Highlights

• Exceptional balanced sound and wide soundstage
• Ultra-comfortable with precision-engineered ergonomics
• Includes advanced Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin
• Remarkably lightweight design without compromising durability

As an enthusiastic audiophile and a long-time admirer of Sennheiser products, I was surprised by the opportunity to test the company’s latest offering, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+. 

While I am not involved in professional sound mixing, I am aware that several consumers in the industry have a history of utilsing Sennheiser headphones for production and DJing.

My expectations were high, driven by my positive experiences with Sennheiser’s more consumer-friendly options.

So I am reviewing the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ as a casual user and not a professional user. 

Pros and Cons

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ Review:  Key Specifications

• Type: Open-back, over-ear headphones
• Frequency Response: Unspecified, designed for flat, uncolored sound reproduction
• Impedance: Not specified
• Accessories: Two sets of washable, replaceable ear pads, Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin
• Weight: Remarkably lightweight (exact weight not specified)
• Design Features: Sennheiser Open-frame Architecture, innovative low-frequency cylinder system

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ Review: Unboxing

Unboxing the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro+ reveals a hardcover case and the headphones.

The case is designed for protection during transit.

Inside the case, you find the headphones and a 3m semi-coiled cable. 

The box also contains an extra headband pad, a 3.5mm to 6.3 mm jack adapter, and two sets of ear pads.

Unique to the Pro+ is an unlock code for the dearVR Mix SE plugin. 

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ Review: Unboxing Video

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ Review: Design, Build, and Comfort

The HD 490 PRO+ impresses with its incredibly lightweight construction right out of the box.

Although it initially seemed almost too light, hinting at a possible compromise on durability, my closer examination and subsequent experience dispelled these concerns. 

Its open-back design is a significant contributor to both the headphones’ physical lightness and the spacious soundstage they project, providing a listening experience that’s as expansive as it is detailed.

Again, this feedback is from a casual consumer point of view.

I’m sure users with a professional studio will have a much more detailed outlook on the headphones.

What I can say for sure though is that Sennheiser’s commitment to comfort is evident in the HD 490 PRO+.

The precision-engineered ergonomics eliminate pressure points, allowing for prolonged use without discomfort. 

The inclusion of two sets of ear pads—one velour and one standard—offers options for comfort and sound preference, and I feel that the velour pads stand out for their superior softness and comfort.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ Review: Sound Quality

Objectively, the headphones are said to be extensive in mimicking a flat sound signature and bassline so that producers can make music in the purest form.

The sound quality of the HD 490 PRO+, from my time using the device, lives up to Sennheiser’s reputation for balanced and expansive soundscapes. 

The headphones’ open-back design and technical ingenuity deliver an uncoloured, dynamic sound across the full audio spectrum, with a special emphasis on a wide, dimensional sound stage and precise sound localization.

Again my emphasis has to be that of a casual audiophile and not someone in the business of using studio-grade headphones.

Even so, to my untrained ears, the innovative low-frequency cylinder system ensures the low-end is full, accurate, and clearly defined, marking a high standard in sound reproduction.

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ Review: Additional Features

The HD 490 PRO+ comes with additional features that enhance the user experience.

The two sets of washable, replaceable ear pads are designed to cater to long sessions of production or mixing, addressing ear fatigue and allowing for sound customization.

Moreover, the inclusion of the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin offers an advanced spatial audio technology tool, transforming your workstation into an ultimate virtual mixing environment and further enriching the headphones’ versatility and usability. 

Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ Review: Final Impressions

In conclusion, the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ stands as a compelling testament to the brand’s ongoing innovation in audio engineering.

Despite its feather-light build, it does not fall short in delivering exceptional sound quality, comfort, and durability, all of which will be key for audio professionals to make the kind of music that is devoid of any external audio influence. 

The subtle nuances offered by the additional ear pads and the EQ customization cater to the targeted needs of audiophiles and professionals alike. 

Finally, the free license of the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin is a thoughtful addition, showing Sennheiser’s dedication to providing a comprehensive audio experience. 

Overall, the HD 490 PRO+ is a testament to what modern headphones can achieve, combining versatility, comfort, and performance in a way that honors the Sennheiser legacy.

The HD 490 PRO+ is available in the market for Rs 32,990 although the original price stands at Rs 41,300.

Reasons to Buy the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+

• Exceptional Sound Quality: Delivers uncolored, dynamic sound across the full audio spectrum with a wide soundstage and precise localization.
• Supreme Comfort: Precision-engineered ergonomics and soft, replaceable ear pads allow for extended use without discomfort.
• Advanced Features: Includes the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin for an immersive virtual mixing environment.
• Lightweight Design: The remarkably lightweight construction enhances comfort without compromising on durability.
• Professional Precision: Designed for flat, uncolored sound reproduction, ideal for professional production and DJing tasks.

Reasons Not to Buy the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+

• Not for Casual Consumers: Tailored for professionals, its flat sound signature and expansive soundstage might not cater to the casual listener’s preference for more enhanced bass or treble.
• Price Point: Given its professional-grade features, the price may be steep for those not needing advanced production capabilities.

FAQs

What sets the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ apart from other professional headphones?

The HD 490 PRO+ stands out with its balanced sound, wide soundstage, and ultra-comfortable, lightweight design, making it ideal for prolonged use in professional settings.

Can the ear pads of the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ be replaced?

Yes, the HD 490 PRO+ comes with two sets of washable, replaceable ear pads designed for long production or mixing sessions, addressing ear fatigue and allowing for sound customization.

What is the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin included with the HD 490 PRO+?

The Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin transforms your workstation into a virtual mixing environment with advanced spatial audio technology, enriching the headphones’ versatility and usability.

Is the Sennheiser HD 490 PRO+ suitable for casual listeners?

While the HD 490 PRO+ is designed with professionals in mind, offering a flat sound signature and expansive soundstage, casual listeners might find its sound precision and comfort appealing, though it is primarily aimed at professional use.

How does the open-back design of the HD 490 PRO+ affect sound quality?

The open-back design contributes to the headphones’ spacious soundstage and detailed sound localization, delivering an uncolored, dynamic sound across the full audio spectrum suitable for professional production and DJing.

What is the price of Sennheiser 490 Pro headphones ?

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro and HD 490 Pro Plus retail for an MRP of Rs. 34,500 and Rs. 41,300, respectively.

What is the discounted price of Sennheiser 490 Pro headphones?

These are available via Amazon.in at discounted prices of Rs. 27,590 and Rs. 32,990, respectively.

What are the features of Sennheiser HD 490 Pro ?

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro headphones come with an extremely wide, dimensional sound staging for premium driver performance and a more authentic sound reproduction.

Users can choose to plug the headphone cable into either the right or left earpiece, keeping in mind different studio setups and preferences.

Sennheiser has also eliminated the pressure points to ensure comfort during long hours of usage. They flaunt a unique, open-back design for natural ventilation, which the brand claims is to make hours of work ‘feel like minutes’.

Sennheiser has even provided two sets of ear pads- Velour for a warmer response and Fabric for a flat, more neutral sound output.

Additionally, producers get a free license for the Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin with the headphones to transform a user’s digital audio workstation into a virtual mixing environment with the inclusion of spatial audio.

Lastly, Sennheiser HD 490 Pro also comes in a Plus variant that offers a trendy box, an additional 3m cable and an extra fabric headband pad.

What is the color available in Sennheiser HD 490 Pro ?

The newly announced studio headphones come in the Black colour variant.

Is there a Pro + version & Pro Pro + Version of the Sennheiser 490 HD Pro ?

Additionally, there is a Pro+ version of the headphones available for Rs 32,990.
The original price of the HD 490 Pro Pro+ version is mentioned as Rs 41,300.

What are Sennheiser HD 490 Pro quick Specifications?

* Accoustic principle: Open
* Transducer principle: Dynamic; 38mm transducer
* Max. sound pressure level: 128dB
* Impedance: 130 Ω (1 kHz)
* Weight: 260 g (without cable)
* Dear Reality dearVR MIX-SE plugin included
* Two unique sets of washable, replaceable ear pads
* Box Contents (HD 490 PRO): 3.5 mm jack plug to 6.3 mm adapter,
1.8 m cable, mixing ear pads, producing ear pads, Quick Guide,
Safety Guide
* Box Contents (HD 490 PRO Plus): 3.5 mm jack plug to 6.3 mm adapter, 1.8 m cable, and 3 m cable, mixing ear pads, producing ear pads, extra headband pad, case, Quick Guide, Safety Guide
* Power rating: 300 mW

What are Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Features & Specifications?

Full-Spectrum Audio Accuracy

To tackle this complexity, the Sennheiser engineers have given the HD 490 PRO an extremely wide, dimensional sound stage for precisely localising the components of a mix.
Ultralight voice coils ensure a fast and authentic sound reproduction.

The frequency response is uncoloured and honest across the entire audio spectrum, with the low end being full, accurate, and clearly defined thanks to a special low-frequency cylinder.

The open-mesh ear cup covers reveal Sennheiser’s Open-frame Architecture, which minimises resonances and distortion.

For an optimal listening experience, the transducers sit at a slight angle, thereby emulating a typical monitor loudspeaker set-up.

The HD 490 PRO studio headphones deliver a wide, spatial sound stage with excellent localisation, enabling producers to create refined masters

The Sennheiser HD 490 PRO studio headphones put users in full control of every detail of the mix.

A Pleasure to Wear

An excellent pair of studio headphones would only be half as good if it were uncomfortable.

Therefore, the Sennheiser engineers have put decades of experience from professional headset design into the HD 490 PRO.

Their lightweight, ergonomic design eliminates any pressure points, as the headband does not press on the sensitive parts of the head.

Also, the circumaural ear pads feature a Sennheiser-patented soft comfort zone for the temples of glasses while maintaining good sealing.

A patent has also been applied for regarding the special axes geometry of the HD 490 PRO.

This design makes sure that the headphones optimally adapt to the head when they are put on, and maintain an equal contact pressure no matter what the shape of the user’s head.

Two types of ear pads to perfectly adapt to the task at hand.

The producing ear pads (velour) of the HD 490 PRO have a slightly warmer response to create perspective and help users make a holistic judgement of the sound.

The mixing ear pads (fabric), on the other hand, allow for a very flat, neutral sound that helps dive into detail when a sound reference is needed in finishing off a mix.

Both ear pads are washable – a solution that is both hygienic and sustainable.

The type of ear pad has a massive impact on sound reproduction – with the HD 490 PRO, users get two headphones in one.

With the producing ear pads reproduction is slightly warmer, while the mixing ear pads help to drill down on the individual frequencies.

A licence to dearVR MIX-SE
The HD 490 PRO includes a free licence for the innovative dearVR MIX-SE plugin from Dear Reality.

The plugin turns a DAW into an ultimate virtual mixing environment, simulating the carefully designed acoustics of ideal mixing studios.

Not only is the engineer or musician placed in the sweet spot, dear VR MIX-SE also helps them ensure a balanced and consistent translation of their mixes on different systems.

Attention to Detail

The meticulous design of this top-of-the-range studio model does not stop with the accessories.

For example, the headphone cable can be plugged into the right or left ear piece of the HD 490 PRO to cater to different studio set-ups and preferences.

A patented cable coil structure ensures that the headphone cable does not transmit any noise when it hits the desk or rubs against the clothing.

The left/right designation is clearly visible on the inside dust covers of the transducers, while for the visually impaired, the headband fork carries braille information.

Each HD 490 PRO is delivered complete with two different sets of ear pads (mixing and producing) plus a 1.8 m headphone cable and a dearVR MIX-SE licence.

The HD 490 PRO Plus (pictured) includes a case, additional 3 m headphone cable and an extra fabric headband pad.

Also Read: Sennheiser introduces HD 450SE with active noise cancellation

Also Read: Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Professional Headphones Launched in India: Price, Features & Offers