Samson SR990 Closed-Back Studio Reference Headphones with 50mm Neodymium Drivers
The SR990 is the closed-back reference pair in Samson's SR range, engineered for an accurate and balanced stereo image. Closed-back is the practical choice when a microphone is open in the same room, because the cups keep the mix from leaking into the take while keeping the room out of your ears.
- Closed-back over-ear design: ample sound isolation with minimal bleed, for tracking, monitoring on location and listening on the move.
- 50mm high-sensitivity neodymium drivers: detailed bass and ultra-clear highs across a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response.
- 32 ohms impedance, 95 dB sensitivity at 1 kHz and 1 mW: straightforward to drive from an interface or a mixer.
- Two sets of ear cushions: velour and protein-leather are both included, so you can choose isolation or breathability.
- Wide self-adjusting headband: a secure, ergonomic fit with a clamping force of 5N for marathon sessions.
- 270g: comfortable weight for a 50mm closed design.
- 2.5m cable: gold-plated 3.5mm stereo mini connector with a gold-plated 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter included.
The SR990 Closed-Back Studio Reference Headphones are engineered to deliver an accurate and balanced stereo image, and they are the pair in the SR range to reach for when isolation matters. Mixing, critical listening and playback all benefit from an extended frequency response with detailed bass and ultra-clear highs.
Why closed-back
The closed-back design provides ample sound isolation with minimal bleed. Two things follow from that. First, a singer or an instrumentalist can wear these in front of an open microphone without the backing track printing onto the take. Second, the outside world stays outside, which is what makes them usable in a rehearsal room, on location, or anywhere that is not a treated studio. It is the opposite trade to a semi-open pair like the SR850, which gives a wider soundstage but lets sound through in both directions.
Drivers and response
Fifty millimetre high-sensitivity neodymium drivers do the work, delivering clarity you can commit to when making decisions. The frequency response covers a wide 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which Samson frames as a commitment to accuracy and a true, natural sound rather than a flattering one. Impedance is 32 ohms and sensitivity is 95 dB at 1 kHz and 1 mW, so an interface headphone output, a mixer or a headphone amp will all get them to a working level.
Built for long sessions
The SR990 uses a durable, ergonomic design with a wide, self-adjusting headband for a secure fit, and a clamping force of 5N (1.12 lb) that holds without squeezing. Two sets of ear cushions are included, velour and protein-leather, so you can pick the softer, cooler option for a long mix or the tighter-sealing option when isolation is the priority. The whole thing weighs 270g.
Connection
The cable is 2.5m long and ends in a gold-plated 3.5mm stereo mini connector, with a gold-plated 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter supplied for studio gear. Enough cable to stand up and move to the mic without unplugging yourself.