Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Plus

Design and Wearing Comfort of the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Plus

Visually, the family resemblance to the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro Plus is unmistakable, even if the open model uses a grille on the back of each cup. By comparison, the plain black plastic cover on the closed model looks rather understated, but timeless. The combination of plastic and metal keeps the weight down to a trim 272 grams.

Wearing comfort is a defining strength of the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO Plus, and it works equally well with or without glasses. The fit is anything but tight, with a clamping force on the lower end for a closed studio headphone, yet secure enough to stay firmly in place during quick, sudden movements. The headband adjustment is also well implemented, with fine-step sizing that allows the headphones to be precisely tailored to individual head shapes.

The so-called Recording ear pads are finished in synthetic leather on the sides but make contact with the ear via a soft velour surface, which feels pleasantly gentle against the skin. While the synthetic leather reduces sound leakage, the velour contributes to better compatibility with glasses frames, minimizes pressure points, and helps with heat dissipation. This makes for stress-free extended sessions in professional environments and provides an excellent foundation for comfortable listening at home whenever a closed-back design is needed.

Cable Connections

To give the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO the flexibility to adapt to different workplace setups or personal preferences, both earcups are fitted with cable input sockets. The single-sided cable is locked securely in place and cannot come loose on its own. One thing worth noting: the locking mechanism is somewhat stiff to release when swapping cables or switching sides.

Features and Optional Accessories

The headphone is available in two versions, the HD 480 Pro at an RRP of €399 and the HD 480 Pro Plus at €439. The Plus edition we reviewed includes a sturdy hard-shell transport case, while the standard version comes with a softer carry pouch. Both versions include a coiled cable of up to three meters with a 3.5mm jack and a 6.35mm adapter.

For balanced operation, an optional 1.8-meter cable with a 4.4mm connector is available separately. Those who prefer a straight, unbalanced cable instead of the coiled one can find aftermarket options in 1.8-meter and 3-meter lengths. Ear pads and headband pads are also replaceable if needed.

Sound

The Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Plus is equipped with dynamic 38mm drivers which, according to the manufacturer, feature very lightweight voice coils for authentic and dynamic sound reproduction. Transient response is noticeably fast, and spatial imaging is good, though the stereo image doesn’t come across as particularly wide.

At 130 ohms impedance, these studio headphones are on the more demanding side to drive, and they feel right at home paired with a dedicated desktop headphone amplifier like the Lehmann Audio Linear. That said, mobile use is also worth considering with a quality portable solution, and pairing them with the Apogee Groove works without any issues.

In direct comparison with the Adam Audio H200, the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO images somewhat more spaciously, which becomes apparent on live recordings like Gregory Porter’s performance of “It’s Probably Me” from the 2017 Polar Music Prize in Stockholm. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro at 32 ohms presents an even larger concert hall, however. A comparison with the Focal Elegia shows that the higher-priced model gains primarily in width. Where the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO does particularly well is in clean depth layering.

The low end carries surprisingly substantial weight, giving club-oriented productions a genuine fun factor. The DT 770 Pro comes across as slightly leaner by comparison. On tracks like “Anti Loudness” by Hamburg techno marching band Meute from their 2024 album Empor, the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO delivers an overall more direct, denser presentation, while the DT 770 Pro sounds more expansive and slightly airier. The bass foundation on the review unit feels more prominent, while the DT 770 Pro’s low end is tauter. The Adam Audio H200 goes in the other direction, sounding fuller and richer in the bass than the HD 480 Pro.

The midrange is rendered with fine resolution and an appealing level of detail. Aggressive, distorted guitar riffs have bite and presence without cutting too sharply. Saxophone solos come across as well-supported and nicely weighted. Lizz Wright’s voice on the opening track “Barley” from her 2017 album Grace sounds distinctly full-bodied and smooth, drawing you in and making it easy to get lost in the music.

The treble is on the relaxed side. Where the DT 770 Pro is noticeably more energetic in the upper frequencies, the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO keeps things a little more restrained and composed. The differences become particularly apparent with sibilants, as illustrated by “Falling Together” by Jamie xx from In Waves (2024). On the DT 770 Pro, the sung speech hisses noticeably in places, a characteristic that also applies in somewhat milder form to the H200. The Focal Elegia handles sibilants with considerably more grace, which benefits uninterrupted listening enjoyment. The HD 480 Pro falls somewhere between the two, leaning toward a more reserved treatment of sibilants, which is worth keeping in mind during critical listening and live monitoring work.

Verdict

The Sennheiser HD 480 Pro (Plus) shine with first-class wearing comfort that works seamlessly with glasses and is likely to find fans well beyond the professional monitoring context. The stable, powerful sound of this closed-back over-ear system also supports focused, hour-long listening sessions even in louder environments without causing significant fatigue, while equally enabling precise, detailed enjoyment in home use.

There’s room for improvement with the cable locking mechanism, which is a little stiff to release. On the positive side, the option to route the single cable from either the left or right earcup is a genuinely practical feature that adds real flexibility.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Plus

What’s the difference between the HD 480 Pro and HD 480 Pro Plus?

The HD 480 Pro Plus includes a sturdy hard-shell transport case, while the HD 480 Pro comes with a softer carry pouch. RRP is €439 for the Plus and €399 for the standard version. Otherwise the two are identically equipped.

What is the impedance of the Sennheiser HD 480 Pro Plus?

130 ohms, which is on the more demanding side. It’s well suited to desktop headphone amplifiers, and mobile use with a quality portable solution is also recommended.

How much does the Sennheiser HD 480 PRO weigh?

272 grams without the cable, which is quite light for a closed-back over-ear. The construction combines plastic and metal.

Are the ear pads replaceable?

Yes, both the ear pads and headband pad can be replaced as needed. The Recording ear pads feature synthetic leather sides with a soft velour contact surface.

Can the cable be connected on either side?

Yes, both earcups have cable input sockets and the single cable can be routed from either the left or right side. The locking mechanism is a little stiff when swapping cables.