Sennheiser has launched the closed over-ear HD 480 Pro, a top-segment headphone for studio and live environments. According to the designers, the HD 480 Pro eliminates the two most frequently cited pain points of closed headphones. After all, on the one hand, it offers tight, accurate bass reproduction, and on the other, it guarantees sublime comfort for audio professionals who need to record, track, or monitor in the studio, in live audio environments, or on the go.
With closed headphones, good low-frequency reproduction is often difficult to achieve. Sennheiser paid special attention to this aspect in the design of the HD 480 Pro. Compared to other closed headphones, it is significantly tighter in the bass; its low tones are super accurate and realistic, according to Sennheiser’s press release.
“Comfort is of the utmost importance when headphones are a work tool,” adds Gunnar Dirks, Senior Product Manager for professional headphones. “Technicians often work for hours at a time during their sessions. They need lightweight, ergonomically designed headphones to maintain their focus and concentration. The HD 480 PRO eliminates all pressure points and fits precisely and comfortably on every head, even if you wear glasses.”
Whether used in the studio by producers, mixers, musicians, recording engineers, and creators, in live environments by FoH and monitor engineers, or on the go: the HD 480 Pro is an ideal choice for monitoring, production, and recording, as well as mixing. This makes it Sennheiser’s most versatile professional headphone to date. Its absolute accuracy, uncolored frequency response, and honest bass ensure that the audio is reliably translated to any listening situation, from living room listening and car use to PA systems.
To ensure the user can fully concentrate on the audio and hear every detail, the HD 480 PRO features multiple levels of passive noise shielding, while comfortable ear cushions with soft temple grooves guarantee the precise seal required for good audio reproduction. A series of design measures – summarized under the term ‘Vibration Attenuation System’ – prevents unwanted vibration, reflections, and distortion, thereby preserving signal clarity. The ultra-lightweight coils of the HD 480 PRO guarantee remarkably authentic and dynamic reproduction.
Just like its open counterpart, the HD 490 Pro, the HD 480 Pro benefits from various features patented by Sennheiser.
- Special axis geometry: The mechanical design guarantees that the headphones adapt optimally to the head and maintain equal contact pressure, regardless of the user’s head shape. The listening experience is consistent for all users.
- Comfort zone for glasses: The ear cushions do not press on the temples, but instead feature a soft zone that ensures both a good seal and a high degree of comfort.
- Cable noise blocking: Near the earcup, the connection cable features a spiral section that effectively isolates the HD 480 PRO from any structural or handling noise, such as sound transmitted when the cable touches the table.
To adapt to various setups, the detachable cable can be worn on the left or right side of the HD 480 Pro. This flexible cable routing is ideal for solo instrument recording, for example, as it keeps the cable out of the way. To ensure access, the left and right earcups are marked in Braille.
Sennheiser HD 490 Pro or HD 480 Pro: which is better?
The open HD 490 Pro and closed HD 480 Pro represent the top of the 400 series of purpose-built professional headphones. So, which one is best for which application?
“It took our developers blood, sweat, and tears to bring the sound of the closed HD 480 Pro as close as possible to that of the open HD 490 Pro. Which model is the best choice for you really depends on how you work,” explains Gunnar Dirks. “The open HD 490 Pro will be ideal for mixing in quiet environments, whereas I would recommend the closed HD 480 Pro for applications where you need isolation, for example when recording vocals in the room, for monitoring, or when using it as a FoH reference, or simply when working in the same room as others.”
Sennheiser HD 480 Pro: technical specifications
- Acoustic principle: closed
- Ear cups: over-ear
- Transducer principle: dynamic
- Transducer diameter: 38 millimeters
- Frequency response (-10 dB): 3 to 28.7 kHz
- Sensitivity: 107 dB SPL (at 1 kHz/1 Vrms); 98 dB (at 1 kHz, 1 mW)
- Max. SPL: 130 dB (1 kHz, 5% THD)
- THD: <0.5% (at 1 kHz, 100 dB SPL)
- Impedance: 130 Ohm (1 kHz)
- Nominal power: 300 mW (100 u, noise according to IEC 60268)
- Temperature range: 0°C to +50°C for use; -25°C to +70°C for storage
- Relative humidity: 10 to 80%, non-condensing for use; 10 to 90% for storage
- Weight (without cable): 272 grams
- Available accessories: replacement recording ear cushions, replacement coiled cable (3 m), straight cable (1.8 m), straight cable (3 m), balanced cable, (replacement) travel case, (storage) case, (replacement) bag
The HD 480 PRO is sold for just under 400 euros. It features recording ear cushions and a 3-meter coiled cable, and comes with a carrying case. There is also the HD 480 Pro Plus, which comes with a travel case for a price of 439 euros.
