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 the 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 |
Quick Answers
What is the driver size of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro driver size: 38mm neodymium.
What is the impedance of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro impedance: 130Ω.
What is the frequency response of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro frequency response: 5Hz-36.1kHz.
What is the weight of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro weight: 260g.
What is the design of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro design: Open-back.
What is the included software of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro?
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro included software: dearVR MIX-SE spatial mixing plugin.
Who is the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro for?
It suits home studio mixing (especially with included dearVR plugin), budget-conscious professionals, bedroom producers mixing on headphones instead of monitors. It is not the right pick for tracking/recording sessions (open-back), those without a headphone amp or quality interface.
Is the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro worth buying?
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 the dearVR MIX-SE spatial mixing plugin, a major bonus for bedroom producers working on headphones instead of monitors. It ranks #2 in our Top 5 Over-ear Headphones for Studio. 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.
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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