Sennheiser team up with Ghost Games to produce this limited edition headset to compliment the latest release of Need for Speed Payback, get ready to hear your favourite engine roar!
Product on Review: GSP 303 Need for Speed Payback Edition
Manufacturer: Sennheiser
Street Price: UK: £89.99, US: $99.99(*At time of writing, includes free GSA 50 headset hanger free, while stocks last)
Sennheiser are a well respected company that create professional grade audio and recording equipment, and due to their technology and experience, their gaming division has made some exceptional waves in the industry. As the gaming market booms, the development and innovation of gaming orientated products are exploding with it, and in recent years, some gaming headsets have arguably been trading blows with pro/audio-enthusiast grade products in regards to features and audio quality. This trend will likely continue due to the big money involved with gaming, and its awesome to see a brand such as Sennheiser to take this market by the horns, something this partnership shows off well.
The GSP 303 Need for Speed Payback edition features drivers that are tuned to a frequency response of 15Hz – 26KHz, capable of delivering deeper bass, and crystal clear highs beyond the 20Hz – 20KHz norm that is found in the majority of headsets. To provide long lasting comfort, the headband and earpads are lined with soft memory foam. The headset itself features intuitive controls including an onboard volume dial and auto mute boom microphone. As Sennheiser have also included an audio-microphone – 4pole adaptor, cross-platform versatility assures that you can use this headset regardless of your hardware.
Overview by Sennheiser
GSP 303 NEED for Speed Payback Edition is the ultimate upgrade for those seeking to stay immersed in the race. Developed together with Ghost Games, this limited edition gaming headset is the perfect complement to the sound of your favourite engine or soundtrack.
Technical Specifications
Colour: Black/Red
Wearing style: Headband
Impedance: 19 Ohm
Connector: 2 x 3.5 mm / 1 x 3.5 mm (PCV 05 Combo Audio Adaptor)
Frequency response (Microphone): 10 – 15,000 Hz
Frequency response (Headphones): 15 – 26,000 Hz
Sound pressure level (SPL): 113 dB
Ear coupling: Circum-aural
Cable length: 2 m
Weight: 290 g
Pick-up pattern: Noise-cancelling
Microphone sensitivity: – 41 dBV/PA
Wearing style: Headband
Impedance: 19 Ohm
Connector: 2 x 3.5 mm / 1 x 3.5 mm (PCV 05 Combo Audio Adaptor)
Frequency response (Microphone): 10 – 15,000 Hz
Frequency response (Headphones): 15 – 26,000 Hz
Sound pressure level (SPL): 113 dB
Ear coupling: Circum-aural
Cable length: 2 m
Weight: 290 g
Pick-up pattern: Noise-cancelling
Microphone sensitivity: – 41 dBV/PA
Packaging & First Look
The packaging Sennheiser use is distinctive and easily identifiable. The front side features easy to understand compatibility icons, along with the model name, and warranty information.
The rear side gives a succinct overview of the features of the GSP 303 headset in various languages.
The headset itself features a seperate 3.5mm jack for audio/microphone, but Sennheiser have included a 4pole adaptor for increased versatility.
Set in a popular black and red theme, the headset itself features sleek earcups, with slightly oversized frame with subtle gamer aesthetic.
Closer Look
The headband features two rows of soft memory foam coated in a woven fabric, providing comfort and ventilation for your head.
The plastic frame offers sturdy adjustments for each side in defined increments.
The right side earcup features a large dial with a textured edge, this adjusts the volume of the headset.
As with the GSP 300/350, we find D shaped earcups for an optimal fit. The memory foam earpads are coated with a plush leatherette material that improves the passive noise cancellation and helps retain a deep bass reflex.
Of all the most notable features of any Sennheiser Gaming headset, is the fantastic quality of the microphone. The GSP 303 NfSPB edition features an auto-muting boom microphone with a large end, and flexible centre.
Despite the somewhat bulky frame, the overall aesthetic is an attractive merge of sleek and professional, with a slight aggressive gamer twist. The additional red accents do not look out of place, and provide an interesting feature to break up all the black.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & ObservationsTo get going with the GSP 303, you will simply need an audio/mic out port, or use the included adaptor to use with 4pole out, such as with your games console or mobile device.
The headset itself is lighter than average at just 290g, and is mostly made from strong, high quality plastics. On the head, we found that the GSP 303 had the perfect clamp force level, not too tight, nor too strong, providing excellent passive noise cancelling, and long lasting comfort without fatigue. The D shaped earcups provide ample amounts of room to fully cover your ears.
At Vortez we have come to prefer good quality on-board audio controls over clumsy in-line remotes, and Sennheiser do a great job here too. The microphone will automatically mute while raised, and on the right side, you will find a large volume dial that is smooth and easy to use. Part of the headset frame does however block your fingers from fully rotating around the dial, but doesn’t become a huge issue as once you get used to it, it is easy to navigate around.
The 2m cable is red and rubberised, providing tangle-free use. Some may prefer the cable to be braided, however we feel that it is of good quality. We did observe that is hard-lined to the headset, and we would prefer to see fully modular cables at this price point.
Multimedia
Listening through various audio tracks that we are familiar with (example list), the Sennheiser GSP 303 easily picks out the details, presenting a high quality, precise listening experience. The bass is smooth and well represented, while the mids and highs are crystal clear. This level of definition easily out performs many of the gaming headsets we get to look at, however, if you enjoy a super deep bass reflex, the GSP 303 falls a little short of delivering that punchy, experience.
Thanks to its clarity and definition, in-game audio rendering creates a detailed environment with a good distinction of space and dimension. In game details as minute as shattering glass are easily comprehended, and you can clearly distinguish the different sounds, no matter how hectic the game play gets. Loud engines, explosions, crashes, or mission information play out without conflict.
Microphone
We previously mentioned the quality of Sennheiser microphones and the GSP 303 doesn’t disappoint. Providing loud and clear voice pick up that sounds clear and natural, while doing a good job of reducing background environmental noise.
Conclusion
It is always a joy to test out a Sennheiser product as it allows us to reset our boundary for judging audio quality, and the GSP 303 clearly punches the wind out of many premium ‘gaming’ headsets. The design aesthetic is attractive and functional, while the intuitive controls simply makes life easier. Games, music and all forms of media will benefit from the fantastic clarity and detail found in the GSP 303, and if the microphone quality is a dire concern for you, you can certainly trust Sennheiser.
As far as the pricing goes, at £89 you get a slam dunk for all the vital aspects of what makes a good headset. Lightweight, long lasting comfort, crystal clear audio and a good quality microphone. However, it does miss out on some features that you may find on various other premium gaming headphones, some of which we are starting to take for granted. These include: modular cables, virtual 7.1 surround and USB connectivity, greater flexibility/folding. The most important consideration for some gamers will be whether they would want a slightly more prominent bass, if so, there are several very good alternatives, but for people that want an excellent, natural sounding, balanced audio, Sennheiser have your back here.
There is little more you can expect from a gaming headset when it nails all the fundamentals so damn well.
Pros.
+ Very comfortable
+ Lightweight, good quality construction
+ Crystal clear, well balanced audio that is rich and detailed
+ High quality, auto-muting microphone
+ Easy access volume control
+ Wide soundstage
Neutral
+- Would prefer modular cables
Cons.
– Some may prefer stronger bass
+ Very comfortable
+ Lightweight, good quality construction
+ Crystal clear, well balanced audio that is rich and detailed
+ High quality, auto-muting microphone
+ Easy access volume control
+ Wide soundstage
Neutral
+- Would prefer modular cables
Cons.
– Some may prefer stronger bass
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
