A recording studio legend gets even better
A commemoration of Beyerdynamic’s 100th anniversary, the $199 DT 770 Pro X LE headphones are a special edition of the popular DT 770 Pro with upgraded Stellar.45mm dynamic drivers and a removable cable. All types of audio sound wonderful on them, from film soundtracks to jazz recordings to electronic music with intense sub-bass. Long-term listening comfort is top-notch as well due to the plush earpads and padded headband. Beyerdynamic’s $349 DT 700 Pro X headphones have a marginally fuller low-end response and a more understated design, but they also cost a lot more. Audiophiles and sound engineers alike should find many reasons to enjoy the DT 770 Pro X LE, and the headphones easily earn our Editors’ Choice award for studio work. Unbeatable Comfort and Upgraded Drivers
Between their gray, velour circumaural pads and black, semi-matte frame, the DT 770 Pro X LE headphones fit right in with most of Beyerdynamic’s other models. The earpads, in particular, have always been one of the most distinctive aspects of the company’s studio headphones—their massive, perfectly circular shape fully seals off the ear and creates ideal isolation for tracking. They do have some distinguishing features, including a silver logo that marks the company’s 100th anniversary and a headband cover with metallic snap-shut buttons. Both the earpads and the headband cover are replaceable. Overall, I prefer the less flashy design of the DT 700 Pro X headphones, which are matte black and use sleek black lettering.
Despite their bulk, the DT 770 Pro X LE headphones are easily among the most comfortable I’ve ever tested. The earpads feel like travel pillows due to their large contact surface, while the combination of the soft material and ample padding makes for a luxurious feel. Their spacious design means they are less likely to get warm and sweaty over long listening sessions, a benefit for studio work. A closed-back design ensures that they won’t leak audio, a must for many recording environments.
Meanwhile, the headband features a recessed area that effectively prevents it from contacting the pressure-sensitive fontanelle area (top) of your skull. It too gets generous padding. Underneath the padding, the spring steel frame ensures that it’s durable.
I find the DT 770 Pro X LE a bit more comfortable than the DT 700 Pro X. The latter’s earcups can exert pressure in some spots, while the former’s do not.
