Beyerdynamic have released the DT 270 Pro for £89, positioning them as the most affordable option in their Pro range. This closed-back model targets recording and monitoring duties, sitting below the DT 770s at £159 and the flagship DT 1990 Pro at around £540.
Wired connections remain preferable in professional audio because they eliminate battery concerns and latency. Wireless headphones often require a proprietary USB dongle to maintain quality, whereas a wired link delivers uncompressed audio data directly to your device. The DT 270 Pro benefits from this simplicity.
Build and connectivity
The headphones weigh just under 200 grams and feature a primarily plastic construction that feels sturdy despite the lightness. The earcups fold flat for storage, although the headband does not collapse like on more expensive units. Beyerdynamic include a soft pouch and a coiled cable that attaches to either side of the headband.
Two adapters come in the box: a 6.3 mm jack and a 3.5 mm to USB-C converter. The latter is essential for users working with modern computers or mobile devices that lack a traditional headphone port. There is no internal digital-to-analogue converter, so the USB adapter handles the conversion using the host device’s power.
With an impedance of 45 Ohms, these headphones can reach full volume when connected to lower-power sources like smartphones.
Fit and comfort
While technically over-ear, the cups are smaller than those on the DT 770s. They fit average ears without excessive pressure, though earlobes may not sit fully inside the enclosure. Long listening sessions remain comfortable thanks to velour ear pads and a padded headband, features often reserved for higher-priced models.
Users with specific sizing issues might find the cups slightly restrictive, but most people will find the dimensions sufficient.
Sound quality
The closed-back design makes the DT 270 Pro suitable for tracking and monitoring in a room with microphones, as they do not leak sound. They are not designed to be neutral reference monitors for final mixing. Instead, the sound signature is vibrant and immediate, providing energy and inspiration during the recording phase.
Low frequencies extend down to 5 Hz, delivering significant power without becoming overwhelming. The response reaches 24 kHz at the top end, which is less than the 40 kHz capability of the DT 1770s but remains crisp within the smaller cups.
The mid-range is prominent and cuts through clearly, which aids in recording vocals and guitars. The sound is lively across genres ranging from 1950s jazz to contemporary electronic music. While the mids are strong, they do not cross into harshness even at higher volumes.
Instrument separation is a notable strength. Distinct elements within a mix, such as backing vocals and panned sounds, remain clearly identifiable. This clarity helps performers take cues from other tracks during recording sessions.
What it means
The DT 270 Pro serves as a capable workhorse for creators of music, podcasts, and video. They offer punchy playback for recording and monitoring on compact setups or while moving. While they cannot replace neutral mixing headphones like the AKG K371, they excel at their specific purpose. There are no significant flaws at this price point, although a metal chassis would add weight and a hard case would increase cost.
