Multi-platform gaming headsets are an iffy type of accessory. On one hand, you have a headset that’s quite versatile, letting you pack it up and connect it to nearly any gaming device, whether it be your PC or your PlayStation 4. On the other hand, having such a versatile product results in foregoing certain features a platform exclusive headset would boast, Surround Sound being an example. The Sennheiser GSP 300 is the latest of the company’s multi-platform headphones and much like its predecessors, it carries polarising aspects.
Sennheiser products have always carried a refined, sleek look and the Sennheiser GSP 300 is no different. The matte black plastic, coupled with the blue accents along the volume dial and mic boom, give a very polished appearance to the headset. However, while it does have a refined experience, another word also comes to mind: bare. There aren’t any crazy looking grills on the earcups to give you the feeling that you’ve strapped on an engine to your head, something consumers got the felt when it came to the designs of the PC 373D, the Game One and Game Zero headsets.
The extra large memory foam earpads and the circum-aural design results in the GSP 300 sitting comfortable on either side of anyone’s dome, though some users may yearn for XXL earpads. When it comes to the headband, Sennheiser adopted an aviation-inspired split headband, which they claim reduces the amount of pressure on top of your head, letting you game for even longer. However. while the GSP 300 was indeed comfortable when it came to the areas around my ears, a slight bit of pressure felt at the top of my head from the split headband remained. This wasn’t the case when I reviewed the Sennheiser PC 373D, which utilised a more conventional headband, albeit velvet covered.
That said, the GSP 300 is nowhere close to the PC 373D in terms of the price tag. For a product that weighs only 290 grammes and has an adjustable headset, the GSP 300 performs well in terms of design and comfort.
But how about sound?
For a headset that costs only AED 399, the GSP 300 holds itself quite well in terms of sound performance. Sennheiser went the extra step with this headset by stepping up the bass and the result is fantastic. The deeper tones result in a rich listening experience, whether it be the distant sound of artillery in a Battlefield game to the dulcet tones heard in choral music.
The mic on the GSP 300 can be activated simply by lowering the mic boom, activating with a satisfying click you can hear with your left ear. The mic performs admirably, picking up your voice from just under -40 decibels. While that low figure may spark fears about background noise being picked up, thankfully Sennheiser packs superb, broadcast-level noise cancelling into the mic. Furthermore, the short boom arm ensures that your friends on Discord don’t hear the sound of you breathing down their necks at their inability to counter Bastion.
The Sennheiser GSP 300 comes with a 2.5m cable, one that’s, unfortunately, non-removable. Thankfully it does sport two normal 3.5mm headphone and microphone connector plugs, meaning that these could be used on even the most basic of devices, something USB connected headphones don’t allow. Furthermore, thanks to the PCV 05 Combo Audio Adaptor, this product gets its multi-platform ability, letting you plug it into your PS4 or even mobiles and tablets. Yes, with the adapter, you can even lower the mic boom and utilise it on your phone calls!
For the cheap price of AED 399, a fantastic mic and great sound performance the Sennheiser GSP 300 is worthy of the average gamer looking for something that’s versatile and delivers the bottom line. However, the bare albeit refined design may prompt some consumers to hunt for more premium looking products.
