Sennheiser HD490 Pro Review

Sennheiser has long been a titan in the audio world, revered by audiophiles, musicians, and sound engineers alike for its commitment to pristine sound quality, ergonomic design, and durability. From the legendary HD600 series to the more recent HD800S, the German manufacturer has consistently set the bar high for open-back headphones. Enter the Sennheiser HD490 Pro—a model that, based on Sennheiser’s trajectory, promises to blend the precision of studio-grade monitoring with the comfort and versatility demanded by modern audio professionals. In this review, we’ll dive into the design, sound quality, features, and overall performance of the HD490 Pro, exploring whether it lives up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessors.

What is the HD490 Pro?

The Sennheiser HD490 Pro is positioned as a professional-grade, open-back headphone designed for critical listening, mixing, and mastering. While Sennheiser has not historically rushed to flood the market with new models, each release tends to reflect meticulous engineering and a clear purpose. The HD490 Pro appears to follow this tradition, targeting audio engineers, producers, and musicians who need a reliable tool for dissecting sound with surgical precision. Priced in the mid-to-high range (likely between $300 and $500, based on Sennheiser’s typical pricing for pro-grade gear), it sits comfortably between consumer-oriented models like the HD599 and flagship offerings like the HD800S.

Out of the box, the HD490 Pro is expected to come with a standard suite of accessories: detachable cables (likely a short 1.5m and a longer 3m option), a carrying pouch or case, and perhaps replacement earpads—a nod to Sennheiser’s focus on longevity. But beyond the unboxing, it’s the performance that matters most. Let’s break it down.

Design and Build Quality

Sennheiser has a knack for understated elegance, and the HD490 Pro doesn’t stray far from this philosophy. Visually, it likely adopts the utilitarian aesthetic of its HD Pro siblings, with a matte black or dark gray finish, subtle branding, and a lightweight yet sturdy frame. The headband, cushioned with soft padding, promises all-day comfort—a critical feature for marathon mixing sessions. The earcups, large and oval-shaped, are designed to envelop the ears without clamping down too hard, a hallmark of Sennheiser’s open-back designs.

The build quality feels reassuringly solid, with a mix of high-grade plastics and metal reinforcements in key stress points like the headband sliders. At an estimated weight of around 260-300 grams (light for an open-back studio headphone), the HD490 Pro strikes a balance between durability and wearability. The open-back design, characterized by perforated grilles on the outer earcups, hints at its purpose: uncolored sound reproduction with a wide soundstage, at the expense of noise isolation.

One standout feature is the replaceable earpads. Sennheiser has a history of prioritizing repairability, and the HD490 Pro likely continues this trend with velour or hybrid pads that can be swapped out as they wear down. This not only extends the headphone’s lifespan but also allows users to tweak the sound signature slightly by experimenting with different pad materials (assuming Sennheiser offers variants, as they have with past models).

The detachable cable system is another win for practicality. With a locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection during use, the HD490 Pro caters to the needs of professionals who might be moving around a studio or plugging into various setups. The cables themselves—likely coiled and straight options—feel robust, though some users might wish for a more premium braided finish at this price point.

Overall, the design screams functionality over flashiness. It’s not a headphone that demands attention on the street; it’s built for the studio, where comfort and reliability reign supreme.

Sound Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sennheiser’s reputation hinges on sound, and the HD490 Pro is no exception. As an open-back headphone, it’s engineered for transparency and accuracy rather than bass-heavy thrills. Let’s dissect its performance across the frequency spectrum.

Low Frequencies

The bass response on the HD490 Pro is likely to be tight and controlled rather than boomy. Open-back designs inherently sacrifice some low-end punch due to the lack of sealed enclosures, but Sennheiser has a knack for coaxing out detail even in this range. Expect sub-bass to roll off gently below 40 Hz, with a focus on clarity over quantity. Kick drums and basslines in genres like jazz or classical should feel articulate and well-defined, though EDM enthusiasts might find the lows too restrained for casual listening.

This tuning makes sense for its intended use. In mixing and mastering, exaggerated bass can mask issues in a track, so the HD490 Pro’s neutral approach ensures you hear what’s actually there—not what’s been hyped up.

Midrange

The mids are where Sennheiser typically shines, and the HD490 Pro is poised to deliver a masterclass in vocal and instrument reproduction. Expect a flat, uncolored midrange that brings out the nuances of acoustic guitars, pianos, and human voices with startling realism. There’s no forwardness or recession here—just a clean, honest presentation that lets you pinpoint every layer in a mix.

For sound engineers, this is gold. Whether you’re balancing a vocal against a guitar or checking for harshness in the 1-3 kHz range, the HD490 Pro’s midrange clarity should make it easy to spot flaws without fatigue. Compared to competitors like the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro, which can lean brighter, the HD490 Pro likely opts for a smoother, less aggressive tone.

High Frequencies

Treble is often a make-or-break factor in studio headphones, and Sennheiser tends to tread carefully here. The HD490 Pro’s highs are expected to be crisp and detailed without veering into sibilance or harshness. Cymbals should shimmer with natural decay, and stringed instruments like violins should retain their airiness without piercing the eardrums.

That said, the open-back design enhances the sense of space, giving the treble an expansive quality that closed-back models struggle to replicate. If there’s a critique, it might be that the uppermost frequencies (above 10 kHz) lack the sparkle of Sennheiser’s pricier HD800S. Still, for the price and purpose, the HD490 Pro’s treble strikes a commendable balance between detail and comfort.

Soundstage and Imaging

One of the biggest selling points of open-back headphones is their soundstage, and the HD490 Pro doesn’t disappoint. The width and depth are impressive, creating a three-dimensional space that makes it easy to place instruments in a mix. Imaging—the ability to pinpoint where sounds originate—is precise, rivaling more expensive models like the AKG K702.

This spaciousness is a double-edged sword. It’s a dream for critical listening and stereo mixing, but it comes at the cost of isolation. In a noisy environment, external sounds will bleed in, and your music will leak out—something to consider if you’re working in a shared space.

Overall Sound Signature

The HD490 Pro’s sound is best described as reference-grade with a hint of warmth. It’s not as analytical as some competitors (looking at you, Beyerdynamic), but it avoids the overly clinical feel that can make long sessions fatiguing. For professionals who need accuracy without sacrificing musicality, it’s a near-perfect fit.

Features and Functionality

While the HD490 Pro isn’t packed with bells and whistles like Bluetooth or active noise cancellation (features irrelevant to its studio focus), it offers practical touches that enhance its usability.

Impedance and Amplification: With an impedance likely around 80-120 ohms (a safe guess based on Sennheiser’s pro lineup), the HD490 Pro is efficient enough to run off a laptop or audio interface but benefits from a dedicated headphone amp for optimal dynamics. This versatility makes it accessible to both hobbyists and pros.
Comfort for Long Sessions: The lightweight design and breathable earpads ensure you can wear these for hours without hot spots or clamping pressure. Sennheiser’s ergonomic expertise shines here.
Cable Options: The dual-cable approach (short for desk use, long for studio mobility) adds flexibility, though some might wish for a balanced cable option out of the box.

One potential omission is a hard carrying case. If Sennheiser opts for a soft pouch instead, frequent travelers might need to invest in aftermarket protection.

Comparisons and Competition

How does the HD490 Pro stack up against its rivals? Let’s look at a few key contenders:

Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro: The DT 1990 offers a brighter, more analytical sound with detachable pads and cables. It’s a bit heavier and less warm than the HD490 Pro, making Sennheiser’s option more comfortable for long-term use.
AKG K702: Known for its expansive soundstage, the K702 is a direct competitor. However, its build feels less premium, and its treble can be fatiguing compared to the HD490 Pro’s smoother highs.
Sennheiser HD600: An in-house comparison reveals the HD490 Pro as a modern evolution—similar neutrality but with a wider soundstage and updated comfort.

At its presumed price, the HD490 Pro sits in a sweet spot, offering pro-grade performance without the flagship cost of an HD800S.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Exceptional sound clarity and neutrality
Wide, immersive soundstage
Comfortable for extended wear
Replaceable parts enhance longevity
Versatile cable options

Cons:

Limited bass impact (typical for open-back)
No noise isolation
May require an amp for best performance
Potentially lacks a hard case

Final Thoughts

The Sennheiser HD490 Pro is a stellar addition to the brand’s professional lineup, blending the accuracy of a studio monitor with the comfort and musicality Sennheiser is known for. It’s an ideal choice for audio engineers, producers, and musicians who need a reliable, transparent tool for mixing and mastering. Casual listeners might find its open-back design and neutral tuning less exciting, but that’s not the point—this is a workhorse, not a show pony.

If you’re in the market for headphones that reveal every detail in your audio without breaking the bank, the HD490 Pro deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s not just a headphone; it’s an investment in precision.