Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro Review – Affordable Studio Cans

This product is discontinued. For similar products read this guide.

Beyerdynamic consistently features in our best-of lists thanks to their excellent selection of studio headphones. In this review, we check out the DT 240 Pro, a budget-focused pair of headphones that impresses due to its capable sound and high build quality.

Budget studio headphones are often a matter of compromises, but Beyerdynamic has managed to deliver an impressive set of cans without a long list of drawbacks. The top-level pros and cons are below but read on for a more thorough breakdown.

Features

Delivering a set of cheap yet capable headphones is no easy task. The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro balances these competing forces with exceptional attention to detail.

Sound Quality 

I have seen a lot of praise for the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro, but I’ll admit I was skeptical heading into the review. Surely headphones in this price bracket would not be able to compete with more expensive options, but it turns out I was misguided in preemptively judging these based on price alone.

The sound profile of the DT 240 Pro is robust, lively, and more neutral than I anticipated. Are they as refined as some other studio headphones? No, but equally, they are a lot more impressive than some headphones that cost double or triple what these headphones cost.

Easy-to-drive headphones with impressive sound quality.

The top end is clean and precise without using over-inflated sharpness to provide an illusion of clarity. Likewise, the mids are warm and present with enough detail to make informed decisions. The low-end offers punch and definition without excessive emphasis.

Balance is relatively smooth, but they are not super flat. For highly detailed analytical listening, I’d look for some other choices, but for general editing, tracking, and light mixing work, these are more than enough. I didn’t find myself second guessing my decisions in the studio and mixes translated with accuracy when comparing to various other output sources.

The closed-back design results in a slightly claustrophobic soundstage, but I find that to be the case with most closed-back headphones.

It’s pretty remarkable how well Beyerdynamic has executed the design of these headphones. Relatively flat and neutral yet still engaging and fun for casual listening, and at this price point, it is tough to find any fault.

Comfort 

The Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro studio headphones offer a decent level of comfort but with a few caveats that might make these not the best choice for some people.

The headband offers ample padding and rests comfortably on the top of your head due to the relatively lightweight yet sturdy metal headband.

The clamping force is firm but not overly tight. This encourages a good seal while providing enough flexibility for these to be a viable option for people that wear glasses. Stability is high, and I could bop my head along to music without fearing that these would slip off my bald noggin.

High-quality padding and lightweight.

At first glance, these could easily be mistaken for a pair of on-ear cans due to the small earcups, but they are over-ear headphones. The padding on the earcups is suitably dense and adapts to the shape of your head well. But due to the small profile of the cups, the interior space is on the smaller side.

This shouldn’t be an issue for most people, but if you have more prominent ears, you might have a little trouble finding a comfortable fit. Thankfully the depth of the cups is generous and ensures your ears don’t end up touching the driver coating.

Heat build-up is inevitable with closed-back headphones, but I didn’t find this an overall detriment to wearing comfort. I wear headphones daily while working, and at no stage throughout the day did I become fatigued with them. 

Another slight yet notable feature is the ability to select which ear the cable connects to. It might not seem like much, but it’s nice to be able to connect these to hardware in a way where the cable won’t be crossing over your body. It might not seem like a big deal, but it does add to the overall ergonomics of these cans.

Design 

The first thing that struck me with the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones was the refined and sleek styling they offered. These professional-looking cans don’t scream, “Look at me!” like other headphones.

This makes them an excellent choice for your daily commute or remote monitoring. I’m not one to care too much about what other people think, and I’m also not eager to draw too much attention, and these fit the bill perfectly.

The sleek all-black finish and understated design are superb. I especially like the restraint shown when it comes to branding. No massive and bright logos across the headband or on the earcups. Just a clean and simple design.

Discreet headphones with a professional edge.

On a technical level, these also exhibit many traits I like to see in headphones. The cable is detachable, so that you can opt for an alternate cable. The ear padding is also easily replaceable. This is excellent from a serviceability perspective and can save you money since you don’t have to shell out for a whole new set of cans if something wears out.

The impedance of 34 ohms also ensures these work seamlessly with lower-powered devices like smartphones. With up to 99dB nominal SPL, these are loud and boisterous even when using lower-powered devices.

The DT 240 Pro headphones offer passive isolation. While it is not exceptional, it is enough to provide some protection from external noise, and there is minimal bleed making them a viable choice for recording sessions.

The earcups also offer 90 degrees rotation so that you can lay them flat, adding to portability and allowing for flexibility for the cups to adjust to your head shape. Refined appearance and thoughtful design decisions combine elegantly.

Durability 

This is another area where the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro impressed me. Budget headphones often suffer in this category, but Beyerdynamic has gone out of its way to address some of the common shortcomings of budget cans.

While there is plenty of plastic found throughout the build, there is a lot more metal than I was anticipating. The plastic is thick and dense and doesn’t creak aggressively, as I’ve found with other cheap headphones.

Excellent build quality at this price point.

The metal throughout the headband adds to the durable nature of these cans, as does the aluminum yokes. The padding quality is excellent and, as previously mentioned, fully replaceable.

The included 9.84 ft. (3m) coiled cable is reinforced and doesn’t feel cheap. Some might prefer a straight cable, so I’m happy that the cable is fully detachable for easy swap-out.

At 0.43 lbs. (195 grams), these are lightweight but not in a way that feels flimsy and cheap. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your headphones but still expect a reasonable level of build quality, the DT 240 Pro is an ideal choice.

Value 

The Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO monitoring headphones provide superb value for money. These sub $100 headphones punch way above their price point and outshine much of the competition.

Within the package, you’ll have access to one cable and an adapter. I don’t expect extra cables at this price, but if you want a straight cable, you’ll need to set aside some extra money.

The DT 240 PRO comes with a pouch and adapter.

The included pouch is probably the only letdown. It’s a basic cloth drawstring carry bag that doesn’t live up to the quality found throughout every other component. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy they have included a bag at this price, but it’s not exactly a fantastic bag by any stretch of the imagination.

I’ll admit I’m trying to nitpick here, as there is little to fault when you consider the price point. The high build quality and impressive sound profile make these an enticing option for the budget-conscious podcaster, producer, or music fan.

Customer Reviews

I’m not the only one impressed with the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones. The reviews from customers are overwhelmingly positive. Plenty of praise for the build quality, sound profile, and portable design. Even music industry critics rate these headphones highly.

Get Outside And Get Inspired

One of the benefits of a well-built and portable set of headphones is the flexibility they provide outside of a studio setting.

With good quality headphones you can depend on; you can easily take your laptop and headphones and get into the outdoors to get those creative juices flowing.

Durable headphones are essential for working outdoors.

There have been multiple occasions I’ve found myself in a creative rut due to sitting in the studio day in and day out. I’d often go for walks to help clear the mind, but I discovered that if I allocated a day to working in a new location in the fresh air, I instantly felt more energized and inspired.

So the next time you need to shake things up, grab a dependable pair of headphones like the DT 240 PRO and your laptop and get a change of scenery. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it will make.

Other Options

I can comfortably recommend the Beyerdynamic DT 240 Pro headphones, but they might not be suitable for you. Below are other budget headphones worth considering if you want an alternative to the DT 240 Pro.

512 Audio Academy Review

The 512 Ausio Academy studio monitoring headphones are another cheap yet capable set of cans. They feature a pleasing and generally balanced sound profile.

• An organic and dependable sound profile that is great for content creators.
• These come with an excellent hardshell case and both straight and coiled cables.
• These are slightly more expensive and look less attractive than the DT 240 Pro.

Roland RH-5 Review

For those that want to spend even less, the Roland RH-5 is worth considering. These shine in specific situations but also have a few notable drawbacks.

• Excellent audio for monitoring instruments with decent neutrality.
• A clean and refined appearance, along with a relaxed clamping force.
• They can sound a little muddy when listening to complex compositions.

Sennheiser HD 200 PRO Review

The final pair of headphones I’d like to highlight is the HD 200 Pro from Sennheiser. These are ideal for casual listening, thanks to the lively sound profile.

• An engaging and fun sound profile that offers a more consumer-friendly sound.
• Stylish design elements and high comfort level.
• Hardwired cable and a sound profile that is not ideal for studio work.

Should You Buy?

Quickly running through my checklist of what I want from a pair of headphones instantly highlights how impressive the DT 240 Pro is.

Durable and reliable build quality? Check. A capable sound profile that is neutral enough for studio work? Check. Comfortable enough for long sessions in the studio? Check. A price point that won’t make my wallet cry? Check. Features that provide additional flexibility like detachable cables and foldability? Check.

These are excellent cans at a price point that makes them an easy recommendation. While some might need more definition in the sound profile or more spacious earcups for the vast majority of people, these are an almost perfect set of budget headphones.