Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro vs Sennheiser HD 380 Pro
A side-by-side look at Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro and Sennheiser HD 380 Pro for podcasters: pricing, features, and where each one wins.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro
The open-back reference standard for mixing and critical listening
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Sennheiser HD 380 Pro
The HD 280's quieter, more refined sibling with an even flatter frequency response
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Check price on AmazonAt a glance
| Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro | Sennheiser HD 380 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | See site | See site |
| Free plan | No | No |
| Free trial | No | No |
| Best for | Podcast producers and mixers who want open-back reference headphones for critical listening and editing | Producers who want a step up from the HD 280 Pro with a flatter, more refined monitoring character and replaceable cable |
Key features
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
Sennheiser HD 380 Pro
- Closed-back, circumaural folding design
- Up to 32 dB passive noise attenuation
- 8 Hz - 27 kHz frequency response
- 54 ohm impedance
- THD less than 0.1% at 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL
- Detachable and replaceable coiled cable
Pros and cons
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
Sennheiser HD 380 Pro
Pros
- Excellent passive isolation at 32 dB - matches the HD 280 Pro
- Lower distortion and flatter response than the HD 280 Pro
- Replaceable detachable cable - longer lifespan
- Better comfort on extended sessions than the HD 280 Pro
Cons
- Higher price than the HD 280 Pro for incremental improvements
- Coiled cable is long for desktop use
- Less widely available than the HD 280 Pro
The verdict
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…
Choose Sennheiser HD 380 Pro if
Producers who want a step up from the HD 280 Pro with a flatter, more refined monitoring character and replaceable cable.
The HD 380 Pro is Sennheiser's professional closed-back that most audio engineers consider the more accurate companion to the HD 280 Pro. The frequency response is smoother, the THD is lower, and the detachable coiled cable is a practical improvement…