Beyerdynamic Headphones roundup
Beyerdynamic Headphones: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Beyerdynamic makes a focused range of professional headphones. Here is how to choose between models based on your application, your audio interface, and your budget.
Choosing beyerdynamic headphones involves fewer decisions than buying from a brand with a large consumer line — the range is focused on professional and audiophile use, which makes the choices clearer. The main decisions are: which model suits your application, what impedance version to buy, and whether the features of the newer Pro X series are worth the cost over the classic DT series.
Choosing Beyerdynamic Headphones: Application First
The DT 770 Pro is the standard recommendation for tracking — recording while monitoring through headphones. Its closed-back design isolates you from the room and prevents bleed from headphones into microphones. If you record vocals, instruments, or anything where isolation matters during capture, the DT 770 Pro is the correct tool.
For mixing and critical listening, open-back beyerdynamic headphones are preferable. The DT 990 Pro and DT 900 Pro X are both open-back — their more natural soundstage makes stereo imaging easier to judge and gives a more accurate impression of how a mix translates. For mixing, open-back headphones are consistently recommended over closed-back by professional engineers.
If you need a headphone that works reasonably well for both purposes — some isolation, reasonable soundstage — the DT 880 Pro (semi-open) is the compromise, but it does neither as well as the dedicated models.
Beyerdynamic Headphones: Impedance Options
All three classic DT models are available in 32Ω, 80Ω and 250Ω versions. The 250Ω version requires a good headphone amplifier; it will not reach adequate volume from most consumer devices. The 32Ω version is for phones and portable players. For a typical studio setup with an audio interface — the scenario most buyers are in — the 80Ω version is the right choice. It performs well from the headphone output of most interfaces (Focusrite Scarlett, Universal Audio Volt, Audient iD series) without requiring an additional amplifier.
Classic DT vs Pro X: Beyerdynamic Headphones Compared
The DT 700 Pro X (closed) and DT 900 Pro X (open) use a new 48Ω driver and an updated headband and cable system with a detachable locking cable. The 48Ω impedance is intentionally designed to work well from a broad range of sources, including USB-C interfaces and modern audio equipment. If you are buying for a contemporary setup and the detachable cable is useful, the Pro X series is worth considering. If you want a cost-effective studio workhorse — particularly for a shared studio environment where durability and price matter — the classic DT 770 Pro at 80Ω remains the default recommendation.
Beyerdynamic Headphones: Budget and Value
The DT 770 Pro and DT 990 Pro are available for around £130–£170 new at UK retailers. The Pro X versions cost more. The DT 1770 Pro and DT 1990 Pro represent a significant step up — both in price and performance — for those who need the best. For specific recommendations across price points, see our best for the money guide. For a complete model overview, see our explainer.
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