Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus – Open-Back Studio Reference Headphones

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus is designed for audio professionals, mix engineers, and critical listeners who demand clarity, neutrality, and comfort. With its open-back dynamic drivers, dual pad options, and extended accessories, it gives you reliable reference sound in long sessions.

Key Features

• 38 mm neodymium dynamic drivers: Deliver detailed, uncoloured sound with wide frequency response for mixing and mastering.
• Open-back design: Provides expansive soundstage and accurate spatial cues for reference monitoring.
• Two sets of washable, replaceable ear pads (velour “producing” & textile “mixing”): Offers different sound signatures and long-term comfort.
• Low-frequency cylinder system: Enhances bass depth and extension without overhang or boom.
• Improved cable system & grills: Detachable cables (1.8 m and 3 m in the Plus version), dual-jack cups, and durable construction allow flexibility and reduced noise from the cable.
• Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin included: Lets you simulate studio room acoustics in your DAW for reference checks and virtual monitoring.

Customer Benefits

You get reference-level sound you can trust. Open-back layout and neutral tuning help you make mix decisions that translate well to other systems. Swappable pads let you tweak the sound and comfort according to your workflow—whether tracking, mixing or producing. With extended accessories in the Plus pack, you're ready for studio or mobile work without compromise.

Quick Specs

• Transducer type: Dynamic
• Driver size: 38 mm
• Frequency response: 5 Hz - 36 000 Hz (-10 dB)
• Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL (1 kHz / 1 Vrms), 96 dB SPL (1 kHz / 1 mW)
• Maximum SPL: 128 dB SPL (1 kHz @ 5% THD)
• THD: < 0.2% at 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL
• Impedance: 130 Ω (at 1 kHz)
• Power rating: 300 mW
• Weight (without cable): 260 g
• Cable lengths (Plus version): 1.8 m single-ended, 3 m single-ended

What’s in the Box

• Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus headphones
• 1.8 m cable
• 3.0 m cable
• 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter jack
• Producing pads (velour) already installed
• Mixing pads (textile)
• Extra headband pad
• Carrying case

Use Cases / Ideal For

Ideal for mixing and mastering in studio, reference monitoring, critical listening, sound design, and long sessions where comfort and accuracy matter. Also useful in mobile or home studio setups when you need neutral sound without fatigue.

Compatibility

Requires a headphone output capable of driving 130 Ω impedance. Works with audio interfaces, studio monitors’ headphone amps, or high-quality DAC/amps. Open-back design means less isolation; best used in quiet or treated environments.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Very neutral and expansive soundstage well suited for mixing/mastering.
• Comfortable over long sessions thanks to lightweight build and washable pads.
• Additional cables and case in Plus version add value and flexibility.
• Includes software for spatial reference checks.

⚠️ Cons:

• Open-back design means sound leaks and has little isolation.
• Requires enough power from the source to drive 130 Ω properly.
• Cables are single-ended; no balanced option included originally.

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO Plus balances professional clarity, comfort, and accessory value in an open-back reference headphone.