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.
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
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Customer Reviews
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