Beyerdynamic - DT990 Pro X LB Black Edition

Unlike closed-back headphones designed to isolate the user from their surroundings, the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X LB Black Edition features an open-back design. This design allows more air to circulate around the drivers and promotes a more natural perception of the soundstage. The headphones are therefore best suited to situations where listening is required to make a precise assessment of a mix, an edit or the details of a take, rather than seeking maximum isolation.

The analytical nature of its sound reproduction is its main appeal. The emphasis in the high frequencies helps to highlight certain irregularities, details or flaws that might more easily go unnoticed with a less revealing listening experience. The DT 990 PRO X LB can therefore be used to complement a pair of monitor speakers when it becomes necessary to precisely check a mix or specific elements of the frequency spectrum.

The STELLAR.45 dynamic driver operates here with an impedance of 48 ohms. This value allows the open-back headphones to be paired with a wide range of sources, from an audio interface to various playback devices. Its frequency response of 5 to 40,000 Hz covers a wide range, whilst total harmonic distortion remains below 0.15 per cent at 500 Hz.

Comfort complements this audio-work-oriented design. The circumaural ear cups completely enclose the ears, and the soft ear pads are replaceable. The flexible headband, reinforced with spring steel, ensures the headphones stay securely in place whilst maintaining a nominal pressure of 5.5 N.

Finally, the 3-metre single-sided cable detaches from the headphones via its lockable 3-pin mini-XLR connector. The 3.5 mm mini-jack plug and the screw-on 6.35 mm adapter allow it to be used with most headphone outputs. Manufactured in Germany, the beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO X LB Black Edition is therefore a precision-oriented listening tool for audio editing and analysis.