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You are here: Home / Archives for Brooke O'Connell

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review

10/31/2018 By Brooke O'Connell

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review

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.

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset

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.”

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO Amplifier Review

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.

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset

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.

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Headband Exterior
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Headband Interior

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.

Read:   Sennheiser GSP 301 Gaming Headset Review

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.

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review
Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset

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

• GSP 600 black/red gaming headset
• GSA 505 PC Cable – 2.5 meters, 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack, 3-pole
• Thank you note

• Multi-language safety instructions
• GSA 506 Console Cable – 1.5 meters, 1 x 3.5 mm audio jack, 4-pole
• User manual

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Package Contents

Read:   Sennheiser AMBEO AR One Headphones

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.

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset Review

Sennheiser GSP 600 Gaming Headset

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.

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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

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSP 350 Headset Review

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: gaming headphones, gaming headset, GSP 600, GSX 1200 PRO, Sennheiser 11/01/2018

Best Gaming Headset Under $90? Plantronics RIG 500 PRO Review

09/25/2018 By Brooke O'Connell

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

It’s been six months since the Consumer Electronics Show and Plantronics is back with the introduction of their RIG 500 PRO series of gaming headsets. Announced on June 5th, the RIG 500 Pro series is a multi-platform series of headsets geared towards use with Xbox, PS4, and PC. How does the PC version of the headset stack up in the Plantronics Gaming Universe? More importantly, how does it hold up to our testing? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

Per the June 2018 press release: “RIG 500 PRO Series are the first gaming headsets to feature an exoskeleton earcup design with isolated inner acoustic chambers to reduce distortion, creating the ideal audio solution for today’s high-resolution gaming platforms.”

According to Jack Reynolds, Director of Gaming Products at Plantronics. “The new RIG 500 PRO Series takes the innovative modular design of the RIG 500 to the next level. It continues the impressive number of firsts we’ve brought to competitive gamers, including the first VR-focused headsets, Dolby Atmos® activation and now, the RIG Game Audio Dial for Xbox One and PS4 wireless controllers.”

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 600 Headset Review

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO Review

Design, Fit, & Features

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO gaming headset has several features that make it one of the more comfortable headsets that I’ve worn. The usual heaviness that most gaming headsets consistently seem to have is reduced with its lightweight exoskeleton combined with an inner comfort band. The lightweight metal is a burnished gold which makes it look not only luxurious but gives it a very sci-fi feel to an already unique looking headset. The geometric cutouts surrounding the ear pads make for an interesting appearance.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

The comfortable ear cups are adjustable however they differ from others which utilize a sliding mechanism. Instead, these ear cups pop out at the connector and have three different positions. A bit of a downside here is it takes some force to push the cups out of their connectors. While cute that the cups won’t suddenly shift, it is a bit of a pain to adjust. And having only three settings makes it limiting if you like a full range of adjustment in your headset.

The ear cups are supremely comfortable, and the soundproofing is quite amazing. Though depending on the game, it is not fully noise-canceling. When playing a fighting game like DRAGON BALL Fighter Z, I could still hear outside interference. However, this is not a game where the intense focus on hearing is needed.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

The soft cushioning makes the RIG 500 PRO headset easy to wear for extended amounts of time and not require me to adjust them.

There’s an easy volume adjuster on the cord. Its slider made it easy to adjust mid game while not having to struggle to adjust. I loved how easy it was to change it. In conjunction with the easy adjuster, the mic flips up to mute. The ease with speaking and muting is a huge draw.

There was a downside though. I found the volume was not quite loud enough for some specific games.

Over the years I’ve worn several headsets such as those from Turtle Beach to the Xbox recommended headphones, and none have been as comfortable as this one. As someone who can’t wear tight headphones, the RIG 500 PRO is perfect. The comfort band makes an excellent lightweight barrier between the bulk of the weight of the headset. The ear cups are so comfortable that it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing a gaming headset. Also, there’s no issue with them heating up or the problem with it tangling with my long hair.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

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Performance

The headset was used playing several levels of Assassin’s Creed Origins where hearing your surroundings is vital. When going through the open world, being able to hear what is going on around you is very important. Just as it when you’re listening to backstories and character information. It provides quite the fantastic ambiance to an already exciting game. This is something I’ve found lacking in other headsets. A small caveat to this is the volume could go louder. But that is probably more of a personal preference since I tend to crank the volume as loud as it will go.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

The RIG 500 PRO shined when playing Fortnite. The sound quality was quite good and didn’t need to be turned up as much as when playing Assassin’s Creed. This quality made hearing my surroundings excel upon which I lasted much longer during gameplay than usual. It’s safe to say that I prefer this headset for this particular game more than for Assassin’s Creed.

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

RIG 500 PRO Gaming Headset Specifications

• Microphone sensitivity: -45 dB
• Microphone signal-to-noise ratio: > 42 dB
• Microphone pick-up pattern: Uni-directional
• Weight: 281 grams
• Headphone frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz

• Headphone sensitivity: 111 dBSPL/v
• Headphone maximum input power: 40 mW
• Headphone drivers: Dynamic 50 mm
• Headphone impedance: 32 ohms
• Cable length: 1.3 meters

Package
• Gaming headset
• 1.3 Meter cable
• Quick start guide

Contents
• Warranty & Regulatory Info
• Safety Info
• Dolby Atmos® code

Read:   Gaming: HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard Review

Conclusion

Overall, my impression of the Plantronics RIG 500 PRO headset is that it’s a great headset for any gamer. The comfort is unbeatable, and its functions are amazing.

It’s got features aplenty like the adjustable mic, the comfort ear cups with soundproofing, the lightweight exoskeleton and comfort inner band, plus fantastic sound too.

Available for purchase on the Plantronics website at a very affordable price of $89.99, this headset is a moderate price with such incredible features. The downsides of this headset are quiet speakers and the odd way of adjusting the ear cups. Yet, they are far surpassed by its features and the quality build of the headset. I’m thoroughly impressed.

Set up is very easy and there isn’t a long mess of cables like with some other gaming headsets.

Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review

There are four sets of headphones that make up the RIG 500 PRO Series:

  • RIG 500 PRO for PC: $89.99
  • RIG 500 PRO HX for Xbox One: $79.99
  • RIG 500 PRO HS for PS4: $79.99
  • RIG 500 PRO Esports Edition, $149.99

What do you think of this Plantronics RIG 500 PRO review? Do you think it’s one of the best gaming headsets under $90? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Plantronics Newsroom to see their latest announcements. The RIG 500 PRO gaming headset comes with a one-year limited warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Plantronics provided Beantown LLC with one (1) RIG 500 PRO gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% her own and is not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2018.

Read:   HyperX Cloud Alpha Gaming Headset Review

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: Dolby Atmos, gaming headset, Plantronics, RIG 500 Pro 09/25/2018

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