In this Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro review, we’ll take a look at one the industry’s enduring pairs of iconic headphones.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Headphones Are a Studio Workhorse
Beyerdysweenamic has a been a manufacturer of professional audio equipment for 98 years — soon to celebrate its centennial in 2024. The company’s first pair of headphones was the DT 48 from 1937, in which the acronym “DT” stands for “dynamic telephone.” These became a hit amongst studio and broadcast professionals.
The DT 48, largely unchanged from the original, was produced until 2013 — that makes it one of the longest running products in consumer electronic history, as well as the precursor to all Beyerdynamic headphones.
In 1985, the DT 770 made its first appearance. It quickly set the benchmark for professional headphones due to an excellent combination of sound quality, durability, affordability, and comfortability. Truly a workhorse, these headphones are a great multi-purpose pair for recording, critical listening, and casual listening.
Headphone Features
Choose Your Ohms
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 comes in three versions: 32Ω for mobile devices/laptops, 80Ω as an all-rounder for the majority of studio work, and 250Ω for use with high-end consoles, interfaces, and headphone amps.
As impedance increases, so do the power needs from the output device. Lower impedance headphones can achieve good sound quality and volume from a low voltage device, while higher impedance headphones need more power for optimal performance.
Different impedances actually lead to differences in performance. Beyerdynamic has stated that the various impedance ratings in their headphones largely comes down to the voice coil in the driver. Higher impedance headphones use thinner wires with lower mass in the voice coil; thinner wires are wound more tightly for a stronger electromagnetic field and less distortion. Hence, they tend to sound better than low-impedance headphones.
It depends on how you intend to use them. If you want a pair specifically for laptop usage, go with 32Ω. For professional studio use, 250Ω is ideal, while 80Ω tends to work well for most basic studio applications.
Sturdy Design
The ruggedness and durability of DT 770s is part of what makes them the stuff of studio legend. Made in Germany with high-quality components, these things are absolutely built to last. The ear cups are also replaceable, implying that those will wear out long before the headphones cease to function.
Passive Noise Reduction
Finally, these are closed back headphones which offer passive noise reduction; i.e., they isolate you from your surroundings. That’s not a feature exclusive to Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones, but rather a characteristic of closed headphones.
Closed vs Open Headphones (DT 770 vs DT 990)
Closed cans like the 770s isolate the listener from the environment, meaning little noise gets in or out of the ear cups. That’s great for recording where you want to minimize bleed into the microphone, as well as for public use or quiet nighttime monitoring.
You’ll notice a bass boost in the 770s due to their closed design which traps low frequencies in the ear cups and lets them build up. You’ll also notice a fairly pronounced high-end lift that exposes very sibilant or harsh material. Apart from that, the 770s sound fairly neutral/natural.
One final thought about closed headphones is that they tend to have a very tight and narrow soundstage, though the 770’s soundstage is just wide enough to be adequate in critical listening situations. Open headphones like Beyer’s DT 990s have a very open and natural soundstage at the expense of isolation.
Typically, you’d find closed headphones best for recording and open headphones better for mixing/mastering. Ultimately, though, your mileage all comes down to whichever headphones you know the best.
- SEE ALSO: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro Review
- SEE ALSO: Best Open and Closed Back Headphones in 2022
Our Take: A No-Frills Pair of Cans That Gets the Job Done
You really can’t go wrong with a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones. They sound good, they’re affordable, durable, and comfortable. It’s always good to test a bunch of pairs, if you have the option, to really find something you like, but taking a chance on these won’t be a disappointment.
