If you wear a Sennheiser gaming headset, then you already know how alluring and addictive they are. Some years ago, we got our hands on our first, their Game One gaming headset, and never let go. Since then, Sennheiser has continued to add to their gaming portfolio. About six months ago, they released two gaming audio amplifiers, the GSX 1000 and GSX 1200 PRO. Both audio amplifiers feature their “groundbreaking 7.1 virtual surround algorithm.” When I learned we were getting our hands on one to review, I became ecstatic. So without further adieu, let’s take a closer look in this Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO amplifier review.
Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO Amplifier Review
Design and Features
The GSX 1200 PRO amp comes out in a sleek box proudly displaying the LED screen. The device itself is surrounded by a cube with a kickstand that easily pops out from underneath. The raised dial display has a striking red color. There are touchscreen options for headphones/speakers, EQ balance, surround sound focus, stereo to 7.1, sidetone adjustment, and reverb. In the center of it all is the volume with the best volume slider I’ve ever felt. The metal ring around the display turns ever so effortlessly. The more you adjust the volume, the more addictive this action becomes.
On the sides of the cube, there’s microphone volume adjustment allowing for on-the-fly adjustment. On the back of the amplifier, there are connections for the microphone, headphones, speakers, power cord, and two chat link connections. The Chat Link connection is for up to eight GSX 1200 PRO amps to be linked up together to deliver hardwired communication. The audio amplifier also has four profiles for you to set and store your customized settings. You can switch to them with a tap of the finger.
Specifications
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.005% @ -3dBFS
• Chat cable length: 2.0 M
• USB cable length: 1.2 M
• Headphone frequency response: 0 Hz – 48 kHz
• Recommended impedance: 16-150 Ω
• Maximum output voltage: 1 V RMS @ 10 Ω
• Line out frequency response: 1.5 Hz – 48 kHz
• Maximum output voltage: 1 V RMS @ 10 Ω
• Main Audio 7.1: 44.1 & 48 kHz @ 16 bit
• Main Audio 2.0: 44.1 & 48 kHz @ 16 bit
• Main Audio HD: 96 kHz @ 24 bit
• Communication Audio 1.0: 16 kHz @ 16 bit
• Weight: 12.8 Ounces
• Dimensions: 5.63″ x 5.47″ x 2.76″
• Compatibility: PC & Mac
• Warranty: 2 Years
• mini-USB socket
• 2.5 mm chat interface socket A
• 2.5 mm chat interface socket B
• 3.5 mm headset socket
• 3.5 mm microphone socket
• 3.5 mm loudspeaker socket
• GSX 1200 PRO amplifier
• USB cable
• Chat Link cable
• Safety Guide
• Quick Guide
Performance
The ability to switch between headphones and speakers comes in handy. It’s a quick, easy way to make changes without moving wires. EQ balance is nice, giving you the option to switch to Game, Music, Film, or Balanced. I didn’t use the Game setting too much because it made everything sound muffled.
The focus of the surround sound brings the sound right up front or far in the back. It actually sounded like it just moved five feet away. One of the main features of this amplifier is the 7.1 surround sound, and it delivers the goods. While it can’t beat the GSP 350 headsets actual 7.1 surround sound, it comes darn close.
We used this audio amplifier with two higher-end gaming headsets, the Sennheiser Game One and the Audio Technica ATH-AG1. The sounds from both headphones were spectacular.
The sidetone is adjustable to none, some, or a lot, along similar lines to the GSP 350 headset. The reverb adjustment, along with the stereo to 7.1 setting, radically changes how anything sounds. The reverb has none, some, or a lot, and with it enabled, makes any sound play like it was in a room, with some echo or a lot based on what you choose.
The display does dim itself when not in use, then lights up as it senses your hand. It worked properly 80% of the time. In those other times, it just starts flashing from dim to bright, and it can get distracting.
The main feature of the audio amplifier was the hard-wired “lag-free” communication. Having tested it using two GSX 1200 PRO amps, the claim held true. There were only a few instances where the mic was almost a half second behind. Other than those occurrences, it was entirely lag-free. Chat Link is only useful in eSports-type environments where there are multiple computers in close proximity. Granted, that’s what it’s advertised for. Those of you who don’t have that kind of setup, you can disregard this feature.
Final Thoughts
I’m very pleased with the functionality, the audio and build quality of the Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO gaming audio amplifier. Everything worked well straight out of the box. And it wouldn’t be a Sennheiser product without the fancy packaging of their product. There was even a screen protector on the display.
The price of the amp is a bit steep at $249.95, yet its number of features and slick looks makes it worth it. If you’re a serious gamer with a good chunk of change lying around, give this audio amplifier a try.
The Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO gaming audio amplifier is available for purchase on Amazon (see link below) as well as the Sennheiser website.
What do you think of this Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO amplifier review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.
Don’t hesitate to head over to the Sennheiser Headphones page to see their newest products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click here for their Service-Support page. The GSX 1200 PRO amplifier comes with a 2-year warranty.
FTC Disclosure: Sennheiser provided Beantown LLC with two (2) Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO gaming audio amplifier samples for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017