When it comes to gaming headsets, beyerdynamic probably isn’t a name you’d associate with that term or even think of, despite the fact that they’ve been around since 1924. They’ve been producing high-quality, studio-level headphones designed and made in Germany. Beyerdynamic however is hoping to break more into the gaming scene with their beyerdynamic MMX 100 and MMX 150, studio-quality gaming headsets. Due to decades of audio experience, beyerdynamic was able to put their years of knowledge into creating something that is truly impressive with not only great audio quality but also top-notch build quality that can compete with the best of them.
For starters, the beyerdynamic MMX 100 and MMX 150 aren’t their first foray into gaming headsets. Their first headset is actually the MMX 300 which is an uber premium gaming headset built by hand and made in Germany. Using what they learned from that, they’ve made more mainstream gaming headsets with the MMX 100 and MMX 150 producing something that’s a bit more affordable but still has studio-quality audio and a cardioid mic that will truly impress.
THE DESIGN
The beyerdynamic MMX 100 and MX 150 are virtually identical when it comes to looks. There is a small minor difference, but nothing drastic. Anyways, both these units are very good-looking and kind of have this retro vibe to them. They don’t look particularly look like your run-of-the-mill gaming headsets and instead look much more refined, like a sophisticated pair of headphones for audiophiles. The materials used are high-grade and the fit and finish are among the best I’ve seen.
The band is made of aluminum and already gives the beyerdynamic units a unique look. There’s a plastic outer shell on the top that is fitted with memory foam cushioning for extra comfort and that in itself is also wrapped in artificial leather. This is the same material that is also used for the ear pads which provide a really nice feel around your ears. I can guarantee that this level of comfort will last for hours as I’ve already been using it for a few days now for long stretches of time and my earns never felt sweaty or sore from long usage.
On the earcups themselves, you’ll find an easy-to-use dial that is used to adjust the volume. If you tap on it, it’ll mute the mic and unmute the mic. On the MMX 150, if you hold down the dial, it’ll activate what beyerdynamic calls Augmented Mode, which basically allows you to hear what’s going on around you in real life. The MMX 100 does not have this. However, the MMX 100 does have a dedicated mute button, which the MMX 150 does not.
Speaking of differences, The MMX 100 only comes with a braided 4-pin 3.5mm AUX cable in both 1.2m and 2m lengths for analog audio. The MMX 150 on the other hand includes one 1.2m 4-pin 3.5mm AUX cable and one 2.4m USB cable.
Lastly, both models use a detachable META VOICE microphone. This is a cardioid condenser unit that features a 9.9mm capsule for a more natural sound. More on this later as it truly makes the beyerdynamic units competitive.
Both the beyerdynamic MMX 100 and MMX 150 are available in grey or black colors.
THE EXPERIENCE
What’s most important in a gaming headset is the way the audio sounds and the way you sound to others when speaking through the mic. Let’s start with how the audio sounds through these headsets. Both the MMX 100 and MMX 150 utilize a 40mm driver that provides clean, crisp sounds. That’s at all levels, which includes both the highs and the lows. The bass is very tight and has some great thump to it. The highs too are very crisp and clear. The drivers provide high-resolution sound that has been tuned from years of experience by beyerdynamic engineers.
While not directly stating that it has surround sound, bot the MMX 100 and MMX 150 does. Using this YouTube video, I can clearly hear that the audio as if I were really there. I can hear distinct channels that appear to be all around me and that’s what you really want in a gaming headset. This gives you an advantage when playing genres like first-person shooters because now you can hear where enemies are coming from or where all the action is.
That’s part one of what makes both the MMX 100 and MMX 150 a great gaming headset. Part two is the microphone. Using years of studio experience, beyerdynamic came up with the META VOICE cardioid condenser microphone, which features a 9.9 mm capsule to reproduce your voice naturally and true to life. Background noises get filtered out and all they hear on the other side of the mic is nothing but your voice. Not only that, based on hours of game testing, these mics produce some really clear, natural-sounding voices. My friends say my voice comes in super clear and they can’t hear any background noises, even if I clap really loudly next to it. That’s pretty good. The last thing your friends need to hear is your music blasting in the background or a crying baby.
Lastly, these beyerdynamic headsets are super comfortable. While you do need to manually size them, once you do, they feel really good. They stay on your head firmly, but not too tightly where they’ll make your head hurt after a while. The ear cushions are super soft and plush, and the microphone can be adjusted to any position. While I’m not a huge fan of the cable, at least it’s really long and I can see why people like a wired headset for latency issues.
THE CONCLUSION
I’m actually very surprised by these beyerdynamic headsets, mainly because I had never heard of them before and also because of just how good the MMX 100 and MMX 150 are. Of the two, I’d go with the MMX 150, mainly because of the inclusion of the digital USB and analog 3.5mm cable included in the box. Also because the Augmented Mode lets me hear what’s going on around me while I play. Of course, if you don’t need that, you can save $50 and go with the MMX 100 which sounds just as good and has the same exact amazing microphone.
Regardless, you can’t really go wrong with either of them. The beyerdynamic MMX 100 and MMX 150 will please you in the audio department with their performance, while your head will love you for the amazing comfort and style.
You can pick up the beyerdynamic MMX 100 and the MMX 150 on Amazon.
