Lacking features.
I end up reviewing a lot of gaming headsets. Most of them come with minor issues that can be overlooked, while others are just downright not worth the time or money. This is the first time I have checked out a pair from Sennheiser and the results are a mixed bag. This $250 headset comes with a premium build and price, but the extra features found in other headsets in this price range are strangely absent. Even with quality sound and build this headset doesn’t feel like it carries its hefty price tag with dignity.
The first thing I noticed upon getting the headset is the quality of its build. This is one bulky headset that comes with several points of adjustment to get just the right fit. The earcups feature soft leatherette material that feels great over my ears. The padded headband helps take pressure off of the weight of the unit. There is also an adjustable switch that moves pressure from the top of your head to more on the sides if you prefer. This thing feels built for comfort and even after a long session it didn’t feel as intrusive as other headsets.
MSRP: $249.99
Works With: XB1, PS4, PC, Switch
Price I’d Pay: $149.99
There are some weird design decisions with this headset though. For starters it only has one volume knob for overall sound. It is located on the earcup and has a click when turned all the way down. There is no separate slider for microphone volume so that has to be done through the software of the device I was using it on. While not universal this type of feature is certainly represented on models in this price range. When I pay premium for a headset, I expect premium features.
The mic itself is also not detachable. Again not a game breaker, but a weird omission. Sliding it into the upright position is how to mute the mix, but for anyone wanting to use the headset for solely audio will have to deal with the mic being in still attached.
The thing that bugs me the most about the headset is its clear lack of features. It only connects via a standard cable connection. There is no USB option so no software on PC to tweak the settings. No other modes to speak of, no amp to connect to it. The lack of dedicated mute and slider options between game and voice built into it are really disappointing. This does not feel like a $250 headset outside of the build quality. I have seen all of these features in headsets costing $150 less which makes them stand out all the more with this unit.
As far as performance goes the GSP 600 gets the job done. I tested numerous games including Overwatch while playing with friends to more recent titles such as Battlefield 5, God of War, and Spider-Man. The range of this headset is impressive. Directional audio sounds great and there is a real impact behind explosions. I really wish the bass was a little more hard-hitting, but it does its job. Yet another reason a built in mixer would have been excellent. I love having options for varying degrees of sound, but the GSP 600 is what you hear is what you get.
The mic is also great quality. Everyone could hear me clearly and it picks up my voice great. I do wish it had built in mic monitoring but that is certainly a personal preference. I tested the headset on every console imaginable including the Nintendo Switch. It works on all of them although the Switch will only work on handheld mode. The cable on the GSP 600 is certainly not long enough to reach it across the room.
The Sennheiser GSP 600 is an expensive headset that doesn’t live up to its price tag. The lack of features found in cheaper headsets really stands out. It has great audio and build quality, but it just doesn’t make up for what it doesn’t have. It is hard to recommend it when so many better options are available, and some of them being significantly cheaper.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
