Audio-Technica ATH-M20x vs Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
A side-by-side look at Audio-Technica ATH-M20x and Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The sub-$50 closed-back that outperforms every consumer headphone in its class
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Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
The open-back reference standard for mixing and critical listening
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | First-time podcasters and recording students who want a real monitoring headphone at the lowest reasonable price | Podcast producers and mixers who want open-back reference headphones for critical listening and editing |
Key features
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Closed-back, over-ear design
- 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers
- Fixed 3m straight cable, left-side exit
- 15 Hz - 20 kHz frequency response
- 47 ohm impedance - drives from any source
- Lightweight at 190g without cable
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
- 5 Hz - 35 kHz frequency response
- Open-back, over-ear design - NOT for recording
- 250 ohm impedance - amp recommended
- Velour ear pads for extended comfort
- 3m coiled cable
- Handcrafted in Germany with replaceable parts
Pros and cons
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Pros
- Exceptional value - accurate monitoring at minimal cost
- Genuine closed-back isolation for tracking
- Identical driver tech to the more expensive M-Series models
- Available in black and white
Cons
- Fixed non-detachable cable
- Thinner earcup padding than the M30x and M40x
- Bass extension is the most limited in the M-Series
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
Pros
- Wide, spacious soundstage ideal for mixing
- Comfortable velour pads for long sessions
- Durable and fully serviceable - designed to last decades
- Accurate German engineering with proven studio track record
Cons
- Open-back design bleeds sound - not suitable for recording
- 250 ohm impedance needs a headphone amp or quality interface
- V-shaped tuning is not perfectly flat - learn the curve
The verdict
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-M20x if
First-time podcasters and recording students who want a real monitoring headphone at the lowest reasonable price.
The M20x punches well above consumer headphones and costs less than a nice dinner. The closed-back isolation is real, the frequency response is honest, and the build quality is recognizably Audio-Technica - not plastic toys. For a first recording setup…
Choose Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro if
Podcast producers and mixers who want open-back reference headphones for critical listening and editing.
The DT 990 Pro is one of the most widely used reference headphones in home studios because the wide imaging makes it easier to hear stereo placement and spatial balance in your audio. The 250-ohm version sounds best with a…