Game Audio Headphone Review - Sennheiser HD600

Game Audio Headphones Sennheiser HD600

With more consumers clamping on headphones, it has become increasingly important to do the same when mixing your game audio content. After years of research, I found an open-backed pair with heavy praise online as a "Hard Working Modern Reference" with luxurious midrange, full and extended bass, smooth treble, and uber-comfortable. Such descriptions prompted me to grab a set.

I soon learned that the HD600 delivers superior imaging with an open design that gives the ears a break from the sometimes painful pressure of mixing on headphones for extended periods. Longer sessions are comfortable on these, due to the reduced fatigue from the open design and velour padding. It's like wearing a comfortable sofa on your head. Sure, the person next to you can hear some bleed, but your most focused mix sessions should be happening in a quiet space anyway.

The first thing I noticed is the fine packaging, implying that Sennheiser is proud of them. A quick tug on the end of the reveals the mini jack. The cord is long and will allow for putting more distance between you and the computer/listening device. The velour ear pads are large and and comfortable, completely enclosing the ear.

Headphone Specs HD600

I always test headphones with Nine Inch Nails "Hesitation Marks" since this, to me, is the pinnacle of audio quality and creativity in music. Also, I just know it really well now and it serves as a great reference for me personally. The first thing I noticed was an increased sound stage or overall size of the sound image itself. Since the impedance is 300 Ohm, I had to really crank the volume and even at the highest setting was barely enough. The sonic appeal was there and THE highs retained their silk while the bass was focused and deep..

The HD600 happens to be supported by Sonarworks, which means you can calibrate them to be even flatter, in real time. Upon engaging the plugin, I immediately heard the difference, with the "bling" being replaced with the reality of a flatter response. This is key for mixing and I often toggle back and forth. Todays headphones are so hyped in the highs and lows, but the midrange is often overlooked. The bottom line is that you must rise to the challenge and nail the preferred freqs of the day! The HD600 was a massive improvement from my old Sony MDR7506. They too are supported by Sonarworks, but tend to struggle with faithfully reproducing todays music and game audio content.

Conclusion

I can verify that the HD600 is a mandatory purchase for those seeking the best in open-backed design. These dominate the $300 to $500 open design category and the fact that they are supported by Sonarworks means you can get them even flatter. The price is right and they over-deliver for any headphone mixing with game audio projects and beyond. If you are working on anything remotely "spatial" such as ambiences or soundscapes, prepare to be immersed in a new world. Expect a quiet signal when plugging these into consumer level devices. Remember to take more frequent breaks when mixing on headphones.

 

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