Sennheiser has released several noteworthy headphones this year, including the Sennheiser Accentum and Sennheiser Momentum Sport, which we’ve previously reviewed. In this assessment, we focus on the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, an open-back audiophile headphone designed for music production and mixing. These higher-end headphones aim to deliver exceptional acoustic quality, prioritizing neutrality and detail. This description immediately brings to mind the Sennheiser HD 600, a legendary headphone that we’ve rigorously tested and highly praised. Therefore, the HD 490 Pro faces considerable expectations, especially given Sennheiser’s own legacy.
Beyond a detailed examination of the headphones and their included accessories, we offer an insightful bonus for readers particularly interested in music production and mixing: a look into software from Dear Reality and Sennheiser Ambeo. The headphones are bundled with dearVR MIX. This review will provide an initial overview, with a more comprehensive analysis to follow shortly, so stay tuned.
An overview of the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is offered in two configurations, differentiated by their included accessories rather than the headphones themselves. The HD 490 Pro + includes a transport case and a 3-meter cable (in addition to the standard 1.8-meter cable). This enhanced package comes at a higher price point. Consider your need for secure transport; a standalone 3-meter cable is approximately 350 kronor. Regardless of the cable option, a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter is included, alongside two sets of earpads: one optimized for mixing and the other for music production.
Comfort is generally high, but it varies based on the installed earpads. The mixing earpads provide a tighter seal around the ear, improving isolation but sacrificing some comfort. Furthermore, we observed that these pads are somewhat shallow. This is generally unnoticeable until adjusting the headphones, at which point the ears may contact the interior of the headphone. While this might not be universally problematic, once noticed, it can become a persistent distraction.
Conversely, the earpads designed for extended music production sessions offer a notably gentle and comfortable experience. As we noted in our review of the Beyerdynamics DT 900 Pro X, these feel exceptionally soft. The HD 490 Pro’s production earpads provide a similar level of comfort. However, the issue of shallowness remains, albeit to a lesser degree.
Weighing in at 260 grams (identical to the HD 600), the HD 490 Pro occupies a middle ground in terms of weight. For comparison, the DT 900 Pro X is a heavier 343 grams, while the Audio Technica ATH-R70x, which we found to be the lightest we’ve tested, weighs a modest 210 grams.
A key inclusion is access to dearVR MIX software, developed in collaboration with Dear Reality. This plug-in allows users to simulate their mix in various listening environments, such as a car, club, kitchen, or arena. This enables assessment and fine-tuning of the mix for different contexts. Furthermore, a library of headphone profiles is provided for spatial headphone compensation, aiming to neutralize inherent frequency response characteristics for a more balanced sound. A dedicated, in-depth review of Dear Reality – dearVR MIX will be published shortly for those seeking further details.
The sound experience with the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
The HD 490 Pro is engineered for neutrality, acoustic accuracy, and detail retrieval. It achieves these goals effectively, avoiding any artificial enhancement or exaggeration. The soundstage is notably wide, revealing subtle details within familiar tracks. We evaluated the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro using a Scarlett 6I6 Gen2, a modern smartphone (equipped with a 3.5 mm jack), and a budget headphone amplifier connected to a PC streaming from Max (HBO). While sonic performance naturally varies across different sources, the headphones, with their manageable 130 ohms impedance, are compatible with a wide range of devices. Consistently, the soundstage presents an elegant balance of breadth and intimacy, offering both proximity and spaciousness.
High frequencies (High range)
In the opening verse of Agnes Obel – Familiär, the whispered “If I” provides a sensitive test for detail retrieval. The HD 490 Pro does not chase extremes; its strength lies in a consistent frequency response. Its inherent capabilities are evident, and the absence of artificial amplification allows subtle nuances to shine through, as expected from reference-grade headphones.
Mid frequencies (Mid range)
Reproducing the warm synth textures of AIR – La femme d´argent presents no challenge for the HD 490 Pro. While this capability is not unique, the HD 490 Pro distinguishes itself in its ability to precisely position multiple mid-range frequencies without any sense of congestion, even when clustered within a narrow range. In Johnny Ola – Nighthawk, a short, sweeping sound appears regularly before every other beat. The HD 490 Pro renders this sound with enhanced clarity, making it more noticeable.
The ability of headphones to reveal previously unheard details is invariably impressive. One final example is the HD 490 Pro’s ability to consistently approach, but never cross, the threshold of harshness during No.3 Larghetto – ”Van Dieman´s Land. It remains controlled and refined.
Low frequencies (Low Range)
Open-back headphones, with their inherent acoustic advantages in avoiding unwanted frequency blending, often exhibit a relative weakness in the bass response. Several Sennheiser models have been affected by this characteristic. However, we believe the HD 490 Pro performs slightly better in this regard compared to some of its predecessors, including the HD 600. The bass is clearer, more substantial, and possesses greater impact. It avoids the exaggerated bass emphasis found in some in-ear headphones, instead following the pattern established in the other frequency ranges: detailed, nuanced, and never overbearing. However, increasing the volume allows the HD 490 Pro to deliver a satisfying rumble when desired.
How do they stand up against the legend HD 600?
In terms of comfort, the HD 490 Pro’s shallow earpads are a drawback compared to the HD 600, which provides a more comfortable experience during prolonged listening sessions. The HD 490 Pro exhibits greater clarity and definition in the treble range, whereas the HD 600 can sound slightly veiled in comparison. However, the HD 600 offers a smoother and more cohesive stereo image, retaining its edge in this aspect, albeit marginally. The HD 490 Pro excels in bass reproduction, delivering a clearer and more powerful low-end. Finally, the HD 490 Pro boasts an intimate clarity that the HD 600 doesn’t quite match.
Conclusion Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
It is important to emphasize that headphones in this price range (approximately 4,500 kronor) rarely exhibit significant flaws. The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro is a demonstrably excellent headphone, and its nuances become apparent when directly compared to other high-performing models. Factors such as impedance, weight, frequency response, and overall feel become increasingly critical. Many headphones possess unique strengths. For the HD 490 Pro, notable features include machine-washable earpads (when placed in a laundry bag) and a replaceable headband pad. The availability of replacement parts ensures a long lifespan, which is highly desirable for reference headphones used in production or mastering. Familiarity with their specific characteristics is crucial.
Therefore, these details become especially significant. The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro excels in detail retrieval and acoustic precision. Compared to the HD 600, it offers a more vibrant and modern sound signature, with improved bass response, but it doesn’t quite capture the same midrange magic. At the time of writing, the HD 490 Pro is 1,400 kronor more expensive; however, the inclusion of useful software partially offsets this difference, particularly if Dear Reality’s plug-in aligns with your needs.
A cautionary note is warranted: While the HD 490 Pro is impressive, the shallow earpad design necessitates a personal trial before purchase. Long-term headphone use demands two essential qualities: 1) excellent sound and 2) a comfortable fit. The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro excels in the former but falls short in the latter.
Sennheiser provided review units for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence; we maintain objectivity and prioritize our readership.
