Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro Review

The same companies that manufacture keyboards and mice produce the most popular gaming headsets. Often, these headsets offer wireless connectivity and other conveniences but disappoint with their sound quality. However, Beyerdynamic brings its expertise in audio equipment into the gaming world with the MMX 300 Pro. An upgrade over the well-received MMX 300, Beyerdynamic’s latest headset promises even more satisfying sound and an improved microphone.

Modeled after the most high-end wired headphones, the MMX 300 Pro doesn’t include many features aimed at casual gamers. Nevertheless, Beyerdynamic’s reputation for professional-grade sound appeals to audiophiles. In particular, the MMX 300 has been the preferred headset for gamers who demand to hear every subtle sound effect. Game Rant recently received a sample of the MMX 300 Pro to see if its boosted performance justified a steep price tag.

Contents of Package

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro ships in a sturdy black and orange box with only a few components. Separated into several different sections of the packaging, buyers will find a 3.5 m/11.5 ft audio cable with a standard 3.5 mm plug and a pop filter for the mic. The manufacturer includes a Y-adapter for console controllers and sources with a single combo port. Finally, a quick start guide gives an overview of the straightforward-to-use gaming headset.

Design and Comfort

The MMX 300 Pro does not aim to be compact, with bulky earcups and a non-detachable external microphone. Since the earcups and headband only flex slightly, gamers will need to devote ample storage space to them when traveling. Styling is relatively understated on this wired gaming headset, but Beyerdynamic imprints its logo on the headband and on and below the earcups.

Even on a $300 headset, buyers can expect to find hard plastic to keep its weight reasonable. The MMX 300 Pro is no exception, but it’s reinforced with metal at the most sensitive points. Most impressive is the rigid headband that benefits from padding on both its inside and outside. Stud buttons give the MMX 300 Pro a premium industrial look, but the headset’s weight is a reasonable 314 grams.

The most significant aspect of the headband that impacts comfort is the impression in its center section. Beyerdynamic calls this feature a fontanelle recess, and it effectively takes the pressure off the point where headbands usually apply maximum force.

For its ear cushions, Beyerdynamic once again decided on velour, a softer and breathable alternative to leather blends. The material attracts dust and hair and isn’t quite as easy to clean, but it appeals to gamers in warmer climates.

As far as adjustability, the closed-back MMX 330 Pro offers earcups that slide up and down below the headband. It takes a decent amount of force to make the adjustments, and occasionally, the earcups will make offputting cracking sounds when the headset is put on. Most likely, these are just the mechanisms slightly rotating to form fit heads. When first trying on the headset, the earcups’ clamping force was more extreme than expected. Fortunately, the tightness diminished within a day, and there was no lingering earlobe pain.

Despite having a large profile, the headset feels like a lightweight peripheral, with only the long, heavily shielded cord remaining noticeable. Gamers on the cordless side of the wireless vs. wired headset debate may want to consider another option, at least with the provided cord. A long, thick wire attaches to the base of the left earcup, which has a jack recessed enough for a secure fit. Still, buyers should be able to find compatible alternatives if a shorter cable is desired. Due to the weight of the default wiring, gamers will need to think about cable management, but at least it makes minimal noise when dragging along clothing.

Another aspect of the MMX 300 Pro that shouldn’t be ignored is its modular design. Because it’s held on with snaps, the headband cushion is potentially replaceable with alternatives that Beyerdynamic has sold for similar models. Likewise, the earpads can be detached if gamers prefer a different material.

Durability is always a concern when something is worn for many hours. Like most Beyerdynamic products, the MMX 300 Pro is a well-built headset that is designed for all-day gaming, music listening, or sound editing.

Setup and Software

The MMX 300 Pro is one of the easiest headsets to set up because it requires no software. It’s literally a plug-and-play device with a cable that terminates with two 3.5 mm mini-jack connectors. PC users can attach the cord to separate headphone and mic ports or rely on the Y-cable for single jack scenarios.

Some previous Beyerdynamic headsets, like the MMX 300, were sold in different versions with higher and lower nominal impedance. The MMX 300 Pro simplifies matters with a 48-ohm rating but has sufficient sensitivity to produce adequate volume without an amplifier. That said, buyers interested in a headset for streaming will want to consider mixers since the MMX 300 Pro can’t handle multiple sources.

Unlike many recent gaming headsets, the MMX 300 Pro doesn’t depend on software to boost certain sound effects artificially. However, PC and Xbox gamers can implement Dolby Atmos or DTS Headphone:X for titles that support them after downloading the licensed apps. As a high-end stereo headset, the MMX 300 Pro is also an attractive candidate for a PS5 headset. Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio requires a bit more setup than experienced on the PC for the most immersive spatial audio.

Performance and Usage

Without many headline-making features or versatile connectivity, much of the MMX 300 Pro’s fate rests on its sound quality. The headset comes with Beyerdynamic’s Stellar.45 drivers, which minimize distortion and provide the crystal-clear sound quality that professionals demand. Boasting a wide frequency response of 5-40,000 Hz, the MMX 300 Pro pays equal attention to low, mid, and high tones.

Lacking software enhancement, positional audio in games depends entirely on the device’s balanced soundscape. When testing out the headset in Counter-Strike 2, gunshots sounded convincing, and explosions exhibited rumbling bass effects. The MMX 300 Pro might not give competitive gamers a huge advantage since distant sound effects don’t sound so far away. Even so, many gamers will appreciate the natural sound mix that doesn’t focus on footsteps at the expense of other sounds.

The MMX 300 Pro excels in shooters and games with a lively atmosphere and background music. A good example is Overwatch 2, which mixes dialogue and catchphrases with gunfire. The headset’s ability to handle all types of content flawlessly suits the more cinematic nature of the game’s audio.

While it might not seem like an ideal headset for gaming consoles, the MMX 300 Pro also impressed on the PS5. There was no mistaking what car was approaching in Gran Turismo 7, and the engines sounded authentic regardless of the RPM. Tempest 3D with the MMX 300 also proved its worth in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, where it became easier to identify approaching enemies.

Tuned for gaming, the MMX 300 Pro might not please the fussiest music listeners. Regardless, with mid-range tones more prominent than most gaming headsets, vocals sound like singers are in the same room. Listeners can also pump up the volume to near-maximum levels with minimal distortion in drums and other bass tones.

One feature buyers may hope for in an expensive wired headset is active noise cancellation, which is found in the AceZone A-Spire. The MMX 300 Pro lacks ANC, and even as a closed-back headset, its velour ear cushions aren’t the best choice for noise blocking. In any case, its soundscape is loud and impactful enough to keep a listener’s attention, even with background distractions.

The simplicity of the MMX 300 Pro also leads to very few daily annoyances. Controls are minimal, but partway down the included cord is a module for volume and a slider to mute the mic. The component is easy to reach, but PC gamers may prefer adjusting Windows’s volume settings.

Microphone Quality

The MMX 300 Pro features a unidirectional cardioid mic that effectively isolates voices, even without the help of software. While the microphone doesn’t detach or retract into an earcup, it easily bends so that the pop filter sits in the ideal position. Like the MMX 300, the Pro doesn’t offer sidetones or a way to monitor what a speaker’s voice sounds like. Buyers must invest in a mixer or DAC for this functionality, but gamers can trust the headset to relay chat messages reliably.

Just as the headset handles vocals and dialogue flawlessly, its microphone records voices in their natural state. It’s slightly more muffled than a standalone microphone, but Discord callers will recognize that gamers are using a premium headset mic.

With the MMX 300 Pro, gamers can’t flip to mute without using the corded controller. Regardless, distortion-free recordings are worth any inconvenience.

Verdict

The MMX 300 Pro makes incremental changes over its predecessor, but the results are hard to argue with. Its revamped Stellar.45 drivers and improved microphone both improve the gaming experience. Instead of focusing on spatial audio enhancements, the MMX 300 Pro keeps things basic with a precise soundscape that rivals studio-grade headphones.

This Beyerdynamic headset also delivers excellent comfort thanks to a pressure-relieving headband and soft velour ear cushions. On the other hand, buyers need to devote sufficient space to a peripheral that is anything but compact. The MMX 300 Pro’s high-quality cable can be a bit of a drag due to its length, while a large mic permanently hangs from its side.

Any $300 wired gaming headset may struggle for mainstream appeal, and the MMX 300 Pro’s features seem rather barebones. Still, if a gamer’s priority is sound quality, only a handful of wired or wireless headsets compare. The MMX 300 Pro doesn’t ignore any sounds, allowing gamers to fully experience the richest gaming audio.

Some reasonable options exist for gamers exploring alternatives to the MMX 300 Pro. If the unwieldy cord of the Beyerdynamic headset is a dealbreaker, the Audeze Maxell is a fantastic-sounding cordless headset. The Maxwell was reviewed by Game Rant, where its powerful 90 mm planar magnetic drivers set new standards for wireless audio quality. Next, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro offers the spatial audio software enhancements the MMX 300 Pro lacks. The Arctis Nova Pro and Astro A40 TR also ship with a mixer, so they may be better choices for complicated gaming and streaming setups.

FAQ

Q: Is an external mic better than a headset mic?

An external standalone microphone usually captures human voices with higher clarity than a headset mic. However, some premium gaming headsets, like the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, come close to achieving this level of recording quality.

Q: Why is Beyerdynamic so good?

The German Beyerdynamic has been manufacturing audio equipment since 1924. Over the years, the company has developed a reputation for making quality audiophile-worthy headphones and gaming headsets. Their gaming headsets boast outstanding build quality and balanced, distortion-free sound.