Beyerdynamic has been in the professional audio space for 93 years! They started as Elektrotechnische Fabrik Eugen Beyer in Berlin. Their first, and longest lasting, headset was the DT 48 that was in production until 2012. Since then, they have expanded into all facets of professional audio: headphones, microphones, headsets and audio conferencing solution. They're now in the gaming space with the Custom Game headset.
Specifications
- MSRP: $189.99
- Operating Principle: Closed-back
- Sound Coupling: Circumaural
- Headphone Frequency Response: 5 - 35,000 Hz
- Headphone Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Nominal SPL: 96 dB
- T.H.D.: < 0.2%
- Microphone Type: Condenser (back electret)
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Microphone Frequency Response: 30 - 18,000 Hz
- Weight: 282g (without cable)
- 2 separate mini jack plugs: (3.5 mm) (Line & Mic)
- In the Box: Wired cable with remote control, 1.5m Y-Cable, 6 design covers, 1/4” adapter
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First Impressions Damn this thing feels good! It sits on the head very nicely. While on the heavier side, the weight distribution keeps everything even across your head. The ear cups are a very nice stitched leatherette that you can replace down the road if you sweat too much or they start to rip from travel. One thing that Beyerdynamic has always done with its headphones is oversize the ear cups. What I mean by that is they are larger than normal, fitting all ear sizes and allowing for the best sound quality. Much like all professional headphones, the cables are all detachable for easy storage and transportation. The microphone is detachable too and connects directly into the headset on the left side via a 3.5mm port. The headphone connects with a standard 3.5mm jack. This will allow you to use the headset with your phone, PS/Xbox controller, or any other compatible device. If you don't want that, they include an extension cable that Ys out the connections to Mic and Headphone. Along with that, there is an included 1/4” adapter for mixing boards or headphone amps. What is “Custom”? Remember when Astro Headsets were all the rage? They felt good, sounded good, and they had those cool swappable plates on the ear cups so you could customize them to show off your style and fandom. Beyerdynamic is bringing those back and have included six different designs that you can use. More will be available in the future, as well as your own custom design (hence the “custom” in the name). They have the capability of allowing new microphones to be used (dynamic v condenser), different headbands and eventually different ear pads, but there is no official information on if any of that will be done or when it will happen.
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Testing 1, 2, 3 The Gaming One offers the single best sounding microphone that I have heard on a headset. The EQ is spot on which makes vocal capture great. The voice isolation is also very good. The element is directional so you turn it to face the direction you want and it does a very good job of rejecting ambient sounds. Like I said before, the microphone is removable. While a boom mic is included, there is an option to buy an in-line mic separate. The boom is flexible and will hold its position. It's very high-quality when it comes to internal parts as well as the material used around the boom. The drivers in these headphones can handle your gaming sessions, as well as your time in the studio (Editor’s note: Kasey is an audio engineer by trade - C.). Since Beyerdynamic has always been in the music space, these drivers are no different from their studio counterparts. They are rated from 5Hz-35KHz with a Nominal SPL of 96dB. These guys have some range! I used these for both gaming and mixing an album. I was able to mix with these just as well as my usual Audio-Technica headphones. If I needed to do some editing, I could throw these guys on, mix away, and have no worries that it's going to sound terrible when I listen to the track through reference monitors. That’s high praise for a pair of gaming headphones, and they clarity they offer makes them a cut above for any game you might play.
Final Thoughts At just over $200.00 USD, this is a phenomenally priced headset for what it can do. It's quality is superior in every way to any of the competitors I’ve tried in this price range. They’ll last you years and take the quality of your gaming/productions to a new level. Between the sturdy build, the studio quality drivers, the high quality microphone, the portability, and the price, I will highly suggest that you check these out.
Pros
- Amazing sound
- Studio quality drivers for a non-studio price
- Excellent microphone
- Can be customized
Cons
- Limited side plates currently available
The product discussed in this article was provided by the manufacturer for the purposes of review.
