Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $387
High-end/Boutique
$100
$301+
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Price History
Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Professional Reference Studio Headphones". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Experience the sound clarity and comfort that only Sennheiser can deliver with the HD 490 PRO Professional Reference Studio Headphones. Designed for the discerning music producer, these headphones offer an open-back design that creates an expansive and immersive sound stage, ensuring every detail of your mix is crystal clear. Engineered for modern music production, the HD 490 PRO provides the precise sound reproduction needed for making crucial mixing decisions with confidence.
The heart of these headphones is a state-of-the-art neodymium magnet and an innovative low-frequency cylinder, delivering rich and accurate bass that allows you to tackle even the most challenging low-end frequencies. The lightweight and flexible design ensures that long sessions in the studio remain comfortable, with ergonomics that eliminate pressure points and allow for natural ventilation. Whether you're mixing or mastering, the included interchangeable ear pads offer unique sound signatures to suit your needs, all while being sustainable with washable and replaceable components.
Enhance your mixing capabilities with the included dearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality, which transforms your DAW into a virtual mixing room by simulating ideal studio acoustics. This ensures your mixes translate consistently across different systems, providing you with the tools to achieve your creative vision without blind spots.
Key Features:
- Open-back design for a wide, dimensional soundstage
- Innovative low-frequency cylinder for precise bass response
- State-of-the-art neodymium magnet for superior sound clarity
- Lightweight, ergonomic design for all-day comfort
- Includes dearVR MIX-SE plugin for virtual mixing environments
- Two sets of switchable, washable ear pads for mixing and producing
- Detachable 1.8 m cable for seamless studio integration
- Frequency range: 5 - 36,100 Hz
- Impedance: 130 Ohm
- Maximum sound pressure level: 128 dB
Product specs
| Type | Wired |
| Open/Closed | Open |
| Fit Style | Circumaural (Around the Ear) |
| Driver Size | 38mm |
| Noise Attenuation | Passive Noise Isolation |
| Impedance | 130 ohms |
| Connectivity | 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter |
| Cable Type | Straight |
| Cable Length | 5.9 ft. |
| Detachable Cable | Yes |
| Features | Mixer Earpad, Producer Earpads |
FAQs
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Do the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones require an amplifier?
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Yes, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones have an impedance of 130 ohms, which means an amplifier is recommended to drive them properly for optimal audio performance.
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Are the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones suitable for mixing and mastering?
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The open-back design of the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones provides a natural and spacious sound, making them a good choice for mixing and mastering in a studio environment.
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What type of connectivity do the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones offer?
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The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones come with a 1/8" plug and include a 1/4" adapter, allowing for versatile connectivity with various audio equipment.
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How comfortable are the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones for long studio sessions?
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With their circumaural fit style and swappable earpads, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones are designed to provide comfort during extended studio sessions.
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Can the cable on the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones be replaced?
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Yes, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones feature a detachable cable, allowing for easy replacement if needed.
Videos
Sennheiser
Introducing the HD 490 Pro Professional Studio Headphones | Sennheiser
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional sound quality with detailed, clean audio and strong bass performance
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Extremely comfortable for long sessions, even for those with glasses or large heads
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Lightweight design enhances comfort and usability
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Producer and mixing earpads offer flexibility in sound preference
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Durable materials like fiberglass-reinforced polymer used in construction
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Balanced capable with a replaceable cable featuring a 4-pin mini-XLR connector
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Wide soundstage and excellent spatial audio, ideal for both music and gaming
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Easy to drive on most devices without requiring a powerful amp
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Secure fit with minimal clamping force, preventing discomfort or slippage
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Effective noise isolation with minimal microphonics from cable movement
CONS
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Build quality can feel flimsy, requiring careful handling
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Limited headband extension may not fit everyone comfortably
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Proprietary earpads limit aftermarket replacement options
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Price point may be high for casual listeners
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Minor cable noise due to coiled design near earcup
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Professional Reference Studio Headphones.
Comparisons
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The HD 490 Pro has a wider soundstage than the HD560S and similar imaging capabilities, but offers a more engaging bass response, making it suitable for both gaming and music.
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Users note the bass on the HD 490 Pro with velour pads is more prominent than on the Sennheiser HD 560S and Hifiman Edition XS.
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User experience
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Some users experience discomfort due to ears touching the driver fabric, though this varies based on ear size, prompting interest in potential aftermarket pad options.
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Use cases and applications
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The HD 490 Pro excels in imaging for gaming, creating a realistic audio environment with accurate positional audio, especially noted in games like Diablo 4 and Apex Legends.
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Owners report excellent performance even when plugged into devices like an Apple dongle or PS5 controller, highlighting versatility.
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Features and functionality
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The HD 490 Pro offers a pad-swapping system that allows users to adjust sound signature and comfort, with mixing pads providing a flatter sound and producer pads enhancing bass.
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The 4-pin mini-XLR cable can be plugged into either ear cup, enhancing convenience for users.
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Ear cups swivel and rotate 180°, allowing for flat storage in both directions, enhancing portability.
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The headphones come with machine-washable ear pads, maintaining hygiene and longevity.
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Build quality
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Users report the HD 490 Pro as one of the most comfortable Sennheiser models, noting a lighter clamping force and softer velour pads compared to other Sennheiser headphones.
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The headband provides satisfying clicks for size adjustment, with a lightweight yet sturdy construction using mostly plastic and a metal headband for durability.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In this screenshot from an Instagram post made by ARTY, he can be seen putting on Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones in his studio. He captions the post:
coffee, studio, repeat 🔁
drop any emoji if you heard ‘Take So Long’ already 👇🏼
Album Usage
The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Professional Reference Studio Headphones has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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