Head-to-head · Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

AKG K-712 Pro vs Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about studio engineers needing bass extension and pad flexibility — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

AKG K-712 Pro

4.1

8 sources3 derived$469.99as of Sep 25

The AKG K712 Pro stands out for its exceptional soundstage and neutral tonal balance, making it well-suited for professional mixing and mastering tasks. Reviewers note its wide, open audio presentation and ability to reveal subtle details in music. However, the headphones suffer from an overly emphasized bass region that can muddy low frequencies and a treble response that lacks brightness and energy. While comfortable for extended use and built to last, these headphones may not satisfy those seeking a more dynamic or vivid sound signature.

Strengths

— Delivers wide, open, and immersive soundstage ideal for mixing and critical listening
— Features transparent neutral tonal balance suitable for professional audio work
— Includes comfortable self-adjusting headband and soft replaceable velour ear pads for long listening sessions

Watch-outs

— Bass is overly accentuated in the 200-300Hz region, leading to a warm and hazy sound
— Treble lacks sparkle and vibrance, with a dip around 9-10kHz that may feel veiled or less energetic

$469.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Open-back Headphones For Mixing

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

4.4

10 sources2 derived$429as of Sep 25

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro delivers exceptional comfort and significantly improved sub-bass extension compared to earlier models like the HD 650. It offers two ear pad options—fabric mixing pads for analytical neutrality and velour producing pads for enhanced bass and treble. While it provides excellent channel balance and is well-suited for mixing, mastering, and production, the high-mids and treble response falls slightly short of the HD 650's neutrality. The headphones are ideal for professionals seeking accurate sound reproduction and long listening sessions.

Strengths

— Superb comfort with relaxed clamping force and evenly distributed pressure
— Vastly improved sub-bass extension over previous models like the HD 650
— Usable with mobile devices via 3.5mm jack and 6.3mm adapter

Watch-outs

— High-mids and treble are less neutral than the HD 650
— Hard plastic parts may inspire concerns about long-term reliability, per Sonarworks

$429 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

AKG K-712 Pro

The AKG K-712 Pro delivers a wide soundstage and neutral balance, but its bass emphasis and lack of treble sparkle make it less appealing than the Focal Clear MG Pro, which offers smoother mids and better clarity.

Sennheiser HD 490 Pro

The Sennheiser HD 490 Pro stands out from the HD 650 with its improved sub-bass extension and dual ear pad options for mixing or producing, while the HD 650 maintains its iconic neutrality and plastic design. Unlike the Audeze LCD-X, it avoids the high price point and bulkiness, though it lacks the open-back design that makes the HD 800 S more immersive.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	AKG K-712 Pro	Sennheiser HD 490 Pro
Design	Open back, Over-ear	Open back, Over-ear
Impedance	62 Ohm	128 Ohm
Connector	mini XLR	Threaded straight 3.5 mm jack
Sensitivity	105 dB SPL/V @ 1 kHz	105 dB SPL / 1 Vrms @ 1 kHz
Frequency Response	10 Hz – 39800 Hz	5 - 36,000 Hz (-10 dB)
Cable	3m straight cable, 3m coiled cable	1.8m cable
Weight	235 g	260 g (without cable)
Driver	Open	Dynamic

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