INTRODUCTION

    Monitor‑grade headphones sit at an interesting crossroads in the audio world. On one hand, they’re engineered as precision tools, built to reveal balance, expose flaws, and deliver the kind of accuracy that studio work depends on. On the other, the rise of high‑resolution streaming and enthusiast listening has pulled these same designs into the hands of consumers who want a more honest, unfiltered connection to their music. This dual identity has reshaped the category, headphones must now satisfy engineers who demand neutrality while also appealing to listeners who appreciate detail, openness, and a more revealing sound signature. Few models manage to walk that line gracefully, and even fewer become long‑term references. Today, we’re looking at one of the rare headphones that has earned trust in studios while becoming a favorite among detail‑hungry audiophiles, the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 PRO MKII.

    Since 1924, beyerdynamic has stood for first-class, professional audio products that delight discerning customers around the world. The majority of the product lines are handmade at the Heilbronn site. In the product areas “Creator”, “Gamer”, “Work & Learn” and “Enjoyment - Music lovers”, beyerdynamic offers headphones, headsets, microphones, gaming, and home office products. They all have one thing in common: pristine sound. This has always carried the company across the emotional stages of the world, through the inspiring studios of the cities and into the ears and hearts of the people.

    Beyerdynamic’s DT 1990 PRO MKII builds on the company’s studio heritage with a premium open‑back, circumaural design built around the improved TESLA.45 driver, now optimized at 30Ohm for broader device compatibility without sacrificing resolution. The headphones deliver a wide 5Hz–40kHz frequency response and a 94dB SPL nominal sensitivity, giving them the headroom and precision expected from a monitor‑class tool. The construction remains unmistakably Beyerdynamic, a rugged spring‑steel headband, soft circumaural pads, and a redesigned headband pad with a fontanelle recess for reduced pressure during long sessions. The MKII continues the single‑sided mini‑XLR connection system and includes both a 3 meter long straight and 5-meter-long coiled cable, each terminating in a 3‑pin XLR to 6.35mm plug. True to its dual‑use philosophy, the MKII ships with two distinct ear‑pad sets, a “producing” set with a slight bass lift and a “mixing & mastering” set tuned for linearity, allowing users to tailor the headphone’s response to their workflow. At 376g without cable and manufactured entirely in Germany, the DT 1990 PRO MKII maintains the brand’s reputation for durability, precision, and studio‑grade craftsmanship.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Just like with past models The DT 1990 PRO MKII arrived inside a small box that has a small product picture at the front along with the company logo and country of manufacture.

Contact details for beyerdynamic are once again available on a sticker at the rear.

Once you open the box, you'll see a hard carrying/storage case in which beyerdynamic has placed the entire bundle.

Inside the hard carrying/storage case you'll find the DT 1990 PRO MKII, 3 meter long 3.5mm straight detachable cable, 5 meter long 3.5mm coiled detachable cable, two 6.35mm gold-plated jack adapters, set of extra soft earpads and the quick start guide.

THE DT 1990 PRO MKII

At 376g the DT 1990 PRO MKII are as heavy as the DT 1770 PRO MKII and share similar build quality.

Size is also roughly the same with the DT 1990 PRO MKII being medium to large.

Since the DT 1990 PRO MKII are open back studio headphones the exterior of the earcups is perforated.

The company name and logo are printed on both ends of the headband.

Typically, at the base of the left earcup we find the single 3pin mini XLR connector.

Left and right markings along with company information are printed on both ends of the interior.

The velour earpads are quite large and very comfortable so they should cover most people.

The faux leather dressed headpad features a fontanelle recess for maximum comfort.

The headband extends on both sides by 40mm (80mm total) via 11 increments (8 visible ones).

On the exterior of the headpad beyerdynamic has once again placed their logo.

Beyerdynamic uses the same 322g heavy hard carrying/storage case (hardcase pro) with the DT 1990 PRO MKII that measures 21cm in length, 18cm in width and 12cm in thickness.

Once again, this hard case is large enough to store both the headset and its bundle.

This time over beyerdynamic bundles two different pairs of earpads, "producing" velours which are fitted as standard and "mixing & mastering" velours (both are showcased above).

All jacks in this bundle are gold plated.

As usual for my review, I've used a large number of devices including the M15, M23 and R9 music players by FiiO.

CONCLUSION

    The DT 1990 PRO MKII leaves the impression of a headphone that’s grown into itself. It keeps the honesty and resolution that engineers depend on, but the rougher edges have been softened just enough to make it more approachable. The treble is clearer and more disciplined without being sharp, the midrange sits more naturally, and the overall balance feels easier to trust across different genres. Detail is still abundant, imaging is still laser‑precise, and the sense of openness remains a defining trait. Add in the comfort tweaks, the durable build, and the genuinely useful pad options, and you end up with a headphone that fits comfortably into both professional and personal listening spaces. It’s still unmistakably a DT 1990, just one that’s learned how to be a little more forgiving without “losing” its voice.

    Right now, the DT 1990 PRO MKII by beyerdynamic retail for USD699.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 562.03Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) and so just like their predecessor their target audience is quite specific. At the end of the day the DT 1990 PRO MKII (meant for mixing and mastering) is basically the open back version of the DT 1770 PRO MKII (meant for recording, monitoring and editing tasks) and since it’s just as good (slightly better for me to be honest) the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Near Excellent Build Quality
- Balanced Audio Signature
- Comfortable
- 3m & 5m Long Detachable Cables (With 6.35mm Adapter)
- Hard Carrying / Storage Case
- Open Back Design (Expanded Soundstage)

CONS

- Open Back Design (Lack Of Noise Isolation)
- Price (For Some)