Looking for high-quality studio headphones that deliver an exceptional listening experience? The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Open-Back Studio Mixing Headphones might do the trick for you but don’t blindly snag these headphones before you’ve done your research. Because open-back headphones are different from more conventional consumer-class headphones, yet many new producers are tempted by Beyerdynamic’s industry-leading reputation and the approachable price point of these headphones precisely. They are then surprised by the feel and sound when these arrive on the doorstep.
Because while the DT 900 PRO X may not cover every music-making and audio-editing need for all producers, they do go above and beyond the call of duty for those who know what they’re getting into when they snag themselves a pair of these open-back headphones.
And this review will dive a bit deeper into exactly why this is, so let’s get into it…
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What Is The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X?
The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X, as part of the revered PRO X series, sets a high bar for open-back headphones in the audio industry. Ideally suited for content creators, music professionals, and audio enthusiasts, this German-made piece offers something to everyone who seeks an elevated auditory experience. Beyerdynamic’s novel tuning approach gives the DT 900 PRO X a warmer and resonant tone where vocals and lead instruments have a softened yet distinct presence. At the same time, sibilants like hi-hats retain brightness without becoming piercing.
The STELLAR.45 drivers are engineered to produce highly detailed audio, while the upgraded earpads ensure comfortable listening sessions that last. And the detachable cable makes storage and transport pretty dang easy.
Best Features Of The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X
They Sound Amazing
Often our most significant gripe with headphones, especially open-backed ones, is that they fail to reproduce frequencies evenly across the spectrum (even when they bill themselves as being able to flawlessly). This is especially true in the sub-bass of most headphones, which lack the warmth and “snugginess” of a good low-end from monitors and subs.
But this is not the case with the DT 900 Pro X headphones, and we were pleasantly surprised to hear just how well and accurately they made the lows and mid-range frequencies of our favorite reference mixdowns sound. That’s not to say that these cans boost the bass like many commercial-style headphones do, as their flat response leaves the bass untouched with only a slight perceived boost in the upper frequencies to make lead vocals and instruments have a distinctive pop. But it’s more to say that they give a warm, flat, and super-accurate representation of what’s coming from the speakers.
And for a set of headphones that cost less than $275, that’s more than you could ever ask for! Because these are tailor-made for audio editing and mixing, this flat response is angled for those who work in pro audio and not so much for consumer listeners, and you would be hard-pressed to find more bang for your buck than with these.
They Are Super Comfortable
Since my early days interning at the studio, I’ve felt that headphones with velour pads are more “luxurious” than other standard foam and cloth coverings. And while I understand that comfort is all relatively subjective, it’s undeniable that these headphones, complete with soft and plush velour pads, feel more expensive and posh than their price point would have you believe.
And while they are slightly heavier than many of the other headphones that I’ve worn over the years, the added comfort, durability, and softness of the velour make these some of the more comfortable headphones that I’ve had the opportunity to check out in my time as an audio engineer and music producer. We could wear these for long vocal tracking sessions (pushing 3-4 uninterrupted hours) and never experienced any discomfort typically expected from bulkier headphones.
Their Parts Are Replaceable!
When I bought my first pair of mixing headphones, a pair of Yamahas, well over ten years ago, I was disheartened to see that all of the parts on that $300 device were hardwired in and non-replaceable, meaning that I, as a starving artist at the time, would have to drop a TON more dough if anything were to happen to them (and things always inevitably happen in studio work).
Thank you, Beyerdynamic, for flipping the script on this with the DT 900 PRO Xs!
Many of the core components of these headphones are replaceable, from the headband to the ear pads and even the drivers! Better yet, you don’t need any special tools or industry-insider knowledge to do it, and it all can be accomplished right in your studio or workspace if things break down while you’re working.
It’s also fantastic that the ear pads are replaceable, as during those formative early years interning at the studio, as luxurious as I always assumed velour ear pad headphones were, the overused ones often got a little gunky and worn out. Replacing these pads and returning them to the level of comfort and shine they have when they come out of the box is a fantastic quality-of-life feature that any future intern will greatly appreciate (and your future self, too of course).
What You Might Not Be Too Crazy About
They’re Open-Backed
These headphones sit comfortably in an attractive price range for newer producers, and often newer producers haven’t researched open-backed vs. closed-back headphones. As such, they see glowing reviews of headphones like these and instantly reach for them (even when they are clearly labeled as open-backed).
Let it be known that open-backed headphones are not suitable for everyone, as they allow sound to easily pass in and out of them from the world around you. This makes them a fantastic feature for studio work when you want to be able to hear the sound of the vocals you’re singing or the guitar strings you plucking alongside the backing track coming from Ableton. But they might not be as good for producers making music on the go, in coffee shops, or on the commuter train.
As a working producer and audio engineer, I love that these headphones rarely go within five feet of my audio interface in my well-treated studio. But those looking for more all-purpose headphones for mixing, casual listening, and producing on the go might want to look somewhere else or at least set their expectations correctly.
Velour Might Not Be For Everyone
This one is a minor gripe, but it should certainly be known about the material that makes up the ear pads. Velour is softer than velvet and has a concrete texture to it. I think it’s incredibly comfortable, and my only gripe with it, at least up until I dug a bit deeper into these headphones during this review, was that the ear pads often tend to get gunky after years of use (which is an issue that is wholly alleviated through the replaceable pads for these headphones).
But this same material has a specific vibe that might not work for everyone and that you might not expect if you’re used to the synthetic leather from which most headphone pads are made.
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Specs Of The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X
- Type:Wired
- Open/Closed:Open
- Fit Style:Circumaural (Around the Ear)
- Frequency Response:5Hz-40kHz
- Impedance:48 ohms
- Connectivity:1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter
- Cable Type:Straight
- Cable Length:9.8 ft., 5.9 ft.
- Detachable Cable:Yes
- Color:Black
- Material:Velour Earpads, Memory Foam Headband
- Case/Bag:Carry Bag
- Weight:0.76 lbs.
- Manufacturer Part Number:729906
Will Vance is a professional music producer who has been involved in the industry for the better part of a decade and has been the managing editor at Magnetic Magazine since mid-2022. In that time period, he has published thousands of articles on music production, industry think pieces and educational articles about the music industry. Over the last decade as a professional music producer, Will Vance has also ran multiple successful and highly respected record labels in the industry, including Where The Heart Is Records as well as having launched a new label with a focus on community through Magnetic Magazine. When not running these labels or producing his own music, Vance is likely writing for other top industry sites like Waves or the Hyperbits Masterclass or working on his upcoming book on mindfulness in music production. On the rare chance he's not thinking about music production, he's probably running a game of Dungeons and Dragons with his friends which he has been the dungeon master for for many years.
