Headphones for gaming, recording streams and podcasts – four available models with built-in microphones

Earlier we discussed affordable “monitor” headphones, multimedia speakers, and true “studio” soundtracks. Today – we continue the cycle of materials about universal audio equipment and components of a home studio. We concentrate on reviews of open and closed models of headphones with microphones for gaming broadcasts and voice communication.

Photo: Priyam Raj.  Source: Unsplash.com
Photo: Priyam Raj. Source: Unsplash.com

[12 890] Audio-Technica ATH-PDG1 Are lightweight on-ear headphones. Weighing only 225g, it stands out from other gooseneck microphone models. There is a velor “pillow” with soft padding, the cups are made of aluminum, the pair has emitters with a diameter of 40 mm and an open acoustic design. The latter can cause the appearance of extraneous sounds on the recording – for example, if you are streaming and have to monitor everything that happens in the game at a sufficiently high volume. On the other hand, open headphones will give more “air” to the soundscape and help to get rid of the claustrophobic sensations of the squeezed audio scene. In general they fit and for background listening to music during fairly long work sessions, plus – for watching TV shows and films.

The fact is that the microphone is removable and can be turned off for a while. To do this, you need to replace the cable – there are three of them, 1.2 m each, there is an option for a smartphone with a control panel and an extension cord [2 м] with an adapter for two “jacks” – for headphones and a microphone.

It is condenser here and can capture keyboard bangs, clicks and a significant amount of reflections from the walls of the room. And there is no wind protection in the kit, which only adds weight to the hypothesis about the possible hit of “parasitic” sounds on the recording. However, the quality of the audio material is decent – listen yourself.


[17 990] Beyerdynamic Custom Game – slightly more massive. They weigh 282 g. They have emitters of the same diameter and a closed design, which is a significant advantage for certain tasks – such as recording interviews, podcasts and game streams. However, the manufacturer chooses a narrow specialization and tries to promote the model in the “gaming” segment of the audience. To do this, he chooses a special name – Custom Game – and complements the kit with six pairs of interchangeable decorative overlays. This is marketing.

Image: Audiomania.ru
Image: Audiomania.ru

Other features include the so-called Custom Sound Slider – mechanical shutters on the underside of the cups. Cable – 1.6 m, extension – 0.8 m. It is possible to replace the pillow. Condenser microphone, has good recording quality, but picks up extraneous sounds like the speaker’s breathing, taps on the keyboard, and during loud speech – reflections from the walls.


[18 990] Audio-Technica ATH-ADG1X – another headphones with open acoustic design. But already with 53 mm emitters and weighing under 300 g, which is almost a third more than the ATH-PDG1, which opened this collection. It should be admitted that the company introduced this model several years ago, so some functional aspects here leave much to be desired. The ADG1X features a modest remote control with a hidden volume control wheel and restrictions on the microphone foot. By the way, it cannot be removed.

Condenser microphone, quality records decent, like the sound of the headphones. To the last no questions… The cable and extension cord are standard and identical to the PDG1.

By the way, alternatives to PDG1 and ADG1X are Audio-Technica ATH-G1 [13 990]… From the point of view of convenience, this model is much more interesting: the leg with the microphone can be removed, there is a pop filter, by sound headphones – a bias towards low frequencies [понравится тем, кто считает нейтральные «мониторы» для мультимедиа слишком скучными]…

Image: Audiomania.ru
Image: Audiomania.ru

The ATH-G1s are relatively new and it seems the manufacturer has managed to strike a balance in all respects: from weight to recording quality and usability. [Еще один обзор.]


[19 080] AKG HSC171 worth considering along with AKG HSC271 [29 950]… Both pairs are not new, but they still compete with modern models. The headphones are based on the K MkII series studio headphones, so they sound neutral and have a closed design. However, an XLR cable will likely have to be purchased. [Проверяйте комплектацию.]

An important difference: the 171st are on-ear, and the 271st are over-ear headphones. It is worth noting that the HSC line is equipped with condenser microphones, although this brand also has two mirror models of the HSD series – with dynamic ones. The microphone can be placed on the left or right side, plus – it can be turned off if you fold it back. A similar function is provided for the 271’s to completely stop playing the headphones when they are removed from the head.

Like most models for 20-30 thousand rubles, both pairs are supplied with wind protection.


PS Next time we’ll see what other models Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and other brands have in stock with full-size headphones with microphones.


PPS Additional Resources and Reviews to Study:

  • “Repair for sound”: we deal with the acoustic preparation of the room

  • DIY Acoustics Theory and Practice: Design and Reverse Engineering Reviews

  • Get, Sort Out & Set Up Your Home Theater: 10 Reviews and Guides

  • Where audio equipment is made: reports from factories and the history of audio brands

  • Introducing Turntables: Expert Reviews and Guides


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