Sennheiser GSP 500

The Headphones

Visually, the GSP 500 could pass as a prop from a sci-fi movie as the black headset has red and silver accents and looks futuristic without appearing cheap.

The headphones have open acoustics with a transmission range of 10 Hz to 30 kHz and a sound pressure level of 107 dB SPL at 1 kHz. On the left side, there is a non-detachable microphone with a flexible arm and a transmission range from 10 Hz to 18 kHz. The microphone stays silent when you turn it up. On the same side is the 3.5 mm jack connector. For a firm hold, the pressure force of both sides can be adjusted in five steps. In addition to the typical adjustment of the distance from the earpieces to the bracket, the distance between the two earpieces can also be adjusted. Paired with the biaxial hinge mechanism, almost every head shape should be able to find a well-fitting position between the breathable ear cushions.

A personal highlight is the volume control on the right auricle. This has been perfectly introduced into the design and is very intuitive to use without having to search first. If you reduce the volume, you eventually reach a stop with a soft click, at which point the headphones are muted.

Delivery

Besides the headset, there is not much in the box. Why? The GSP 500 is a gaming headset without software, audio dongle, virtual 7.1 or anything else. Therefore, apart from the obligatory paperwork, there is only a 1.5 m (3.5 mm) jack cable for connecting to consoles or their controllers, and a 2.5 m long Y-cable for PC gamers. Simple, but just what you need to start playing right away.

Sound Quality

How interesting that the new “God of War” game for the PlayStation 4 is released almost simultaneously with the upcoming test… Of course, a game full of power also needs powerful headphones. The optimal setting for me was found faster than the PS4 could even install the game. The cable is plugged into the pad and the headset is easily recognised by the PS4.

Incidentally, the music in the game comes from Bear McCreary, who has previously worked on such series as “The Walking Dead”, “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and “Battlestar Galactica”. The adventures of the protagonist Kratos are mainly accompanied by epic sounds that are classical and sometimes feature thick orchestral arrangements and choirs. Thanks to its open design, the Sennheiser GSP 500 handles it all very well. Even with sound effects and dialogue, the headset leaves a very good impression. Bass playback is perhaps a bit too much for, say, a playlist on your MP3 player, but is just right for games without being dull because Sennheiser has taken care that all frequencies are reproduced well. I don’t miss any personal settings, which is excellent, because I want to focus on the game. Even the initially somewhat firm grip of the headphone turns out to be a positive factor after prolonged play because the GSP 500 sits so well that I don’t need to readjust anything on the headset at any time, even when my sitting position changes. The breathable ear cushions are pleasantly soft and the headphones, at just 358 grams in weight, are light enough to wear comfortably a few hours into a game.

The Microphone

Since “God of War” can completely do without the use of a microphone, this had to be tested differently. With two phone calls, no one complained about the quality. And even after a few test shots, I was surprised how clear and low-noise the voice recordings were. The built-in noise cancelling of the microphone seems to work well and even the dreaded pop sounds were not reproducible. In addition, it is very pleasing to find that the microphone is hardly in the field of view when in use.