PC38X - The Gaming Advantage?

In this video I review the Drop X Sennheiser PC38X gaming headset.
You can get PC38X here: massdrop.7eer.net/15Wjrm
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[@ZacharyEntenman]

It's 4am but I also want to know how I can sonically elevate any future 4am's so I guess I'll be awake a little while longer.

[@evshrug]

Started watching at 4:30am too, what is this world coming to?

[@MapleYum]

And now another 4am watcher joins the group!

[@mihax209]

That's a very well put together comment

[@teeLgnihteoms]

That's ironic, I'm watching this video around the same time too. (3:55 am to be exact) I'm getting my set on the 30th. Looking forward to trying them out.

[@Armbrust210]

@Zachary Entenman This comment was so well phrased, it pleases my eyes

[@camerondallas3248]

Love your channel! Gaming tech and audiophiles are a great crossover, think there will be a lot of gamers wanting better audio that would like to hear your views and expertise

[@wrathgaming2323]

Really love the videos recently they have gotten vastly better

[@STR82DVD]

Just waiting for mine to arrive from Drop. I went all black rather than the yellow iteration. Thanks for the great content lad.

[@andreaszetterqvist4272]

Keep up the good work! Love it♥️

[@jasonfranciosa]

@DMS, I know you're a fan of the Bose QC 35 II, They are about to launch a gaming headset version of it! Can't wait for that review.

[@ahumblerequest5222]

Love your videos bro

[@agmos01]

Agreed! I had a PC38X for a couple weeks and loved it! I've used an HD 599 SE for gaming and found it pretty much on par with the PC38X.

[@BioShockGX]

Which Is more comfortable?

[@Princeton_James]

Everytime I use these I am so impressed. I've also used DT990s and X2HRs etc but these are as good as it gets for gaming. I love it

[@tonywong1]

Which one out of the 3 do you prefer?

[@Princeton_James]

@@tonywong1 I use my PC38x all day. I never used mics but I started using it this week for conference calls that I have. Not as good soundstage as the others but overall a very good headset. I don't see myself parting with this one any time soon.

[@BobertRads]

Hey DMS! Great review, you convinced me to pick one of these up for gaming and they're great! Unfortunately I game next to my S.O and she doesn't appreciate the open back headphone when I game (should have though of that lol). What do you think is the best closed back gaming headphone? Or do you have any videos about closed back gaming headsets? Thanks a bunch!

[@stratoshf7537]

Great review as always, could I ask where I could find that wall paneling?

[@tonezou3918]

Hey DMS, sorry for asking again, but I was wondering are you going to review (or do you currently have any thoughts on) the T60RP Argons, because you mentioned it somewhere on the T50 Argons back then and I've been curious since.

[@enzog1078]

I'd love a video comparing the pc38x, the 599, the 58x, and the 560s!

[@Bad4bizbrad]

I’m getting them. You’ve convinced me

[@prabinpaudel5572]

Is the a90 review coming soon? I want to see you use them with all three abyss headphones.. 😍

[@touchofthorn1841]

Yo DMS plays destiny?! Was not expecting that, recently starting watching you and I love destiny and play it all the time, and I’m glad he’s a fellow sniper not a shotgun ape

[@devondorr8212]

He uses a controller, on which sniping is easier than aping imo.

[@LakerTriangle]

@@devondorr8212 doesn't matter - that's a Bungie problem not a DMS one.

[@devondorr8212]

@@LakerTriangle I know, I'm just saying I don't think that it isn't anything to be glad about. After all DMS isn't playing on a console where you have terrible fov making aping much easier on a hunter

[@ruedigsta1522]

These for games and the 560s for music. Stoked for them too be off preorder!!!

[@JamesWoo1]

already have the gsp 500 but decided to get these too as these look much more comfortable 😅

[@beigealert4268]

Hey mate how would you compare these to the gaming and audio experience of a 58x? When they dropped they were supposed to be one of the best for directional sense in games. Assuming you can drive 150 ohms of course.

[@rossMoHaX]

Would you recommend these over any other headphones for non competitive/single player gaming? If no, what would be your choice?

[@bigbadbillyb5195]

I love it got the epos black version with the valour earpads and a mic cover with a upgraded longer wire and an astro mixamp my ps5 gaming is amazing

[@ibadriba]

I would love a comparison of these with the PG16 from Austrian Audio as it seems to com in at a similar pricing and might promise a similar performance with the background of the company (AKG).

[@alexroldan8971]

hey guys, am new to this channel (which is awesome) and Audiophile industry. i have the GSP 670 and thinking of making the move to Audeze and their gaming line. Should i stick with Sennheiser or make the move? Any opinions?

[@GeryCayak]

Just got mine today!

[@Stallzyx]

Also I think the K712s are really underrated, not sure if you've tested those before? Maybe you've done the K7XX but not sure how they compare to be honest. The K712 has a really good soundstage but I assume not HD800S level but from listening to oluv / clavinetjunkie's sound comparison between HD 800S and HE4XX I can't bear to listen to the 800S. It sounds way too strong in the mids and highs where it just sounds like a really loud phone speaker

[@yosixxx]

You should talk about eq some more as I’ve seen the soundstage can improve alot on these with eq

[@IamAustinD]

DMS's videos are really professional! On par with Joshua Valour

[@newlife63451978]

So if you own the pc37x is it Necessary to upgrade and what are the benefits between the two?

[@LewisM1984]

I have the hd58x’s, bears dt 990s, 1990 pros which I’m probably going to sell (not because I don’t rate them just will never use them the right way to appreciate them the most) and Logitech x g pro wired. Which of those would you recommend the most for gaming I mainly play FPS but some sports and open world games. I’m trying to narrow down my collections basically and move 1 or 2 on. I do also appreciate listening to some music occasionally through them but that’s very rare my main use is for gaming. Would really appreciate your expert opinion on them and finally is it actually worth picking the pc38x up I have the hd58x are they similar? Thanks

[@joshmiller804]

Can you please do a review on the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 80 ohm? I'm super curious on what you think about them.

[@justinleake318]

the banger intro song/ background music is Ealot - No Time for Mornings

[@VSolidSnakeV]

Did you change the hz settings on them for pc and if so what was it changed too default was 48000 24 bitz but I see it goes much higher what will give the best experience

[@dustinmihalcheon5013]

Did you run this off your topping amp or were you always hooked directly to your pc during testing?

[@josevillamizar6586]

Great video, some constructive criticism, maybe directly compare them to some of the popular options for the item like the PC37X, and pleeease do a mic demo, it goes a long way, and even tho your description of the headset’s mic is fairly detailed, an actual demo will be better, keep up the great work.

[@DMS3TV]

I did compare to the 37X, and there was 2 mic demos in the video 😅 A couple people missed them also.

[@spooky1640]

Have you A/B tested them with and without an amp? Does it change anything? Wanna know so I can buy a Hel/Mk2

[@barashkaz]

I"d love to know how this compares to Beyerdynamic MMX300, that gaming one from LCD and maybe other higher-end "gaming" headphones.

[@1117Jrod]

Apologies @DMS for yet another post, but I was wondering what you thought about a good budget DAC/amp to use with the 38x for strictly gaming?

[@pc_decisions8764]

I use the qudelix 5k since it supports in line mic on usb mode and since it doesn't need a lot of power is as good or even better than fulla 4

[@chrisb2g]

some sick snipes! Titan main? Good review thanks.

[@pratamamp]

DMS, are you going to review the T60 Argons?

[@SKY11211213]

Wait you dont play with 100% volume in windows? I actually noticed that modern (more console game centric) games are often more quiet compared to Half Life, Deus Ex and Serious Sam for example but I do not get the "is this game now on the correct volume" or "the horror game raised the volume to scare to 100%)

[@owenlian9119]

How does the pc38x stack up with pc37x for solely fps footsteps?

[@shadowcheto85]

I wonder if I should buy a ModMic to pair with my old Sony 7506, or go for this PC38X? First option is cheaper and will give me a better mic quality as I understand.

[@stenkolive4848]

hello, been a while this video.. would you say this headset is better than the hyperX cloud 2 for hearing footsteps?? like on rainbowsix siege...

[@Isaac_L..]

Great ending to my all nighter.

[@drizzlydr4ke]

how's the comfort compared to the 600 shape series and 599/598 ? (for long sessions)

[@wyx5854]

I heard hardwarecanucks mentioned something about that this headphone is similar sounding to the sennheiser HD56X is it true?

[@Michaud12]

what headphones would sound the most like the pc38x but without a microphone attached?

[@monokendo]

i own an ath-ad700x and i feel like i lose some details in both output when playing using the monitor hp jack and the mobo jack, when i use the mobo rear jack the audio can be really loud and hear some detail and more bass that i couldn't with the monitor but lose with both directional sound of footsteps and tank engine sounds from 2 different games when lots of sound are happening at the same time but when is almost quiet i can pin point their location is this because of the hp or both game engines?

[@evanluu7545]

Can you do a review on the Audeze Mobius or Hyperx cloud orbits? They are planar 100mm

[@sedraniM]

This without microphone would be so perfect! So im going with the HD560S, because i just dont need another headset with a microphone...

[@Lgnhwrd]

What would be a headset that is just as good as the pc38x for gaming but also great for music?

[@Lightning-qv3ss]

what do you think of the meze 99 noir for gaming and music?

[@AlainKapture]

You think it could be a good pair with a Sound Blaster G3 on the PS5 ?

[@rderubeis]

would you say these are better than sennheiser 58x or 6xx ? cause right now i have both

[@BTandKM111]

Thanks for the nice review. Is it possible to get a 2.5mm balanced cable for these? Also, did they not upgrade the drivers in this set as compared to the pc37x ?

[@twrsofficial]

Don’t know about the cable, but the drivers in these are updated. They are using the drivers that are in the gsp500, but tuned differently

[@cowboyflipflopped]

How do the PC38X compare to the SHP9500+V-Moda BoomPro?

[@andylam4350]

Is this headphone good for listening to music too? Do I need to buy an amp?

[@fayezelomari]

do you play in straight stereo at high sample rate or with spatial audio ??

[@LakerTriangle]

Destiny!! Now I know you and Josh play. And you play a good amount I see!

[@cyber4598]

It's you! I've seen you around Ironworker's channel haven't I?

[@LakerTriangle]

@@cyber4598 yup he's a great Destiny YT'er on the rise. And yes I'm also a audiophile - I enjoy supporting these guys.

[@ricardorodrigues777]

Which is better for PS4, ASTRO A50 or PC38X? Is it possible to connect it directly to the PS4 console or does it have to be connected to the controller?

[@kalamchat1351]

I want to get a headset doing the best at pubg mobile . i mainly gonna use it on my mobile . so is this pc38x is way better than the arctis pro and the Beyerdynamic tygr ? , the sound qulaity , the sound volume , pinpointing enemies , how clear the footsteps are

[@dutch_martyr]

Hey guys I am quickly falling into the audiophile rabbithole! I have a quick question I would GREATLY appreciate ANY solid advice on. So, I'm totally new to DACs/AMPs; I just bought the Sennheiser PC38x headset and I find them too quiet. Would an amp like this boost the sound significantly? I love the sound imaging/soundstage I just need MORE VOLUME!!

[@Min-zj6ld]

Yes it would

[@ethanoux10]

How does the imaging and sound stage compare to a DT 990 600 Ohm?

[@alkizar7537]

If I play mainly single player games and want a headset for immersion and in-game music, while still being decent competitive wise when I play with friends. Tygr or Pc38x?

[@ktg_2castle960]

WhT did you go with? I was thinking of getting sundara for this

[@sterling9774]

If I could get the 560s or this for the same price, and half the time i would use it for music, the other half for gaming and movies, which should I get? Thanks

[@idanbotbol]

Was expecting a direct comparison to the Beyerdynamic tygr 300r, the price difference can compensate for a mic mod but the real reason for this comparison was the high praise for the tygrs in regards to gaming and imaging, all of a sudden being replaced by the PC38X ("and all other gaming headsets will put you in a disadvantage"). Waiting for a direct comparison including a jack of all trades since it seems you prefer the tygr for music. Thanks!

[@BrotherO4]

He already did on the last. If it’s only for gaming...38X. If not than the Tyger will give you gaming but music as well

[@idanbotbol]

@@BrotherO4 I'll rephrase myself, I wanna know the differences between the two and what makes either better at what DMS mentioned. :)

[@marvinta6443]

do they still sound the same for console as opposed to pc? connected to controller btw

[@DaddyDevilKingGhost]

Is this scooped as much as Tygr in the upper mids?

[@kennyli5838]

what would be the best wireless gaming headset?

[@tor4sho]

Man is this available in the UK? I can't find it anywhere online 🤦‍♂️

[@KC-ux2nv]

Did you guys get any issue where your friends can hear themselves cos of the pc38x? Making echoing noise. Im having this issue right now and cannot solve it

[@Jamie-666]

You absolutely have to get your hands on the Beyerdynamic MMX300 MkII closed-back gaming head set with mic for comparison. They are really really good, image well, have a surprisingly decent soundstage for closed back and have a nice bass slam when needed. Excellent mic. Really good all rounders, music too. I have few high end headphones and these are great in comparison. I'd love to hear your feedback on these v the PC38X

[@DMS3TV]

I hope to at some point! Good recommendation. Heard them at Z’s place a few times just gotta get a set here and find time to get it in the schedule.

[@ArkFisted]

Ah yes, enslaved random guy in the comments explaining feedback I needed.

[@Jamie-666]

@@ArkFisted What a strange thing to say. I'd really like to hear a comparison between the best open gaming headset and arguably the best closed. Please explain what is wrong with that?

[@ArkFisted]

@@Jamie-666 I meant to say, you said exactly what I wanted dms to do. To review the mmx300

[@Jamie-666]

@@ArkFisted Aw man, I'm sorry, I misunderstood. Apologies!!

[@KmtS9]

I know this is a 2 year old video, but how are these compared to the Epos/Senn Game Ones? And keep in mind, i can potentially get the Game Ones for around 90 dollars, vs 170 or so for the PC38X. Currently use an Arctis 3 Wired for gaming, but also recently acquired a HE400SE non-stealth (for around 65 bucks!). But yeah, would like a bit of an upgrade for my Arctis 3, one which has a built in mic, and one I can plug straight into my PC. I can imagine the PC38X is for sure better.. but almost double the price better? Any input appreciated friends! 😄

[@FrozenMilennium]

How does the pc38x compare to Ath r70x. Which one is better for gaming only.

[@ElectroAde]

Hey DMS, I'm curious. For somebody that does gaming/media consumption at around a 70/30% split would you recommend this headset over say the HD560S & amp + an external mic?

[@crypticvisionary]

He said he does in the comparison vid uploaded right before this.

[@agmos01]

70% gaming? Sorry, I'd go with the PC38X... The mic is decent and everybody should copy Sennheiser as they did it right - move it up and it's muted. The volume control is extremely convenient and it does *not* suck for listening to music...

[@schmidth]

External mics are all shite tho, having some huge mic on a stand/arm is pure AIDS and modmics sounds like shit and are very expensive.

[@pc_decisions8764]

HD560s would be like my new k712pro and pc38x on qudelix 5k like my new set "on the go"

[@brook9166]

@@schmidth Even my C214 and SM7B…Actually even my SM58 DEMOLISHES all these tiny mics on headsets. Why don’t you go get one and try it out first? And yes, I do have a Mobius and the mic is still mediocre.

[@saintyoo]

I know this is a late comment but please consider checking out Hunt Showdown when testing out headphones for gaming! The directional sound design in that game is the best I've heard to date!

[@kalas5391]

should you turn on windows sonic for headphones with these for gaming?

[@HOTSPEEDMike]

I've got HD599SE, which are super cool for gaming and still detailed with music

[@JohnnyLongpube]

Same. I actually returned my pc38x and kept my 599s.

[@definitely_not_anonymous8010]

Can you do a comparison between the tygr and 38x? (Because you previously said the tygr was the best gaming headphone) and also the 37x vs 38x to see if it's worth an upgrade for someone who has the 37x?

[@BrotherO4]

He already said this is better for purely gaming and performance. Aka competitive gaming. Also he never said the Tyger was the best gaming headphone.

[@MarioP495]

Is there a set of headphones that you would recommend that sound like these but don't have the built-in mic? I'd rather use a standalone microphone and I'm looking for a set to possibly replace my hyperX cloud 2 headset with a different dedicated set.

[@gabe8905]

I saw in Badseedtech he said they are pretty similar to HD58x, haven’t seen anyone else say that though

[@DanilErofeev]

What about open design? I have 560s for music and I use wired over-ear momentum 2 for gaming and I have tried 560s - I cannot hear steps at all just because of my notebook fan noise. So 560s is absolutely unusable for me. Do you game in super quiet env to use open headphones or do you put them very loud?

[@xevus2959]

just get a better dedivated computer for gaming becuase i know where youre coming from, im guessing a gaming laptop which are noisy asf. I wouldnt say they would make my experience using open backs unsusable but defenitaly better on a much quieter Desktop Pc. Unless your volume is set to max but sounds too low so id reccomend getting a Zen Dac for much more volume if thats the issue.

[@jakesullivan9179]

I use He-5xx for Forza, F1, and Halo Infinite. Just because the soundstage is crazy good.

[@user-eb3km1ne5h]

I cant decide wether to get the pc37x or the 38x...

[@WeebHub]

would these be a huge upgrade over pc37x?

[@brojohnmcd]

great video

[@Ben-uc9xn]

Great review! Curious if you can do a comparison with the tygrs. I know you said that the pc38x are superior for gaming but i’d like to know why in greater detail. If anyone else here has both please lemme know! Im currently using hd598

[@drizzlydr4ke]

hows the comfort with the hd598 for long sessions? I have the 58x and its great but the cushions kinda annoying since they are stiff, dunno if that wears out with time tho.

[@Ben-uc9xn]

@@drizzlydr4ke i have no problem using them for long sessions! The pads were stiff for me at first too but over time they became softer

[@vinspin3766]

Hi Dms, having a hard time deciding between this and the hd6xx. I do have an external mic and play a lot of games and listen to different genres of music as well. Currently running a hd450 bluetooth and find the immersion lacking.

[@dannybos7024]

PC38X

[@minajosh22]

pc38x or h6pro? please answer. thanks!

[@faceLessMind50]

Just bought a pair. Do you suggest in getting a dac (such as in soundblaster g6). Or others?

[@markymark9935]

no need

[@stringbreaker87]

Sniping and hand cannons on D2, can't fux wit dat. I might give these a shot.

[@Sanjarih]

Do you think the DT 1990 Pro is still suitable for competitive gaming? I have seen a lot of professional CSGO and Siege players use it. What is your opinion?

[@JohnnyLongpube]

I found 1990 too bright. Gunshots hurt my ears. Also hard to drive

[@rickgear2579]

have a Sennheiser PC38X. I have it hooked up to a UGREEN USB-C to 3,5mm jack. It sounds fine, but it doesn't get very loud. I want to add more volume to my headphones and use Dolby Atmos. I'd imagine that this will be more than adequate to give me more volume given the very low impediance (32 ohms) of my PC38X.

[@AtomicWaffle14]

I still have a Game One, and I wish it had better music quality and it's a bit uncomfortable for longer sessions. Is this considerably better in sound quality and comfort than that?

[@JohnnyLongpube]

Same tight clamp force. More bass than game ones. More fun sounding.

[@BlackWave54]

magnificent howl 😢

[@rubene.3944]

So, what pads are best to use with these for gaming? Wasn't clear from the video i thought

[@DMS3TV]

The default pads

[@kemoney7988]

Is it better than the Sennheiser GSP 600?

[@johnwhiteside6313]

Good review, cable tangles because you are winding it wrong. Loop then Reverse Loop is your friend....

[@adrianlugo1130]

are the epo h6 pro open more comfortable than this?

[@Stevo19801]

You should try the razor black shark v2, blown away by them.

[@beardedlonewolf7695]

Except it's not wireless.

[@ManakinX]

How are these for immersion? Bass response? Some people play non competitive games, if you had to choose 1 for Both music and gaming, this or 560s?

[@evshrug]

This will have a higher amplitude bass response than the HD 560S. The HD 560S will sound more realistic if that’s how you define immersion (like me), but I know plenty of people (like Mad Lust Envy) who define immersion by having more bass and more excitement. I have used the PC37X as my daily driver since it came out, and I published the first review of it on the web (still posted on the Drop page). I have both the HD 560S and PC38X coming to me in the mail (no pre-release samples this time), and I’ll be shooting comparison videos about all three. However, in the end, I always think it’s up to the viewer to decide which one seems more appealing to them, based on the info provided, so I won’t try to influence your opinion with my biases.