Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro Headphones Review

As a seasoned audio professional and avid gamer, I recently had the opportunity to test out the Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro gaming headset. In this review, I will share my experiences and insights into how this headset performs in several aspects crucial to gaming and overall audio enjoyment.

What is in the box

One notable difference between the Pro and the standard MMX300 is the exclusion of the 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter and holster. Given the previous iteration, it’s hard to see any accessories being removed from the package. I think when companies offer something on their older models, it should be on the upgraded version unless the accessory was noticeably flawed for one reason or another.

Build quality and comfort

The build quality of the MMX300 is impressive, as you would expect from Beyerdynamic. The headphones feel sturdy and well-built, meaning they should withstand the rigors of regular gaming sessions. The materials used give it a good feel, justifying its position in the gaming headset market.

As for comfort, I find the MMX300 to be great for extended gaming sessions. The earcups are well-padded and the headband distributes weight evenly. However, the clamping force may be a bit strong for some users, especially those with larger heads or who wear glasses. I would say that comfort is above average and if you get a good fit at first, you will feel comfortable for hours afterward.

Sound scene

During my testing, I found the soundstage of the MMX300 to be basically the same as that of the DT770. This isn’t surprising, given Beyerdynamic’s reputation for delivering consistent designs across its product lines. Imaging is good, which is a crucial factor for gaming headsets.

My most notable observation is that sounds seem to be coming from inside your head. This creates an intimate audio experience, which some gamers might prefer. However, I wouldn’t describe the soundstage as spectacularly wide. That said, this narrower soundstage actually works perfectly for gaming, where localization of sounds is more important than width. While it may not be impressive in terms of width, I found it to be an effective tool in FPS games when searching for sounds on the map.

Impressions of the sound signature

Low

In my experience, the MMX300's bass response is about average. There is a slight dip in the low frequencies, but overall, the bass is still palpable, but not inspiring. I noticed that there is more high-end bass than sub-bass, which affects the overall warmth of the sound.

In gaming scenarios, I found that there was enough bass to adequately convey the sounds of explosions and other effects. However, when it comes to listening to music, especially for bass-heavy genres, the MMX300s may leave some listeners wanting more. The lack of warmth in the bass region may be a drawback for those who prefer a more immersive, booming experience in their games or music.

Media

The MMX300’s midrange features a very flat tuning, with a slight bump between 1kHz and 2kHz. In my testing, this added a bit more character to sounds, but overall, I found it to be a bit dull. In a gaming context, this tuning provides a decent focus for dialogue and other crucial midrange sounds.

One positive aspect I noticed is that no particular frequency stands out in the mids, which lends itself well to sudden loud noises in a gaming environment. This balanced approach avoids any jarring experience during intense gaming moments. However, I would have preferred a stronger boost in the lower mids rather than the exclusive emphasis on the highs. This could have provided a bit more rawness to the sound without compromising clarity.

Triple

The MMX300’s treble response is where I have my biggest reservations. In my testing, I found it to be a bit too trebley for my taste. While there is a nice extension in the high frequencies, they are simply too strong for my preferences.

In a gaming context, this emphasis on highs results in a lot of crackling and grinding sounds being heard, which can be beneficial for detecting enemy movement, environmental cues, or adding an aura to your experience. However, when it comes to listening to music, especially with live recordings, I found it to be excessively sibilant. Genres like pop, modern metal, and hip-hop, which typically have prominent high-frequency content, can be tiring to listen to on the MMX300s. Cymbals, in particular, tend to sound too loud in the mix. I found myself trying them for 25 minutes straight, due to how tiring they were for me.

If you like very bright sounds and enjoy the treble response characteristic of the DT770, the MMX300 may be suitable for you. However, if you don't like bright headphones, you may want to consider alternatives such as the Audeze Maxwell.

Gaming Performance

Even though I didn't find some of its audio characteristics ideal for listening to music, the MMX300 perform admirably in gaming scenarios. The intimate soundstage and good imaging make it easy to locate enemy positions in first-person shooters. The emphasized highs, while potentially fatiguing for extended music sessions, help detect subtle audio cues in gaming environments.

The flat midrange ensures that dialogue in story-driven games is heard clearly, while the modest bass provides enough impact for explosions and other low-frequency effects without overwhelming the rest of the audio spectrum.

Microphone quality

As a gaming headset, the microphone is a crucial component of the MMX300. In my testing, I found the microphone quality to be above average for a gaming headset. Voice transmission is clear and detailed, which is essential for effective communication in team games. The microphone does a good job of rejecting background noise, though it’s not on par with dedicated streaming microphones. Beyerdynamic suggests not bending the gooseneck too much, and the adjustment mechanism made it easy to adjust to my particular head shape.

Conclusion

The Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro is a gaming headset that brings the company’s audio expertise to the world of gaming. Its sound signature, while not ideal for all types of music, is well-suited for gaming applications. Good imaging and an intimate soundstage make it an effective tool for competitive gaming, while the clear midrange ensures that in-game dialogue and team communication are heard clearly.

The bright treble response can be divisive, however. Some gamers will appreciate the extra detail it brings to ambient sounds, while others may find it tiring during extended sessions. The bass response, while adequate for gaming, can leave bass enthusiasts wanting more, especially when using the headphones to listen to music.

In my testing, I found the MMX300 to be a solid choice for gamers who prioritize audio positioning and clear communication. Their build quality and comfort are commendable, making them suitable for long gaming sessions. However, for those who are sensitive to bright highs or want a more versatile headset for both gaming and music enjoyment, there may be better options available.

Ultimately, the Beyerdynamic MMX300 Pro is a specialized tool for gamers who appreciate bright, detailed sound and are willing to sacrifice some musicality for gaming performance. Its superior build quality and Beyerdynamic pedigree make it a notable contender in the high-end gaming headset market.