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1 / 7beyerdynamic
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Like good-sounding pillows for your ears.
Noise Isolation / ANC
0.7/ 10
0.7
0.010.0
A 0.7 puts its noise isolation / ANC in the bottom 10% of over-ear headphones we've measured.
Measured on 86 of the 240 we've cataloged.
Key specs
Sound
- Acoustic Design
- Open-back
Design
- Ear Pad Type
- Memory foam
SoundGuys review
Read the full review ›Isolation0.7
Comfort & fit9.6
Connectivity6.5
Design8.0
Portability5.0
Features6.8
The verdict
For less than $200, it's not hard to understand why the DT 990 PRO is considered to be a classic pair of cans for audio producers and music lovers alike. If you don't want to splurge on Beyerdynamic's updated line of DT PRO X headsets, then this is an absolute steal.
✓What we like
✓Comfortable
✓Great sound
✓Price
✕What could be better
✕250Ω requires an external amp
✕Can't replace the cable
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
beyerdynamic DT 990 ProSoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
Measured frequency response (dB) against the SoundGuys house target — the dashed curve. The closer the measured line tracks the target, the more neutral the tuning; peaks ride above the target, dips fall below it.
Frequency response — measurement data
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -6.4 |
| 25 | -5.1 |
| 32 | -3.9 |
| 40 | -2.8 |
| 50 | -1.9 |
| 63 | -1.1 |
| 80 | -1.4 |
| 100 | -0.2 |
| 125 | 0.2 |
| 160 | 0.3 |
| 200 | -0.3 |
| 250 | -1.3 |
| 315 | -2.3 |
| 400 | -2.8 |
| 500 | -2.7 |
| 630 | -2.6 |
| 800 | -1.5 |
| 1000 | -0.0 |
| 1250 | 0.8 |
| 1600 | 2.0 |
| 2000 | 4.3 |
| 2500 | 7.3 |
| 3150 | 9.4 |
| 4000 | 7.5 |
| 5000 | 9.4 |
| 6300 | 11.6 |
| 8000 | 15.7 |
| 10000 | 11.2 |
| 12500 | 5.9 |
| 16000 | 0.7 |
| 20000 | -7.1 |
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
Passive isolation — measurement data
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -0.1 |
| 26 | 0.5 |
| 33 | -0.1 |
| 41 | -0.1 |
| 52 | -0.0 |
| 65 | -0.0 |
| 82 | -0.2 |
| 103 | 0.2 |
| 130 | -0.1 |
| 163 | -0.2 |
| 205 | -0.4 |
| 259 | -0.6 |
| 325 | -0.9 |
| 410 | -1.2 |
| 516 | -2.1 |
| 613 | -2.7 |
| 772 | -3.7 |
| 972 | -1.8 |
| 1220 | -1.4 |
| 1540 | 1.4 |
| 1940 | 2.9 |
| 2440 | 7.5 |
| 3070 | 5.3 |
| 3870 | 9.3 |
| 4870 | 17.6 |
| 6130 | 12.4 |
| 7720 | 13.9 |
| 9720 | 14.9 |
| 12200 | 13.1 |
| 15400 | 14.7 |
| 19400 | 23.3 |
Video reviews and comparisons for this product.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
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Tom TriggsContributor
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large5 ways headphones are going to change in 2027Here's where things are headed.Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeWired vs wireless headphones: Which should you buy?Wired headphones do not automatically sound better.Tom TriggsContributorMore Over-Ear Headphones
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