Are studio headphones also suitable for gaming?
Creatives prefer studio headphones for music production and sound engineering because of their natural sound. However, professional gamers are gravitating more and more towards our range of studio headphones. This blog covers the differences between studio and gaming headphones so purchasers can make an informed decision about their new pair of headphones.
How do studio headphones differ from gaming headphones?
Studio headphones are designed to ensure that they reproduce the sound as neutrally as possible. For example, any undesirable sound characteristics that emerge during music production can be picked up easily. On the other hand, gaming headphones often optimise the sound they reproduce. They forgive any “inaccuracies” in the sound during gaming. For example, amplification in the low-frequency range.
Classic beyerdynamic models such as the DT 770/880/990 PRO are well-known amongst creators and are regarded as reference headphones for studio work. These three benchmark-setting studio headphone models boast highly detailed resolution with an extremely transparent sound profile. The DT 880 PRO headphones feature a linear frequency response, whereas the DT 990 PRO headphones boast a balanced sound profile of slightly boosted bass with a slightly accentuated treble.
The headphones possess an impressive three-dimensional sound. The closed-back DT 770 PRO headphones are designed to bring the most minute musical details to light, making them the ideal studio headphones for sound monitoring applications.
The TYGR 300 R gaming headphones are based on the frequency response of the DT 990 PRO. They offer powerful bass and detailed, accentuated treble perfect for gaming. The DT 990 PRO model inspired the TYGR 300 R design. However, the sound design for TYGR 300 is optimised for gaming with several new integrations. A special acoustic fleece in the headset prevents fatigue due to sharp heights without affecting detail.
The difference between headphones and a headset
An important point is that studio headphones don’t have a built-in microphone, unlike a gaming headset. However, this isn’t necessarily bad: many gamers and streamers prefer headphones that can be integrated into their existing set-up independently of the microphone.
The MMX 300 headset, on the other hand, features everything you need for gaming, making it an attractive option for gamers who want to conveniently connect their headset to their console or PC to simply plug & play.
One thing to keep in mind while purchasing open-back headphone designs like the DT 990 PRO is that they are designed to let noise seep out from the earcups. An external microphone can pick up this noise resulting in a background noise disturbance during your gaming sessions. If you plan on using open-back headphones for gaming, you must ensure your microphone is properly positioned. The DT 990 PRO and TYGR 300 R are open-back headphones, whereas headsets like the MMX 300 have a closed-back design.
The headphones’ connection to the console or PC
Studio headphones usually have a 6.3-mm jack adapter that can be unscrewed so that you can easily connect them to gaming console controllers by using a “small” 3.5-mm jack. However, it is worth noting that high-impedance headphones are often too quiet if connected to a low-output built-in sound card. As such, you should consider opting for a low-impedance set of headphones here (below 80 ohms).
Which headphones are right for you?
Neutral sound is not only sought after in music production but is becoming increasingly popular for gaming. Ultimately, it all comes down to user preference. So, you cannot categorically say that a set of studio headphones is unsuitable for gaming. The design of the headphones is often a matter of taste. Some gamers like to be acoustically cut off from their surroundings. In contrast, others prefer not to be acoustically isolated and like to be able to pick up as many noises from their surrounding environment as possible.