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Plugin BoutiqueThe HD 490 Pro Plus is the modern successor every mixing engineer has been waiting for: a neutral, uncolored reference that finally fixes the old 300-ohm low-end complaint. Its 130-ohm impedance drives easily from an audio interface, laptop, or phone while its low-frequency cylinder system delivers the deepest, most defined bass of any Sennheiser open-back. The midrange stays honest — vocals, guitars, and strings sound lifelike with realism that rivals headphones costing twice as much. Two switchable ear pad sets (mixing and producing) let you tune the presentation to the job, and the included dearVR MIX-SE plugin adds a virtual room reference for translation checks.
HD 490 Pro vs DT 990 Pro: Open-Back for Mixing?
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro are two of the most capable open-back headphones for mixing.
Verdict
The HD 490 Pro Plus is the reference mixing pick — open, detailed, and honest about what's in your mix. The DT 990 Pro is the comfort pick for long tracking and editing sessions. If you mix more, go HD; if you work long hours, go DT.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus
Pros
- Modern reference neutrality with the deepest, most defined bass of any Sennheiser open-back
- 130-ohm impedance drives easily from any interface, laptop, or phone — no amp required
- Two switchable ear pad sets (mixing + producing) tune the sound to the job
- Washable, replaceable pads and open-frame architecture keep THD under 0.2%
- Includes dearVR MIX-SE plugin for virtual-room mix translation checks
Cons
- Open-back leaks sound — unusable while recording vocals with a live microphone
- — a real spend versus the DT 990 Pro
- Needs a quiet room to get the full benefit of the open design
- The two included pad sets are the only way to change the voicing — there are no onboard EQ or tone controls
- At 260 g it weighs 10 g more than the DT 990 Pro — a minor difference that adds up in long sessions
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Pros
- Perforated grille expansive soundstage width depth instrument separation
- Treble emphasis 9kHz crisp articulate edge reveals reverb tails
- 250-ohm balances portability with amplifier benefit
- Velour earpads breathable comfortable 6+ hours
- Beyerdynamic 10-year parts availability
Cons
- 9kHz treble peak causes listening fatigue after 2-3 hours
- Mix translation unreliable tracks dull on flat systems
- Non-detachable cable requires soldering if fails
- Bass lacks extension below 40Hz no sub-bass impact
How Do They Compare?
| Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus | Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 1997 | 1985 |
| Type | Open-back | Open-back |
| Best For | Critical mixing reference | Open-back mixing and listening |
| Frequency Response | 12 Hz – 40.5 kHz | 5 Hz – 35 kHz |
| Impedance | 300 Ω | 80 / 250 Ω |
| Driver | 42 mm dynamic | 45 mm dynamic |
| Sensitivity (SPL) | 97 dB | 96 dB |
| Max Input Power | 200 mW | 100 mW |
| Cable | Detachable, 3 m, ¼" | Fixed, 3 m |
| Weight | 260 g | 250 g |
Is the HD 490 Pro Plus the Best for Reference Mixing?
Is the DT 990 Pro the Best for Detailed Editing?
The DT 990 Pro takes the opposite approach with a pronounced V-shaped curve — elevated bass and treble with a recessed midrange. The result is an exciting, spacious, detailed sound. The treble peak around 8-10kHz is famous, giving an exaggerated sense of detail useful for spotting high-frequency issues. The bass is boosted but tight and controlled. The velour earpads are exceptionally comfortable for long sessions, though clamping force is higher than the HD 490 Pro Plus. Every part is replaceable, meaning the DT 990 can last a lifetime.
Which Is Better for Mix Translation — Neutral or Exciting?
The HD 490 Pro Plus reveals exactly what is in the track for perfect mix translation, while the DT 990 Pro's V-shaped sound requires learning its signature to avoid mix errors. With the HD 490 Pro Plus, you hear exactly what is in the track. Mixes made on them translate beautifully because you are not compensating for coloration — and at 130 ohms they reach full level from an interface, unlike the 300-ohm classics. With the DT 990 Pro, you must learn its sound signature or risk mixes with too much bass or too little treble from compensating for the boosted response. However, the DT 990's extended treble is excellent for spotting sibilance, and its soundstage is noticeably wider than the HD 490 Pro Plus' more intimate presentation. Many engineers use both: DT 990 for tracking and editing, HD 490 Pro Plus for final mix decisions.
Which Open-Back Wins: HD 490 Pro vs DT 990 Pro for Mixing?
For pure mixing accuracy, the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus is the better tool. Its neutral response means you can trust what you hear, and its low impedance means it works from any interface. Every professional engineer should own a pair. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro excels for tracking, editing, and long sessions where comfortable velour pads and exciting sound reduce fatigue. If you can only buy one, get the HD 490 Pro Plus if you mix, and the DT 990 if you track. Better yet, own both — they complement each other perfectly as the yin and yang of open-back headphones.
Compare the HD 490 Pro Plus and DT 990 Pro against other studio staples in our best studio headphones guide. For long listening sessions at the mix position, both keep their composure hour after hour.
⚠️ Attention:Prices may vary depending on your location; your final total is confirmed in your local currency at checkout. Each store applies its own shipping policy: some offer completely free shipping, others charge a shipping fee, and others provide free shipping above a minimum order amount. Additionally, some stores only ship within the U.S.
Conclusion
The HD 490 Pro Plus gives you the unvarnished truth — the modern scalpel of critical listening, now with real low end and easy-to-drive 130-ohm impedance. The DT 990 Pro gives spacious, exciting sound — the sledgehammer of high-detail editing. Own both if you can.
You may also like: Best Studio Headphones for Mixing & Tracking, Best Open-Back Headphones for Mixing, and DT 770 Pro vs DT 990 Pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Products Are in This Guide?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus
Modern open-back reference for mixing. Ultra-precise 38mm drivers, wide dimensional soundstage, switchable mixing/producing ear pads, and the dearVR MIX-SE plugin for confident mix translation.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Open-back mixing headphones with legendary bass extension. The spacious soundstage reveals reverb tails and stereo placement with surgical precision. The DT 770's open-back sibling.
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Cuban Tres, Bass & Guitar - played and recorded with my personal gear