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An introduction to Sennheiser HD 490 PRO, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
HD 490 PRO lets you feel the music and forget about the headphones.
— Sennheiser official site
What is HD 490 PRO?
The HD 490 PRO is an open-back studio headphone from Sennheiser, designed for music production, mixing and mastering. Sennheiser positions it as a professional reference headphone built to make fine detail easier to check.
Its open rear design is described as aiming for a wide, spatial soundstage and precise imaging. Sennheiser says this helps with judging panning placement and spotting frequencies that compete with each other.
The dynamic drivers use neodymium magnets, and each earcup has a low-frequency cylinder system. With 130 ohm impedance and 96 dB SPL/mW sensitivity, it is specified for use with a headphone output that has some drive capability.
Two sets of ear pads (mixing and producing) are in the box together with a 1.8 m cable. The cable is detachable and can plug into either earcup, and Sennheiser also lists accessibility touches such as braille-marked earcups and grooved pads for eyeglass wearers.
Open-back design
The rear of each earcup is open rather than sealed. Sennheiser describes it as aiming for a wide, spatial soundstage and precise imaging, which may help when checking panning and overlapping frequency ranges.
Low-frequency cylinder system
Each earcup combines a neodymium magnet with a cylinder structure for the low end. Sennheiser says it is meant to give a full, well-defined bass, which may be useful when sorting out low-end content.
Two sets of ear pads
Mixing and producing pads are included, and Sennheiser says each has its own sound signature. They can be swapped to suit the task, and they are washable and replaceable.
Lightweight, low-pressure fit
The headphones weigh about 260 g, and Sennheiser says the ergonomic design reduces pressure points. Combined with the airy open structure, this may suit long sessions.
Open-frame architecture
Sennheiser's Open-frame Architecture is intended to lower total harmonic distortion and minimise resonance. The official specification lists THD below 0.2% (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL).
Detachable cable, either-side jack
The cable is detachable and plugs into either earcup, so it can be routed to suit the desk or studio layout. Sennheiser also lists optional cables such as a 3 m version.
Accessibility features
Sennheiser notes braille guides for left and right on the earcups and grooved pads for eyeglasses. The packaging is FSC certified, and spare parts are offered.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Open-back dynamic, over-ear |
| Frequency response | 5 – 36,000 Hz (-10 dB) |
| Impedance | 130 ohm (1 kHz) |
| Sensitivity | 105 dB SPL (1 kHz/1 Vrms), 96 dB SPL (1 kHz/1 mW) |
| Max. SPL | 128 dB SPL (1 kHz @ 5% THD) |
| THD | <0.2% (1 kHz, 100 dB SPL) |
| Connection | Wired (3.5 mm, 6.3 mm) |
| Cable length | 1.8 m |
| Weight | 260 g |
| Operating temperature | 0 to +50 C |
| Article no. | 700286 |
What is included and system requirements
- HD 490 PRO headphones
- 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm jack adaptor
- 1.8 m cable
- Set of mixing ear pads
- Set of producing ear pads
- Quick guide
- Safety guide
How to use it
- Plug the supplied cable into the jack on either earcup.
- Connect the other end to the output of your audio interface or headphone amplifier.
- If the connector does not fit, use the included 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adaptor.
- Start with the volume low, then raise it gradually while playing audio.
- Choose the mixing or producing ear pads depending on the task and fit them.
- Play tracks you know well to get used to how they sound on this headphone.
- Pads can be taken off and washed when dirty, and replaced with optional spare pads when worn.
Mixing
It may be useful for checking panning and overlapping frequency ranges. Mixing ear pads are included, so a dedicated setup is possible.
Songwriting and programming
It may suit long sessions where wearing comfort matters. You can also swap to the producing pads to find the one you prefer.
Home-recording checks
Being open-back, it may suit monitoring in a place where sound leakage is not a concern. For cueing during recording, closed-back models are often used instead.
Final mastering checks
Its design aims for a wide soundstage, so it may serve as a reference for reviewing spatial relationships at the end.
Who it may suit
- People who produce or mix music at home and want an open-back monitoring headphone
- People working long hours who value light weight and comfort
- People who already have a headphone amplifier or audio interface
- People who want to wash and replace ear pads to keep using the headphones
Good to know before you buy
- As an open-back model it leaks sound. Take care when monitoring during recording or in a quiet room.
- With 130 ohm impedance, low-output devices may not reach a sufficient volume.
- The HD 490 PRO Plus is a separate item with different cables and accessories. This entry is the HD 490 PRO, article no. 700286.
- The official frequency response is given at -10 dB. Keep measurement conditions in mind when comparing with other makers.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Sony MDR-MV1
The HD 490 PRO lists 130 ohm, 260 g and 5 – 36,000 Hz (-10 dB). The Sony MDR-MV1 lists 24 ohm, about 223 g without cable, and 5 – 80,000 Hz (JEITA). Both are open-back; measurement methods differ.
Price
$429 (Sennheiser official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See HD 490 PRO on the product page
Sources: sennheiser.com (checked 2026-10-27)
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