At the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the folks at Sennheiser introduced many new headphones that would be released throughout 2018. One of these headsets, the GSP 600 pro gaming headset, captured our attention. Some have said that this new model would be the flagship headset for Sennheiser Gaming. It took a little bit of time, but we got our hands on this multi-platform gaming headset. How did it hold up to our testing? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Sennheiser GSP 600 gaming headset review.
According to Andreas Jessen, Head of Product Management Gaming at Sennheiser “In the creation of the GSP 600, we took our very best closed gaming headset and made it even better. The GAME ZERO broke new ground by building a high-quality audio headset that was created entirely around the needs of gamers. With its successor, the GSP 600, we have stayed true to this ethos with a headset that even more perfectly matches the needs of each individual gamer – with an exceptionally comfortable fit that can be tailored to each person, so they can truly become one with the game.”
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review
GSP 600 Design, Fit, & Features
The Sennheiser GSP 600 gaming headset is nearly the perfect headset for the avid gamer and gaming fan. The outer appearance is quite attractive with its matte black finish, silver hinge, and red accents. The colors are simple and streamlined.
The user-friendly, quality build of this stereo headset makes it quite durable and designed to last a very long time. The downside is that it’s quite heavy at 395 grams. This can put some unneeded pressure on the underside of your ears and jawline, which if you’re gaming for many hours, can lead to some unnecessary pain.
The GSP 600 has an easily “adjustable contact pressure function” headband and comfortable earcups which provide a good measure of soundproofing during gameplay. The suede-like earcups completely envelop your ears, yet without sticking or getting hot.
Since our heads come in different shapes and sizes, this “adjustable contact pressure function” is most handy. Unfortunately, it will take some time to determine the right position for your head. Also, while there’s a fair amount of padding on the headband, I wish there was more with less separation between the two rows of padding.
There’s a volume dial positioned on the right earpiece. While it is easy to rotate, it’s in an inconvenient spot in my opinion. If it was raised more to the outside of the earpiece, with a slightly rougher surface material, it would be easier to turn.
When you’re in the thick of a game, it’s difficult to manipulate to the level that I’ve found in most gaming headsets. Again, in my opinion, the often seen adjuster on the cable is a much better option, one in which I wish was provided on this headset.
On the left earpiece is the noise-canceling swivel microphone, as well as the cable port. The former worked like a charm. It even goes to mute when it’s positioned up. The cable does cause some noise against clothing one’s hair and clothing. I wish some sort of clip was included.
Now, the GSP 600 has a couple missteps in its design. This pro gaming headset is very weighted making it quite the struggle to keep on for long periods of time. For me, the headset became uncomfortable at about the 20-minute mark. It put pressure on both sides of my head, and the weight of it made it too heavy for any form of lengthy gameplay. However, this could just be a preference issue as I usually go more toward the lighter weighted headsets.
(Editor’s note: I’ve worn the headset for many hours over a two-day period without noticing any pain on the sides. Though, I did notice the headband padding somewhat pressing into my bald head.)
If you happen to wear prescription eyeglasses or gaming glasses, you need not worry. As someone who falls into this category, I believe your glasses will fit as comfortably as mine have.
Sennheiser Gaming Performance
The GSP 600 has terrific quality sound when used on PC. I tested it with Minecraft, and the quality is quite lovely. It enabled you to hear everything you need to, such as zombies, ghosts, and witches. It also provided a nice sound for the music and sound effects.
Even though the headphone frequency response is beyond the range of human hearing, what you’re able to hear on the low and high ends was great.
I tried testing it on the Xbox One, but for some reason, it would not work with my controller. I don’t know if this is a manufacturer issue, a user error, or both. The device in question is the Sea of Thieves special edition Xbox One S controller. Up until this point, I haven’t had any issues with any other headsets. Currently, I’m in contact with Sennheiser Support to try to resolve the issue. Hopefully, this portion of the review will be updated soon.
GSP 600 Pro Gaming Headset Specifications
• Ear coupling: Circumaural, around-the-ear
• Transducer principle: Dynamic, closed
• Cable lengths: 1.5 & 2.5 meters
• Headphone frequency response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz
• Impedance: 28 ohms
• Sound pressure level: 112 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1V RMS
• Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.07%
• Microphone frequency response: 10 Hz – 18 kHz
• Microphone pick-up pattern: Bidirectional ECM
• Microphone sensitivity: -47 dbV/PA
• Weight: 395 grams (0.87 lb)
• Dimensions: 7.9 x 3.5 x 7.5 inches
Package Contents
• GSA 505 PC Cable – 2.5 meters, 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack, 3-pole
• Thank you note
• GSA 506 Console Cable – 1.5 meters, 1 x 3.5 mm audio jack, 4-pole
• User manual
Final Thoughts
An analogy we’ve used around here is the GSP 600 headset is hoping for a Mercedes-Benz Coupe but instead getting an SUV. While they’re both Mercedes-Benz vehicles, we would have preferred the former.
As stated in the Design section, this headset is near perfect. The weight and pressure are issues for this writer, but they may not be for you. Set up is super easy, and there isn’t a long mess of cables like with some other gaming headsets. Overall, my impression is a positive one yielding a rating of 3.75 Stars out of 5. This headset is for use with Sony PS4, Xbox One, Mac, and PC.
Available for purchase on the Sennheiser website at a price of $249.99, this headset is in the high range for gaming headsets. As stated above, this is the Mercedes-Benz of gaming headsets so just like the vehicles, the headset is pricey too. Though it can be found on Amazon for slightly less. See our Amazon Affiliate Link here or at the bottom of this review.
What do you think of this Sennheiser GSP 600 gaming headset 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 press page to see their newest products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click here for their Service-Support page. The GSP 600 professional gaming headset comes with a 2-year warranty.
FTC Disclosure: Sennheiser provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Sennheiser GSP 600 gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% her own and not a paid product ambassador.
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2018