Drop x Sennheiser PC38X

Overview

The Drop x Sennheiser PC38X is an open-back wired gaming headset resulting from a collaboration between Drop and Sennheiser. Released following the PC37X, the PC38X incorporates updated drivers derived from Sennheiser's GSP 500 line, aiming to deliver enhanced audio fidelity and a more refined sound profile for gaming and general use applications Drop PC38X product page. The headset is characterized by its open-back acoustic design, which permits air to pass through the earcups. This design choice contributes to a wider, more natural soundstage compared to closed-back alternatives, benefiting spatial audio perception in competitive gaming by allowing users to discern directional audio cues like footsteps or distant gunfire with greater clarity Rtings PC38X soundstage analysis. The open-back nature also mitigates the feeling of pressure often associated with closed-back headphones over prolonged periods, enhancing comfort.

Targeted at competitive gamers, the PC38X emphasizes audio precision and clear communication. Its microphone is designed with a noise-cancelling pattern to focus on the user's voice while minimizing background distractions, a critical feature for team-based multiplayer titles. The flip-to-mute microphone function provides a tactile and immediate method for privacy control. The headset features an impedance of 28 Ω, making it readily driven by a range of devices, including integrated motherboard audio chips, dedicated sound cards, and console controllers, without requiring a high-power amplifier. This broad compatibility streamlines setup for various gaming configurations.

The PC38X's acoustic profile is noted for its neutral-leaning sound signature with a slight emphasis on the lower mid-range and treble, contributing to distinct positional audio without excessive bass overwhelming other frequencies. This tuning is considered beneficial for competitive gaming, where precise audio cues are paramount. Beyond gaming, the open-back design provides a listening experience that audiophiles may appreciate for music consumption, offering a sense of spaciousness not typically found in many gaming headsets. The inclusion of two detachable cables—one with a 3.5mm TRRS connector for consoles and mobile devices, and another with dual 3.5mm TRS connectors for PC setups—ensures broad compatibility across gaming platforms.

Comfort is addressed through velvet earpads and an adjustable headband, allowing for extended wear sessions common in gaming. The headset also includes an additional pair of mesh earpads, providing users with options for different material preferences and breathability. Its lightweight construction, approximately 253 grams without cables, further contributes to its suitability for prolonged use. The PC38X is primarily suited for indoor environments where external noise is not a significant concern due to its open-back design, which allows ambient sound to enter and exit. This characteristic, while beneficial for soundstage, means it does not offer passive noise isolation.

Key features

• Open-Back Acoustic Design: Provides an expansive soundstage and improved spatial accuracy, beneficial for pinpointing in-game audio cues like footsteps and gunfire direction. This design also reduces heat buildup around the ears during extended use Rtings analysis of open-back soundstage.
• Sennheiser GSP 500 Drivers: Utilizes angled 28 Ω drivers derived from Sennheiser's GSP 500 series, engineered for detailed audio reproduction across the frequency spectrum, ensuring clarity for both in-game sounds and voice communication.
• Noise-Cancelling Microphone: Features a broadcast-quality microphone with a cardioid pickup pattern, designed to isolate the user's voice and minimize background noise, enhancing clarity in competitive team chat.
• Flip-to-Mute Functionality: The microphone automatically mutes when raised to a vertical position, offering an intuitive and quick method for privacy.
• On-Ear Volume Control: An analog volume wheel located on the right earcup allows for immediate and precise audio adjustments without needing to interact with software or external controls.
• Dual Cable Compatibility: Includes two detachable cables: a 3.5mm TRRS cable for console controllers, laptops, and mobile devices, and a dual 3.5mm TRS cable for PC setups with separate microphone and headphone jacks. This ensures broad platform compatibility.
• Interchangeable Earpads: Comes with both breathable mesh and plush velvet earpads, allowing users to select based on comfort preference and climate conditions.
• Lightweight Construction: Weighing approximately 253g (without cables), the headset is designed for comfort during long gaming sessions, reducing strain on the head and neck.
• Wide Frequency Response: Offers a frequency range of 10 Hz to 28,000 Hz for the headphones, capturing both low-end rumble and high-end detail, and 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz for the microphone, ensuring clear voice capture across typical speech frequencies.

Pricing

The Drop x Sennheiser PC38X gaming headset is available as a single configuration. Pricing is subject to change based on retailer promotions and regional availability.

Common integrations

The Drop x Sennheiser PC38X is a passive analog headset, meaning its integration primarily involves direct audio jack connections rather than software-based integrations. It operates on a plug-and-play principle with most devices.

• PC Audio Jacks: Connects to a desktop PC via the included dual 3.5mm TRS cable for separate microphone and headphone inputs. Compatible with most motherboards that feature onboard audio solutions like Realtek ALC series codecs.
• Console Controllers: Plugs directly into 3.5mm TRRS jacks found on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch controllers using the single 3.5mm TRRS cable. This provides both audio output and microphone input.
• External DAC/Amps: Can be connected to dedicated Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) and headphone amplifiers via its 3.5mm connectors for potentially enhanced audio quality, though the low impedance means it generally does not require high-power amplification. For example, connecting to a Schiit Hel 2 for additional power and clarity Tom's Hardware Schiit Hel 2 review.
• Mobile Devices: Compatible with smartphones and tablets that retain a 3.5mm headphone jack, using the 3.5mm TRRS cable for both audio and microphone functions.

Alternatives

• Sennheiser HD 560S: An open-back audiophile headphone (without a microphone) offering comparable soundstage and detail, but requiring an external microphone for gaming communication.
• Beyerdynamic TYGR 300 R: Another open-back headphone designed for gaming, often bundled with a USB microphone. Offers a wide soundstage and comfortable fit.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha: A closed-back option known for its comfort, durable build, and good mic quality, offering better passive noise isolation than the PC38X.
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (Wired): A premium closed-back wired gaming headset with active noise cancellation, a more versatile sound profile, and a retractable microphone, positioned at a higher price point.
• Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X: An open-air gaming headset with an integrated microphone, known for its spacious audio and comfortable 3D wing support system.

Getting started

The Drop x Sennheiser PC38X is a plug-and-play analog headset. No software installation or complex configuration is required. The primary setup involves connecting the appropriate cable to your device's audio input.

For PC with separate audio jacks (headphone and microphone):

1. Connect the dual 3.5mm TRS cable to the PC38X.
2. Plug the green 3.5mm TRS connector into your PC's headphone output jack (often green).
3. Plug the pink 3.5mm TRS connector into your PC's microphone input jack (often pink).
4. Ensure your operating system's sound settings recognize the headset as the default playback and recording device.

For Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch) and Laptops/Mobile Devices with a single combined audio jack:

1. Connect the single 3.5mm TRRS cable to the PC38X.
2. Plug the 3.5mm TRRS connector into your console controller's audio jack, laptop's combined jack, or mobile device's headphone jack.
3. Adjust volume using the on-ear wheel or your device's system volume controls.

Microphone Usage:

1. Flip the microphone boom arm down to activate it.
2. Flip the microphone boom arm up (vertically) to mute it instantly. A distinct click usually indicates the mute state.

Earpad Replacement:

1. Gently peel off the installed earpad from the headset's earcup, starting from one edge.
2. Align the new earpad (mesh or velvet) with the earcup's grooves.
3. Carefully press and work the earpad's rim into the grooves around the earcup until it is securely seated. Ensure even tension around the entire circumference for optimal comfort and sound seal.