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With fierce competition to manufacture thebest gaming headsets, companies are willing to take risks. Open-back headsets are one relatively unexplored segment of this market. Most of these peripherals have closed-back constructions to insulate gamers from background noise. The beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro attempts to convert skeptics with a breathable design, resulting in a drastically different listening experience.
The wired MMX 330 Pro is nearly identical to the recently released closed-back MMX 300 Pro. Although design differences are slight, the MMX 330 Pro’s perforations and relaxed fit create a wider soundscape. Typically,open-back headphoneusers demand higher performance, but beyerdynamic has a reputation for excellence. Game Rant was anxious to discover if the MMX 330 Pro lives up to its promise of long-lasting comfort and meticulously balanced sound.
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro
With the beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro, gamers can stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying an eerily realistic wide-open soundstage. This open-back gaming headset brings studio-quality sound to players who enjoy cinematic single-player experiences. Steller.45 drivers thrive in this format, keeping bass and treble at optimal levels. Without the confining feel of closed-back headsets, the MMX 330 Pro and its velour ear cushions are exceptionally comfortable for long gaming sessions. The headset’s 10 mm condenser mic also captures voices with extreme clarity, aided by a combined audio cable that reduces crosstalk.
Contents of Package
With the MMX 330 Pro, beyerdynamic maintains a consistent orange, black, and white theme for its retail packaging.
Inside the box, the headset is stored toward the top of the container above a quick start guide.
The long 2.5-meter/8.2-foot analog cable is stored in a smaller box separating the MMX 330 Pro’s earcups. Buyers also receive a Y-splitter to connect the headset to console controllers or combo PC mic/audio jacks.
Design and Comfort
Not emphasizing portability, the beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro is bulkier than many gaming headsets. However, it checks in at a more than reasonable 318 grams, close to the 314-gram weight of the MMX 300 Pro.
With a mostly stealthy black design, the MMX 330 Pro’s only hints of color are on its earcups. Branding is understated, but considering their similarities, the printed model name helps to differentiate it from the MMX 300 Pro.
The two headsets' earcups are similar, except for the vents on the MMX 330 Pro. Of course, these perforations are critical to the more breathable open-back design. It’s interesting to note that competing headsets like theCorsair Virtuoso Prohave much more exposed speaker grilles.
Beyerdynamic employs the same memory foam-filled velour earpads as the MMX 300 Pro. The velour is porous enough to promote airflow into and out of the earcups and keep ears from overheating. It’s also sufficiently soft without feeling scratchy, although leatherette is a bit easier to keep clean. Since the MMX 330 Pro is open-back, the earpads and earcups don’t press against heads with the same force, enhancing comfort.
The earcups swivel up and down only a small degree, contributing to the MMX 330 Pro’s lack of portability. Adjustments occur near the joints connecting the earcups to the headband through sliders.Esports pros probably won’t use the headsetfor competition, but it appeals to streamers and editors with stationary setups.
Just as luxurious, the headband is padded with more conventional faux leather. In the center of the headband is a fontanelle recess, which relieves pressure on the tops of heads.
The top of the MMX 330 Pro reveals more subtle beyerdynamic branding, as well as some industrial-style metal fasteners. These shiny buttons are about more than appearances; gamers can use them to snap off and replace the cushioning. Buyers can also replace the earpads if alternatives become available.
Although the MMX 330 Pro costs over $300, its build relies on ample hard plastic, which helps keep the open-back headset feeling light and airy. Still, metal parts reinforce sensitive areas where gamers usually put stress on headsets. Beyerdynamic products are hand-made in German factories, and that attention to detail is shown in the MMX 330 Pro.
An open-back headset should feel almost weightless, and the MMX 330 Pro doesn’t disappoint. Yet, it’s form-fitting enough not to slide around on heads during intense gaming action. One slightly disturbing aspect of the MMX 300 Pro repeats itself, where its joints make a noticeable cracking sound when first placed on heads. Regardless, it doesn’t seem to threaten the integrity of the hard plastic or metal.
One advantage of open-back headsets is that gamers can wear them for hours without body heat buildup. The MMX 330 Pro should be popular with content creators and dedicated gamers fortunate enough to work and play in quiet rooms.
Setup, Software, and Adjustments
After unboxing, gamers can have the MMX 330 Pro ready for action within seconds. The port underneath the left earcup connects to the supplied analog audio cable, which then finds a home in PC audio and mic jacks. Most buyers will just need to ensure that the headset is listed as the default audio device in Windows settings.
The bundled cable is heavily shielded and designed to survive the worst snags while avoiding crosstalk. Unfortunately, its thickness and weight can make a comfortable headset more of a burden to wear. On the other hand, gamers can always swap the wire for a shorter braided cable, especially when connecting to an Xbox orPS5 controller.
Manywired gaming headsetsthat connect with USB encourage users to install software. The beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro takes a different approach, relying on the natural balance of its Stellar.45 drivers. Streamers and producers often pair beyerdynamic headphones with a mixer or DAC. With a nominal impedance of 48 ohms, the MMX 330 Pro is sufficiently powered by integrated or standalonePC sound cards.
There are a variety of programs that professionals can use to tweak the sound of the MMX 330 Pro. Otherwise, there are no EQ settings to change treble and bass levels or apply profiles suitable for gaming or music. Gamers looking to enhance the headset’s spatial audio can try theImmense softwarerecommended by beyerdynamic. DTS: Headphone X and Dolby Atmos apps are also an option, but many listeners prefer the room-wide spatial audio generated by an open-back stereo headset.
The MMX 330 Pro isn’t completely devoid of audio adjustments, courtesy of an inline volume rocker. Multiplayer gamers can also instantly mute the attached microphone with a slider switch.
Performance and Usage
There is often confusion about the differences between open-back and closed-back headsets. Misconceptions are only magnified by the MMX 300 Pro and MMX 330, which look virtually identical. The vast majority of gaming headsets are closed-back, which press against ears for the most personal listening experience. This obviously benefits passivenoise cancellationin chaotic environments. With the help of software, gaming headsets create a convincing spatial audio experience, enabling competitive gamers to pinpoint the locations of enemies.
As helpful as closed-back headsets can be in first-person shooters, most music and video producers prefer open-back alternatives. These headsets let more sound escape eardrums through openings, creating a wider and more natural sound. Listeners feel like musicians are performing in the room rather than sampling a recording through headphones. Spatial audio in gaming can also work effectively since every sound emanates from a distinct point in a virtual soundstage. Open-back headsets like the MMX 330 Pro truly shine in soundproof studios, or at least rooms without much background interference.
If listeners have a noisy appliance like a window air conditioner in a room, they will experience how closed-back headsets are better for some scenarios. Still, the MMX 330 Pro doesn’t need dead silence to produce rich sound that has benefits inside and outside of gaming. It especially impresses in cinematic single-player games likeStar Wars: Jedi Survivor, where music combines with dialogue and wooshing lightsabers.
For gamers fortunate enough to enjoy some peace and quiet, the MMX 330 Pro is also an asset in first-person shooters. There is more room for individual sound effects to uniquely position themselves without being compressed by a closed-back design. InCounter-Strike 2, determining where danger lurks doesn’t take as much concentration. Booming gunfire won’t rattle the ears as much as with closed-back gaming headsets, but low, mid, and high tones are clearly defined.
Buyers will also find the MMX 330 Pro a great alternative to speakers andsoundbars for music listening. Mid-tones and vocals sound as natural as if a singer is sitting in front of a listener. Likewise, high-pitched violins and flutes don’t get lost in complex layers of sound. Stellar.45 drivers pump enough bass to make rap music impactful, even if the vibration is minimized with low tones.
Microphone Quality
Open-back headphones that thrive in soundproofed settings are commonly paired with standalone mics. Nevertheless, gamers appreciate integrated microphones on headsets. The mic on the beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro is hardly an afterthought and ranks highly for its recording quality. Its condenser mic faces more of a challenge since some sound leaks from the earcups. Surprisingly, multiplayer chat isn’t affected, and the headset effectively filters out everything except voices.
Where the MMX 330 Pro mic doesn’t impress is with its compactness. Although the gooseneck arm severely bends without damage, it’s not detachable. That’s a bit disappointing when the MMX 330 Pro can serve as top-tierstudio headphonesfor non-gamers. This is hardly surprising when the MMX 300 Pro’s mic sports the same design. Also, there is no way to flip to mute the mic, but a toggle switch on the inline module serves the same purpose.
Conclusion
The beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro demonstrates how an open-back design benefits normally stuffy gaming headsets. It doesn’t completely address the lack of passive noise cancellation, but most listeners will experience an expanded soundstage. The MMX 330 Pro produces a sound that surrounds gamers rather than staying within the confines of earcups.
Along with a soundscape that’s free to roam, buyers will appreciate low-pressure earcups and a well-padded headband. Comfort levels are exceptional, and the MMX 330 Pro is perfect for marathon gaming or editing sessions.
This open-back gaming headset closely mimics the MMX 300 Pro, which isn’t a negative. The MMX 330 Pro retains beyerdynamic’s previous headset’s accurate and reliable microphone. Unfortunately, the mic is still permanently attached, contributing to an already bulky peripheral. Even so, it’s ideal as an at-home headset with simple wired connectivity to PCs and consoles.
OtherTurtle BeachandCorsair gaming headsetshave jumped on the open-back bandwagon. However, the beyerdynamic MMX 330 is a cut above the rest, offering a professional-quality listening experience.
Affordable open-back gaming headset
$169 at Drop.com
Software that enhances streaming
$200 at Amazon
Lightweight wireless open-back headset
$180 at Amazon
Pickings are relatively slim for open-back gaming headsets, but alternatives to the MMX 330 Pro exist. Especially when found discounted, theDrop + EPOS PC38Xwired headset is a budget-friendly way to experience open-back benefits. Next, the exceptionally comfortableCorsair Virtuoso Profeatures Elgato Wave Link integration that appeals to streamers.Wireless headsetswith breathable designs are even rarer, and theTurtle Beach Atlas Airis one of the most portable and lightweight options.
FAQ
Q: Can people hear open-back headsets?
People in the same room as an open-back headset user can hear what a gamer is listening to. However, the best open-back headsets have designs that minimize sound leakage while remaining breathable.
Q: Why are open-back headphones expensive?
Many open-back headphones are sold to professionals who demand a well-rounded soundscape. These buyers also wear headphones and headsets for long hours, so exemplary build quality is mandatory.
