Innovation & Tradition: behind the new beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MK II headphones
by Scott Jay
11th February 2025
Sponsored by beyerdynamic
The beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MK II (left) and DT 1990 Pro MK II (right) headphones
Headphones!
Critical to a studio workflow - whether you use them only briefly or whether you wear them extensively, your headphones span both your head, and more figuratively, tasks - from initial recording all the way through mastering. They serve as a point of reference, a quality control device and an isolation chamber of sorts In some cases headphones are even replicating surround/immersive facilities - there’s a lot they have to do, so really, you should be getting the best you can.
The headphone manufacturing space is a competitive one. Of all the names currently making high-end cans for your ears, beyerdynamic (always a small-b!) has long been one associated with quality and innovation. With a history spanning over a century, the German company has consistently pushed boundaries of audio technology delivering headphones that are both revered, and reliable. The release of the beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO MkII and DT 1990 PRO Mk II headphones in late October 2024, both updated versions of their predecessors, marks another significant milestone in their long legacy.
We aren't going to break down the detailed specs of the headphones here - you can read all that in the Gearspace thread linked above. Instead, we wanted to give some insight into the design philosophy of how they came to be in the first place, and how beyerdynamic undertook the difficult task of improving a de facto standard.
As a quick product summary, the DT 1770 and DT 1990 PRO MK II are the latest editions of the closed-back and open-back versions (respectively) of beyerdynamic’s flagship studio headphones - still handmade in Germany to this day. Found in facilities worldwide ranging from small bedroom project studios to high-end rooms, and with a lineage going back decades, these are some of the best-known and best-loved headphones in use today. With an iconic look, a notable level of comfort and an outstanding sound reproduction they are frequently the first choice of engineers everywhere. So how are these new models better than their predecessors?
The Craft Behind the Creation
At the heart of these new releases is the remarkable TESLA.45 driver technology, an innovation borne from rigorous research and development. Ante Mihalj is an Acoustic Design Engineer at beyerdynamic, and we were able to secure an email interview with him to ask some questions about the drivers, the headphones and some of the thinking behind the redesign of a classic in a company that is never content to sit still.
With five years at the company, Ante describes the working atmosphere as collaborative and dynamic, reflecting the open-space design of their Heilbronn headquarters. It is here that the melding of tradition and cutting-edge technology happens, a process that requires a passion for audio excellence - and a good cup of coffee!
“The beyerdynamic headquarters are in Heilbronn, where most of the departments are located, including the driver and headphones production. The development team shares two free spaces offices at the ground floor. By stepping into the beyerdynamic R&D offices you will first meet the acoustic engineers and the product management team. Separated by a wall, you will find our meeting and lunch area including a nice kitchen where you can make yourself great coffee!” he describes.
“Continuing the tour with that fresh cup of coffee in your hand, you meet our designers and mechanical engineers who are responsible for the visual appearance, comfort and mechanics of our headphones. Down the hallway you will be greeted by our project management team, followed by more engineers,” writes Ante. There is clearly no shortage of brains in this facility. But there is a clear return on the design space. “The benefit of a free space office where every core member of the development team is situated makes a strongly collaborative atmosphere. This gives you a much better feeling of teamwork - but it can get pretty busy at times. Luckily for us acoustic engineers, we make use of the dedicated measurement rooms, including a large anechoic chamber where we can work in complete silence,” he writes.
The MK II editions of the DT1770 and DT1990 headphones are not just an iterative upgrade - they have evolved from the iconic models that came before them, maintaining the core ethos that made them studio standards, while cleverly integrating new features.
Ante describes this process over the last five years. “The customers loved our DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MK I headphones and we are really happy with those products. Without wanting to interfere with the core values of the MK I, the goal was to bring this know-how to the flagship studio headphones.
This evolution is tactually and visually evident in the improvements to the headphone’s physical design, including for example, the newly introduced fontanelle recess (a recess in the arch/middle of the headband), which enhances user comfort by better distributing the headphone's weight. “A small change, but a big improvement for the user!” says Ante. “Also the cup design has changed slightly,” he notes.
Comfort is important, but sound is even more important, and beyerdynamic is a firm in pursuit of the best possible. To get to the bottom of the improvements on offer, we’ve gotta look within.
TESLA.45: The Future Is Electric
Central to the enhancements is the new 45mm TESLA.45 loudspeaker driver. Ante explains that the journey to develop this driver was filled with challenges but was ultimately rewarding. Derived from their previous STELLAR.45 development, the TESLA.45 driver reduces Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and offers greater precision, thanks to advanced materials and manufacturing processes.
Ante elaborates. “The original idea was to develop a new driver where we can implement the know-how we have gained during the STELLAR.45 development from the old Tesla models. The first goal was to make a perfect driver for the next generation of headphones. We didn’t plan to make the driver for the new DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MK II models - at first, we thought we would make a new hi-fi headphone, but in the end we came to the conclusion that we should do it for our high-end pro audio headphones,” he explains, giving some insight on how ideas transmute between product types as they evolve. The development process for a new driver is extensive, and intensive at the same time. Ante describes the process.
“Development of a new product is not an easy task and comes with a lot of challenges and some setbacks, which require all the brains to come together and work out the issues. Depending on the complexity of a headphone project, over 200 prototypes at different levels are made. For the TESLA.45 driver this number is actually in the range of over 2000 prototypes across different stages. This painstaking process ensures that every component functions harmoniously, resulting in a driver that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of professional audio engineers,” he writes assuredly.
Heritage vs Innovation
beyerdynamic's illustrious history in pro audio is both a source of pride and a challenge. Balancing the weight of tradition with the demand for innovation is a constant theme in their development process. As Ante points out, the company is driven by a desire to push forward - the "German" approach seen in other industries. This mindset ensures that each new product is not only an improvement on its predecessor but also a step forward in audio technology.
The beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MK II in use in a studio
Ante: “Once we are satisfied with a specific acoustic design, we take a moment to enjoy the headphones. I am personally a big hip-hop fan, so you can find a lot of old school stuff like Cypress Hill, a lot of Eminem songs, Apache 207 or some newer Croatian artists. I started to really like modern pop production, especially stuff from Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa or Florence and the Machine. Age wise, our team is quite diverse, which reflects on the music taste a lot. The “older” folks mostly play the 70s and 80s rock, where the younger generation listens more to electronic music or hip-hop. It always surprises me when colleagues play something from their playlist, which I never heard before or I didn’t expect they would listen to. This is definitely the most fun part of our job and we really appreciate it!”
Open Back vs Closed Back
Ante next talks about the critical design differences between the 1770 (closed) and 1990 (open) series as it’s not just a question of making one and then tweaking it slightly.
“For an open-back headphone, we need a driver with a low resonance frequency, whereas a closed-back headphone would work pretty well with a driver with a higher resonance frequency, which comes with some other benefits. The membrane foil material we are using is made from multiple layers, and one of those layers acts as dampening. If you increase the thickness of this dampening material, you get better control of resonances in the high-frequency range, which is desirable. On the other side, you also get a higher resonance frequency in the low-frequency range, which doesn´t suit an open-back headphone. Thanks to the additional bass port, even in combination with a high resonance frequency of the driver, a closed-back headphone can still achieve a great bass response,” he reassures us. Many engineers will end up with both sets, to use for different applications too. Both sets of headphones include two types of interchangeable ear pads as well - the DT 1770 PRO MK II includes a traditional velour set for high comfort and durability, and a leatherette set for improved sound isolation when needed. The DT 1990 PRO MK II comes with two sets of velour pads - one for “well balanced” (providing a very slight bass boost) and another for “deliberately analytical”, which you can easily swap out during the most critical phases of mixing, mastering and quality checking.
A Sound Investment
Ante is understandably proud of the final product that has hit the shelves. “The DT 1770 PRO MK II or DT 1990 PRO MK II are a complete package from my point of view. They deliver a high level of workmanship, are Made in Germany with a precise & high quality studio sound, combined with a set of accessories like different cables, a robust case and ear pads. And last, but not least, they will accompany you for a long time. We see it like this: a high-quality studio with loudspeakers and room treatment can easily cost several thousand euros. Headphones, on the other hand, allow you to work professionally, no matter where you are and no matter how good or bad the room sounds. There are some Grammy® Award winners who have mixed worldwide hits on headphones. If you don’t have the money for an acoustically perfect studio, but still want to deliver high-quality work, studio headphones like the DT 1770 PRO or DT 1990 PRO MK II are the perfect alternative!”
Closeup of the robust beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MK II
One of the standout features of the DT series is their robust construction. beyerdynamic headphones are renowned for their durability, often described as "built like a tank." This quality is not only a result of high-quality materials but also of a design philosophy that prioritizes longevity. The use of metal parts over plastic in components like earcups is a testament to beyerdynamic's commitment to quality.
Looking Ahead
Ante is understandably cagey about the blueprints he’s working on today. Trickle-down tech is a very real thing in any industry on the cutting edge but beyerdynamic can only give us hints at the future, suggesting that the TESLA.45 technology could be adapted into other models. While specifics remain under wraps, the company’s commitment to innovation suggests that exciting developments are on the horizon. “With the release of these two products, we aren’t done yet. We don’t lack ideas, and some thoughts are already getting more precise. Let’s keep it a surprise in which direction we will develop and adapt the TESLA.45” comments Ante somewhat mysteriously!
The release of the beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO MK II and DT1990 PRO MK II headphones is more than just a product refresh - it is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in sound engineering. By blending their history of excellence with forward-thinking technology, beyerdynamic continues to set the standard in professional audio. For audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, the DT1770 PRO MK II and DT1990 PRO MK II represent a new sonic standard.
In The Wild
The headphones have been out for a few months now at the time of publication of this article, and feedback from end users and dealers of the new models has been overwhelmingly positive. Michael Böhringer, from beyerdynamic’s marketing team has some comments about their initial reception.
“The feedback has been positive: the products have been perceived as a detailed improvement on the previous series. Above all, the slightly finer treble was praised. The improved flexibility thanks to the 30-ohm impedance was also received positively, even if one has to dispel the myth that high impedance sounds better in general. Modern drivers deliver excellent sound, outstanding technical specs such as low distortion values and the best sound in equal measure. So higher means better is wrong!” he laughs. These enhancements have been recognized as marked improvements on the previous series, demonstrating beyerdynamic’s ability to listen and adapt to user needs.
Frequency-checking with a pair of beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MK II headphones
”We have a slightly more treble-focused sound with these models. As is often the case with headphones, this assessment is very subjective. The advantages are a high level of detail, acoustic events can be perceived and processed better, and overtones from instruments are reproduced very airily.” - Michael Böhringer, beyerdynamic marketing
Moreover, the company’s promise of a long-term supply of spare parts ensures that these headphones are a purchase for life. Gearspace members frequently express their satisfaction with the longevity of their DT series headphones, some of which have remained in excellent condition for decades thanks to replaceable components. Michael notes that “we often receive messages from people writing to us that their DT 770 or DT 990 PRO, for example, is older than they are because their father bought it, for example. Thanks to the spare parts such as the interchangeable ear pads, buttonable headband, etc., the products can be used for decades without any problems.”
The final thought rests with Ante. “It is an honour to work in a company with a 100-year long tradition with a strong userbase. We really appreciate the work our predecessors have done. On the other hand, history makes it hard to balance the new ways of designing a product and to keep the existing customers satisfied. But the good thing is, we are dealing with this challenge every day and making the necessary steps to innovate for the pro audio market,” he comments.
“The customers are much better informed today about the little things which make an audio product great. A lot of reviewers do a great job on objectively testing new products on the market. This is pushing every manufacturer, including beyerdynamic to improve with every product. It is not an easy thing to do, but it makes the ride more interesting!”
For more information on the beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MK II headphones, please visit https://beyerdynamic.com
The beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MK II (left) and DT 1990 Pro MK II (right) headphones
Headphones!
Critical to a studio workflow - whether you use them only briefly or whether you wear them extensively, your headphones span both your head, and more figuratively, tasks - from initial recording all the way through mastering. They serve as a point of reference, a quality control device and an isolation chamber of sorts In some cases headphones are even replicating surround/immersive facilities - there’s a lot they have to do, so really, you should be getting the best you can.
The headphone manufacturing space is a competitive one. Of all the names currently making high-end cans for your ears, beyerdynamic (always a small-b!) has long been one associated with quality and innovation. With a history spanning over a century, the German company has consistently pushed boundaries of audio technology delivering headphones that are both revered, and reliable. The release of the beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO MkII and DT 1990 PRO Mk II headphones in late October 2024, both updated versions of their predecessors, marks another significant milestone in their long legacy.
We aren't going to break down the detailed specs of the headphones here - you can read all that in the Gearspace thread linked above. Instead, we wanted to give some insight into the design philosophy of how they came to be in the first place, and how beyerdynamic undertook the difficult task of improving a de facto standard.
As a quick product summary, the DT 1770 and DT 1990 PRO MK II are the latest editions of the closed-back and open-back versions (respectively) of beyerdynamic’s flagship studio headphones - still handmade in Germany to this day. Found in facilities worldwide ranging from small bedroom project studios to high-end rooms, and with a lineage going back decades, these are some of the best-known and best-loved headphones in use today. With an iconic look, a notable level of comfort and an outstanding sound reproduction they are frequently the first choice of engineers everywhere. So how are these new models better than their predecessors?
A painted portrait of beyerdynamic founder Eugen Beyer
At the heart of these new releases is the remarkable TESLA.45 driver technology, an innovation borne from rigorous research and development. Ante Mihalj is an Acoustic Design Engineer at beyerdynamic, and we were able to secure an email interview with him to ask some questions about the drivers, the headphones and some of the thinking behind the redesign of a classic in a company that is never content to sit still.
With five years at the company, Ante describes the working atmosphere as collaborative and dynamic, reflecting the open-space design of their Heilbronn headquarters. It is here that the melding of tradition and cutting-edge technology happens, a process that requires a passion for audio excellence - and a good cup of coffee!
“The beyerdynamic headquarters are in Heilbronn, where most of the departments are located, including the driver and headphones production. The development team shares two free spaces offices at the ground floor. By stepping into the beyerdynamic R&D offices you will first meet the acoustic engineers and the product management team. Separated by a wall, you will find our meeting and lunch area including a nice kitchen where you can make yourself great coffee!” he describes.
“Continuing the tour with that fresh cup of coffee in your hand, you meet our designers and mechanical engineers who are responsible for the visual appearance, comfort and mechanics of our headphones. Down the hallway you will be greeted by our project management team, followed by more engineers,” writes Ante. There is clearly no shortage of brains in this facility. But there is a clear return on the design space. “The benefit of a free space office where every core member of the development team is situated makes a strongly collaborative atmosphere. This gives you a much better feeling of teamwork - but it can get pretty busy at times. Luckily for us acoustic engineers, we make use of the dedicated measurement rooms, including a large anechoic chamber where we can work in complete silence,” he writes.
The MK II editions of the DT1770 and DT1990 headphones are not just an iterative upgrade - they have evolved from the iconic models that came before them, maintaining the core ethos that made them studio standards, while cleverly integrating new features.
Ante describes this process over the last five years. “The customers loved our DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MK I headphones and we are really happy with those products. Without wanting to interfere with the core values of the MK I, the goal was to bring this know-how to the flagship studio headphones.
This evolution is tactually and visually evident in the improvements to the headphone’s physical design, including for example, the newly introduced fontanelle recess (a recess in the arch/middle of the headband), which enhances user comfort by better distributing the headphone's weight. “A small change, but a big improvement for the user!” says Ante. “Also the cup design has changed slightly,” he notes.
Comfort is important, but sound is even more important, and beyerdynamic is a firm in pursuit of the best possible. To get to the bottom of the improvements on offer, we’ve gotta look within.
Manufacturing TESLA.45 drivers at beyerdynamic in Germany
Central to the enhancements is the new 45mm TESLA.45 loudspeaker driver. Ante explains that the journey to develop this driver was filled with challenges but was ultimately rewarding. Derived from their previous STELLAR.45 development, the TESLA.45 driver reduces Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and offers greater precision, thanks to advanced materials and manufacturing processes.
Ante elaborates. “The original idea was to develop a new driver where we can implement the know-how we have gained during the STELLAR.45 development from the old Tesla models. The first goal was to make a perfect driver for the next generation of headphones. We didn’t plan to make the driver for the new DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MK II models - at first, we thought we would make a new hi-fi headphone, but in the end we came to the conclusion that we should do it for our high-end pro audio headphones,” he explains, giving some insight on how ideas transmute between product types as they evolve. The development process for a new driver is extensive, and intensive at the same time. Ante describes the process.
“Development of a new product is not an easy task and comes with a lot of challenges and some setbacks, which require all the brains to come together and work out the issues. Depending on the complexity of a headphone project, over 200 prototypes at different levels are made. For the TESLA.45 driver this number is actually in the range of over 2000 prototypes across different stages. This painstaking process ensures that every component functions harmoniously, resulting in a driver that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of professional audio engineers,” he writes assuredly.
Heritage vs Innovation
beyerdynamic's illustrious history in pro audio is both a source of pride and a challenge. Balancing the weight of tradition with the demand for innovation is a constant theme in their development process. As Ante points out, the company is driven by a desire to push forward - the "German" approach seen in other industries. This mindset ensures that each new product is not only an improvement on its predecessor but also a step forward in audio technology.
The beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MK II in use in a studio
Ante: “Once we are satisfied with a specific acoustic design, we take a moment to enjoy the headphones. I am personally a big hip-hop fan, so you can find a lot of old school stuff like Cypress Hill, a lot of Eminem songs, Apache 207 or some newer Croatian artists. I started to really like modern pop production, especially stuff from Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa or Florence and the Machine. Age wise, our team is quite diverse, which reflects on the music taste a lot. The “older” folks mostly play the 70s and 80s rock, where the younger generation listens more to electronic music or hip-hop. It always surprises me when colleagues play something from their playlist, which I never heard before or I didn’t expect they would listen to. This is definitely the most fun part of our job and we really appreciate it!”
Open Back vs Closed Back
Ante next talks about the critical design differences between the 1770 (closed) and 1990 (open) series as it’s not just a question of making one and then tweaking it slightly.
“For an open-back headphone, we need a driver with a low resonance frequency, whereas a closed-back headphone would work pretty well with a driver with a higher resonance frequency, which comes with some other benefits. The membrane foil material we are using is made from multiple layers, and one of those layers acts as dampening. If you increase the thickness of this dampening material, you get better control of resonances in the high-frequency range, which is desirable. On the other side, you also get a higher resonance frequency in the low-frequency range, which doesn´t suit an open-back headphone. Thanks to the additional bass port, even in combination with a high resonance frequency of the driver, a closed-back headphone can still achieve a great bass response,” he reassures us. Many engineers will end up with both sets, to use for different applications too. Both sets of headphones include two types of interchangeable ear pads as well - the DT 1770 PRO MK II includes a traditional velour set for high comfort and durability, and a leatherette set for improved sound isolation when needed. The DT 1990 PRO MK II comes with two sets of velour pads - one for “well balanced” (providing a very slight bass boost) and another for “deliberately analytical”, which you can easily swap out during the most critical phases of mixing, mastering and quality checking.
A Sound Investment
Ante is understandably proud of the final product that has hit the shelves. “The DT 1770 PRO MK II or DT 1990 PRO MK II are a complete package from my point of view. They deliver a high level of workmanship, are Made in Germany with a precise & high quality studio sound, combined with a set of accessories like different cables, a robust case and ear pads. And last, but not least, they will accompany you for a long time. We see it like this: a high-quality studio with loudspeakers and room treatment can easily cost several thousand euros. Headphones, on the other hand, allow you to work professionally, no matter where you are and no matter how good or bad the room sounds. There are some Grammy® Award winners who have mixed worldwide hits on headphones. If you don’t have the money for an acoustically perfect studio, but still want to deliver high-quality work, studio headphones like the DT 1770 PRO or DT 1990 PRO MK II are the perfect alternative!”
Closeup of the robust beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro MK II
One of the standout features of the DT series is their robust construction. beyerdynamic headphones are renowned for their durability, often described as "built like a tank." This quality is not only a result of high-quality materials but also of a design philosophy that prioritizes longevity. The use of metal parts over plastic in components like earcups is a testament to beyerdynamic's commitment to quality.
Looking Ahead
Ante is understandably cagey about the blueprints he’s working on today. Trickle-down tech is a very real thing in any industry on the cutting edge but beyerdynamic can only give us hints at the future, suggesting that the TESLA.45 technology could be adapted into other models. While specifics remain under wraps, the company’s commitment to innovation suggests that exciting developments are on the horizon. “With the release of these two products, we aren’t done yet. We don’t lack ideas, and some thoughts are already getting more precise. Let’s keep it a surprise in which direction we will develop and adapt the TESLA.45” comments Ante somewhat mysteriously!
The release of the beyerdynamic DT1770 PRO MK II and DT1990 PRO MK II headphones is more than just a product refresh - it is a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in sound engineering. By blending their history of excellence with forward-thinking technology, beyerdynamic continues to set the standard in professional audio. For audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, the DT1770 PRO MK II and DT1990 PRO MK II represent a new sonic standard.
In The Wild
The headphones have been out for a few months now at the time of publication of this article, and feedback from end users and dealers of the new models has been overwhelmingly positive. Michael Böhringer, from beyerdynamic’s marketing team has some comments about their initial reception.
“The feedback has been positive: the products have been perceived as a detailed improvement on the previous series. Above all, the slightly finer treble was praised. The improved flexibility thanks to the 30-ohm impedance was also received positively, even if one has to dispel the myth that high impedance sounds better in general. Modern drivers deliver excellent sound, outstanding technical specs such as low distortion values and the best sound in equal measure. So higher means better is wrong!” he laughs. These enhancements have been recognized as marked improvements on the previous series, demonstrating beyerdynamic’s ability to listen and adapt to user needs.
Frequency-checking with a pair of beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro MK II headphones
”We have a slightly more treble-focused sound with these models. As is often the case with headphones, this assessment is very subjective. The advantages are a high level of detail, acoustic events can be perceived and processed better, and overtones from instruments are reproduced very airily.” - Michael Böhringer, beyerdynamic marketing
The final thought rests with Ante. “It is an honour to work in a company with a 100-year long tradition with a strong userbase. We really appreciate the work our predecessors have done. On the other hand, history makes it hard to balance the new ways of designing a product and to keep the existing customers satisfied. But the good thing is, we are dealing with this challenge every day and making the necessary steps to innovate for the pro audio market,” he comments.
“The customers are much better informed today about the little things which make an audio product great. A lot of reviewers do a great job on objectively testing new products on the market. This is pushing every manufacturer, including beyerdynamic to improve with every product. It is not an easy thing to do, but it makes the ride more interesting!”
For more information on the beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO and DT 1990 PRO MK II headphones, please visit https://beyerdynamic.com
