JBL Quantum 400 - Wired over-ear gaming headset with game-chat balance dial, JBL QuantumSURROUND and DTS, Voice focus directional flip-up mic and memory foam ear cushions (Black)

Konrad K.United States

Amazing Spatial audio for Surround sound gaming.

This is my first set of dedicated Gaming headphones in almost 10 years. My first set was a pair of Turtle Beaches that had been a loyal companion. I'm a "use it until it breaks" type of person, I don't game very much, however, my turtle beaches started to fade and crackle, and they also went through a fair amount of abuse. Comfort. I never realized how big of an impact a set of headphones may have on the overall experience. I almost went with another set of TBs because that's what I've used but the Quantum 400s were on on sale so I bit the bullet and I am AMAZED. I had about 2 hours before the Turtle Beaches would start to squeeze my head, one free night I had with some friends, I went for 6 hours (with small breaks in between) with no ear/head fatigue. The cups fit right over my ears snugly, and the strap breaths well without putting much pressure down on my head. They're earhugs. Sound. The TBs were as basic as basic gets, the audio was good but very linear, and the upside to them was no third-party app to wake them up. The JBLs sounded tinny and cheap before I downloaded the software, however, plug them in via USB, and VOILA the software was downloaded and tinkered with, HOLY JESUS. It's an experience for me. The spatial audio immersed me in the game, tuning me into the environment. This headset also packs a couple of useful features in volume control, for instance, you have a dial that controls environment volume and chat volume, when it comes down to proximity chats or games where conversation is the ambiance, I can tune out the game environment in favor of the homies. Though I wish it was also controlled via desktop, I hit the knob on accident frequently and totally botch the setting. Really an irrelevant complaint as the feature is super cool. Mic. The mic is another really big plus for me. And I find JBL makes it hard to compete with them in this regard, the audio is crisp clear, and well-tuned, My mates have no issue hearing any comments or commands in the lobbies. My favorite feature is the lift to mute. That is without a doubt an absolute gem. As a student, I spend a lot of my time in front of the screen, so if I'm not looting for treasures, or getting blown to bits, I'm typically listening to music while I write or watching lectures. Moving the mic out of the way creates a more open atmosphere. Build Quality. The build quality is where I can't provide any insight, they're plastic, and as such encourage me to be extra careful. Some of the joints seem a tad flimsy and loose, however, it seems like the design intends it to pivot easily for less pressure on your head, which is a trait of their comfort. Overall. These are spectacular headphones for what you're spending, they easily check all of the boxes in terms of quality and sound processing. The only thing to note for me is that I will be investing in a wireless set in the future, some days I like to stand while I study or just simply stretch my legs. Nevertheless, in a pinch, you cannot go wrong with the Quantum's.

Alex B.United States

Right features - good sound - works with M1 Mac

Different people want different features, but for me these are just about right. + You don't have to remember to charge these, and they'll never run out of charge in the middle of something, because they're wired. The cable doesn't bother me, but batteries dying does. + That means these are probably going to have longer lifespans than wireless ones also, because there aren't batteries to stop holding a charge. + While I wouldn't use these for serious audio work (i.e. recording or mixing) they are at a good quality/price point for playing games, casual music listening for enjoyment, YouTube, and so forth. The sound is clear, clean, and fairly detailed. They're basically competitive with other headphones in the $80 - $120 range, which these days means they're pretty good. + They work fine with the M1 Mac, including the "Game/Chat Balance" dial. + The way that the balance dial works, on Mac at least, is that when you plug the USB cable into your computer, two sound output destinations show up in the audio settings: JBL Quantum 400 Chat" and "JBL Quantum 400 Game". First, set your system sound to the "JBL Quantum 400 Game" output (Or do it in your game's audio settings if it doesn't use the system audio.) Then, go into Discord's audio settings (or Zoom, or whatever program you're using for chat) and instead of using the system audio output, choose the "JBL Quantum 400 Chat". And then, it just works and you can adjust the balance dial to your heart's content. + The size is adjustable in the usual ways, and they are comfortable enough on my head, even after quite a few hours. This will, of course, vary from person to person. + I like the placement of the Mute indicator LED on the end of the microphone where you can just see whether it's muted with your peripheral vision, without it being intrusive. - As far as I can tell there isn't a Mac version of the JBL software to do EQ, control the LED colors, etc. This doesn't matter to me, but maybe it does to some people out there.

LouisCanada

best value for the money

I use Windows10, not sure if it has same software/driver for other OS...after installing the QuantumEngine the sound quality improves a lot, I keep using the USB 3 cable that comes with it. The spatial sound quality is distinctive, I feel like the sound comes from surrounding (of course I have the headset on). I can't tell whether it has noise canceling but ambient noise doesn't seem to interfere with the sound from the headphone...maybe it's loud enough. I don't use the audio cable with 3.5mm plugs as it doesn't allow all functionalities of the headset. Buttons and dials work only if the USB cable is connected. In terms of comfort, I wear glasses and the headset doesn't my ears at all, the soft ear pieces cover my ears well. The material does allow skin to breathe so I don't sweat after long hour having them on. The mic records high quality sound. A little disappointment, I can live with it, is the mic mute/unmute button doesn't work with Microsoft Teams...meaning that this button doesn't change the mute/unmute in button in MS Teams during meeting. Hopefully, JBL can fix this. Build quality, it's made mostly out of plastic....feel flimsy...but i will be careful with it.

J. HunterUnited States

Great Headphones

I'm not a gamer. I bought these for work. I sit in cube village and have several hours of online meetings a day. I like the over the ear design. You can wear these for hours without your ears hurting. These aren't active noise cancelling headphones but the over the ear design helps reduce the noises from reaching your ears. I purposely bought a corded set of headphone because my wireless pair after about a year the charge wouldn't last the whole day anymore. These headphones sound great. The cord is long enough to move about my cube with the headphones on. The only negative is that if you move the braided cord it makes noise as it runs over things like your clothes and you hear it in the headphones. It's not overly loud or anything but it's noticeable. I recorded a meeting and to my surprise I could hear the cord noise in the recording. It is actually loud enough that the mic picks it up. I still give it 5 stars but that's the one thing the design engineers need to look at. If they just switched materials from the braided cord to a smooth plastic cord I think the issue would be eliminated. It's the rough texture of the braided material that produces the noise.