Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro Review

As a seasoned audio professional and avid gamer, I recently had the opportunity to test the Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro gaming headset. In this review, I'll share my experiences and insights on how this headset performs across various aspects crucial for gaming and general audio enjoyment.

What's In the Box

A notable difference between the Pro compared to the standard MMX300 is the exclusion of the 3.5mm to 6.3mm adaptor and case. Given the previous iteration, it's difficult to see that accessories are pulled out of the package. I think that when companies offer something in their previous models, it should be in the upgraded version unless the accessory was noticeably faulty for one reason or another.

Build Quality and Comfort

The build quality of the MMX300 is impressive, as one would expect from Beyerdynamic. The headset feels sturdy and well-constructed, meaning it should withstand the rigors of regular gaming sessions. The materials used give it a good feel, justifying its position in the gaming headset market.

Comfort-wise, I found the MMX300 to be excellent for extended gaming sessions. The ear cups are well-padded and the headband distributes weight evenly. However, the clamping force might be a bit strong for some users, especially those with larger heads or those who wear glasses. I’d say that the comfort is above-average and if they fit to begin with, they’ll feel comfortable for hours after that.

Soundstage

In my testing, I found that the MMX300's soundstage is essentially the same as a DT770. This isn't surprising, given Beyerdynamic's reputation for consistent designs across their product lines. The imaging is good, which is a crucial factor for gaming headsets.

My most notable observation is that sounds seem to be coming from inside your head. This creates an intimate audio experience, which some gamers might prefer. However, I wouldn't describe the soundstage as spectacularly wide. That said, this narrower soundstage actually works perfectly for gaming, where the localization of sounds is more important than width. While it may not be awe-inspiring in terms of spaciousness, I found it to be an effective tool in FPS games when searching for sounds on the map.

Sound Signature Impressions

Bass

The bass response of the MMX300 is almost unremarkable in my experience. There's a slight roll-off on low bass frequencies, but overall, the bass is still palpable, just not inspiring. I noticed that there's more high bass than sub-bass, which affects the overall warmth of the sound.

In gaming scenarios, I found there was enough bass to convey the sounds of explosions and other effects adequately. However, when it comes to music listening, especially for bass-heavy genres, the MMX300 might leave some listeners wanting more. The lack of warmth in the bass region might be a drawback for those who prefer a more immersive, rumbling experience in their games or music.

Mids

The midrange of the MMX300 features a very flat tuning, with a slight bump between 1kHz and 2kHz. In my testing, this added a bit more character to sounds, but overall, I found it a little boring. In a gaming context, this tuning does provide decent focus for dialogue and other crucial mid-range sounds.

One positive aspect I noticed is that no particular frequency in the mids is poking out, which lends itself well to sudden loud noises in a gaming setting. This balanced approach prevents any jarring experiences during intense gameplay moments. However, I would have preferred a stronger boost in the lower mids instead of the sole emphasis on treble. This could have provided a bit more grit to the sound without compromising clarity.

Treble

The treble response of the MMX300 is where I have my most significant reservations. In my testing, I found it to be too sharp for my taste. While there's good extension in the treble frequencies, they're simply too loud for my preferences.

In a gaming context, this treble emphasis does bring a lot of creaking and scraping sounds to the forefront, which can be beneficial for detecting enemy movements, environmental cues, or adding to an aura to your experience. However, when it comes to music listening, especially with live recordings, I found it to be excessively sibilant. Genres like pop, modern metal, and hip-hop, which often have prominent high-frequency content, can become fatiguing to listen to on the MMX300. Cymbals, in particular, tend to be too loud in the mix. I found myself testing them 25 minutes at a time, because of how fatiguing they were for me.

If you're someone who loves really bright sounds and enjoys the signature treble response of the DT770, you might find the MMX300 suitable. However, if you're not a fan of bright headphones, you might want to consider alternatives like the Audeze Maxwell.

Gaming Performance

Despite some of its audio characteristics that I found less than ideal for music listening, the MMX300 performs admirably in gaming scenarios. The intimate soundstage and good imaging make it easy to pinpoint enemy positions in first-person shooters. The emphasized treble, while potentially fatiguing for long music sessions, helps in detecting subtle audio cues in game environments.

The flat midrange ensures that dialogue in story-driven games comes through clearly, while the modest bass provides enough impact for explosions and other low-frequency effects without overwhelming the rest of the audio spectrum.

Microphone Quality

As a gaming headset, the microphone is a crucial component of the MMX300. In my testing, I found the microphone quality to be above average for a gaming headset. Voice transmission is clear and detailed, which is essential for effective communication in team-based games. The microphone does a decent job of rejecting background noise, though it's not on par with dedicated streaming microphones. Beyerdynamic suggests not bending the gooseneck too far, and the adjustment mechanism made it easy to fit my particular head shape.

Conclusion

The Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro is a gaming headset that brings the company's audio expertise to the gaming world. Its sound signature, while not ideal for all types of music, is well-suited for gaming applications. The good imaging and intimate soundstage make it an effective tool for competitive gaming, while the clear midrange ensures that game dialogue and team communication come through clearly.

However, the bright treble response might be divisive. Some gamers will appreciate the extra detail it brings to environmental sounds, while others might find it fatiguing over long sessions. The bass response, while adequate for gaming, might leave bass enthusiasts wanting more, especially when using the headset for music listening.

In my testing, I found the MMX300 to be a solid choice for gamers who prioritize audio positioning and clear communication. Its build quality and comfort are commendable, making it suitable for long gaming sessions. However, for those who are sensitive to bright treble or who want a more versatile headset for both gaming and music enjoyment, there might be better options available.

Ultimately, the Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro is a specialized tool for gamers who appreciate a bright, detailed sound signature and are willing to trade some musicality for gaming performance. Its premium build quality and Beyerdynamic pedigree make it a noteworthy contender in the high-end gaming headset market.