Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro review

The MMX 300 Pro is the latest addition to Beyerdynamics’s MMX gaming headset lineup, promising to be the pinnacle of the pack. It features the same STELLAR.45 driver found in the company’s high-end studio headphones, plush velour ear pads, and a flexible condenser microphone. But is this wired gaming headset worth the asking price? I braved the virtual battlegrounds to find out.

Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro?

The MMX 300 Pro isn’t meant to be a portable headset, as it is rather large and doesn’t fold at the hinges or come with a carrying case. It’s meant to find a home at your gaming station or desk. But while there, it is incredibly comfortable to wear.

The large, circular, soft velour earpads feel great against the skin and help mitigate the strong clamping force, ensuring you get a good seal around your ears. They aren’t the most breathable, however, and can be prone to some heat build-up, especially during the summer when I tested the headset. The headband features a soft leather-like material with thick foam padding on either side, with a small recess in the middle to fit the top of your skull. I could wear this headset for hours before letting my ears breathe.

Both the earpads and headband are removable and replaceable. The ear pads snap in and out of place and the headband cover has four metal snaps to unwrap it. I always appreciate easy repairability, as it adds to the longevity of a headset.

The microphone is fairly easy to adjust from the holder on the left earcup. It has slight indentations to pinch it with your fingers, but I wish it had a little more to grip as I had to push it into the earcup to turn. It swivels along a ratcheted wheel to lock in whichever position you find comfortable, and the flexible gooseneck is very easy to position. It stays in place thanks to the bendable metal wire.

How do you control the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro?

The headset itself does not have controls. However, the cable has an integrated remote control with a volume dial and a mute switch that’s very easy to use.

How do you connect the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro?

The cable setup is a little more complicated than simply plugging the headphones in. The detachable cable has two jacks to connect to a headphone output and microphone input, or you have to use the included adapter for both jacks to connect to a game console controller since they only have one 3.5 mm connection.

When using the adapter, make sure the headphone and microphone symbols match up accordingly, or it won’t work. Likewise, make sure you have the 5-pole jack going into the headset and the 3-pole jack into your PC or console, as they aren’t marked with any symbols. The 3-pole jack will be too big for the headset, so don’t just jam it in hard if it doesn’t fit.

How well does the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro attenuate noise?

The isolation performance of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 is okay for what it is. These headphones aren’t meant to cancel noise from the outside world; they are meant to be worn in a home environment. In that setting, attenuation like this should make the clatter of dishes in another room harder to hear. I wasn’t able to hear my co-workers talking while wearing them in the office, but I would have had to turn the volume up quite a bit to miss the doorbell (don’t do that).

How do the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro sound?

The Beyerdynamic has an engaging, V-shaped sound signature that provides an exciting listening experience and enhances the immersive quality of games. However, those accustomed to a consumer-friendly curve might not appreciate the nuances.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

The chart below shows how the sound of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

Because the MMX 300 Pro has a sound signature that is better for gaming than music, a few of the choices Beyerdynamic made with the tuning resulted in a bit of a harsh penalty here. There is a notable sub-bass roll-off, and the high-treble notes sound a lot louder than you might expect. Those conditioned by consumer-oriented headphones might need a little time to adapt. Because such people likely make up most of the simulated panel of listeners MDAQS represents, that’s probably why we’re seeing low scores across the board here — this isn’t what they’re looking for.

Reviewer’s notes

Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.

Objective Measurements

The MMX 300 Pro’s frequency response is similar to that of other Beyerdynamic headsets, as they share the same STELLAR.45 drivers. It very loosely follows our house curve with some rather extreme deviations. There’s a dip in the lower midrange (around 200-500 Hz), which can make some midrange sounds less prominent. There’s also a large peak around 6-8 kHz. The emphasized treble is likely intended to help with spatial awareness in-game and detecting subtle sounds, but the high sibilance can be fatiguing during long listening sessions. These are headphones that are better suited for in-game audio rather than simply music.

How good is the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro’s microphone?

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro’s cardioid condenser microphone is nothing short of exceptional, which isn’t a surprise given the company’s many years of microphone expertise. I was impressed with how clear and natural my voice came through, and my friends coyly remarked that I sounded better than I do “in real life.” The balance between the low and high tones is spot-on, giving my voice a pleasing and detailed output. But you don’t have to take my word for it — listen below to our samples:

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro microphone demo (Office conditions):

Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro microphone demo (Reverberant space):

This is a contender for one of the best gaming headsets with a good microphone. But we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Should you buy the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro?

The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is a premium wired gaming headset that excels in comfort and microphone performance. Most people won’t like how these headphones sound when listening to music, but they are suited for a wide range of video games. If you’re a serious gamer who prioritizes audio fidelity and clear communication, this headset is definitely worth considering as a single-purpose endgame option.

However, the MMX 300 Pro isn’t without its drawbacks. The wired-only connection may be a dealbreaker for those seeking wireless freedom, and the thick cable can be a tad annoying for users who frequently switch between devices. Additionally, the lack of portability and the potential for heat build-up during long sessions are factors to consider.

Ultimately, the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro is a specialized tool for discerning gamers. If you spend most of your gaming time at a dedicated station, this headset offers a unique and enjoyable audio experience that’s hard to match in the gaming headset market. That being said, the tuning isn’t the most versatile to double as your daily music companion.

What should you get instead of the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro?

If you’re looking for alternatives to the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro, consider these options:

• Audeze Maxwell ($299 at Amazon): For those wanting a versatile headset with both wired and wireless capabilities, the Audeze Maxwell offers superior isolation, extensive features, and exceptional audio quality. It boasts an impressive 64-hour battery life and wide compatibility across platforms.
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro X ($199.99 on Amazon): If you don’t need a microphone, this wired headset has the same STELLAR.45 driver system as the MMX 300 Pro or a similar audio experience for $100 less.
• Drop + EPOS PC38X ($194.22 at Amazon): If you prefer a wired-only open-back design and don’t mind the lack of isolation, the PC38X delivers excellent sound quality with a wide soundstage and a top-notch microphone. It’s a simpler option that focuses on core audio performance.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5X ($129 at Amazon): For gamers seeking a purely wireless solution that works with multiple platforms, the Arctis Nova 5X offers great versatility. It features a comfortable design, over 42 hours of battery life, and extensive game-specific EQ presets through its companion app.

Frequently asked questions about the Beyerdynamic MMX 300 Pro