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Sweetwater
5.0 (9)
$429.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$429.00
Amazon
4.7 (313)
$349.00
Reverb
$370.63 New
$325.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (3)
$429.00
B&H
4.9 (11)
$382.00 $349.00 $33.00 · All time low
Thomann
4.7 (79)
$329.00
Gear4Music
£306.00
Vintage King
5.0 (1)
$429.00

Average Price: $387

High-end/Boutique

$100

$301+

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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

Do the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones require an amplifier?

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.

Are the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones suitable for mixing and mastering?

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.

What type of connectivity do the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones offer?

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.

How comfortable are the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones for long studio sessions?

With their circumaural fit style and swappable earpads, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones are designed to provide comfort during extended studio sessions.

Can the cable on the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones be replaced?

Yes, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones feature a detachable cable, allowing for easy replacement if needed.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser

Introducing the HD 490 Pro Professional Studio Headphones | Sennheiser

Video thumbnail for Introducing the HD 490 Pro Professional Studio Headphones | Sennheiser by Sennheiser

Introducing the HD 490 Pro Professional Studio Headphones | Sennheiser

Sennheiser

Sennheiser

Video thumbnail for Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review - Better than the HD6XX? by The Headphone Show

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review - Better than the HD6XX?

The Headphone Show

The Headphone Show

Video thumbnail for Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Headphones - The New Reference?  - SonicLAB Review by sonicstate

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Headphones - The New Reference? - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for The NEW HD490 pro! Unboxing and Measurements by The Headphone Show

The NEW HD490 pro! Unboxing and Measurements

The Headphone Show

The Headphone Show

Video thumbnail for Checking Out The Sennheiser HD 490 Pros! by Riffs, Beards & Gear

Checking Out The Sennheiser HD 490 Pros!

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Video thumbnail for I think these are Sennheiser's BEST Studio Headphones... | Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review by SoundGuys

I think these are Sennheiser's BEST Studio Headphones... | Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Review

SoundGuys

SoundGuys

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality with detailed, clean audio and strong bass performance

  • Extremely comfortable for long sessions, even for those with glasses or large heads

  • Lightweight design enhances comfort and usability

  • Producer and mixing earpads offer flexibility in sound preference

  • Durable materials like fiberglass-reinforced polymer used in construction

  • Balanced capable with a replaceable cable featuring a 4-pin mini-XLR connector

  • Wide soundstage and excellent spatial audio, ideal for both music and gaming

  • Easy to drive on most devices without requiring a powerful amp

  • Secure fit with minimal clamping force, preventing discomfort or slippage

  • Effective noise isolation with minimal microphonics from cable movement

CONS

  • Build quality can feel flimsy, requiring careful handling

  • Limited headband extension may not fit everyone comfortably

  • Proprietary earpads limit aftermarket replacement options

  • Price point may be high for casual listeners

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • Owners report excellent performance even when plugged into devices like an Apple dongle or PS5 controller, highlighting versatility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source
  • The 4-pin mini-XLR cable can be plugged into either ear cup, enhancing convenience for users.

    Source
  • Ear cups swivel and rotate 180°, allowing for flat storage in both directions, enhancing portability.

    Source
  • The headphones come with machine-washable ear pads, maintaining hygiene and longevity.

    Source

Build quality

  • 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.

    Source
  • The headband provides satisfying clicks for size adjustment, with a lightweight yet sturdy construction using mostly plastic and a metal headband for durability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Review - RTINGS.com

rtings.com

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO headphones are your classic studio workhorse, delivering a balanced, though slightly warm sound profile with impressive bass extension for open-back cans. With swappable earpads tailored for producing and mixing, they offer versatility but stumble with poor noise isolation and significant audio leakage. Perfect for studio use, their open-back design creates a spacious soundstage, though not as immersive as high-end audiophile models. While comfortable enough for long sessions, they're far from travel-friendly due to their bulk and lack of wireless capability. The HD 490 PROs are a solid choice for studio pros who can overlook their travel shortcomings.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO review - SoundGuys

soundguys.com

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO aims to lure audio professionals with its neutral sound and comfort, offering swappable ear pads for versatility. Lightweight and backed by the free dearVR MIX-SE plugin, they promise a tailored experience for producers. However, swapping ear pads is cumbersome, risking damage to plastic clasps. The headphones struggle in noisy environments due to their open-back design, offering little isolation. While the sound is detailed, with impressive sub-bass for open-backs, the overall build and features might not justify the $400 price tag for everyone. Ideal for quiet studios but not without flaws.

Review: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

Sennheiser's HD 490 Pro headphones strike a chord with audio professionals, delivering stellar stereo imaging and exceptional comfort. Their innovative design, with a flexible metal headband and patent-protected geometry, ensures these cans vanish during long mixing sessions. With interchangeable 'Production' and 'Mixing' pads, they cater to different listening needs, offering nuanced sound signatures that enhance dynamic range and transient response. While the velour pads might feel a tad warm, this is easily corrected with EQ tweaks. Priced at A$799, these headphones are a reliable choice for professionals seeking a no-nonsense, high-fidelity listening experience without unnecessary frills.

positive

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro headphones are a standout choice for mixing and mastering, delivering a neutral and monitor-like sound profile. Their premium build, detachable cables, and different earpad options offer customization and comfort for long sessions. While they're on the pricey side, the quality and attention to sound detail are evident, making them a worthy investment for serious audio professionals. The inclusion of the dearVR MIX-SE plugin adds value, enhancing versatility with virtual mix room functionality. Despite the cost, these headphones impress with their performance and design, earning a solid recommendation for those in need of reliable studio cans.

positive

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Artist usage

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See how Arty uses Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Professional Reference Studio Headphones

Arty

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

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

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Genre Usage

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