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 |
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.
How much does the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro cost?
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro lists at $356 at Amazon as of February 8, 2026. Prices change often, so the merchant page shows the current figure.
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 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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