Sennheiser GSP 500 overview: a powerful case for open-back gaming headsets

The GSP 500 is the non secular successor to the ever-popular Sennheiser GAME One headset. Sennheiser is well-know for definition within the high-end, however because of the open-back design and some tweaks to the profile, the GSP 500 pulls off a pure, ethereal timbre, with just a bit extra bass than you may count on from the old fashioned audio firm.

Sennheiser is extremely well-known within the audiophile world, with its HD 800 headset standing out as among the best available on the market. But that may value you a reasonably penny, and there’s no mic, both. Instead, to fill the gaming market’s wants, Sennheiser has repackaged its renown and experience as soon as once more with the GSP vary – taking up fairly just a few traits of the GAME headsets that we’ve been fairly keen on for some time.

Gone is the delicate appeal of the understated GAME One headset, nevertheless. The GSP 500 is something however understated, really ending up as one of many largest and most noticeably garish gaming headsets round. But, not less than in alternate for the scale and styling, Sennheiser has included loads of ergonomic options to maintain it cozy over lengthy gaming periods.

The GSP 500 is a contact lighter than its GSP 600 compadre – a closed-back headset of virtually equivalent design – however the headset is way from featherweight. To take care of all that weight, introduced on by a chunky black plastic shell and built-in mic arm, the GSP 500 options 4 separate adjustable sliders. The two on the high enable for left and proper headband adjustment, whereas every ear cup additionally incorporates a slider for vertical changes.

And all that quantities to a headset which, as soon as catered to your personal dome, rests fairly comfortably. Unlike the GSP 600, which favours noise isolation-enhancing leatherette, the GSP 500 comes with breathable material.

It’s not a really ugly headset – it’s Sennheiser in any case – nevertheless it nonetheless stands out on the wearer a bit of greater than I desire. Especially for those who have been to put on it out in public. The cumbersome built-in mic just about nixes any probability of utilizing this set for something apart from gaming.

Closed-back or open-back?

The distinction between the 2 designs, whereas easy in idea, makes for a noticeable distinction in how a headset sounds.

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Sennheiser has saved to the blanket type the corporate has upheld throughout the complete GSP vary with the GSP 500. It’s a stable design, too. The mic swivels as much as mute, flexes minutely to permit for slight manoeuvrability, and the standard of the noise-cancelling mic is without doubt one of the greatest round. Aside from mic mute, there’s additionally a quantity wheel on the opposing ear cup.

But that’s all secondary to the audio high quality, which, unsurprisingly, is improbable. Even Sennheiser has admitted that avid gamers love only a contact extra bass than its standard clientele. The lows have obtained a bit of contact up, however the sound profile stays what you may count on from the corporate. That means the higher frequency is crisp and detailed, and that barely tapers off in the direction of the decrease frequencies, that are far much less imposing in comparison with another gaming headsets available on the market.

The open-back design is what makes the GSP 500 stand out, nevertheless. Few gaming manufacturers provide open-back designs, nevertheless it’s actually appreciated when an organization makes a degree to supply headphones with this design in tow. This makes for a elementary design change in comparison with closed-back units and has a huge effect on how the GSP 500 sounds.

While closed-back designs are widespread for his or her noise isolation properties, open-back headphones as an alternative commerce that for pure sound dissipation by a niche within the rear of the ear cup. On the GSP 500 that’s a fairly small opening simply above the place the hinge for the ear cup sits.

The end result? The profile of the GSP 500 is way extra ethereal and open. It’s much less harsh than most of its closed-back cousins. Whereas the closed-back GSP 600 can sometimes sound pointed within the highs, the GSP 500 doesn’t endure the identical situation. The soundscape is way wider, and that pure contact performs proper into the fingers of a game’s sound design. Environmental sound performs such a key half in constructing ambiance, and the softer tone of the GSP 500 actually accentuates well-rounded sound staging.

The open-back GSP 500 will set you again $230 (£199), that’s approach up there when it comes to gaming headsets. While I believe the headset sounds distinctive, the soar from one of many cheaper Sennheiser headsets, such because the GSP 300, is appreciable. Once you begin trying past Sennheiser’s lineup some may discover the worth of one other headset, such because the $99 HyperX Cloud Alpha, merely outweighs the advantages of the open-back GSP 500.

Sennheiser is unquestionably heading in the right direction with the GSP 500. The construct high quality is nice, the options first rate, and the sound high quality virtually unmatched within the gaming area. Its worth could also be too massive a hurdle for some, however, in return, you obtain a improbable gaming headset from probably the most respected audio firms going. If you get pleasure from Sennheiser’s signature sound, there’s little different that may match the GSP 500 with out shedding a few of the gaming performance.

Sennheiser GSP 500

Sennheiser hasn’t forgotten its roots in high-end audio, and that is evidently clear with the GSP 500. Its open-back design creates a spacious sound profile that makes for simple listening and clear definition whether or not gaming or listening to music. While it is not the most affordable gaming headset on the market, the Sennheiser pedigree – evident within the GSP 500’s general high quality – simply may persuade you.

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Jacob Ridley 6 minutes in the past