Short answer: buy the DT 770 PRO 80 ohm if you record vocals or instruments, the DT 880 PRO if you mix at a desk in a quiet room, and the DT 990 PRO 250 ohm if you want the widest, most open presentation for editing and critical listening. All three share the same 5 to 35,000 Hz frequency response rating and the same nominal SPL, so the real differences are the back of the ear cup and the impedance.
The DT 770 PRO is closed, so it keeps sound in and noise out. The DT 880 PRO is semi-open, a middle ground. The DT 990 PRO is fully open, so it sounds spacious but leaks sound both ways. The impedance (32, 80 or 250 ohm) decides what you can plug them into.
This guide explains what each design does in practice, which ohm version suits your phone, interface or headphone amp, and what each model costs at proaudiobrands.com in September 2026.
At a glance: DT 770 PRO vs DT 880 PRO vs DT 990 PRO
Specifications below are from beyerdynamic's own product pages and spec sheets. Prices are as listed on proaudiobrands.com in September 2026, per single pair of headphones.
| Model | Design | Impedance (store version) | Frequency response | Nominal SPL | Cable | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT 770 PRO 32 ohm | Closed | 32 ohm | 5 to 35,000 Hz | 96 dB | 1.6 m straight | ₹16,999 | Phones, laptops, portable recorders |
| DT 770 PRO 80 ohm | Closed | 80 ohm | 5 to 35,000 Hz | 96 dB | 3 m straight | ₹16,999 | Recording and tracking with an interface |
| DT 770 PRO 250 ohm | Closed | 250 ohm | 5 to 35,000 Hz | 96 dB | 3 m coiled | ₹16,999 | Monitoring in noisy rooms with a strong headphone amp |
| DT 880 PRO | Semi-open | 250 ohm | 5 to 35,000 Hz | 96 dB | 3 m coiled | ₹17,990 | Mixing and mastering in a quiet room |
| DT 990 PRO | Open | 250 ohm | 5 to 35,000 Hz | 96 dB | 3 m coiled | ₹20,024 | Critical listening, editing, spatial detail |
All three are rated for 100 mW power handling and under 0.2% nominal distortion, with the same approx. 3.5 N headband pressure. They are handmade in Germany, and beyerdynamic states that all components are replaceable.
Closed, semi-open or open: what the back of the cup changes
DT 770 PRO: closed back
The DT 770 PRO has sealed ear cups and a bass reflex system. beyerdynamic quotes ambient noise attenuation of approx. 18 dBA for the 80 and 250 ohm versions and approx. 20 dBA for the 32 ohm version. In practice that means a singer can hear a backing track and click without the sound bleeding into a nearby condenser microphone, and you can work while a ceiling fan, traffic or family noise carries on around you.
beyerdynamic positions it as a headphone for control and monitoring. It is the one to buy if the same headphone has to record, check takes and handle late-night listening in a shared flat.
DT 880 PRO: semi-open
The DT 880 PRO sits between the two. beyerdynamic describes it as combining the strengths of open, transparent headphones with those of closed ones, and lists it specifically as a studio headphone for mixing and mastering, with a transparent, spacious and natural sound. The semi-open cups let some sound out and some room noise in, so it is not a recording headphone, but it leaks less than the DT 990 PRO.
Choose it if your main job is balancing a mix, checking vocal placement and EQ decisions on headphones, and your room is reasonably quiet.
DT 990 PRO: open back
The DT 990 PRO is fully open. The open cups give the widest sense of space of the three. beyerdynamic's own FAQ says the DT 990 PRO is primarily intended for critical listening and precise editing, rather than tonal balancing during mixing. That is a useful distinction: it is excellent for hearing clicks, noise, reverb tails and stereo placement, while the DT 880 PRO is the maker's pick for tonal decisions.
Open headphones leak sound. Do not use a DT 990 PRO while recording with a microphone in the same room, and expect people next to you to hear what you are playing.
DT 770 PRO 32 ohm vs 80 ohm vs 250 ohm: which impedance?
The DT 770 PRO is the only one of the three sold in all three impedance versions. beyerdynamic labels them simply: 32 ohm for mobile devices, 80 ohm for universal studio use, and 250 ohm for professional devices, meaning high-performance audio interfaces or mixing consoles. All three versions cost the same ₹16,999 at our store, so the choice is purely about what you will plug them into.
What impedance and sensitivity actually mean
beyerdynamic rates every version at the same nominal SPL of 96 dB. What changes is how much voltage the headphone output has to deliver to reach that level. Power equals voltage squared divided by impedance, so to push the same power into a 250 ohm headphone you need roughly 2.8 times the voltage needed for a 32 ohm one. A phone or laptop jack cannot swing that much voltage, so a 250 ohm headphone plugged into a phone sounds quiet and thin. A proper headphone amplifier or a strong interface output has the voltage to spare.
The reverse problem is smaller. A 32 ohm headphone on a powerful studio amp will get loud very early on the volume knob, which makes fine level control fiddly, but it still works.
32 ohm: phones, laptops, tablets and handheld recorders
The DT 770 PRO 32 ohm is the version for sources with weak headphone outputs. beyerdynamic ships it with a shorter 1.6 m straight cable, which suits a phone, a laptop bag or a field recorder. It also gets slightly more isolation on paper (approx. 20 dBA).
80 ohm: the safe choice for home studios
The DT 770 PRO 80 ohm comes with a 3 m straight cable, long enough to reach a performer from the desk. It plays loud enough from typical USB interface headphone outputs, and it is still usable from a laptop, though with less headroom. If you are unsure, this is the one to pick.
250 ohm: for a dedicated headphone amp or strong interface output
The DT 770 PRO 250 ohm ships with a 3 m coiled cable, which stays short at rest and stretches when you move away from the desk. Buy it when you already own a headphone amplifier, a mixer with a strong phones output, or an interface known for its headphone stage. The DT 880 PRO and the store's DT 990 PRO are also 250 ohm, so the same advice applies to them.
Which interfaces and amps drive 250 ohm headphones?
Look at the headphone output specification of the interface, not only the marketing. Two examples from interfaces we stock, with figures taken from the makers' own pages:
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen (₹26,499): Focusrite lists a maximum headphone output power of 22 mW into 300 ohm and 32 mW into 33 ohm, and says the redesigned headphone amp drives high-impedance headphones louder than earlier Scarletts. That is comfortable for the 80 ohm DT 770 PRO and workable for the 250 ohm models at normal studio listening levels.
- SSL 2 MKII (₹28,900): Solid State Logic fits two front-panel headphone outputs with high-current NJM headphone amps, rated at +13 dBu maximum output, and states they can drive any type of headphones from in-ear monitors to large-diaphragm models.
Budget interfaces with small, bus-powered headphone circuits are where 250 ohm headphones run short. If you find yourself turning the headphone knob close to maximum just to reach a normal level, either switch to the 80 ohm DT 770 PRO or add a dedicated headphone amplifier. Our audio interface buying guide covers more options by budget.
Beyond the classics: PRO X and Tesla models
If you want one headphone that works equally well from a phone and a studio interface, look at beyerdynamic's newer PRO X line. The DT 700 PRO X (closed, ₹29,210) and the DT 900 PRO X (open, ₹30,036) use the STELLAR.45 driver at 48 ohm, rated by beyerdynamic at 100 dB SPL (1 mW/500 Hz) with a 5 to 40,000 Hz response. Unlike the classic DT models, whose cables are fixed, the PRO X models have a detachable mini-XLR cable, so a damaged cable is a simple swap rather than a repair job. beyerdynamic names the DT 900 PRO X as a particularly linear choice for mixing and the DT 700 PRO X as a closed option that can also be used for mixing.
Above those sit the Tesla-driver models, the DT 1770 PRO (closed, ₹70,410) and DT 1990 PRO (open, ₹71,199). They are aimed at engineers who spend all day on headphones and want beyerdynamic's top studio sound. Please confirm the impedance version on the product page before ordering, since beyerdynamic has updated these models.
You can browse the full range in our beyerdynamic collection.
Buying studio headphones in India: practical points
- Heat and sweat: the 80 and 250 ohm DT 770 PRO, the DT 880 PRO and the DT 990 PRO use velour ear pads, which beyerdynamic describes as breathable. In a humid Mumbai or Chennai summer that matters over long sessions. The DT 770 PRO 32 ohm uses softskin pads instead, which seal well but get warmer. Velour absorbs sweat, so wipe the pads and let them air out after use.
- Replaceable parts: beyerdynamic sells replacement ear pads (EDT 770 V for the DT 770 PRO, EDT 990 V for the DT 880 PRO and DT 990 PRO) and a replacement headband pad. Flattened pads change the fit and seal, which affects bass, so fresh pads bring the sound back.
- Fixed cables: the classic DT models have fixed cables. Avoid rolling a chair over them and do not yank the plug out by the cable. A cable repair is a service job, which is one good reason to buy from an authorised dealer.
- Small rooms and shared flats: if you mix in a bedroom where others sleep, the closed DT 770 PRO is the considerate choice. The DT 990 PRO leaks enough that a person on the next pillow will hear it.
- Warranty and authenticity: buying from an authorised dealer gets you genuine stock, a valid warranty and a service route in India if something goes wrong.
Which one should you buy?
- You record vocals, podcasts, guitar or drums: DT 770 PRO 80 ohm. Closed, isolating, easy to drive from an interface.
- You mostly listen from a phone or laptop but want studio sound: DT 770 PRO 32 ohm, or the DT 700 PRO X if you want a detachable cable.
- You mix and master on headphones in a quiet room: DT 880 PRO with a decent headphone output.
- You edit dialogue, clean up audio, or want the most spacious presentation: DT 990 PRO 250 ohm.
- You already own a headphone amp and need isolation: DT 770 PRO 250 ohm.
- You want one pair for recording and mixing: DT 770 PRO 80 ohm for isolation first, or the DT 700 PRO X if the budget stretches to ₹29,210.
FAQ
What is the DT 990 PRO 250 ohm price in India?
The Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 ohm is listed at ₹20,024 on proaudiobrands.com as of September 2026. That price is for one pair of headphones. beyerdynamic also makes an 80 ohm DT 990 PRO, but the version we list is the 250 ohm.
DT 770 PRO 80 ohm vs 250 ohm: which is better?
Neither sounds better on its own; they suit different sources. The 80 ohm plays loud from typical USB interfaces and comes with a 3 m straight cable, so it is the better all-rounder. The 250 ohm needs a stronger headphone amp and comes with a 3 m coiled cable. beyerdynamic rates both at 96 dB nominal SPL, and both cost ₹16,999 at our store.
Can I use the DT 990 PRO 250 ohm with a phone or laptop?
It will make sound, but it will be quiet and lack weight, because phone and laptop outputs cannot supply the voltage a 250 ohm headphone needs. Use an audio interface with a strong headphone output or a headphone amplifier. For phone use, the DT 770 PRO 32 ohm is the right model.
Which are the best headphones for mixing in India under ₹20,000?
Among these three, the DT 880 PRO at ₹17,990 is beyerdynamic's own pick for mixing and mastering, thanks to its semi-open design and neutral tuning. If your room is noisy, the DT 770 PRO is the practical alternative because it isolates.
Is the DT 990 PRO good for recording vocals?
No. It is open-backed, so the click and backing track leak out of the ear cups and into the microphone. beyerdynamic itself recommends closed-back headphones for use near a microphone. Use the DT 770 PRO for tracking and keep the DT 990 PRO for editing and listening.
Do these headphones have detachable cables?
No. beyerdynamic confirms the classic DT 770 PRO, DT 880 PRO and DT 990 PRO have fixed cables with a 3.5 mm plug and a 6.35 mm adapter. If you want a detachable cable, look at the DT 700 PRO X or DT 900 PRO X.
Are these studio headphones good for gaming?
beyerdynamic lists the open DT 990 PRO as well suited to gaming and streaming because of its spacious sound. If you use a microphone on stream, it recommends closed-back headphones, which points to the DT 770 PRO.