The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless gaming headset marks an ambitious entry from Beyerdynamic, a brand already well-respected in professional audio, into the gaming landscape. Renowned for high-fidelity sound, Beyerdynamic has built this headset with a distinct emphasis on premium audio quality, aiming to elevate the gaming experience. The MMX 200 Wireless doesn’t shy away from showcasing the brand’s professional audio expertise, yet also includes features that cater specifically to gamers, from versatile connectivity options to noise-blocking capabilities on its detachable microphone.
With a price tag set in the premium range, the MMX 200 Wireless attempts to deliver a comprehensive suite of features to match its cost. In this review, we’ll explore whether this headset delivers on Beyerdynamic’s promise of premium performance, while weighing how it holds up against the fierce competition in the gaming headset market.
Design and Build Quality
Visually and structurally, the MMX 200 Wireless stands out for its durability and quality. With an all-black or gray aesthetic and subtle orange accents, the design leans towards a sleek yet bold look. However, the headset is on the bulkier side, with large, rounded earcups and a thickly padded headband. The extra padding in the ear cushions contributes to long-term comfort, but the circular design can make the headset feel oversized, especially if resting against a chair. There is no folding mechanism for compact storage, making it less convenient to transport.
One of the more practical aspects of the MMX 200 Wireless is the attention given to button quality. The volume wheel, power button, and ports feel durable and responsive, providing satisfying tactile feedback when in use. However, the height adjustment mechanism lacks refinement. Moving the earcups up or down along the headband can feel stiffer than ideal, which might be a minor inconvenience when setting up.
Comfort and Fit
While the MMX 200 Wireless may look substantial, it manages to deliver a reasonably comfortable experience, especially for longer gaming sessions. The ample padding around the ear cups and headband provides a snug fit without pressing too hard against the ears, an essential feature for comfort. Despite weighing more than some gaming headsets, the distribution of weight across the padded headband helps minimize pressure on the top of the head. This setup works well for both gamers with and without glasses, though those wearing glasses may feel some minor pressure on the temples after prolonged use.
That said, the bulk and rigid design could be a limitation for users who value lightweight headsets or those with smaller heads, as the MMX 200 Wireless might feel a bit too cumbersome.
Audio Quality
A true highlight of the MMX 200 Wireless is its studio-quality audio performance. Known for its detailed sound profiles, Beyerdynamic aims to deliver a gaming headset with clear and balanced audio. The MMX 200 Wireless lives up to this with excellent sound clarity across all frequencies, providing accurate audio representation that many gaming headsets struggle to match.
The headset’s bass is punchy yet balanced, enough to give explosions and low-frequency effects an immersive quality without overshadowing other frequencies. Mid and high ranges are also clear and crisp, allowing ambient sounds and in-game dialogue to stand out. Music enthusiasts will appreciate the MMX 200 Wireless’s ability to render complex musical tracks well, making it a versatile choice beyond gaming.
The headset includes an Augmented Mode, which lets ambient sound in, allowing for situational awareness when gaming in a shared environment. This mode enhances the user’s natural perception of their own voice, making it easier to modulate tone and volume during chats. Activating it is simple via the volume button, though there’s no audio cue, so you may need to double-check if it’s on.
Microphone Performance
The detachable microphone on the MMX 200 Wireless is another strong point. It produces clear audio with minimal distortion, allowing teammates to hear voices distinctly. While the overall fidelity may not surpass dedicated professional-grade mics, it provides an excellent balance between clarity and noise reduction, filtering out unwanted background sounds effectively.
However, one limitation is the absence of low-latency capabilities for microphone inputs. This means that, despite the low-latency audio mode available with the USB dongle, players may still experience a slight delay in voice transmission, which could be a drawback for professional or competitive gamers.
Connectivity and Usability
The MMX 200 Wireless offers versatile connectivity options that add to its appeal. It connects via Bluetooth 5.3, an included Low Latency USB dongle, USB-C, or a 3.5mm analog cable, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. While these options enhance usability, the process of switching between Bluetooth and Low Latency modes can be cumbersome, as the Bluetooth button sometimes requires deliberate, firm presses to register, slowing down the transition between modes.
Connecting via USB-C on some PCs may introduce a faint, high-pitched sound resembling electronic interference. While this interference is minimal and can be masked by in-game sounds, it’s an issue that might be worth considering for players who frequently connect through USB.
During our testing, Bluetooth pairing took multiple attempts, especially with Android devices, and required manual troubleshooting on some occasions. Once connected, however, the headset maintained a stable connection with minimal audio lag.
Battery Life and Charging
The MMX 200 Wireless is designed for long play sessions, boasting a claimed 35-hour battery life that holds up well in practical use. Through moderate to heavy daily use, the headset sustained several days of gaming without needing a charge. Recharging the headset takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach a full battery, which is relatively standard for wireless gaming headsets in this category.
However, one of the minor drawbacks is the limited indication of remaining battery life. The volume wheel light and a brief voice-over alert give general battery updates, but a more precise gauge would be beneficial, especially during longer gaming marathons.
Comparisons and Value for Money
Priced at $199 / £169 / AU$399, the MMX 200 Wireless is positioned as a premium gaming headset, competing directly with models like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. Each of these headsets offers comparable features, but with different strengths. The Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, for instance, features Razer’s THX spatial audio engine, adding a degree of immersion that some gamers might find appealing. Meanwhile, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro excels with its user-friendly controls and more streamlined design.
Ultimately, while the MMX 200 Wireless delivers on sound quality and overall build, the challenging setup process and connectivity issues might make some users consider alternative headsets. However, if you prioritize audio quality above all, the MMX 200 Wireless stands as a strong competitor in the premium gaming headset market.
Conclusion
The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wireless offers an appealing package for gamers who value top-tier audio quality and a high build standard. From its deep, immersive sound profile to its plush padding and durable construction, it caters to users looking for comfort and audio fidelity in equal measure. The various connectivity options and thoughtful features like Augmented Mode are well-suited for both gaming and multimedia use.
However, the bulkiness of the headset and its less-than-smooth Bluetooth setup could be minor drawbacks for some. If you’re after a gaming headset that is easy to use out of the box, models like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro or SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro might be worth considering. But for those willing to overlook a few usability quirks, the MMX 200 Wireless proves itself as a high-quality option for a premium gaming experience.