Drop + EPOS PC38X Review

The Drop + EPOS PC38X is a rebranded and recolored Drop + Sennheiser PC38X. It uses a 3.5mm cable connection and it also comes with a splitter for desktop PC use.
0:00 Sennheiser Gaming branding change
0:27 Connectivity and Controls
1:56 Headphone Audio Quality
2:33 Tuning
3:26 Soundstage and Open Back Design
5:57 Detail and Clarity
7:21 Audio Summary
8:11 Mic Test
8:46 Microphone Audio Quality
9:45 Comfort and Build Quality
11:40 Verdict
Drop + EPOS PC38X: amzn.to/38GqjrU
Audeze Penrose: amzn.to/3MH8hVk
Astro A40 TR (alone): amzn.to/3qfdyLV
HyperX Cloud II: amzn.to/3xvVKN0
HyperX Cloud Alpha: amzn.to/3wIAzY0
Amazon links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@robertusher5612]

This is a fantastic review. Thank you for taking a deep dive. Refreshing to see something that isn’t a sponsored video.

[@languaj]

Amazing review, I was in the middle of typing out a question right when you addressed just that in the video!

[@user-kt2ox8bq4x]

stellar review, no annoying edits or music, just simple clear review.

[@unknownff15]

Damn this is the best review I’ve heard thus far. Someone that’s actually using them for gaming.

[@stephencosta1599]

Thanks for all the quality non shilling reviews it has been very helpful in my gaming headphones journey

[@GibbyGibson87]

Really great review. At first I was worried because it almost seemed like you didn’t like the headset but yea I can’t agree more, even if a company made the best headset you can find, if they falsely market it then that’s a failure on their end. Gonna pick these up tomorrow since I just need a good all rounder headset for stuff like gta v with friends. Your review helped a lot!

[@Chilledoutredhead]

Coming from hyper x cloud 2s. Finally worked up the courage to buy these. not because of price (snagged them on black friday for $120, then with shipping only £108 to UK) , but because the thought of forking out so much money for a new headset only for it not to meet my expectations. But thankfully they are awesome, love the sound and the mic is great. would love a bit more oomph in the bass, doesnt quite have the deep thud that the hyper x has imho. but as these reviews all say, they just do everything better, and i have to agree. Thanks for a solid review that absolutely helped with choosing these.

[@die2hryvni]

Good job. Thank you!

[@thinthinwalls]

Your review convinced me to get one. Drop had the yellow one for $139

[@SuareZ22]

I have my Sennheiser Game One (esentialy the same headset) for the last 5 or 6 years. I use them everiday and they look brand new and have an incredible sound. I love this product!

[@Str8Stripping]

Damn man, I'm gonna be going thru 10 of your headset videos this morning lol. Shopping for headsets be a struggle

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Yeah, there's a lot. I put all of the best in one video though (headset buyers guide) so you don't have to watch them all.

[@Fullmetal1776]

I love the no bs review

[@LuckyOctober]

Great review. I don't say this often.

[@wideback4553]

Do you find that the distance is bad on these? Like I find these headphones pinpoints direction really good, but the distance to the direction is way off. So for example something that is 50 feet away seems like 10 feet and the height isnt right etheir. The HD560s make distance sound way better amd more realistic but the direction isn't as good as PC38x. I've used the Peace equalizer with Oratory1990 with stock pads profile and it sounds better. Still the 560s make distance way better. I'm trying to find a headphones with both of the distance and direction combined.

[@edattacks]

You was spot on about all the marketing fluff that I usually see in most gaming headset descriptions haha. Really good review

[@MRDOODBEAMS]

Any issue with the mic picking up noise from the headphones? Since they are open back, i dont want to get a new headset and my homies can hear thru the mic everytime i shoot. Thanks

[@Plixion]

Which one is better in your opinion A40S ( without mixamp ) or PC38X for PC only usage?

[@MorTphyr]

Best modmic for the DT 990 pro 80ohm?

[@rubenbreak814]

What headphones do you recommend for PS5 and Call of Duty that have good sound quality and are comfortable, maximum 310 dollars, that are not too closed headphones?

[@Tru_lie13]

You review seems the most neuine. Can you recommend the best PS5 headset with 3D audio for FPS? I tried the Pulse, nova Pro, and Astro A50 I think they are all terrible for different reasons. What would be better than those?

[@tobgg]

Hey, i was wondering what Gaming Headset i should buy, i've been looking around for some new headsets for a few weeks now and can't really decide what to get. So anyway you could help me? I play A LOT of games and i listen to music many hours a day when i dont play games, i use the headset for 6h-14h a day. Any recommendations?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Yeah I have a headset buyers guide video with all recommendations.

[@hichewy6748]

thanks

[@petera1556]

Really good review, think it was very informative. I have a cloud alpha plugged into a sound blasterx g6. I find most headphones for myself dont get loud enough if i dont use the G6. From the UK but thinking of picking up the PC38x, that flip to mute mic feature i love. I also dont like how you have to put the mic so close to your mouth on the alpha even though i have boosted gain. Issue is apart from these features i actually dont mind the sound signature of the alphas so my question is, are the PC38x very different in sound? Would really like the lightness of the PC38x but worried i may loose out on the clarity and sound of the alphas. As stated the G6 helps a lot with volume on headsets and even Mic gain/clarity. Keep up the good work

[@Pixel-oo7vw]

Hi, I also have a cloud alpha and i just ordered the pc38x. I was wondering if you bought them. And if you have were they worth it? and how big is the difference?

[@tobgg]

@@Pixel-oo7vw Hey, it's been 2 months and i'm guessing you've used them and can maybe tell me if there's any difference or bad features becaue i'm looking for new gaming headphones and i've seen some recommend this, so could you give your opinion? i currently have HyperX Coud II

[@ouroborostechnologies696]

#SayEnglandNotUK #SayWalesNotUK #SayScotlandNotUK

[@DanielFlores-fo1ee]

Hey man nice review. How do these compare to the audeze penrose? Which do you like better and why? Also which one is louder?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Penrose has better detail, but PC38X has more and stronger bass. I prefer the PC38X because of its tuning. The Penrose gets much louder.

[@Flying_Jorts]

Great video. Bought one. When you were testing this thing, were you just plugging and playing or were you using any software?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Both by itself and Equalizer APO.

[@ryanpan8302]

The problem with warzone is the footsteps are at the low end/bass region instead on the traditional high end/treble part but you can also hear them on the high end depending on whatever platform in which the enemies are stepping on. which is quite annoying actually. Try using boost low. I have no problems hearing the footsteps and pinpoint the exact location of the enemies with my pc38x. It's just that Warzone's audio engine sucks.

[@jainbenny1327]

Is it better than Razer BlackShark V2 Pro and Logitech G Pro X ?

[@ryanpan8302]

@@jainbenny1327 yes definitely better!

[@jainbenny1327]

@@ryanpan8302 a friend of mine told that not having 7.1 surround sound the footsteps may not be accurate, so is there any need of an external sound card ?

[@iOwlPro]

@@jainbenny1327 you can use Sonar of SteelSeries software and get 7.1 surround software called spatial.

[@houssamalucad753]

@@jainbenny1327 not true, stereo imaging gives you all the directionality you need in headphones. Our ears are very complicated instruments and allow for that. Only on speakers 7.1 systems can offer something exceptional for movies..

[@GL-Red]

I got an Apple usb-c dongle and mic sounds the same, audio overall; music and games sound louder. Is that about right for the mic? I was expecting an improvement because the audio card/dac in my motherboard isn’t that great

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Yeah that's about right. Usually changing sound cards doesn't make a drastic difference unless one is particularly bad.

[@GL-Red]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews ah ok, thank you for the response. Ive been struggling with it. -What’s your max volume for the mic if you don’t mind?- Edit: oops forgot you showed mic volume in the video. For me, when I have it at max volume, I see and hear buzzing noise when muted during playback from recording via obs

[@Juice_VI]

It’s so funny to me how different people can hear such different things. In the PC38X I can hear footsteps better than any other headset I’ve tried. By far. I’ve had pretty much every headset I can get my hands on.

[@GilangD21]

what game did you play?

[@billcipher534]

@@b2n101 not for me, but also depends on software you use for party chat and such. Discord you hear no background noise for me anyway but on Xbox party chat if I bottom out on my keyboard to hard can be picked up very slightly. But audio leaking from and open back it doesn’t pick up at all.

[@Pivats-]

I play r6 do you reccomend this head set

[@DK-gl3ih]

@@Pivats- did u find a headset for r6

[@Pivats-]

@@DK-gl3ih yea bro I actually picked up some cloud alphas and then I couldn’t get the mic to work so I exchanged them for some Astro a 40s tr that we’re pre owned

[@MagDaddy]

for gaming in general would you recommend the cloud ll or pc38x?

[@grim6376]

definitely pc38x

[@3T0EDSL0TH]

Do you think if you used an AMP footsteps would be easier to hear for warzone?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

No, but it would just make everything louder.

[@colbstercolbs]

@BadIntent Stream Tech Reviews love your honest detailed opinions!! Best headset using a 3.5mm aux for Footsteps? Does Penrose loose quality when going using aux? I ordered Orbit S which is a Mobius which is basically a Penrose... but still looking for what headset will sound best for warzone footsteps using the aux feature (for chat link cable i use xbox to stream)

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

The Penrose doesn't lose quality wired, but it definitely loses a lot of volume. Since the Orbit S is designed to be wired only, it shouldn't have that problem, but I don't have one of my own. If it sounds like the Penrose, it's definitely gonna be a 10/10 headset for footsteps.

[@colbstercolbs]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews Thanks for the speedy response! It comes in tomorrow I'll let you know details. I'll be able to compare is to Astro A50s Gen 4 & Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2. Was researching for 3 weeks between HyperX Orbit S, SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (wired) & Sennheiser PC38x for best sound via aux cable, hope I picked the right one! Thanks again for your reviews and honesty!! Watched a lot of reviews and I can tell when some ppl are paid or whatever to push a certain product bc in their other videos they contradict themselves on what's better. You sir are spot on every time and don't change your opinions when trying different equipment brands. Thank you for doing you!!

[@colbstercolbs]

It was broken…. Wouldn’t turn on or charge up. Returning and will consider Penrose

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@@colbstercolbs Rough, alright keep me updated.

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@hulkssburgur Depends on the sound signature you like. PC38X has more bass. In the future can you make a new comment thread instead of replying to an existing one?

[@Azol570]

Hi, thoughts on this headphone vs the 7p+. Mainly for ps5 and I don’t really care if wireless

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

I like the PC38X much better in terms of both sound and comfort.

[@coreykuehl8519]

My mic is super quiet unless I boost it. Did you have the same experience, or was yours fine by default?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Same experience, in fact almost every headset I have has a very quiet mic.

[@vsynccx4263]

Do you have to use an external amp to boost it, or is it inside windows? I'm new to this audio thing

[@shaiyahtimmons3122]

So this review on the pc38x actually inspired me to buy it, a wired headset that works flawlessly with my PS5 and XSX, mic and all. I bought it renewed through Amazon for about $97 and it’s value in use blows that out of the water.

[@putekk]

question, i just got the pc38x for my ps5. however, when i plugged them into my controller and played some call of duty mw2 it was all muffled and quiet. i had the volume dial all the way up too. not sure what i am doing wrong

[@elijah8159]

So glad I read this, I was looking at the renewed ones on Amazon. Pulling the trigger thanks to your comment

[@sahave5042]

⁠@@elijah8159You got it yet man cause I am also ordering one, anything wrong with it or missing accessories?

[@itshammy6285]

@@putekkdid you fix it

[@putekk]

@@itshammy6285yes i fixed the issue. looks like the dongle wouldn’t fully go into the headset. had fo move it around for it to properly pop into the headset. But i would say since it is a open back headset it isn’t as great for hearing footsteps as my previous headset i had (hyperX cloud alpha) which was a closed headset.

[@narensurya8693]

Curious question, how far behind is the Arctis 7+ on the sound quality compared to the A40TR?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

I think they're both similar in clarity and detail. But the bass is a lot better on the A40. Sub-bass pretty much doesn't exist on the 7+.

[@narensurya8693]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews I mostly play COD coldwar and occasional music listening. But i also love the convenience of having the wireless option. I do understand the downside of going wireless tho but i do not wish to lose too much at the same time since the audio quality on A40 is outstanding. So i guess 7+ isn't too bad right?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@@narensurya8693 Right, the Arctis 7+ is not bad at all. I was using it for Cold War myself for a while actually.

[@oscara.7950]

In the market for new headphones for WZ. Was looking at the Alphas but I want mic monitoring. Any recommendations?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Alpha S has mic monitoring, so that's a good choice. They've been on sale a lot lately too. You just have to hold the mute button for several seconds to toggle it on or off.

[@oscara.7950]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews Since u have various HyperX headsets. Will the Alpha S headset work if I use the Alpha cable that has the InLine audio controls? I don’t need the USB mixer and prefer a 3.5m jack

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@@oscara.7950 Yes, I just tested it and it works. The cable that comes with the Alpha works with pretty much any other headset too as long as it takes that 3.5 mm connection.

[@McLovinKarma]

I just bought these headphones and one thing i noticed that NO KZbinR HAS MENTIONED is that the mic pics up audio from the headset. This is very annoying when it comes to being talking to friends and gaming. Has anyone experienced this? If so, whats the fix besides lowering the volume?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

True, it's one of the main downsides to open back headsets. The sound leaks out so much the mic can pick it up. On console there's not that much of a fix but on PC, noise cancelation software (like in SteelSeries Sonar) will filter it out of the mic.

[@McLovinKarma]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews thanks for getting back to me so quick. Is that the software you use? I’ll look into it! (I use it for PC)

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@@McLovinKarma Yeah I use Sonar all the time. It can be a little buggy (it's still somewhat new), but it's really good for mic cleanup.

[@rocat6069]

I literally broke the astros you are wearing, with the exact same cod mod kit, beeing an astro a40 user for like 5yrs now. Would you firmly recommend to merge to the PC38x? Thanks and awsome video my man!

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Yeah the PC38X is a lot better and still has a similar sound signature. Definitely recommend. The only thing to get used to is it's full open back. EPOS sells closed back headsets with the same drivers, but I haven't tried those yet.

[@rocat6069]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews I actually prefer the astros opened (without the magnetic pads), so i guess im gonna be okay with the open back! Thanks b!!!

[@IncessantWake]

I've had mine for 2 years and it finally died on me. The left cup no longer works. I had to buy a new one because these are my favorite headsets.

[@DeanoBanksy]

I couldn't make my mind up whether to get the H6 Pro open back or these. Just bought the PC38x as they're currently on sale, can't wait to try them on my Series X.

[@carolebaskin138]

They are awful on series x. Got them yesterday. Saw all these good reviews and there is no bass and the sound is just weak. My a40s blew them out of the water

[@808jspekeg6]

@@carolebaskin138 plugged directly into the controller or an amp? If you're using a controller, the volume setting is actually hidden in the settings on the Xbox. If I'm not mistaken, you will have to go to "accessories," go to "controller," and the volume is default set at 50%. Crank to 100% and you have more then enough volume. Remember, the PC38X comes with 2 earpads. The velour slightly decreased the upper frequency, while the mesh provides more upper frequency. The PC38X is an open back that gives you a wider more airy natural soundstage and ambience but lacks the heavy bass due to the lack of a closed back. I've owned those a40, and the Sennheiser PC38X and Sennheiser/EPOS H6 Pro close back version

[@carolebaskin138]

@@808jspekeg6 I got it all figured out finally. Actually is the best I've owned. Thanks for the feedback

[@ItzBeastyFTW]

@@carolebaskin138 lmao, the nerve to say Astros even compare to any seinheiser product is laughable, Astros are the worst gaming headsets I've ever used, clearly your a bass head who has no care for mids or highs

[@Enoc63]

@@carolebaskin138 what did you fix?

[@billylee8748]

Please take a moment to read this. I bought this myself and turns out. It statics and whistles a lot. I've updated my Realtek Driver and optimized all my settings. But nothing works. I'm very disappointed. Does anyone have a solution to this problem I'm facing?

[@ohweezuschrist]

u r gay

[@TenchiYuudai]

Does the maxwell destroyed these

[@TruFire710]

I can’t decide between the Astro A40 TR’s or PC38X’s. I’ve been stuck on deciding for a month at this point.🤦🏽‍♂️

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Definitely the PC38X. If you can find the Sennheiser branded one that's usually a lot cheaper since it's on clearance. Same device, just yellow. It pretty much does everything the A40 does well but even better.

[@billcipher534]

I had astros but honestly wanted to get rid of some cables and sold them to get pc38x and let my tell you I love them. Yeah bass could’ve maybe be tuned to hit a little harder but stuff like that all comes down to your preference and ability to hear. Since everyone has a preference but I think the pc38x provides a solid balance for not just gaming but also enjoying music and such

[@808jspekeg6]

PC38X is an open back. If you want a close back version of the PC38X, then look into the Sennheiser/EPOS H6 Pro (closed back version) which uses the same drivers.

[@yoyigu]

How to add more db to the mic on Windows 11 ?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Windows sound settings first. Then third party programs like SteelSeries Sonar.

[@zergbong]

you know what's weird - we gamers use all kinds of graphs to determine what is the best bang per buck GPU, but we don't do that with sound. And it is not like sound is some kind of magic that can't be measured. you are good people.

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

I think the problem is a GPU's performance can be measured purely quantitatively. Speed and heat translate to numbers directly. When it comes to sound you can plot the graph of a frequency response curve, but that's it. When it comes to clarity, sound separation, soundstage, and other stuff, it's all qualitative. Kind of like trying to measure how good food tastes. You can list all the ingredients in order by quantity, # of calories, and break down the carbs, protein, and fat, but you can't graph how good it tastes.

[@yudracialll]

Great review! I am on the fence getting these or the HD58x, do you happen to have any experience with the HD58x headphones?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

I don't unfortunately. So many potentially good headphones I don't have yet.

[@Juice_VI]

I have both. The 58x sounds really similar. The 58x build quality is way better. The only problem is you need a microphone. I have tried desktop mics and I just don’t like them. I have tried modmics and they are annoying. So I’m back to my great sounding but terrible build quality PC38X.

[@AkaSora96]

The footstep problem has nothing to do with the frequency response, in fact the mids are very similar to the cloud 2 and the upper mids are little bit louder in the pc38x, its caused by the headphones being open back this is a problem I experienced in every open back I have owned, the footsteps sound gets quieter not sure if its because of background noise coming from outside or because the headphone doesn't keep those sounds in as well as a closed back, so yeah the solution is to turn up the volume or just get a closed back. I have never had any problem pinpointing footsteps with open back headphones in fact because they tend to have better imaging so I have a little easier time figuring out the direction (not significant enough to be an actual competitive advantage) the only problem is that they are quiet compared to closed back. So yeah there is nothing wrong with this awesome headset itself but if you mainly play competitive games I would recommend you to stay clear from any open back headphone and just get closed backs.

[@BiOHZRD97]

Is your cloud 2 kingston or HP

[@AkaSora96]

@@BiOHZRD97 Not sure what difference does it make but I bought them when HyperX belonged to Kingston, so Kingston I guess

[@wernero1305]

these or razer blackshark v2 pro 2023? appreciate the review!

[@wernero1305]

and is this still your favorite headset in this price range? for me 165 dollars.

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@@wernero1305 This and yes.

[@emreboz1]

These or the hyperx cloud 2?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

These are much better in sound quality overall, but I think the Cloud II is more comfortable and better tuned out the box for FPS games specifically.

[@lesternoguera1539]

What amp dac do you use to power them?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Straight into the motherboard.

[@lesternoguera1539]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews is it better to get an amp dac for the bro?

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@@lesternoguera1539 You can, but the only advantage is that it will be louder.

[@lesternoguera1539]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews okay gotchu thank you so mu h for replying

[@GilangD21]

im curious what is your opinion on epos h6 pro.

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Don't have one yet, but might buy it since it's mentioned a lot.

[@ffblegend]

So don't use this for Warzone? I just got it and so far Warzone audio is trash on it.

[@ExtremeMusicSpace]

good review thanks too bad this headset is so expensive in europe 458,91dollar / 441,38 €

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Wow that's pretty extreme. More than any headset I've ever seen in the US.

[@Mariscos420]

I can't stop buying headsets halp. I got these for 110 sale

[@zsimps1829]

The DROP SENHISER PC38X has a different audio tunning a lot of reviewers recommend this one over the DROP EPOS PC38X. Why do they say there the same headset that's a LIE!?!

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

Both the Sennheiser and EPOS PC38X are the same audio-wise. They even have the exact same frequency response measurements. It's the Massdrop + Sennheiser PC37X that sounds different.

[@zsimps1829]

@@BadIntentStreamTechReviews that's a different headset all together.

[@BadIntentStreamTechReviews]

@@zsimps1829 I know, my point is both versions of the PC38X are the same.

[@josipjuric4676]

I have Senheiser GSP 500, worst headset I have ever had.

[@BobFudgee]

I only watched the first 3 minutes when I found the video but it was enough for me to second guess purchasing it, I don't like the look or "aesthetics" of the headset anyways so I opted for a Studio Headphone instead.