beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd generation - test report

What's in the box

The headset is delivered, as well as the  beyerdnymaic Custom Game , in a gamer-friendly cardboard box that lists, among other things, all the specifications for the headphones and the microphone. In addition to the headset, the scope of delivery includes both a 2.5 meter and a 1.2 meter audio cable, each with an inline remote control, a 6.35 mm jack adapter, a transport case and multilingual warranty conditions. Beyerdynamic does not provide printed operating instructions. Instead, a web address for the instruction manual is printed on the cardboard box.

Design and workmanship

In terms of design, the 2nd generation of the MMX 300 remains largely true to the 1st generation. Matt black ear cups with a distinctive aluminum ring are decisive for the design. A high-quality aluminum fork with 8-stage size adjustment and a padded synthetic leather headband that can be removed via Velcro enable precise head adjustment.

To orientate the headphones, the respective directions (L and R) are located on both sides, which can also be felt in relief writing without barriers. In addition, the left direction is shown in braille. The circumaural ear pads of the closed stereo headset are softly padded and can be removed or replaced in a few simple steps.

A major innovation of the MMX 300 2nd generation is the detachable headphone cable. With the two plug-in cables supplied, the headset can be used in classic PC mode (Y-jack cable) as well as with a mobile device (4-pin jack cable). The cable remote control of the respective plug-in cable allows the microphone to be muted, the volume to be adjusted and incoming calls to be accepted. The condenser microphone with flexible gooseneck is not detachable, but firmly attached to the housing of the left auricle.

The beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd generation is "Made in Germany". As expected, beyerdynamic also delivers excellent workmanship with this headset, which certainly does justice to the comparatively high price.

field test

Before we turn to the sound quality of the headset, a few technical details. The beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd generation is a circumaural, closed headset with an optional nominal impedance of 32 ohms or 600 ohms. The frequency range is between 5 Hz and 35.000 Hz. The sound pressure level, i.e. the sensitivity, is given by beyerdynamic as 96 dB.

Due to the high level of efficiency, the 600 ohm version of the headphones can even be driven by a good onboard sound. The 600 ohm model is less suitable for mobile use without a headphone amplifier. Depending on the mobile device, a comfortable playback volume is achieved, but if you prefer to hear your music a little louder, you can't avoid an additional headphone amplifier.

Sound - gaming

The beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd generation was tested in the tactical Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, the action-packed Playerunknown's Battlegrounds and the versatile single and multiplayer title Grand Theft Auto V.

A good gaming headset should be able to score especially in tactical games, where the most important thing is the precise and early location of opponents. The MMX 300 conveys an extremely spatial sound with an excellently tuned frequency response. Due to its detailed tonal character, the headset does not hide any subtleties that take place in the background. Sound details such as (distant) steps or (distant) shots can therefore be heard very well. Precise noise localization is possible even without additional sound settings.

The headset also cuts a fine figure in action-packed titles. Explosions are reproduced powerfully and crisply. In general, bass, midrange and treble reproduction are in tonal balance without being annoying.

Sound - music

Due to the very harmonious sound character, listening to music with the beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd generation is a real pleasure. Regardless of the music style, the music reproduction is impulsive, downright lively. Individual instruments are extracted cleanly and can be heard without any effort. Singing sounds full without the fundamental range covering the treble range. The treble reproduction is present without sounding annoying or sharp. Electronic music lovers will also get their money's worth. The bass comes out powerfully without dominating.

Microphone

The cardioid condenser microphone is in contrast to the  beyerdynamic Custom Game  Headset firmly connected to the headphones. The disadvantage here is that in the case of a defect, not only the cable must be replaced, but the entire headset must be sent for repair.

The condenser microphone can be aligned with the microphone arm holder and folded away completely when not in use. At the same time, a 15 cm long, flexible gooseneck ensures precise positioning. The gooseneck holds the position permanently, so that it does not have to be readjusted during longer gaming sessions. The mute function of the cable remote control is practical, as it deactivates the microphone by flipping a slide switch.

The recording quality of the beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd generation microphone is convincing. What is spoken is recorded in a way that is understandable and clear and without background noise. Outside noises are filtered as best as possible by the pop filter and the cardioid pattern. Enclosed you will find an example recording.

comfort

With a weight of 294g (without cable) the MMX 300 is not a lightweight. The ear pads and headband are pleasantly softly padded and adapt very well to the wearer. Even if you wear glasses, you won't feel uncomfortable feeling of pressure after long periods of wear. Good isolation from outside noise is achieved by the circumaural ear pads. An unpleasant heat development does not occur. Overall, the headset is long-lasting and extremely comfortable to wear.

beyerdynamic manufactory

The beyerdynamic MMX 300 2nd generation headset is available as a matt black standard model, and the headphones can also be individually put together in the so-called beyerdynamic manufactory.

In the visual online editor of the beyerdynamic Manufaktur, the headband, the ear pads and the decorative aluminum ring can be adjusted to suit personal taste. In addition to color customization, the manufactory also offers the option of freely choosing the material of the ear pads (velor / synthetic leather). A double-sided engraving (14 characters) on the headphone fork gives the headphones a special finish.

To beyerdynamic manufactory

Another advantage of the manufactory compared to the standard model is the free choice of nominal impedance between 32 or 600 ohms. It took a week from ordering to delivery of the manufactory headset.