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Sennheiser GSP 600

Sennheiser GSP 600

Written by Sean Cahill on 12/18/2019 for AV  
More On: GSP 600

Audiophiles rejoice! Sennheiser, one of the most recognizable brands in the world of audio, is back in the gaming industry in a big way. Several years ago, I did reviews on the company’s first real dive into the world of gaming with their Game Zero and Game One headsets. Both are great quality, comfortable and reliable. After that, Sennheiser seemed to disappear for awhile. Their primary focus will always be their main headsets, and that’s to be expected, but after a strong showing it was odd of them to not immediately breakout with regular units. Thankfully, that has changed. In the second of three product reviews from the German-based company, we take a look at the Sennheiser GSP 600 Professional Gaming Headset.

Let’s get to the specs, already

Here are the specifications taken straight from Sennheiser’s website: 

Impedance

28 Ω

Connector

2 x 3.5mm / 1 x 3.5 mm (4-pole connectors)

Frequency Response (Microphone)

10 - 18000 Hz

Frequency Response (Headphones)

10 - 30000 Hz

Sound Pressure Level (SPL)

112 dB SPL @ 1kHz, 1V RMS

Ear Coupling

Over-Ear

Cable Length

2.5 m PC cable / 1.5 m Console cable

Weight

395 g

Pick-up Pattern

Bi-directional ECM

Microphone Sensitivity

- 47 dBV/PA


There’s no surprises here. A professional grade headset needs to have some great specs and the GSP 600 doesn’t disappoint. The frequency response of 10-30,000 Hz is a fantastic range, though I’m equally impressed with the 10 - 18,000 Hz on the microphone. The over-ear design is the form I prefer over anything else, making it easier to deal with the fitting and weight, though 395 grams isn’t anything terrible in terms of bulk.

A well-designed and sturdy fit on even the biggest heads, even if it won’t win any beauty contests

I’ve mentioned this before in my other headset reviews, but I have a pretty big head. Finding a headset that fits well on me is a challenge. The GSP 600’s biggest asset in regard to design is how wide the headset stretches out when adjusting for comfort. Resembling a lot of top-end headsets from decades past, those huge ear cups sit rather snugly on my head, maybe even a little too snug. It’s a minor grievance that I got used to quickly. The cups themselves are quite comfortable, utilizing a suede-like material that prevents sticking to my skin. That’s a big test for me with these larger headphones, and Sennheiser passes the test.

The least-kept secret with the GSP 600 is the overall look. When I mentioned the top-end headsets from decades past, a quick Google search of headsets from the 1970s and '80s will yield some pretty dreadful designs. Granted, I’m not talking about Pickering Headsets or Koss Quadrophones here when it comes to terrible designs. I honestly don’t mind the look because I’m sitting at my desk and playing games, not going to a beauty contest wearing these. I’d much rather have a bigger headset if it means more durability, so in that essence, the look and design isn’t a problem.

The headband is pretty comfortable and rests decently on my head, though I do think the balance of the overall unit is off. These are pretty top heavy, if I had to pinpoint the issue specifically. Again, nothing that’s going to deter me from using these on a regular basis. It’s just something quite noticeable when wearing them for long sessions.

As mentioned in the specs, this headset utilizes a separate cord for audio and microphone, but comes with a different cable for console use. Alternatively, the Y-splitter that Sennheiser offers works with the two-pronged cable. This headset is marketed more toward PC gamers, but the console users out there shouldn’t be left out in the cold if they want premium audio. Sennheiser didn’t forget about anyone.

There is no problem with the audio quality whatsoever

The GSP 600 has wonderful audio that is just a treat to listen to. One of the big problems with gaming headsets nowadays, especially lower cost options, is that they go for the look and feel to ensure comfort but forget to do the thing that headsets are meant to do: Be great at audio. It’s kind of sad that it has to be brought up, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve put on a headset at Best Buy or Micro Center that is under even the $150 price point and loved the feel of them on my head, but then get nothing but a muddled mid-range sound with little bass and bad highs.

Sennheiser absolutely nails the audio quality here. The mid-range is beautiful and rich while the highs are nice and crisp. I’m not big on low frequency effect so I was pleasantly surprised at the full sound of the bass, yet never felt overwhelmed by it. The volume control is available on the right ear cup for a quick adjustment if it’s ever needed. The microphone provided crystal clear communication as needed over Discord and PS4 chat, with the familiar “click mute” that Sennheiser has used in every gaming headset model when raising the microphone up.

While this is a professional grade headset, it bears mentioning that this does not have any simulated surround sound or software to try and create that effect. You’ve probably experienced these headsets before that promise you studio-quality sound but end up with weird filler to make it feel like you’re immersed, but it’s a lot of fluff. That’s not a possibility here as Sennheiser has gone for just straight studio-quality audio, yet even without all the pizzazz that some gamers want, I didn’t honestly notice any difference between these and my actual 5.1 headphones that I normally use. Games like 7 Days to Die allowed me to actually enjoy the game but still got decent directional audio.

Standard audio tests yielded the same results as above as I bounced through my collection of AAC and LDAC files to hear how well the GSP 600 handled them. With a wired headset, the most important quality for me is how rich a song or piece sound. I’ve never been disappointed with my testing regarding Sennheiser headsets, and the GSP 600 continues that trend.

Premium audio doesn’t come cheap

The GSP 600 are professional grade headphones that are priced on the high-end of most gaming headsets similar to it, and while there will be some gamers who don’t understand why paying $250 for a headset is a necessity, the audiophiles out there will appreciate just how good this headset is. Yes, it’s a tad pricey but what you’re getting is quality and durability that I don’t find in a lot of headsets that match up with the GSP 600. I’ve held some other brands in my hands and worn them on my head, worried that the slightest adjustment to the headband might break this, such as the Turtle Beach professional headset I had some time ago that reviewed well, then broke a month after publication. I can twist and turn these in all directions and I’m not concerned about a break at all.

Final Thoughts

Headsets today have such a wide range of options and features, it’s refreshing to get a no-frills headset that pushes fantastic audio simply because it’s designed better than others. Rich, full sound with just enough bass to be complete is the name of the game with the GSP 600. It won’t win any contests for sleek looks, but that’s probably the last thing on everyone’s mind when getting a headset. $250 is perhaps a slightly steep price, but it’s worth it in the long run.

There's not much to dislike with the GSP 600. It's not pretty by any stretch, but the audio quality is phenomenal and rich. The price tag might be considered a little high for some, but Sennheiser's quality is worth it as a long term investment.

Rating: 9 Excellent

* The product in this article was sent to us by the developer/company.

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About Author

Sean is a 15 year veteran of gaming and technology writing with an unhealthy obsession for Final Fantasy, soccer, and chocolate.

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