Beyerdynamic has launched the second generation versions of its closed-back DT 1770 and open-back DT 1990 Pro MKII studio headphones, adding a newly developed dynamic Tesla.45 driver.
As studio reference headphones, the DT 1770 Pro and DT1990 Pro boast a new impedance of 30 ohms and are adaptable to a wide range of playback devices, says beyerdynamic, without compromising sound quality.
At the heart of the DT 1770 Pro MKII and DT 1990 Pro MKII is the Tesla.45 driver, which was developed and manufactured at the company’s headquarters in Heilbronn. Its advanced diaphragm cuts distortion and sharpens response, preventing ear-fatigue during long sessions and offering clearer sound compared to its predecessor.
The membrane is made of high-performance PEEK polymer that delivers deep, precise bass, claims the company, while a lighter voice coil made of aluminum-coated copper wire refines the treble. Each driver is thoroughly tested multiple times during production to ensure consistent, high-quality sound.
The DT 1770 Pro MKII and DT 1990 Pro MKII models offer lower Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for a cleaner, more accurate signal. They also deliver a more balanced treble response without sharp spikes, while still maintaining beyerdynamic’s sound signature: high detail and clarity across the entire treble range.
With its closed-back design, the DT 1770 Pro MKII is ideal for recording, monitoring, and editing, offering a lively sound profile with powerful, deep bass. Compared to the previous model, the frequency response is smoother on the upper mids and higher frequencies are more balanced, making it a versatile tool for studio setups. The closed-back design also effectively suppresses background noise and reduces microphone bleed, making them ideal for focused work.
Designed for mixing, mastering and editing, the DT 1990 Pro MKII employs an open-back design that creates a natural, spacious soundstage with accurate bass response, even in the lowest octaves. With the DT 1990 Pro MKII, beyerdynamic reduced the highs at 8 kHz, while still maintaining the detailed highs from 10 kHz found in the previous model to help prevent users from making critical mixing errors. The treble has also been slightly reduced from the previous model, providing a more balanced sound profile.
Both the DT 1770 Pro MKII and DT 1990 Pro MKII were designed for optimal comfort during long nights in the studio or editing tracks at home. The flexible spring steel headband, made from a combination of memory foam and durable leatherette, features a fontanelle recess to prevent pressure and discomfort from forming at the top of the head.
To address how earpads on headphones endure natural wear and tear with repeated use, beyerdynamic designed the DT 1770 and DT 1990 with replaceability in mind. Both models feature fully replaceable headbands and earpads.
The DT 1770 is equipped with leatherette (ideal for minimizing microphone bleed in the vocal booth) and velour earpads. The DT 1990 comes with two different types of velour earpads. One is a “Producing Velour” that delivers a fuller, more exciting sound thanks to a slight bass boost. This will help drive the creation process before moving on to mixing. The other is a “Mixing & Mastering Velour,” which offers a more analytical sound for making final mix decisions.
The DT 1770 Pro MKII and DT 1990 Pro MKII are supplied with a three-metre detachable cable and a five-metre spiral cable, each equipped with a lockable three-pin mini-XLR connector. Both headphones also come with a dedicated hard case for protection during travel. USB-C cables are available separately for music creators looking to connect directly to laptops, smartphones, tablets, and more.
The beyerdynamic 1770 Pro MKII and DT 1990 Pro MK11 are both available for US$600.