Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X Review

I have come to appreciate Beyerdynamics for their unique sound profile and high-end open-back designs. This trend continues with the DT 900 Pro X, which was released just last year. Listeners have recommended these headphones specifically for music producers and audio engineers. From my experience, open-back headphones aren’t usually the norm in studio settings. However, they do have the added benefit of spatial sound.

Look and Feel

I would describe the 900 Pro’s as having an overall “minimalist” design. The logo and name are not immediately apparent on the headphones, being written in small lettering. With the exception of the earcups, the 900 Pro’s are all black. Beyerdynamics' design choices lead me to believe that they were aiming for a “studio” look. The 900 Pro’s feel sturdy and well built, featuring a spring steel frame, memory foam headband and velour earpads. The headphones fit pretty well when I tried them. The earpads are soft and they enveloped my ears well. The open-back ear design allowed for “ventilation” where sound can easily pass through the back and not feel enclosed while listening. It’s worth mentioning that the earcups don’t fold or rotate fully, yet do come with a carrying case.

Design and Functionality

The 900 Pro’s make use of Beyerdynamics' own STELLAR.45 driver, known for a detailed sound free from distortion regardless of volume. The driver’s membrane structure will account for minimal distortion as it ensures the voice coil stays securely in the magnet gap even with high oscillations. With an impedance of 48 Ohms, the 900 Pro’s don’t require a headphone amp. I found that the sound quality was good just through my phone and desktop.

Headphone Specifications

Intended Use: Mixing, Mastering, Monitoring

Type: Wired

Operating Principle: Open-back headphones

Fit Style: Circumaural (Around the Ear)

Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz

Impedance: 48 ohms

Cable Type: Straight

Cable Length: 9.8 ft., 5.9 ft.

Plug Size: 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter

Detachable Cable: Yes

Color: Black

Weight: 0.76 lbs

Soundstage

The spatial element on these headphones sounded very natural to me. I was able to hear the ambiance, distance, and panning more clearly within the audio. I felt as if I could locate the distance between me and certain instruments/sounds in space while listening. However, I also noticed that the ambient noise around me was very audible as well, being almost as audible as the headphone audio despite not being so loud. Quiet spaces will provide the best listening experience for these headphones.

Low End

I noticed that the low end on the 900 Pro’s was more audible when compared with the Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro’s and DT 1770 Pro’s. The low frequencies on these headphones shared a similar tone: subtle with just the right amount of punch and presence. Sub-bass handles well on the 900 Pro’s for the most part, however, there was a little distortion on certain songs. It ultimately didn’t sound bad, if anything adding to the sonic experience. Overall the low end is smooth.

Mids

I noticed that the mids tend to support the high and low frequencies more than anything. The low mids however sounded the most interesting to me. It’s hard to explain, but certain low-mid frequencies seemed to emphasize particular “beats” and “tones”. They would emit a warm “enveloping” effect on the ear, especially in the kicks and snares. 

Highs

I would say that high frequencies have the most presence on these headphones. They don’t distort at all and they aren’t too loud. They compliment lead vocals/instruments well, making them prominent within the mix of the song.  I would describe the high-frequency tone as bright overall with a subtle crispness.

Overall

Even at a low price for Beyerdynamic headphones, they still deliver the quality that Beyerdynamic has to offer. I strongly believe that the DT 900 Pro Xs were released with a pro studio market in mind. The added benefit is that they’ve been able to provide an open-back option to these consumers. As quality studio headphones, DT 900 Pro X’s would definitely work well in a wide range of applications, both in and out of the studio.

The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X is available here.