ARE STUDIO HEADPHONES ALSO SUITABLE FOR GAMING?
Creators prefer to use studio headphones when they’re producing music – particularly because of their neutral sound. But professional gamers too are also gravitating more and more towards our range of studio headphones. Below, we explain the differences between the models.
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How do studio headphones differ from gaming headphones?
Studio headphones are designed to ensure that they reproduce the sound as neutrally as possible. This means, for example, that any undesirable sound characteristics emerging during the music production process can be picked up more easily. Gaming headphones, on the other hand, often optimise the sound that they reproduce. They are forgiving of any “inaccuracies” in the sound during gaming and, for example, amplify the low-frequency range.
Featuring a closed-back design, the DT 770 PRO headphones reveal a level of musical detail that makes them ideal for monitoring. All three sets of headphones are primarily designed for studio applications.
The DT 880 PRO headphones feature an extremely linear frequency response, whereas the DT 990 PRO headphones boast a fine balance of slightly boosted bass and slightly accentuated treble, while also conveying an impressively spacious sound. The TYGR 300 R gaming headphones are based on the frequency response of the DT 990 PRO – a powerful bass and detailed, accentuated treble are perfect for gaming. Using the DT 990 PRO model as a starting point, the sound design was optimised for gaming use, by including a special acoustic fleece, for example.
The difference between headphones and a headset
An important difference is that, unlike a gaming headset, studio headphones don’t come with a built-in microphone. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing: many gamers, and in particular 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 that you could possibly need for gaming, making it a particularly attractive option for gamers who are keen to connect their headset to their console or PC as quickly and easily as possible via plug & play. The Team TYGR bundle comprises headphones and a USB microphone, whereby the FOX microphone can also be used separately or together with other headphones, for example the DT 770 PRO. It is worth bearing in mind though that noise may possibly seep out of the earcups of open-back design headphones (such as the DT 990 PRO). Your external microphone may then pick this noise up again, resulting in disturbing background noise. So, if you plan on using open-back headphones for gaming, you need to make sure that your microphone is properly positioned. The DT 990 PRO and TYGR 300 R are open-back headphones, whereas headsets such as MMX 100 or the MMX 300 model have a closed-back design.
Connecting the headphones to the console or PC
Studio headphones usually have a 6.3mm jack adapter that can be unscrewed for simple connection to the 3.5 mm jack on a PS5 controller, for example. However, it is worth noting that high-impedance headphones are often too quiet if they are connected to a built-in sound card with a low output. Consequently, in such cases you should consider opting for a low-impedance set of headphones (below 80 ohms).
Tip: Suitable all-rounders for such situations are, for example, the DT 990 PRO Black Edition with 80 ohms and the DT 700/900 PRO X with 48 ohms.
Our article on impedance will tell you all you need to know about impedance and volume in connection with headphones.
Our article on impedance will tell you all you need to know about impedance and volume in connection with headphones.
Which headphones are right for you?
Neutral sound is not only desirable in music production, it’s becoming increasingly popular for gaming as well. Ultimately, of course, it’s the user’s preference that matters. This is why you cannot categorically say that a set of studio headphones is not suitable for gaming. Headphone design in particular is often a matter of personal taste. Some gamers like to be acoustically cut off from their surroundings, and consequently prefer a closed-back design. Others prefer not to be acoustically isolated, and like to be able to pick up as many noises from their surrounding environment as possible. For these users, an open-back design is a more popular choice.
If you’re unsure which to choose, our online gaming product advisor is there to help you – the gaming champion of your dreams is just a few clicks away. And, of course, the headphones recommended by our product advisor also include models designed predominantly for studio use.