I happen to have both of these and most of the time I use the open back ones. I do have an isolated room so background noise is not an issue.I also tried taking them to the office years ago and people asked me to take them back home since the audio leaks out. :) That is why I bought the closed ones for office. The open back headphones don't heat up, are very comfortable in general, allows me to have conversations if someone comes in, allows me to hear myself and just sound great.
Great video. I have both open-back and closed-back headphones. The open-back are used in the mix/listening room, and the close-back (several pairs) are used in the 'live'/rehearsal/tracking room. Both options work great in the respective environments. Thanks for confirming what we are doing!
I got tired of looking for and watching videos that explained the difference between open and closed, after giving me a break, I found your video and certainly no one has explained better than you, I thank you very much, I finally know how to invest my money well in that purchase
What most RUclips uploaders fail to mention is that open back is for wider sound stage and closed backs offer much better bass. No matter how much RUclipsrs lie about open backs having bass, they actually don't.
Both are needed if you record and mix. I found that out when I mixed on closed back heaven headphones (I know, you shouldn't mix on headphones), and I thought I was done, but when I referenced and listened through my open back headphones, which are more affordable and less high end, the mix sounded really bad. I could hear some things that I didn't hear on closed back headphones. There are so many things to learn before you start getting good results in a reasonable amount of time...
You should still do it though. In the final stages of mixing I will do it to catch very small details. Along with this I have more accuracy when mixing the phase compatibility issues. It might not be optimal but its a must do if you want to get the most out of your music
@@nedim_guitar Isn't the issue rather that mixing on headphones is too optimal and doesn't necessarily give you an accurate representation of how many people will listen to the mix? I understand the need to listen to a mix in different circumstances, but calibrated headphones seem like the most controlled environment possible, so it seems almost vital to a achieve a good mix in my humble opinion.
@@cosmiczeppelin I can't disagree with that. I'm learning all the time. Cross referencing is important, but it's also important to learn your sound source, your monitors. I need to spend more time with all that, but you know... Job, family, life... 😄
Ok…that might have finally convinced me to try some open back headphones. I could hear some difference, and I see that it could be good for mixing even if I still need the closed back ones around for tracking.
Closed back headphones are definitely a go to when you need to focus on bass, otherwise, open back let's the track breathe and is more optimal for mixing & producing
Something to be said that is highly important, earcups condition make a huge difference, you have to change them when they start being flat if you want a good representation of theses headphones, especially the open back, Ive find this when talking to a mastering ingeneer about the 990pro and we agreed about that. Don't overlook your earcups on these Beyerdynamics guys !
@@arcanusluvalus1388 For the beyerdynamics, it depends on how you wear them how much time per day, hygiene, how large is your head so id say worst 6 months, best 2-3 years id say at glance for optimal condition.
I own, need and use the closed - the DT 700 Pro Xs. Bass response sounds much fuller in this example with the open backed; interesting. Thanks, Kyle. You do a great job!
I have the 700 pro x closed and 900 pro x open. To me, the open back have less low bass and more space compared to each other while both have a similar sound profile - less sub bass, punch mids, and pronounced but less harsh treble (compared to the dt 770 pro)
I use an arranger keyboard, I live in an apartment, so I don't want to bother everybody by putting my PA system so loud, So I placed the PA speakers about a foot from my ears on Stands, with my keyboard sitting right in the middle of it, then I turn the volume of the PA system just loud enough to enhance the open back headphones, I started with the headphones first and I put them at a usable level that's comfortable, then I brought up the PA system two enhance the sound I was hearing in the headphones and it ended up being well you couldn't hear it on the other floors but the place where I'm practicing I'd like to play live through PA system that I want them to hear from quite loud, so basically, I'm using the headphones open back in the Ambient sound of the room to make a really big sound ,and it's working for me really well ,
I use both of these headphones, but the 80 ohm versions. I really like the 990s both for editing and just casual listening. I tried doing the same with the 770s before, and they had pretty much the same characteristic as what I'm hearing in this video. The closed-back nature of them made them sound less clear and interesting (and even a little bass and mid heavy), which I wasn't big on. But I do love them for recording voice-overs, because oddly enough, the headphones sound fairly neutral to me there. I don't have anything quantifiable to back that up, just my own feeling. When I monitor myself speaking, I feel what I'm hearing through the 770s is pretty close to how I naturally hear; I don't feel like I hear differently when I take them off after a long recording session, which could happen with headphones that are more bass or treble heavy. Basically, the 770s are duty headphones to me, while the 990s I consider dual purpose, both duty and casual.
I use, as Kyle well described, open-back for mixing and mastering and closed-back for recording (mainly vocals and acoustic guitars). For open-back, even having the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, I prefer my Senheiser HD600, since these have a more flat frequency line before applying Sonarworks SoundID Reference for final correction. For closed-back I have Senheiser HD280 Pro.
As for the sound itself, I quite disagree when you say that these are bright or high-pitched headphones. It depends on so many factors: the ear habit that has developed previously with other types of headphones, the type of audio material (difference between musical genres, voice narration in news broadcasts, etc.). Every time I have done listening tests with Sennheiser HD 600, 650, etc.) I have found the sound veiled each time. To use a pictorial description of my listening experience with Sennheiser, it is as if I have each time had the desire to move these layers of veils with the urgent need to finally reach the sound source stripped of all these filters (as if I wanted to break down a door that enclosed me in). I experienced a bit of the same phenomenon of frustration with the Mezze, even the 109 pro. With my Beyerdynamic dt 990 pro, I don't have this veiled intermediate at all, I almost have the impression of reaching the sound "as it is". This sound without a veil of distance is what you probably call "brilliant" or "high", while for me it is the sound that delivers a natural, close, intimate acoustic. To say that the DT 770 and 990 are brilliant or piercing is, in my opinion, a unfounded estimate. On this subject, I invite everyone to watch a video entitled "Beyerdynamic DT990 Are Scientific Perfection". Also this other video with the title "beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones Review". Finally, you can also listen to this video which is French, the original title in French is "Quel CASQUE CHOISIR pour son PIANO NUMERIQUE (+ mon casque parfait)". The english translation tool of youtube for subtitles will work without problem. The topic we are interested in starts at 4:50 minutes in the video about the question open headphones / closed headphones. The DT 990 pro will be commented not a lot of time after. The 250 ohm models may require you to turn the volume up to almost maximum, which can be solved by plugging them into a quality external DAC: for example the iFi Zen Dac AIR (British company) costs only $73 US dollars. However if you have a MacBook M2 or M3 (Air or Pro model) you won't even need an external DAC and will have no problem with the 250 ohms, because these MacBooks all have a headphone output by default that is compatible with high impedance headphones (I have a MacBook Air M2). And the sound is excellent. 250 ohms is better than 80 ohms, I have owned the DT 990 pro in 80 and 250 ohms and I opted for the 250 ohms. The difference is that when you turn the volume up significantly you will have a more assured preservation of the quality of definition, you will have the same clear breadth of sound. 80 ohms may compress a little at very high volumes to protect against the tiny risk of saturation, but this nuance between the two is extremely subtle, perhaps even imperceptible at bottom for many users.
I use open back Sennheiser HD6XX at my computer for gaming, watching content, etc... but closed back wireless Senheiser headphones for listening to music on my phone and scrolling through social media. I love the open back for the wider sound stage and the ability to hear my surroundings if need be but I enjoy the base and loudness of the closed back wireless
I use my DT990s for mixing and other critical listening, and my Rode NTH100s when I'm recording VO and my podcast, and for Zoom calls and the like. What I've found in my own recording and in this excellent demonstration, is that closed back headphones give the audio a kind of muted or dulled sound, whereas everything seems a little roomier and brighter (but not in a "Hey, that mic is bright" sense) in open backed headphones. If that makes any sense! lol
The DT990 is v-shaped and not good for mixing and the treble peak is horrible, the DT770 Pro also have a treble peak but not as recessed mids, they are better sounding imo than the 990. EQ does help to some degree and i find that the 990 is good for gaming as footsteps and such are more easily heard and the soundstage and imaging is also good
Open Back headphones is much better than Closed Back counterparts. The sound quality is very natural,spacious and wider soundstage it's recommend for audiophile users and gaming sessions but bass quality is good but lacks of bass sound from 20Hz-70Hz(-6dB)due from open back design but good. This headphones not recommend in outdoor because causing audio leakage it's only in quiet environments.
I prefer the closed back as they give a sense of separation from the space you're in. Also, the sound is better balanced and less separated. I do agree that separation is normally a good thing. However, these headphones do not do it well anyway. Closed for the Win!
I do the opposite. I use open back in environments like the gym so I can hear at least a little of what's going on around me. When I'm out in public I want to know what I'm dealing with, to do the opposite is just not a good idea.
I've tested different headphones in the $100 range and like the sound my AKG k-240 semi-open the best because they have a more natural, clear sound, and they are more comfortable for wearing long periods without making me hot and sweaty like closed back will do. Since they are semi open they don't let out quite as much sound as full open back. I think if you can only get 1 pair for both tracking and mixing they are a good way, just remember to turn down/mute click track when recording and headphones are near the mic like when tracking vocals.
Thanks for the comparisons. They reinforce my ideas I have always had that open back are far superior to closed for sound quality. Although mine are open back DT911's which go back a ways.......
About the soundstage, you can mitigate difference with proper cross-feed plugin on your monitoring chain, like waves NX or other free one like meyercf and others... I've achieved good configuration with waves nx such that when I take my headphones off, the sound from my genelecs is basically 1:1. I prefer closed ones because I do lots of recording work and work in live-audio etc. so isolation is important. Also, my home isn't the quietest place on earth, so isolation helps me to focus.
Thank you a lot for this Video. I was always wondering what was the difference and benefits of either closed back and open back headphones. Also I want to build a nice setup at home for Streaming, and Video editing and was wondering which type of headphones would be the best for me. Your comparison helped a lot and I'm now sure about buying open back ones. Love all of your videos, very well explained and clearly demonstrated. Helps a lot! Thanks for that.
Listening in a pair of 770s (the 990 fell out this morning). Your illustration is pretty good - I find the difference slightly bigger in real life though. 990s are terrific ^
@@Ziraffe2 its sharper and 880 got overall better timbre especially on tubes, 880 is musical where 990 is more analytical most likely better for studio work
The DT 990 Pros Sound more full and rich while the DT 770 Pros sound more flat and muted but both sound great but like you said depends on what environment you live in, i was going to spring for the 990 pros because they are only slightly more than the 770 Pros but im glad i looked up the difference because the amazon listing didn't even tell me if they were open or closed.
THe difference is hard to discern on this track, but I prefer the open sound, especially with the piano. I think if you like classical music or jazz then open back is MUCH better. But if you listen to pop or electronic probably closed is better, it is punchier and cleaner.
I expect that this is because the 990 Palakkad is open, and the back of the Palakkad is open, and this reduces the difference. Now, if we compare with the closed and open sundara, the difference will be between the sky and the earth I expect that this is because the 990 Palakkad is open and the back of the Palakkad is open, and this reduces the difference. Now, if we compare with the closed and open sundara, the difference between the sky and the earth will be clear.
All of the world's best headphones are open-backed. Focal Utopia, Sennheiser HE90, Audeze LCD5, etc. There's a reason for that. Close-backed headphones trap resonances/reflections that produce distortion, and if you do production work then what you are hearing through the headphones is _not_ the same as what's on the recording. No bueno. Open-backed headphones also have a much larger, more open and spacious headstage, and double as being far better headphones for listening as well.
Surprisingly the DT770s sound as if they have a wider stage sound to the 990s despite being a closed back design unless it's the recording. I hear the 990s having more bass.
I've worked in radio all my life, so closed back cans are what I'm conditioned to use. In my home studio i use closed back headphones (Sony MDR7506). Although when mixing podcasts or any audio production I go back and forth between listening to the mix with my headphones on and listening to my Event TR8 Tuned Reference Biamplifier Studio Monitors (they don't make these anymore). QUESTION FOR KYLE: What are your thoughts on "Bone Conduction Headphones"? Have you had any experience using them?
I’ve tried bone conduction headphones. They are really cool and allow you to hear the environment around you, although masking still occurs so it’s not as clear as I expected. The vibration also sort of tickled my ears. A cool technology though!
Hmm... Listening to your demo comparison, the open-back seems a bit muddier in the bass. I'm in the market for headphones. My 1970s Pioneer closed-backs finally bit the dust a few years back. Awesome sound!
You mentioned that you prefer to use open back headphones for video conferencing and live streaming, but wouldn't some sound bleed into the external microphone used during these 2 events? Am asking as i have a boom microphone setup for my video conferencing and am looking to buy a good headphone for the same. I am tired of using my Jabra active earbuds :)
If I may chime in... I use a pair of HD600 open back headphones daily, which also includes live streaming and video conferencing occasionally, and it works out quite well. The sound leakage from open-backs is not super loud, although still quite audible like a whisper, so even if the sounds do bleed into the mic its impact is not that big, especially if you're using dynamic mics instead of highly sensitive condenser mics (I use a Shure SM58, a dynamic mic that does not pick up a lot of environment noise). It's different from studio recordings which require very clean and untainted sounds for the best outcome, as even a tiny bit of noise can become an amplified mess as it gets processed into the mix. Nevertheless, I think DT770 Pro is a great choice! (Avoid the DT770 M, which is mainly for drummers and bad tonality, but great noise isolation) Test them at a physical store if you can.
@@danielzboy Thank you so much for the input. I use a Rode M3 Cardioid Condenser Microphone as a boom mic with a Shure MVI digital audio interface (with a preset that does suppress environment noise) for my regular video conferencing & occasional live streaming. Hence my doubts! Now looking at the Dt 990 Pro Black Edition - 80 Ohms
For video conferencing it’s not an issue, because any echo will be eliminated by AEC (acoustic echo cancellation) - you could even use speakers. Live streaming is a bit different, but I don’t expect you will have an issue, even with a condenser mic.
@@AudioUniversity Thank you so much for the revert. Another query I had was on the choice of headphones (as I wear thick-rimmed glasses) which of these would be a better option from a comfort pov - DT 990 PRO or DT 900 PRO X
Hey Kyle, good info as always. I'm wondering, on a related topic, if you have experimented with any of the 'studio room emulator' products out there? Slate VSX is an obvious one (they are ad-bombarding my inbox quite a bit lately), but there seem to be quite a few around. Waves 'Abbey Road' for one, and probably several others I can't immediately recall. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this. Cheers, and keep up the good work!
tldw: most people should buy closed, unless you really have an environment with VERY minimal noise coming from like outside or heaters, fans, people etc. Even pc cooling, while gaming for instance, might be annoying with open backs. Listening experience is substantially better with opens though. Usually people want from headphones some isolation like closed backs do. I tested this myself, i didn’t even watch the video, which i’m sure is great.
Your videos are always helpful My question is about combination of a pickup microphone with a condenser microphone. Is it a good idea to use both if having this opportunity?
I need some advices, I tried both M1 and MV1 in Sony store in mall, I thought the MV1 will sound a lot better since it is lot more expensive but playing the song Horizon Dreamer on RUclips, the voice is fuzzy like from a cheap headphone or speaker while the M1 sound noticeably better tho not shockingly good, why, is it because it's in mall but althought there are sound around me but not loud at all? I want one headphone to listen to music with great tiny details able to show up, and I thought to explore to make music in future too, I want to get the B&O H95 too in some day even there is a new H100 released because 95 number mean something to me and it is cheaper, should I get the H95 or MV1 or M1? Between MV1 and M1 I do like the MV1 design more tho.
Why don't they just make and offer all high-quality headphones as hybrids? Or sell the base frame set as "open-back" with additional installable back pads/panels which clip or fit into the frame, for which they can charge $20-$30 more as you would with a SSD with/without an optional heatsink. To multiply profits, you can sell panels of various width which go all the way up to "noise-cancelling". You're paying over a couple hundred bucks for really high-quality headphones, an option as simple to add as this should be a no-brainer for companies. That's pretty strange.
I can hear how the opem back gives the track more room to breath, it sounds quieter, i think i prefer the sound of the closed back becaude it sounds fuller (its louder and doesnt give the room open back does which i prefer) Id be recording in my room then fixing it up in a daw so what do you recommened?
I have a pair of open DT 900 Pro X which I absolutely love. I use them for mixing, editing and especially for watching movies. They bring an amazing amount of detail and don't cook your ears. You can easily wear them for hours.
As much as I love my 990, I'm afraid I'll have to get a closed back version for recording, because these are horrible during calls or podcasts. People complain about feedback as the open back headphones bleed into the microphone even if the volume is comfortable for me.
Which headphones would you recommend, for listening to music and being able to attach a boom mic to, for gaming? I know I need closed back, as my background is noisy. Thank you
Hi! I have no clue where to start. I was looking at studio monitors that would best fit mixing and mastering, but I thought I might want some headphones instead because I just do better with earbuds and headphones. For listening to the most flat sound you could possibly get so you can hear the subtle changes in mixing and mastering, what do yall suggest?
should i get some closed backs if i share a room with someone? i wanted the dt 990 pro for mixing, gaming, media but i don't want to bother anyone, i can't afford both because of my budget
I have the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 Ohm and have used them for gaming and they handled that quite well, the soundstage is good for a closed back and i found them more spacious than my Sennheiser HD600 which is an open back, they do have a peak in the treble like many other Beyerdynamic headphones but EQ can be used to tame the treble and not everyone is sensitive to that peak
Do closed back headphones actually block out outside sound? I have some AKG K92 closed back headphones which I use for playing at home. They do NOT block the outside sound out, and the sound from these headphones also leaks into the vocal mics when doing multitrack recording to a backing track . Perhaps there are varying degrees of closed back headphones, i.e. some block out the outside sound more than others.
it depend on many things like: bass ports, pad material, clamp force... same story with open backs there are models that leak a lot and models that really should be called semi-open
Does that listening test even make sense? It's just two microphones recording the sound, I don't get how that's supposed to help me. You need to wear open and closed headphones to hear the difference imo. No way to somehow reproduce that difference.
So I've got both of those headphones.....which ones should I be listening to this video with 😂 To avoid that - I'll use something else I guess....maybe the DT250s??? Jokes aside - it's nice having both available to use.
Open back sound more tinny. I dont like that. I'd like to hear things inside my head not outside my head .. and whats the point if others can hear it too.
Nice video.. Hey, can you make video about building audio system for language laboratory? I cannot find many explanations about this project. I'll really appreciate it
I usually use open-back headphones on my computer and closed-back for singing or when I want to deep dive into an awesome music production.
I'm having a lot of trouble with this comparison, no matter how hard I listen I can only hear my headphones
I happen to have both of these and most of the time I use the open back ones. I do have an isolated room so background noise is not an issue.I also tried taking them to the office years ago and people asked me to take them back home since the audio leaks out. :) That is why I bought the closed ones for office.
The open back headphones don't heat up, are very comfortable in general, allows me to have conversations if someone comes in, allows me to hear myself and just sound great.
Well said, Janhouse! Thanks.
Most people arent going to buy both so
buying both is good idea!
Great video.
I have both open-back and closed-back headphones. The open-back are used in the mix/listening room, and the close-back (several pairs) are used in the 'live'/rehearsal/tracking room. Both options work great in the respective environments. Thanks for confirming what we are doing!
I got tired of looking for and watching videos that explained the difference between open and closed, after giving me a break, I found your video and certainly no one has explained better than you, I thank you very much, I finally know how to invest my money well in that purchase
What most RUclips uploaders fail to mention is that open back is for wider sound stage and closed backs offer much better bass. No matter how much RUclipsrs lie about open backs having bass, they actually don't.
I have the 990s. They lean on the bright side but not a lot. They sound good, very revealing.
Both are needed if you record and mix. I found that out when I mixed on closed back heaven headphones (I know, you shouldn't mix on headphones), and I thought I was done, but when I referenced and listened through my open back headphones, which are more affordable and less high end, the mix sounded really bad. I could hear some things that I didn't hear on closed back headphones. There are so many things to learn before you start getting good results in a reasonable amount of time...
You should mix on headphones, as much as you mix on speakers
@@tim.rinsma Mixing on headphones isn't optimal, but some of us don't have the opportunity to always mix through monitors.
You should still do it though. In the final stages of mixing I will do it to catch very small details. Along with this I have more accuracy when mixing the phase compatibility issues. It might not be optimal but its a must do if you want to get the most out of your music
@@nedim_guitar Isn't the issue rather that mixing on headphones is too optimal and doesn't necessarily give you an accurate representation of how many people will listen to the mix? I understand the need to listen to a mix in different circumstances, but calibrated headphones seem like the most controlled environment possible, so it seems almost vital to a achieve a good mix in my humble opinion.
@@cosmiczeppelin I can't disagree with that. I'm learning all the time. Cross referencing is important, but it's also important to learn your sound source, your monitors. I need to spend more time with all that, but you know... Job, family, life... 😄
dt900 - one of the best audiio purchase i´ve ever did
Did you try AKG701?
Ok…that might have finally convinced me to try some open back headphones. I could hear some difference, and I see that it could be good for mixing even if I still need the closed back ones around for tracking.
Closed back headphones are definitely a go to when you need to focus on bass, otherwise, open back let's the track breathe and is more optimal for mixing & producing
They have more 20hz but less 40 to 80hz thant the open back, 990 have a gentle slope when the 770 have a shelf with a dip in low bass
lets*
Closed backs are non-linear with a huge boost around 60 Hz and roll-off of the sub region.
Something to be said that is highly important, earcups condition make a huge difference, you have to change them when they start being flat if you want a good representation of theses headphones, especially the open back, Ive find this when talking to a mastering ingeneer about the 990pro and we agreed about that. Don't overlook your earcups on these Beyerdynamics guys !
how long do ear cups last (daily use)?
@@arcanusluvalus1388 For the beyerdynamics, it depends on how you wear them how much time per day, hygiene, how large is your head so id say worst 6 months, best 2-3 years id say at glance for optimal condition.
I own, need and use the closed - the DT 700 Pro Xs. Bass response sounds much fuller in this example with the open backed; interesting. Thanks, Kyle. You do a great job!
Thanks, Josh.
I have the 700 pro x closed and 900 pro x open.
To me, the open back have less low bass and more space compared to each other while both have a similar sound profile - less sub bass, punch mids, and pronounced but less harsh treble (compared to the dt 770 pro)
I use open-back headphones to play live because it makes the sound really crispy and clearer and it adds to the the background that's in the room
I use an arranger keyboard, I live in an apartment, so I don't want to bother everybody by putting my PA system so loud, So I placed the PA speakers about a foot from my ears on Stands, with my keyboard sitting right in the middle of it, then I turn the volume of the PA system just loud enough to enhance the open back headphones, I started with the headphones first and I put them at a usable level that's comfortable, then I brought up the PA system two enhance the sound I was hearing in the headphones and it ended up being well you couldn't hear it on the other floors but the place where I'm practicing I'd like to play live through PA system that I want them to hear from quite loud, so basically, I'm using the headphones open back in the Ambient sound of the room to make a really big sound ,and it's working for me really well ,
I use both of these headphones, but the 80 ohm versions. I really like the 990s both for editing and just casual listening. I tried doing the same with the 770s before, and they had pretty much the same characteristic as what I'm hearing in this video. The closed-back nature of them made them sound less clear and interesting (and even a little bass and mid heavy), which I wasn't big on. But I do love them for recording voice-overs, because oddly enough, the headphones sound fairly neutral to me there. I don't have anything quantifiable to back that up, just my own feeling. When I monitor myself speaking, I feel what I'm hearing through the 770s is pretty close to how I naturally hear; I don't feel like I hear differently when I take them off after a long recording session, which could happen with headphones that are more bass or treble heavy.
Basically, the 770s are duty headphones to me, while the 990s I consider dual purpose, both duty and casual.
I use, as Kyle well described, open-back for mixing and mastering and closed-back for recording (mainly vocals and acoustic guitars). For open-back, even having the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, I prefer my Senheiser HD600, since these have a more flat frequency line before applying Sonarworks SoundID Reference for final correction. For closed-back I have Senheiser HD280 Pro.
As for the sound itself, I quite disagree when you say that these are bright or high-pitched headphones. It depends on so many factors: the ear habit that has developed previously with other types of headphones, the type of audio material (difference between musical genres, voice narration in news broadcasts, etc.). Every time I have done listening tests with Sennheiser HD 600, 650, etc.) I have found the sound veiled each time. To use a pictorial description of my listening experience with Sennheiser, it is as if I have each time had the desire to move these layers of veils with the urgent need to finally reach the sound source stripped of all these filters (as if I wanted to break down a door that enclosed me in). I experienced a bit of the same phenomenon of frustration with the Mezze, even the 109 pro. With my Beyerdynamic dt 990 pro, I don't have this veiled intermediate at all, I almost have the impression of reaching the sound "as it is". This sound without a veil of distance is what you probably call "brilliant" or "high", while for me it is the sound that delivers a natural, close, intimate acoustic. To say that the DT 770 and 990 are brilliant or piercing is, in my opinion, a unfounded estimate. On this subject, I invite everyone to watch a video entitled "Beyerdynamic DT990 Are Scientific Perfection". Also this other video with the title "beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO Studio Headphones Review". Finally, you can also listen to this video which is French, the original title in French is "Quel CASQUE CHOISIR pour son PIANO NUMERIQUE (+ mon casque parfait)". The english translation tool of youtube for subtitles will work without problem. The topic we are interested in starts at 4:50 minutes in the video about the question open headphones / closed headphones. The DT 990 pro will be commented not a lot of time after.
The 250 ohm models may require you to turn the volume up to almost maximum, which can be solved by plugging them into a quality external DAC: for example the iFi Zen Dac AIR (British company) costs only $73 US dollars. However if you have a MacBook M2 or M3 (Air or Pro model) you won't even need an external DAC and will have no problem with the 250 ohms, because these MacBooks all have a headphone output by default that is compatible with high impedance headphones (I have a MacBook Air M2). And the sound is excellent.
250 ohms is better than 80 ohms, I have owned the DT 990 pro in 80 and 250 ohms and I opted for the 250 ohms. The difference is that when you turn the volume up significantly you will have a more assured preservation of the quality of definition, you will have the same clear breadth of sound. 80 ohms may compress a little at very high volumes to protect against the tiny risk of saturation, but this nuance between the two is extremely subtle, perhaps even imperceptible at bottom for many users.
1:48 closed back
4:02 open back
4:45 comparison
i have the 880 pro, which are semi-open. I love them.
I use open back Sennheiser HD6XX at my computer for gaming, watching content, etc... but closed back wireless Senheiser headphones for listening to music on my phone and scrolling through social media. I love the open back for the wider sound stage and the ability to hear my surroundings if need be but I enjoy the base and loudness of the closed back wireless
bass*
I use my DT990s for mixing and other critical listening, and my Rode NTH100s when I'm recording VO and my podcast, and for Zoom calls and the like. What I've found in my own recording and in this excellent demonstration, is that closed back headphones give the audio a kind of muted or dulled sound, whereas everything seems a little roomier and brighter (but not in a "Hey, that mic is bright" sense) in open backed headphones. If that makes any sense! lol
To me, on my Klipsch speakers, the bass was more pronounced with the open-back headphones. That was really noticeable.
DT990 the best affordable/Pro headphones for mixing without a doubt!
What about their huge treble spike? That's not neutral.
@@Lishtenbird Sonarworks fix it 😁
The DT990 is v-shaped and not good for mixing and the treble peak is horrible, the DT770 Pro also have a treble peak but not as recessed mids, they are better sounding imo than the 990. EQ does help to some degree and i find that the 990 is good for gaming as footsteps and such are more easily heard and the soundstage and imaging is also good
Not at all affordable in my country 😔
Open Back headphones is much better than Closed Back counterparts. The sound quality is very natural,spacious and wider soundstage it's recommend for audiophile users and gaming sessions but bass quality is good but lacks of bass sound from 20Hz-70Hz(-6dB)due from open back design but good. This headphones not recommend in outdoor because causing audio leakage it's only in quiet environments.
Love the production and the information provided by this channel. Thanks a lot.
I have just one pair of closed-back headphones, but after this video I will definitely try an open-back one!
Very nice video!
I prefer the closed back as they give a sense of separation from the space you're in. Also, the sound is better balanced and less separated. I do agree that separation is normally a good thing. However, these headphones do not do it well anyway. Closed for the Win!
I had heard open back is better sounding, but I didn't realise it made that much of a difference!
For singing (tracking ) i use open back so i can sing properly
very good video - well organized - nice production values
Thanks, Thomas!
I do the opposite. I use open back in environments like the gym so I can hear at least a little of what's going on around me. When I'm out in public I want to know what I'm dealing with, to do the opposite is just not a good idea.
So you make people listen to your music in public places?
I've tested different headphones in the $100 range and like the sound my AKG k-240 semi-open the best because they have a more natural, clear sound, and they are more comfortable for wearing long periods without making me hot and sweaty like closed back will do. Since they are semi open they don't let out quite as much sound as full open back. I think if you can only get 1 pair for both tracking and mixing they are a good way, just remember to turn down/mute click track when recording and headphones are near the mic like when tracking vocals.
And I listened to this over closed back noise cancellation cans.. lol. But yes, there's a nice difference
I agree have a pair of both
Thanks for the comparisons. They reinforce my ideas I have always had that open back are far superior to closed for sound quality. Although mine are open back DT911's which go back a ways.......
depend on the model of headphones, good closed backs are very hard to make
I Use The Closed Back Headphones For Mixing... Due To My Apartment Environment Being A Bit Busy. But Great Info Nevertheless.
About the soundstage, you can mitigate difference with proper cross-feed plugin on your monitoring chain, like waves NX or other free one like meyercf and others...
I've achieved good configuration with waves nx such that when I take my headphones off, the sound from my genelecs is basically 1:1.
I prefer closed ones because I do lots of recording work and work in live-audio etc. so isolation is important. Also, my home isn't the quietest place on earth, so isolation helps me to focus.
I use a closed Panasonic RP-HTF295 of about € 30 to listen to music or record, and an open AKG 701 for mixing
Thank you a lot for this Video. I was always wondering what was the difference and benefits of either closed back and open back headphones. Also I want to build a nice setup at home for Streaming, and Video editing and was wondering which type of headphones would be the best for me. Your comparison helped a lot and I'm now sure about buying open back ones.
Love all of your videos, very well explained and clearly demonstrated. Helps a lot!
Thanks for that.
Thanks for watching, Chris!
Listening in a pair of 770s (the 990 fell out this morning).
Your illustration is pretty good - I find the difference slightly bigger in real life though. 990s are terrific ^
nope 880 600 ohm are the best of them all :)
So where and how do the 990s fall behind ?
@@Ziraffe2 its sharper and 880 got overall better timbre especially on tubes, 880 is musical where 990 is more analytical most likely better for studio work
The DT 990 Pros Sound more full and rich while the DT 770 Pros sound more flat and muted but both sound great but like you said depends on what environment you live in, i was going to spring for the 990 pros because they are only slightly more than the 770 Pros but im glad i looked up the difference because the amazon listing didn't even tell me if they were open or closed.
THe difference is hard to discern on this track, but I prefer the open sound, especially with the piano.
I think if you like classical music or jazz then open back is MUCH better. But if you listen to pop or electronic probably closed is better, it is punchier and cleaner.
I expect that this is because the 990 Palakkad is open, and the back of the Palakkad is open, and this reduces the difference. Now, if we compare with the closed and open sundara, the difference will be between the sky and the earth I expect that this is because the 990 Palakkad is open and the back of the Palakkad is open, and this reduces the difference. Now, if we compare with the closed and open sundara, the difference between the sky and the earth will be clear.
Thank you for the video, the timing is great as I am just starting to think of updating mine - i am looking at both typesso need to save up some $$
Glad it was helpful!
The treble, clicky, plucky parts sounded nicer in the open ones
All of the world's best headphones are open-backed. Focal Utopia, Sennheiser HE90, Audeze LCD5, etc. There's a reason for that.
Close-backed headphones trap resonances/reflections that produce distortion, and if you do production work then what you are hearing through the headphones is _not_ the same as what's on the recording. No bueno.
Open-backed headphones also have a much larger, more open and spacious headstage, and double as being far better headphones for listening as well.
Surprisingly the DT770s sound as if they have a wider stage sound to the 990s despite being a closed back design unless it's the recording. I hear the 990s having more bass.
Those closed-backs actually sound more natural and full sounding to me. Super cool to hear it side by side. Thanks.
Which are best if mixing ATMOS, when headphones are only option and Atmos speakers are not available? Closed back or Open back?
great vid thanks for the reviews
I've worked in radio all my life, so closed back cans are what I'm conditioned to use. In my home studio i use closed back headphones (Sony MDR7506). Although when mixing podcasts or any audio production I go back and forth between listening to the mix with my headphones on and listening to my Event TR8 Tuned Reference Biamplifier Studio Monitors (they don't make these anymore).
QUESTION FOR KYLE: What are your thoughts on "Bone Conduction Headphones"? Have you had any experience using them?
I’ve tried bone conduction headphones. They are really cool and allow you to hear the environment around you, although masking still occurs so it’s not as clear as I expected. The vibration also sort of tickled my ears. A cool technology though!
Bone conduction are great for when you need to hear your environment e.g. walking, cycling, work, etc but the bass is lacking too.
Ash - Great point! The lows are missing but so are the high frequencies in my experience. Not even close to normal headphones in sound quality.
as for me the rhodes(if I'm not wrong abt the instrument!!) in the song was more audible in closed back one. and piano also sounded slightly full
Hmm... Listening to your demo comparison, the open-back seems a bit muddier in the bass. I'm in the market for headphones. My 1970s Pioneer closed-backs finally bit the dust a few years back. Awesome sound!
You mentioned that you prefer to use open back headphones for video conferencing and live streaming, but wouldn't some sound bleed into the external microphone used during these 2 events? Am asking as i have a boom microphone setup for my video conferencing and am looking to buy a good headphone for the same. I am tired of using my Jabra active earbuds :)
If I may chime in... I use a pair of HD600 open back headphones daily, which also includes live streaming and video conferencing occasionally, and it works out quite well. The sound leakage from open-backs is not super loud, although still quite audible like a whisper, so even if the sounds do bleed into the mic its impact is not that big, especially if you're using dynamic mics instead of highly sensitive condenser mics (I use a Shure SM58, a dynamic mic that does not pick up a lot of environment noise).
It's different from studio recordings which require very clean and untainted sounds for the best outcome, as even a tiny bit of noise can become an amplified mess as it gets processed into the mix.
Nevertheless, I think DT770 Pro is a great choice! (Avoid the DT770 M, which is mainly for drummers and bad tonality, but great noise isolation) Test them at a physical store if you can.
@@danielzboy Thank you so much for the input. I use a Rode M3 Cardioid Condenser Microphone as a boom mic with a Shure MVI digital audio interface (with a preset that does suppress environment noise) for my regular video conferencing & occasional live streaming. Hence my doubts! Now looking at the Dt 990 Pro Black Edition - 80 Ohms
For video conferencing it’s not an issue, because any echo will be eliminated by AEC (acoustic echo cancellation) - you could even use speakers.
Live streaming is a bit different, but I don’t expect you will have an issue, even with a condenser mic.
@@AudioUniversity Thank you so much for the revert. Another query I had was on the choice of headphones (as I wear thick-rimmed glasses) which of these would be a better option from a comfort pov - DT 990 PRO or DT 900 PRO X
I haven’t tried on the DT 900 Pro X, but the DT 990s are extremely comfortable.
Which headphone is best.???a high impedance or low impedance ??
Higher impedance requires more voltage for the same power output. That means you’ll have better performance with a more powerful headphone amp.
What is the difference bw 4 ohm and 8 ohm speakr??which one produce good sound. ???
I use both of these, 770/990 250 ohm. But what are the differences between 32, 80, 250 ohm etc?
The impedance is the difference. Higher impedance requires more voltage for the same power output.
Hey Kyle, good info as always. I'm wondering, on a related topic, if you have experimented with any of the 'studio room emulator' products out there? Slate VSX is an obvious one (they are ad-bombarding my inbox quite a bit lately), but there seem to be quite a few around. Waves 'Abbey Road' for one, and probably several others I can't immediately recall.
Would be interesting to hear your thoughts on this. Cheers, and keep up the good work!
You need both for many reasons like you explained
Amazingly explained 😊. Got the point 👍
tldw: most people should buy closed, unless you really have an environment with VERY minimal noise coming from like outside or heaters, fans, people etc. Even pc cooling, while gaming for instance, might be annoying with open backs. Listening experience is substantially better with opens though. Usually people want from headphones some isolation like closed backs do. I tested this myself, i didn’t even watch the video, which i’m sure is great.
with low volume yea but if you listen at higher volume outside noises are not so audible
the open back sound a lot wider, but im gonna pick up closed back as im gonna be using one pair for everything as its all i can afford right now lol
nice, more of this! specially the binaural testing
Glad you enjoyed it!
Your videos are always helpful
My question is about combination of a pickup microphone with a condenser microphone. Is it a good idea to use both if having this opportunity?
You can try it. I’d recommend listening for phase interactions and adjusting mic position accordingly.
On benchmarks the dt 770 pro is flatter than the 990, at least on RTINGs, it has better bass and mid clarity.
I need some advices, I tried both M1 and MV1 in Sony store in mall, I thought the MV1 will sound a lot better since it is lot more expensive but playing the song Horizon Dreamer on RUclips, the voice is fuzzy like from a cheap headphone or speaker while the M1 sound noticeably better tho not shockingly good, why, is it because it's in mall but althought there are sound around me but not loud at all? I want one headphone to listen to music with great tiny details able to show up, and I thought to explore to make music in future too, I want to get the B&O H95 too in some day even there is a new H100 released because 95 number mean something to me and it is cheaper, should I get the H95 or MV1 or M1? Between MV1 and M1 I do like the MV1 design more tho.
Why don't they just make and offer all high-quality headphones as hybrids? Or sell the base frame set as "open-back" with additional installable back pads/panels which clip or fit into the frame, for which they can charge $20-$30 more as you would with a SSD with/without an optional heatsink. To multiply profits, you can sell panels of various width which go all the way up to "noise-cancelling". You're paying over a couple hundred bucks for really high-quality headphones, an option as simple to add as this should be a no-brainer for companies. That's pretty strange.
I can hear how the opem back gives the track more room to breath, it sounds quieter, i think i prefer the sound of the closed back becaude it sounds fuller (its louder and doesnt give the room open back does which i prefer)
Id be recording in my room then fixing it up in a daw so what do you recommened?
@Audio University: Link to the full article is broken (404)
Thanks, Rolf. I've just fixed the problem. I appreciate you letting me know.
@@AudioUniversity Confirmed working, feel free to delete my post if you want, it has served it's purpose. (or ask me to)
I have a pair of open DT 900 Pro X which I absolutely love. I use them for mixing, editing and especially for watching movies. They bring an amazing amount of detail and don't cook your ears. You can easily wear them for hours.
As much as I love my 990, I'm afraid I'll have to get a closed back version for recording, because these are horrible during calls or podcasts. People complain about feedback as the open back headphones bleed into the microphone even if the volume is comfortable for me.
Clear explanation thx
Which headphones would you recommend, for listening to music and being able to attach a boom mic to, for gaming? I know I need closed back, as my background is noisy.
Thank you
Drop + Sennheiser PC38X
Drop + Sennheiser PC37X
Hi! I have no clue where to start. I was looking at studio monitors that would best fit mixing and mastering, but I thought I might want some headphones instead because I just do better with earbuds and headphones. For listening to the most flat sound you could possibly get so you can hear the subtle changes in mixing and mastering, what do yall suggest?
Great video! May I ask what is the best choice for digital piano - open or closed-baack headphones?
Should I get closed headphones for record vocals
That headphones device (3Dio FS XLR) is sweet!!
What about the best of both?......semi-open!
should i get some closed backs if i share a room with someone? i wanted the dt 990 pro for mixing, gaming, media but i don't want to bother anyone, i can't afford both because of my budget
I have the Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 Ohm and have used them for gaming and they handled that quite well, the soundstage is good for a closed back and i found them more spacious than my Sennheiser HD600 which is an open back, they do have a peak in the treble like many other Beyerdynamic headphones but EQ can be used to tame the treble and not everyone is sensitive to that peak
Do closed back headphones actually block out outside sound? I have some AKG K92 closed back headphones which I use for playing at home. They do NOT block the outside sound out, and the sound from these headphones also leaks into the vocal mics when doing multitrack recording to a backing track . Perhaps there are varying degrees of closed back headphones, i.e. some block out the outside sound more than others.
it depend on many things like: bass ports, pad material, clamp force... same story with open backs there are models that leak a lot and models that really should be called semi-open
Does that listening test even make sense? It's just two microphones recording the sound, I don't get how that's supposed to help me. You need to wear open and closed headphones to hear the difference imo. No way to somehow reproduce that difference.
4:06 me listening to dt 990 sound while wearing dt 770: very interesting
Read my mind lol. I was just researching this.
For listening music alone open back are much more pleasing. The bass on the close back are muffled and not natural.
So I've got both of those headphones.....which ones should I be listening to this video with 😂
To avoid that - I'll use something else I guess....maybe the DT250s???
Jokes aside - it's nice having both available to use.
OMG. Finally a great video that is informative, instructional and helps me make a decision. I'm hitting the like/subscribe.
is it just me that wanted to slightly adjust the position of the headphones when he put them on those binaural mics :-)
I have 2 crazy budgies. I guess I am stuck with closed back headphones
Open is more bassy. I like it better.
Maybe good for bass players
in the comparison, the closed back one is definitely more muffled
Open back sound more tinny. I dont like that.
I'd like to hear things inside my head not outside my head .. and whats the point if others can hear it too.
Both sound Great … That music though would make any headphones sound good what’s the name of that song or group??
Here I am listening sound samples from open-back headphones with closed-back headphones. 😆
Very very good
I made the mistake of using open backed headphones when I game. I still can hear my misses shouting at me!
🤣
so i’m not cooking up shit on fl with my dre beats studios is what your confirming for me?
Helpful 💯
you gotta have the closed back to hear the beats
I only use iems
Nice video.. Hey, can you make video about building audio system for language laboratory? I cannot find many explanations about this project. I'll really appreciate it
Out of curiosity… what was the music you used? 😊
Leave Me With Something - The New Fools (from Epidemic Sound)
Thank you for this video. I have high blood pressure, and require open back for home recording. 😁😁😁😎
Thanks for watching, Ike!