Sennheiser HD 490 PRO review: Jack of all trades headphones with hefty price tag

Although your chosen computer and editing software are critical to the post-production process, the right headphones are equally important. Just think about it: Headphones need to accurately reproduce the audio of the video you’re working on. They’re also important for monitoring audio during the shoot. These are the things many videographers need to consider when purchasing headphones. One of the top manufacturers in this space currently is Sennheiser, and it’s clear to see why with the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO.

There’s a lot to love about the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO, and that affection is reciprocated, as the headphones are pretty flexible regarding their use cases. They’re tailor-made for many different professionals, from musicians to producers to engineers to video creators. And when it comes to video editing, they are designed for mixing, producing and editing. The HD-490 PRO has many strengths (and we’ll get to all those shortly). However, the headphones aren’t perfect, so we will have to answer the question: Is the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO worth its $400 price tag? Let’s see.

Overview

Open-back design

The Sennheiser HD-490 PRO headphones feature an open-back, over-ear design. Generally, closed-back headphones offer more noise isolation than those with open-back designs. This means open-back headphones often leak more audio, so people can hear what you’re listening to. However, open-back headphones usually sound clearer than closed-back headphones. 

Additionally, open-back designs typically don’t have the low-frequency bass boost. This isn’t inherently bad. In some cases, might be a plus. It all depends on whether or not you want bass-heavy audio, like when listening to music. If you do, then closed-back headphones are more your speed, as they have better low-frequency response. When it comes to editing video, open-back headphones are often preferred over closed-back due to the clearer sound they produce. Also, open-back headphones are better for long listening sessions, leading to less ear fatigue over the same amount of time.

State-of-the-art neodymium magnets

Nearly all high-quality headphones use neodymium magnets. This is because they are lightweight, allowing headphones to be more comfortable to wear and carry around. They also offer higher sensitivity at a lower power level. According to Sennheiser, the HD-490 PRO houses “state-of-the-art” neodymium magnets. Additionally, Sennheiser says these magnets allow the HD-490 PRO to deliver “superior” driver performance and efficiency.

Ear pads for both mixing and producing

When you purchase the HD-490 PRO, you not only get the headphones but also removable ear pads. These pads are designed specifically for mixing and producing. It’s an added bonus that these pads are removable because if you need to replace either one, you can do so. The pads are also washable, so you can keep them in good condition for longer.

Detachable cable

It may be a creature comfort, but the HD-490 PRO’s detachable cable is another highlight. Seriously, it could end up saving you money in the long run. Imagine your wire wears out. Instead of having to replace your headphones, you only have to replace the wire. Additionally, if you need more wire length, you can simply swap out the wire for a longer one. And let’s not forget about transportation. Packing up and storing headphones and their cables separately is much more organized than if the cables and headphones were together.

Also, you can connect the cable to either the left or right ear. So, you have the ability to choose depending on your setup and preference.

What we liked about the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO

Sound quality

Here’s the big one: sound quality. Throughout our testing, we found the HD-490 PRO consistently delivered on the sound quality front. First, when listening to a reference song, the headphones sounded natural. They provided clarity and depth to the music that lower-end headphones cannot replicate.

Next, the headphones reproduced the sound of our videos accurately across the board. We also observed the headphones to have great frequency response. We put the headphones to the test using HiHACKER’s “ULTIMATE HEADPHONE TEST!!! (Wear Headphone)” video. When listening to a sweeping tone from 20 to 20,000 Hz (bass 20 Hz to treble 20,000 Hz), the headphones didn’t struggle at all, giving us a clear reproduction of the full spectrum. As for bass extension, at the low end, even down to 20 Hz, they reproduced clear and impactful low-end frequencies. Lastly, we tested the treble extension. The high-end extension is great; however, there is a small frequency dip at 15,000 Hz.

As for the headphone’s distortion level, we didn’t hear any distortion, even at the highest volume. So, the headphones get high marks in this department as well.

When testing the stereo image of the headphones, we listened to a test that swept the pan from left to right. The headphones provided an accurate stereo image with no issues whatsoever, regardless of where the audio was placed in the stereo field.

Comfort

With the benefit of having an open-back design — usually lighter than a closed-back design — the HD-490 PRO is very lightweight. In total, the headphones weigh just 260 g without the cable. We even found ourselves forgetting that we were wearing them, even during long edits. This leads us to our next topic: the ear pads. The ear pads are made from soft velour. These are exceptionally comfortable and lightweight. Because they extend and swivel, getting them to fit well was easy.

Build quality

Overall, the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO is well constructed. Even though it’s lightweight, it feels quite sturdy. So, you’re not trading durability for comfort or vice versa. The headphones are made with a metal headband and have a bi-directional pivot design. Also, the ear cups are not difficult to replace and are machine washable. Ultimately, these headphones not only deliver professional-level sound quality but also feel professional.

Being able to attach the cable on the left or right ear

As we said before, this is an extremely consumer-friendly perk. Being able to choose which ear you can connect the cable to makes the headphones flexible enough to work with the layout of your current (and future) systems.

Things we didn’t like

The price

Although these headphones perform well, they are priced too high for what they ultimately provide. Don’t get us wrong, these are quality headphones. However, for the $400 price tag, you’d be better off going with cheaper alternatives like the HD 560S. There are various cheaper options that offer the same performance level.

The high end is a bit overhyped

When mixing, we found that we wanted to dull bright sound sources. This ended up creating a more dull mix when listening outside the headphones. Thankfully, you can overcome this while mixing if you’re aware of the issue. However, it could be a big issue if you’re unaware or forget.

Marketplace

Audio-Technica ATH-R70x

The first alternative you could consider is the Audio-Technica ATH-R70x. At $50 less than the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO, you get a similar build. The ATH-R70x also has an open-back, over-ear design and comes with 45 mm drivers. In terms of its overall build, it is made with carbon composite resin and features a dual-sided detachable locking cable, so you get a similar versatile cable experience as the HD-490 PRO. As for the ear pads, these headphones have breathable fabric ear pads.

Austrian Audio Hi-X65

Next, we have the Austrian Audio Hi-X65. The Hi-X65, priced similarly at $400, has an open-back, open-ear design. It delivers a 5 Hz to 28 kHz frequency response as well. When it comes to portability, the Hi-X65 has a design that’s overall more portable. It’s foldable, so it’s easier to pack in a backpack or luggage. However, the headphones overall are heavier, weighing 310 g  — 50 g heavier than the HD-490 PRO. These headphones also have memory foam earpads and a metal construction, so they’re sturdy.

Sony MDR-MV1

Lastly, we have the Sony MDR-MV1. Priced the same as the HD-490 PRO at $400, the Sony MDR-MV1 offers a 5 Hz to 80 kHz frequency response and 24-ohm impedance. Additionally, it also has an open-back design and comes with a 40 mm dynamic driver. For its build, the headphones are made out of durable machined aluminum.

Is the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO worth it?

Although pricey, we cannot deny that the Sennheiser HD-490 PRO is a great pair of headphones for video production. Ultimately, they sound good, and that’s the most important metric when choosing headphones. As a major bonus, they’re super comfortable. We would have no issue using these headphones to edit all day long. Throughout our extensive time with them, we’ve never experienced ear fatigue. Ultimately, these are great headphones that you will be pleased with — as long as you’re okay with the hefty $400 price tag.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO

$329.09 at Amazon $399.00 at B&H Video

Tech specs