Sennheiser, the German audio brand, which is highly regarded by professional musicians and audio enthusiasts, released the open-back studio monitor headphones, the HD490PRO!
Some of you might already be familiar with it, by introducing it at NAMM 2024, the world's largest music trade show held in January 2024 in Anaheim, California.
The HD490PRO incorporates Sennheiser's long-established acoustic technology and can be considered a reference model of monitor headphones.
In addition to the standard HD490, this product lineup includes the HD490PRO PLUS, which equips a dedicated case, headband cushion, and a 3.0m straight cable.
This time, I would like to try the HD490PRO PLUS and review it.
Appearance and Dedicated Case
The package design looks like this. Due to the size of the dedicated case, its size is also quite large. The dedicated case is made very sturdy as well. It is not only suitable for storage, but also reassuring to carry it around.
Inside the dedicated case,the headphones, cables, ear pads, and headband cushion are included.
Two Types of Ear Pads with Different Sound and Wearing Comfort
The ear pads include two types: velour and cloth. Upon changing them, you can notice that both the sound and the wearing comfort vary depending on the chosen ear pads.
The velour type offers a soft fit that snugly conforms to the ears without gaps. It has a very good fit with a soft texture. Perhaps due to the ear pads' tight seal, the bass feels very solid, delivering an impressive amount of bass that doesn't seem typical of open-back headphones.
On the other hand, the cloth ear pads have a smooth surface texture that feels less likely to cause sweating, even in summer. Compared to the velour type, the sound is more balanced from bass to treble, giving a lighter overall sound quality. Rather than determining which is better, it seems more appropriate to choose based on usage and personal preference.
On the inside of the ear pads, large "L" and "R" logos are positioned, making it possible to distinguish left and right even in low-light conditions by touch and visually.
The Simple Design Typical of Sennheiser
The appearance is typical of monitor headphones, featuring a simple design without unnecessary decorations. What stood out was the weight of the headphones. Once you pick it up, you'll notice it is very lightweight. Even when worn, the weight of the headphones is not noticeable, making them seem less tiring for long recording sessions, for example. The housing adopts a honeycomb mesh structure, allowing the driver unit to be visible.
Detachable Cable
The cable is detachable with a MINI XLR 4-pin connector. It can be attached to either housing (left or right), allowing you to switch the cable connection according to the environment at hand, which is a convenient feature.
The Natural Sound and High Sound Quality Unique to Open-Back Headphones
The notable sound quality resembles the HD600 series but with a flatter sound and a solid resolution.The natural and rich mid-low tones, characteristic of Sennheiser, envelop you, along with clear high frequencies and excellent overall balance, are truly remarkable. Despite being open-back, it impresses with a refined and substantial bass, without any sense of lacking in low frequencies.
Versatile Sound
The sound is overall natural and clear, without distinctive quirks,which makes it extremely easy and sophisticated to listen to it for hours.It's a versatile sound that handles rock, pop, jazz, and dance music with solid expression.
Summary
These are recommended for those seeking open-back monitor headphones, Sennheiser enthusiasts, and anyone who are looking to get the next generation of monitor headphones.
Order from here.
Sennheiser / HD490PRO Open-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
Sennheiser / HD490PRO PLUS Open-Back Studio Monitor Headphones with 3m Cable
Product Information
- Model : Dynamic, Open-back
- Driver Diameter : 38mm
- Frequency Response : 5~36,100Hz
- Sensitivity : 105 dB SPL (1 kHz/1 Vrms), 96 dB SPL (1 kHz/1 mW)
- Total Harmonic Distortion : <0.2%
- Impedance : 130Ω
Accessories :
- HD490PRO : 1.8m cable, 6.3mm adapter, replacement ear pads
- HD490PRO PLUS : 1.8m cable, 3.0m cable, 6.3mm adapter, dedicated case, replacement ear pads, headband cushion