Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X headphones review: studio winners that are far from sterile

It wasn't too long ago that I reviewed the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO X labeling them "the kings of the studio". Recently I've been testing the very similar DT 700 PRO X to see if they hit the dizzy heights of the 770 PRO X and deserve a place in our roundup of the best headphones for video editing.

Pitched as over-ear, closed-back headphones for recording and monitoring, the 700 PRO X is a niche set of cans that aim to deliver class-leading audio reproduction into the studio context. Just like the 770 PRO X, they are wired, incredibly cushioned, and include an optional mini XLR connector.

In my review I'll compare them to various alternatives, including the Sony WH-1000XM5s and RØDE NTH-100s. Read on to see how they fare and whether you should trust them for your next video editing project.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Specifications

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Design & Handling

This DT 700 Pro X blend a professional ruggedness with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. They look fantastic but, as expected, are not quite as premium as the DT 770 Pro X. One of the biggest areas of divergence is the top-of-the-head cushion, which experienced video editors will know is vital for delivering a comfortable experience. Unfortunately, there's only a small amount of memory foam, which resulted in some levels of discomfort during longer sessions of editing.

Thankfully, I had no such comfort problems from the velour earpads that are as generously padded as they come. They also perfectly cupped my ears such that I had no issues with sound leaking, beating even the RØDE NTH-100s, which are also dedicated video editing headphones. I was glad to read that the earpads and the headband padding are both fully replaceable, which is a win for sustainability.

In terms of the drive system, Beyerdynamic has opted for the STELLAR.45 that utilizes a three-layer diaphragm and a lightweight copper-clad aluminum wire voice coil. This produces a low impedance of 48 ohms and enables the headphones to deliver studio-grade sound quality and volume even when driven by basic consumer devices.

The headphones are wired courtesy of a detachable, single-sided cable connected via a secure, lockable 3-pin mini-XLR socket on the left earcup. If it's wireless you want, then I'd recommend the Sony WH-1000XM5s instead.

The lack of Bluetooth in favor of a wired connection further cements the DT 700 Pro X as headphones for the studio rather than on-the-go music listening. In the box you'll find two straight cables, 1.8m and 3m, which offer a good level of versatility across different types of studio setups.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Performance

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X is designed to deliver balanced sound, which is exactly what it achieves. The sound, on every type of music I played through it, was composed and ordered. Take Gustav Holst's The Planets or George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue as examples. Both are delivered in such a way that every single element is perfectly positioned such that the whole arrangement combined can be enjoyed. That's good news for audio editors.

I moved on to play Ed Sheeran's 'Azizam', which I listen to on every headphone product that I test because of its cross-cultural fusion that blends a range of frequencies with the exotic and textured frequencies of traditional Persian instruments. I can confidently confirm that the DT 700 Pro X handled it expertly.

Having already tested the DT 770 Pro X, I knew the DT 700 Pro X was never going to serve up an exciting presentation, but on a track like Azizam, it gives just enough life without sacrificing accuracy. The full range of frequencies are subtly blended to ensure that neither trebles nor bass dominate. As a result, audio professionals can be confident in what they're producing.

You won't find any 'smart' features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), audio pausing via a sensor, or a built-in microphone for taking calls. These features are nice to have but are unlikely to be high up on the priority list for users focused on audio monitoring and listening. If these types of features are important to you, then I'd recommend getting the Sony WH-1000XM5 instead.

Beyerdynamic DT 700 PRO X: Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X sticks close to its ethos, which is to be studio-grade headphones for recording and monitoring. They therefore steer clear of offering more modern 'smart' features such as ANC and audio pausing. I didn't miss them one bit.

In testing they excelled where it matters most, and that's with the sound quality they produce. It's confident yet balanced, such that frequencies and instruments refuse to compete with each other. Anyone mixing audio for videos or monitoring sound for a live show will be able to trust exactly what they're hearing and make adjustments accordingly.

Check out alternative options in our guide to the best headphones for video editing, and also in our rundown of the best headsets