Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
MusicRadar calls it 'the best overall studio headphone available right now.' Sonarworks rates it 9.4/10, calling it their 'new top pick' that 'dethrones the Sennheiser HD 650.' Includes dearVR MIX-SE spatial mixing plugin—a major bonus for bedroom producers working on headphones instead of monitors.
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Our Verdict
MusicRadar's 'best overall studio headphone available right now.' Purpose-built for modern production with included dearVR MIX-SE spatial mixing plugin—invaluable for bedroom producers mixing on headphones instead of monitors. At $356, it's the best value for serious mixing. Open-back only: NOT for tracking/recording.
Score Breakdown
Pros & Cons
Pros
- •Best overall studio headphone (MusicRadar)
- •Includes dearVR MIX-SE plugin for headphone mixing (worth ~$100)
- •Innovative low-frequency cylinder for accurate bass
- •Two ear pad sets (Mixing and Producing profiles)
- •Lightweight at 260g—best comfort for long sessions
Cons
- •130Ω requires a headphone amp or quality audio interface
- •Open-back—NOT for tracking/recording (sound leaks into microphones)
- •Relatively new (less proven than decades-old standards)
Specifications
| Driver Size | 38mm neodymium |
| Impedance | 130Ω |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz-36.1kHz |
| Weight | 260g |
| Design | Open-back |
| Included Software | dearVR MIX-SE spatial mixing plugin |
Who Is This For?
Best For
- Home studio mixing (especially with included dearVR plugin)
- Budget-conscious professionals
- Bedroom producers mixing on headphones instead of monitors
Not For
- Tracking/recording sessions (open-back)
- Those without a headphone amp or quality interface
Where to Buy
Appears In
Customer Reviews
Alternatives to Consider
Audeze MM-500
Audeze
Developed with 11-time Grammy-winning mixer Manny Marroquin specifically as a mixing tool. Used to mix Kendrick Lamar's #1 album 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' at Larrabee Studios. Its key strength is translation—mixes made on the MM-500 consistently sound right on speakers, earbuds, and car stereos.
Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MKII
Beyerdynamic
The MKII addresses the original's main criticism (excessive treble brightness) while maintaining exceptional resolution. SoundStage! Solo rated it among 'the highest ratings of any pair of headphones I've reviewed.' At 250Ω, it benefits from a dedicated headphone amp or quality audio interface for best results.
Sony MDR-7506
Sony
The industry standard since 1991, found in virtually every professional studio worldwide. Multi-platinum mix engineer Andrew Scheps has used them for decades. The bright, analytical character specifically reveals flaws. Critically, this is the ONLY closed-back headphone on our studio list—making it essential for tracking and recording where sound isolation prevents bleed into microphones.
Sennheiser HD 820
Sennheiser
Sennheiser's flagship closed-back audiophile headphone, using the same 56mm ring radiator drivers as the open-back HD 800 S but paired with concave Gorilla Glass earcup covers that redirect rear driver energy to a built-in absorber. Delivers a remarkably open, spacious soundstage for a closed-back design while offering up to 26 dB of passive isolation.