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Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO
Remember that kid in high school who was all elbows and knees but could still out lift you?
Say hello to the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro. These cans look like on-ears but fit like circumaural ones. Dressed in all black, the headphones keep a low profile. A combination of metal and plastic keeps the headphones light and comfortable, even with eye wear.
So much for the little black dress. We’re here to discuss the little black headphone.
Heads up! Something’s off
This review was written before SoundGuys started objectively testing headphone performance, so that data is missing. The overall score here is incompatible with newer reviews, and shouldn’t be used to compare models. The soft scores above, however, can be.
Editor’s note: This article was updated on November 28, 2024, to update site features, remove outdated information.
What comes in the box?
Unboxing the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro is like opening a door. Straight forward. Mundane.
No-fuss, no-muss means that the listener can immediately enjoy the music. Few accessories are included. The headphones include a 1.25-meter straight-coiled cable that terminates at 3.5mm and 2.5mm, a ¼ inch adapter, and svelte cloth carrying pouch.
The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro has excellent build quality
The DT 240 Pro are compact. But the padding extends beyond what’s expected. This creates a roomier fit for those with average lobes. Additionally, each ear cup is outfitted with a leatherette ear pad and a 2.5mm audio input. Though the 2.5mm size is inconvenient, at least it’s replaceable. Plus, the ear pads look and feel more natural than alternative synthetic materials. They also fold flat for storage, preserving precious real-estate in one’s bag.
Naturally, excellent build quality is to be expected from a company with nearly 94 years of audio experience. The metal headband and aluminum yokes elevate durability above the competition. (See the Audio-Technica ATH-M line.) Tactile, isolated clicks notify the user of how many notches the headband has been adjusted. Its architecture is so finely tuned that extended listening doesn’t pose a problem. Want more craftsmanship? Confidence-inspiring stress relievers are housed on each end of the cable.
Connectivity options
The removable 3.5mm to 2.5mm cable is an odd choice. Its manageable form factor makes moving around while tethered a breeze. If 1.25 meters isn’t enough, it stretches up to three meters. A locking mechanism for the cable would have been a nice detail. However, the physical connection is strong enough that random ejection shouldn’t occur. Cable sizing is proportional to the headset, which prevents a feeling of unwieldiness.
Warning: The DT 240 Pro have a knack for getting caught on things. The cable then catapults back towards the listener, potentially running a b-line to the face.
How do the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro sound?
Generally speaking, the overall sound leaves an impeccable impression on the listener. Those graduating from cheap-o IEMs to the DT 240 Pro will feel the difference. Everything is well-produced and clear . . . until you compare them to the Audio-Technica ATH M-40x. Though this isn’t a comparison review, the M-40X are significantly clearer than the DT 240 Pro. Additionally, the A-T soundstage recreates a more realistic, all-encompassing sound.Now. Back to the DT 240 Pro.
Lows, mids, and highs
Emphasized lows make these great for commuting and daily use. Though a bump and thump is appreciated by many listeners, Beyerdynamic asserts that these thrive in both a studio and casual environment. Two weeks of testing suggest that these are skewed to the consumer ear. Though for audio equipment in the $100 sub-range, the DT 240 Pro have a subjectively quite flat response. Portugal. the Man’s song “Noise Pollution” experiences an effective reproduction of low frequencies. Slight exaggeration of the lows replicates the song’s disorienting feeling. Responsiveness is swift. And the bass lingers in the mind as a result of the thump. A wider soundstage would have been appreciated but, as Josh Gourley sings, “c’est la vie.”
The mids recreate Gourley’s eerie and forward vocals. All the while Mary Winstead’s harmonies remain clear without forsaking detail. Prior to listening for the midrange frequencies, I was worried that the mids may be overpowered by the lows. This thought was, thankfully, disproved. Winstead’s solo in the latter third of “Noise Pollution” maintains its air of dangerous seduction, a positive consequence of tonal depth. A fine counterweight to the bass, the treble steers itself through synthesized highs. There are plenty of synth-created sound bites in “Noise Pollution,” none of which come off as grating, fatiguing or shrill. That said, highs feel rolled off on occasion. Overall, there’s an excellent balance to be heard with the DT 240 Pro.
Should you buy the DT 240 Pro?
From the engineering expertise that went into the aluminum yokes to the well-tuned, flat yet fun drivers, the DT 240 Pro give other studio headsets a run for their money. If you’re looking for studio cans in the $100 range, the ATH-M40x are still the better option for their clarity, soundstage and flat-leaning response. There are also plenty of other similarly priced options available. However, the DT 240 shouldn’t be overlooked. They serve as an exceptional hybrid and are suitable for both casual listening and editing.
How does the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro compare to the Audio Technica ATH-M40x?
The Audio Technica ATH-M40X are one of the most popular studio headphones for under $100—more so than the DT 240 Pro. The sound signature of the M40X is quite similar to the DT 240 Pro, sporting extra bass emphasis, slightly de-emphasized mids, and a slight treble boost. It may not be as neutral-sounding studio headphones, like the Sennheiser HD 820, however many budget music producers prefer the sound of the M40X over the DT 240 Pro.
The biggest complaint about the M40X is in regards to comfort. The clamping force of the headband is quite strong, causing the ear pads to exert more force on your ears than one would want. Most users experience discomfort after very long listening sessions, and people who wear glasses are the ones who suffer the most. Still, so long as you take enough breaks, the sound quality more than makes up for its design. Plus, at $99, the M40X offers a great value for any budding bedroom producer.
How does the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro compare to the Sony MDR-7506?
The Sony MDR-7506 is another favorite pair of cans for less than $100. Sound-wise, these headphones provide a flatter frequency response compared to the DT 240 Pro and even the M40x. While mids sound relatively neutral, the slight treble emphasis helps retain clarity in the attack of cymbals and hi-hats, without masking vocals and other instruments. If you’re a bass head, you may not be a fan of the Sony MDR-7506, which don’t add any emphasis in the low-end. However, for a pair of mixing headphones, the lack of a bass boost is actually a good thing since studio headphones are designed to sound as neutral as possible.