headphones are noted for their durable materials, suggesting good long term reliability and value.
Know before you buy
Yes, because these headphones have a 250-ohm impedance, they require a dedicated headphone amplifier or a high-quality audio interface to reach their full potential. Plugging them directly into a standard laptop or phone will likely result in low volume and thin sound.
No, the open-back design allows sound to pass through the ear cups in both directions. They are intended for quiet studio or home environments and will not block out ambient noise, nor will they prevent your music from leaking to people nearby.
They are designed specifically for extended use. The plush velour ear pads and moderate headband pressure provide a lightweight, breathable fit that prevents the fatigue often associated with long studio sessions.
Yes, the DT 990 Black Special Edition is built with durability in mind, and most key components, including the ear pads, are replaceable. This modular design helps extend the lifespan of the headphones significantly.
The open-back design creates a much wider, more natural soundstage that mimics the experience of listening to speakers in a room. While you lose the isolation of closed-back models, you gain superior stereo imaging and a more spacious, uncolored sound that is ideal for critical mixing and mastering.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$155