Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MKII & DT 1990 Pro MKII: the flagship studio headphones get a makeover

At the start of the 2024 school year, Beyerdynamic has moved into the portable audio market with the Aventho 300 wireless headphones and earphones true wireless Amiron 100. The German manufacturer also stayed in business this year with a new monitoring headset called DT 770 Pro X Limited Edition.

Despite this overactivity, Beyerdynamic does not fail to celebrate its 100th anniversary as it should by unveiling an update of its high-end studio references DT 1770 Pro and DT 1990 Pro, both launched in 2015.

New TESLA.45 drivers and 30 Ohm impedance

As effective for mixing as for recording, these new headphones which bear the name MKII are distinguished by their format. The DT 1770 Pro MKII has an isolating closed design, while the DT 1990 Pro MKII adopts open shells whose advantage is to offer a wider soundstage.

Sharing the same characteristics, they give pride of place to performance thanks to the introduction of the new TESLA.45 transducers. These 45mm units, recently designed at Beyerdynamic headquarters in Germany, are now equipped with a PEEK polymer membrane, a revised diaphragm and a lightweight voice coil. This clever mix would have made it possible to increase the resolution and reduce distortion.

With these new helmets, the brand also wanted to correct the faults of the old models. Thus, it announces a more balanced sound, with extended bass and softer treble than those of their predecessors. This decision would come with the aim of reducing hearing fatigue during long listening sessions. Beyerdynamic also found that modern productions demonstrated very complex highs, and that more clarity in this register was necessary to work in good conditions.

Thanks to the use of lighter materials allowing them to display an impedance of 30 Ohms, the DT 1770 Pro MKII and DT 1990 Pro MKII would be easier to power than their 250 Ohm predecessors. However, with respective measurements of 95 dB and 94 dB, their sensitivity has been revised downwards. We therefore do not expect a large difference in volume in association with a low power source.

Interchangeable earpieces for the benefit of sound performance

Beyerdynamic has also focused on comfort by equipping these headphones with a new spring steel headband covered in memory foam. Each of them also comes with two sets of pads. The DT 1770 Pro MKII gives us the choice of velor or leatherette, while the DT 1990 Pro MKII includes two pairs of velor earpads offering different sound signatures. One promises a slight bass boost and the other a more analytical restitution. For a better lifespan, the headband and the pads are also replaceable in the event of wear.

Both headsets of course come with 5m and 3m mini-XLR to 6.35mm jack cables. A cable with a USB-C connector is also available as an option for direct connection to a smartphone.

The DT 1770 Pro MKII and DT 1990 Pro MKII monitoring headphones are already available at a price of €549. You will therefore have to pay €100 more compared to older models to benefit from the latest acoustic prowess from the German brand.