How to Use Beats Studio Headphones
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Studio headphones plug into a source with a cable and play what the source sends: plug the cable into the source, put the headphones on, and set the volume. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X here are all wired over-ear headphones with a 3.5mm plug and a 1/4-inch adapter.
Plug the cable into the source
Plug the 3.5mm plug into the source, or fit the 1/4-inch adapter if the source has a 1/4-inch jack. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro has a 3m straight cable with a 3.5mm connector and a gold-plated 1/4-inch adapter. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X have detachable cables, so pick the cable that fits the source.
Put the headphones on and set the volume
Put the earcups over your ears and turn the volume down before you press play. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro has black velour ear pads, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has earcups that swivel 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, and the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X has soft velour ear pads. Raise the volume slowly to the level you want.
Match the impedance to the source
Impedance is measured in ohms. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is 80 ohm for universal studio use, with a 32 ohm model for mobile gear and a 250 ohm model for high-powered setups. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is 38 ohm, and the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X is 48 ohm and needs no headphone amp.
Use closed-back for tracking and open-back for mixing
Closed-back headphones keep sound in, so they suit vocal tracking. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are closed-back, and the DT 770 Pro has minimal sound leakage for vocal tracking and instrument recording. The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X is open-back, and its sound is one that others can hear by design, so use it for mixing.
Store the headphones and the cables
Put the headphones away after use. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x comes with a carrying pouch and a full-sized case, and the bundle adds a headphones stand and a USB-C headphone adapter with a built-in DAC. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro comes with a drawstring bag, and the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X comes with a detachable cable and a 1/4-inch adapter.
What you need
beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones
A closed-back 80 ohm studio headphone with a 3m straight cable, a 3.5mm plug and a 1/4-inch adapter, and black velour ear pads.
- Impedance: 80 ohm
- Design: Closed Back
- 2-year warranty stated
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Monitor Headphones
A closed-back 38 ohm monitor headphone with a detachable cable, 90-degree swiveling earcups, a USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC, a stand and a case.
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 38 ohm
- Design: Closed-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X
An open-back 48 ohm studio headphone with a detachable 3m cable and a 1/4-inch adapter, made for mixing with no headphone amp needed.
- Detachable cable
- Impedance: 48 ohm
- Design: Open-Back
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Mixing Headphones, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do studio headphones need a headphone amplifier?
It depends on the impedance. The beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X is 48 ohm and needs no headphone amp, and the beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is 80 ohm for universal studio use. A 250 ohm model suits high-powered setups.
Can I use studio headphones with a phone?
Yes, with the right plug. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro has a 3.5mm plug and a 1/4-inch adapter, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has a 3.5mm plug and a USB-C adapter with a built-in DAC, and the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X plugs straight into any source with its 3.5mm plug.
What is the difference between closed-back and open-back?
Closed-back headphones keep sound in, and open-back headphones let sound out. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are closed-back, so they suit vocal tracking, while the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X is open-back, so its sound is one that others can hear by design.
Can I replace the ear pads on studio headphones?
It depends on the model. The beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is fully serviceable, so you can replace the pads, headbands and drivers. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X have detachable cables, so you can swap the cable.
Ranked studio headphones lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.