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The audio technica vs beyerdynamic noise cancelling headphone debate often confuses buyers because these specific models lack active noise cancellation. Both are wired studio headphones designed for professional monitoring. They share a black color and over-ear fit. The main difference lies in their acoustic design. One uses a closed circumaural design for isolation, while the other uses an open-back design for a natural soundstage. This choice defines their use case.
Back Design
Closed (Circumaural)
Open-Back
Connection
Detachable Cable
Fixed Cable
Driver Size
40 mm
not listed
Impedance
not listed
80 Ohm
Frequency Response
not listed
5–35,000 Hz
Weight
8.47 ounces
9.5 ounces
Choose the first if
- You need sound isolation in loud environments
- You prefer detachable cables for easy replacement
- You want a lighter headphone under 9 ounces
Choose the second if
- You want a natural, wide soundstage for mixing
- You need 80 Ohm impedance for various audio gear
- You prioritize extended frequency response up to 35,000 Hz
Verdict
Choose the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x if you require sound isolation and portable, detachable cable flexibility. Choose the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO if you need an open-back design for accurate spatial imaging and critical listening. Neither model features active noise cancellation, so pick based on your acoustic preference.
Studio Headphone Specs Compared
back design
Edge: Tie
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO features an open-back design. This construction allows air to pass through the ear cups, creating a wider, more natural soundstage. It helps you hear subtle details and spatial imaging, which is ideal for mixing and mastering. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x uses a circumaural closed-back design. It contours around your ears to provide excellent sound isolation in loud environments. This blocks outside noise, making it better for monitoring on location. If you need to focus on your mix without distractions, the closed design wins. For a more open acoustic experience, the open-back option is superior.
drivers
Edge: Tie
Audio-Technica equips the ATH-M40x with 40 mm drivers. These use rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The result is a tuned flat response for accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range. Beyerdynamic lists an extended frequency response of 5 to 35,000 Hz for the DT 990 PRO. This wide range reveals subtle nuances in your audio. While Beyerdynamic specifies the range, Audio-Technica details the driver construction materials. Both aim for high fidelity. The Audio-Technica drivers offer precise engineering for studio work. The Beyerdynamic range suggests broad coverage. Each approach serves professional critical listening needs effectively.
impedance
Edge: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO comes in an 80-ohm version. This impedance is ideal for a wide range of applications, from professional studio outputs to high-fidelity home audio setups. It ensures distortion-free audio reproduction without needing a massive power amp. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x does not list its impedance in the provided data. Without this specification, you cannot compare how easily each headphone drives with your source gear. The Beyerdynamic 80-ohm rating offers clear guidance for compatibility with standard studio interfaces. This makes the Beyerdynamic option more transparent for your setup planning.
portability
Edge: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is built for portability. Its earcups swivel 90 degrees for easy one-ear monitoring. The design is collapsible, allowing for space-saving storage in a bag. This makes it easy to carry to sessions or on the go. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO data does not mention a collapsible design or swiveling earcups. It lists dimensions that suggest a bulkier profile when packed. If you travel frequently or need to store your headphones in tight spaces, the Audio-Technica design is more practical. The Beyerdynamic prioritizes comfort and soundstage over compact storage.
cable
Edge: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Audio-Technica includes a detachable cable system. It comes with a 1.2 to 3.0 meter coiled cable and a 3.0 meter straight cable. This allows you to switch between studio monitoring and mobile use easily. Beyerdynamic includes a 3-meter straight cable with a threaded 1/4 inch adapter for 1/8 inch jacks. The Beyerdynamic cable is not described as detachable in the data. If your cable breaks, the Audio-Technica model allows for simple replacement. The Beyerdynamic adapter adds versatility for different jack types. However, the detachable nature of the Audio-Technica cable offers greater long-term maintenance flexibility.
Choose Your Studio Headphones
Mixing engineers needing wide soundstage
Our pick: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO uses an open-back design to create a natural soundstage and detailed spatial imaging. This allows you to hear subtle nuances and imperfections in your audio. The 5–35,000 Hz frequency response ensures accurate mix decisions. The 80-ohm impedance works well with professional studio outputs for distortion-free reproduction.
Studio monitors requiring flat frequency response
Our pick: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x features 40 mm drivers tuned flat for accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range. Its circumaural design contours around your ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments. The 90-degree swiveling earcups enable easy one-ear monitoring. This makes it ideal for professional studio tracking where isolation and precision are key.
Users wanting detachable cable options
Our pick: Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x includes a detachable cable system. It comes with both a 1.2 m to 3.0 m coiled cable and a 3.0 m straight cable. This allows you to swap cables easily. The Beyerdynamic model includes a 3-meter straight cable with a threaded adapter but does not mention a detachable cable system for replacement or customization.
Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Best for: Studio monitoring and critical listening
- Form Factor
- Circumaural
- Features
- Detachable Cable
- Use
- Studio
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 11.4 × 10 × 4.1 inches
- Weight
- 8.47 ounces
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x are professional studio monitor headphones designed for accurate sound reproduction. They feature 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. The circumaural design provides excellent sound isolation. These headphones offer a flat tuning for precise monitoring. They include detachable cables for flexibility. This model suits users who need reliable, durable audio gear for studio work or critical listening.
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tuned flat for accurate sound monitoring across the entire frequency range
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation
- Detachable cable includes 1.2 m coiled and 3.0 m straight options
- Heavier build at 8.47 ounces compared to lighter alternatives
- Fixed 40 mm driver size limits low-end extension compared to larger drivers
- You need accurate sound monitoring for studio work
- You prefer a flat frequency response for critical listening
- You want detachable cables for easy replacement
- You require active noise cancellation
- You need wireless connectivity
- You prefer lightweight headphones for long sessions
Verdict: Audio-Technica ATH-M40x Studio Monitor Headphones deliver precise sound monitoring with a robust build. They are ideal for studio professionals and audiophiles who value accuracy over wireless convenience.
Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones
Best for: Studio mixing and critical listening
- Connectivity
- Wired, 3.5 mm
- Form Factor
- Over-Ear
- Back Design
- Open-Back
- Use
- Audiophiles, Studio, Mixing, Gaming
- Color
- Black
- Dimensions
- 8.7 × 4.7 × 9.1 inches
These open-back wired headphones deliver a natural soundstage for critical listening. The 80-ohm impedance works well with studio outputs and home audio setups. You get a wide frequency response from 5 to 35,000 Hz for detailed audio reproduction. The over-ear design features replaceable ear pads for comfort during long sessions. They are handcrafted in Germany for durability. This model suits professionals who need accurate mix decisions.
- Open-back design provides natural soundstage and spatial imaging
- 80-ohm impedance suits studio outputs and home audio
- Extended 5–35,000 Hz frequency response reveals audio nuances
- Replaceable circumaural ear pads ensure long-term comfort
- Includes 3-meter cable with 1/4" adapter for 1/8" jacks
- Open-back construction allows sound leakage in quiet environments
- Wired connection requires a cable for every use
- 9.5-ounce weight is slightly heavier than some competitors
- You need accurate spatial imaging for mixing and mastering
- You prefer open-back headphones for a natural soundstage
- You want replaceable parts for long-term durability
- You need active noise cancellation for noisy commutes
- You require wireless freedom for mobile use
- You need sealed cans for private listening in public
Verdict: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm offers precise audio detail for studio work. It fits listeners who prioritize soundstage accuracy over isolation.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Audio-Technica Swiveling Over-Ear Studio Headphones | Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 80 Ohm Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | – | Wired, 3.5 mm |
| Form Factor | Circumaural | Over-Ear |
| Back Design | – | Open-Back |
| Connection | – | Wired |
| Fit | – | Over-Ear |
| Features | Detachable Cable | – |
| Use | Studio | Audiophiles, Studio, Mixing, Gaming |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Dimensions | 11.4 × 10 × 4.1 inches | 8.7 × 4.7 × 9.1 inches |
| Weight | 8.47 ounces | 9.5 ounces |
| Size | ATH-M40X | 80 OHM |
| Model | ATH-M40x | DT 990 PRO-cr |
Frequently asked questions
Do these headphones have active noise cancellation?
No, neither the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x nor the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO features active noise cancellation. Both are wired studio headphones designed for critical listening and monitoring rather than passive isolation. You will need to rely on the physical fit for ambient sound reduction.
Which brand is better for studio mixing?
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is often preferred for mixing due to its open-back design. This construction creates a wider, more natural soundstage that helps you hear spatial imaging and subtle audio details. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x offers a closed design for focused monitoring.
Are these headphones wireless or Bluetooth enabled?
No, both models are wired headphones. The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO uses a wired connection, and the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x features a detachable cable. Neither model includes Bluetooth or wireless technology, so you must connect them directly to your audio source using a cable.
What is the weight difference between them?
The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x weighs 8.47 ounces, while the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO weighs 9.5 ounces. The Audio-Technica model is slightly lighter. Both are over-ear headphones, but the Beyerdynamic is marginally heavier, which may affect long-term comfort during extended studio sessions.
Can I use these headphones for gaming?
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO is suitable for gaming. Its open-back design provides a wide soundstage, allowing you to detect directional audio cues and subtle in-game details. The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is better suited for studio monitoring and critical listening rather than gaming immersion.
Do these headphones come with a carrying case?
The provided data does not mention included accessories like carrying cases for either the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or the Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO. You should check the specific product packaging details to confirm what accessories are included with your purchase.