One of the most well known names in the professional audio industry, and their products have radically influenced the professional audio and recording industry for almost 100 years now.
Widely used in the broadcast industry and associated audio industries and this headset will be well known to those in the industry. Now you could also use these for "general audio listening" but of course the "stick" is going to be a pain! Perhaps even high end gaming!
High quality transducers providing balanced audio across both ears up to 30Khz
Dynamic microphone designed for accurate, effectively flat voice reproduction up to 12Khz, with highly directional properties and effective noise cancelling "off side" unwanted noise.
A lot of the flexibility of this headset is in the cable(s) you can use. Some users want different connectors and some even use different wiring configurations for their custom broadcast equipment.
HEADSET HISTORY:
We used a number of Beyerdynamic headsets in our previous audio production facilities and they always perform very nicely in their intended use - to communicate speech. Sure, those ears are nice and have good response for monitoring program material but the primary purpose in life is for communication purposes.
While electronically everything is A1, over time there has been some cosmetic wear from use i.e the headband and ear muffs - please read my complete description below for full details.
We liked the lightweight build of the headset without compromising reliability - it took some convincing that the all plastic construction was going to last the race but in fact we never had any issues and there isn't any now. Although plastic, it is tough as nails!
The all important ear muffs and headband remain comfortable although somewhat "discoloured" due to their use over the years - the beauty of Beyerdynamics is that you can purchase replacement ear muffs and headbands, if your pockets are deep enough!
So let's get on with the description of the headset I am offering ...
BEYERDYNAMIC - Headset
Made In Germany
Double ear with microphone
Headphones: 10 ~ 30Khz frequency range
Impedance: 200 Ohm
Maximum drive: 100mW
Noise insulation: 16dBA
Full headband repositioning for the most comfort, very positive "click in position" feel as the headband is adjusted. Soft cushion of the headband caresses the wearer's head!
Microphone: 40 ~ 12Khz frequency range
Dynamic element
Impedance: 250 Ohm
Polar pattern: Hypercardoid (great for "feedback" minimisation)
Output voltage (distance of 5cm): maximum 1.3mV/Pa
Full mechanical adjustment of the microphone position (swivel system and metal gooseneck)
Swivel system is "user adjustable" but with a screwdriver - this prevents users fiddling with the gooseneck swivel all the time! Easy to change but it does require the flipping off of the swivel cap, loosening 3x Philips head screws and once positioned, reversing the procedure.
Full user manual is available online from Beyerdynamic, should you wish to have this - I no longer have the hard copy.
Single exit point for the connecting cable using a proprietary 7 pin plug, all internal wiring is run inside the headband.
I am SUPPLYING the rather expensive cable type K190.40, although Beyerdynamics offer other choices of cable configuration OR you could make up your own as the special plug is easy to open up and rewire (solder terminals) to suit your own special requirements.
What do I mean for rather expensive? Try around A$145 just for this cable (source: Brisbane Sound Group)
The cable supplied is a stock standard split type, the headphones going to a standard 1/4" silver plated jack plug (Neutrik) and the microphone to a silver plated 3 pin XLR (Neutrik) male connector. Actually even the 7 pin special connector (flat pins) has silver plating to ensure the most reliable contacts.
The cable used is flat and very rugged.
PLEASE NOTE: The cable is 1.4 metres in length, at which point it splits into the XLR and Jack plug connectors - this Y section is only 6cm in length each leg so if your equipment input/outputs are more widely spaced than this you will need to improvise an extension lead to suit.
COSMETIC CONDITION:
NO damage to the construction of the headset.
NO parts missing i.e the plug securing bolt and the plug bolt which allows you to get "inside" the plug
NO damage to the sheath of the cable, no nicks or other nasties!
UNMARKED either intentionally or accidentally
The fine earphone filter pads (white) are in place and without any damage
The ear muff attachment system is secure on both sides (4x plastic "plugs") - NO wobbles!
Headband adjustments are positive and stay securely in position when changed.
WEAR!
The "delicate" areas of any headset are the ear muffs, headband and gooseneck - these DT-290's are no exception.
Beyerdynamic use a very nice "foam like" material which has NOT lost it's cushioning ability (it is not stiff at all) however the ear muff velcrose is obviously discoloured. If you don't mind the headset not looking "pretty" then they are ready to use immediately - I have actually washed and sterilised the ear muffs.
If you don't like the sound of using the old ear muffs, the Beyerdynamic part number is EDT 250V (Velcrose) but make sure you have plenty of money at hand! You may be able to get a cheaper "knockoff" ear muff but would you really fit elcheapo tyres to your prized Mercedes? Doesn't make sense really.
The headband uses the same type of foam cushioning but with an outer layer of a flexible very thin vinyl like material. This has been "refixed" in the past as this thin vinyl has a habit of becoming loose over time (at the joining seam across the top of the headband) Due to the high price of replacement headbands, we used to re-secure the vinyl as necessary and at the moment it is fine.
The gooseneck (all metal) has some rubbing off of the Black finish (where the sound tech or operator held the stick when making adjustments) but NO flaking or other nasties.
The gooseneck performs exactly as it should, move it into position and it STAYS THERE - no drooping!
TESTING:
We have used these without issues over the years but I have given them one last whirl over the past week, continously .... just lovely is all I can say in a nutshell! The ears sound great and the microphone is of course working and also sounds exactly as expected.
I was more interested in the long term "wear-ability" - how tired they made my head feel! The side pressure is just right, holding securely onto my head (normal size head!) without treating it like a lemon! Nice soft "topside" feel too. No headaches!
This long term wearing (up to 6 hours "on the head" at each session while I programmed some station material and a bit of talkback with the mic) tells me that the cushioning is still very nice, even after the previous useage.
I have now packed this headset along with the cable, into a sealed clear plastic package to keep everything Honky Dory (credit to David!)
NOW, here is a video I found online - I do not endorse this video and quite frankly do not like the presentation style very much but there are some useful titbits throughout the 52 minute video (YES, 52 minute DT-290 MKII review!) Watch only if you have plenty of time and patience ... I had to grit my teeth a bit at times!
