The Sennheiser GSP 500 is a high-end headset from Sennheiser, a manufacturer beloved by audiophiles. Released earlier this summer, we got our hands on one recently for a full review.
While most of the headsets I’ve used in the past are considered “closed back headsets,” the GSP 500 is an “open back headset.” A closed back headset is completely enclosed, which usually lends some sound-blocking properties. A headset with an open back, on the other hand, utilizes venting or grating on the earcups, opening the headphones to the surrounding environment. This style benefits users who want to be able to hear sounds from their surroundings better or people who find their ears get uncomfortably warm with closed back earphones.
In addition to its open back cup design, the GSP 500 has several other distinguishing features of its construction. Starting with the frame, while each side is individually expandable - a trait found in most headsets - the band also features a way to adjust head contact pressure via slidable bits of plastic located on the top. The closer the two sliders are towards the center of the band, the greater the compression. Though there are several positions of these sliders on their rails, there is only a very small amount of compression difference between adjacent positions (more on this later on in the review).
The microphone is attached to the left earcup, allowing it to swing up and become automatically muted when not in use. It’s also built to minimize background sound and can be gently bent to find the ideal distance from the user’s mouth. The entire edge of the right earcup is a volume wheel with enough resistance built into the wheel that there’s little risk of bumping it and changing the volume accidentally. There are two different cords included in the box: a dual 3.5mm analog and jack cord (for computer usage) and a single 3.5mm jack cord (for consoles and mobile devices). The dual 3.5mm cable is quite long, ensuring that you’ll have plenty of cord length to work with no matter what your tower-to-chair distance may be. Note that there is no USB cord, which is the default for many gaming headsets.
I was very impressed with the sound and microphone quality of the GSP 500. Sounds are remarkably crisp and well-defined, even with the open back design. Since I’m used to closed back headsets, it was a little weird at first to hear my own voice so clearly while I was talking into voice chat, but I quickly adapted. People who I regularly game with noticed a positive difference in the microphone I was using and my partner told me that while using it, my voice sounded closer to my face-to-face voice.
On the structural side of things, the swingable microphone and volume wheel are convenient and sturdy. In fact, the whole headset feels like it could take a beating and come out the other side in perfectly fine shape. The biggest issue I have concerns the comfort level. While I wouldn’t go so far to say the headset is uncomfortable, I notice it’s there when I’m wearing it. It’s a bit heavier than most others, the earpads and band pad are much firmer, and maybe it’s my big ol’ head, but I definitely can feel the compression even on the lowest setting. I’ve probably just been spoiled of late, but as far as headsets are concerned, I’ve become accustomed to almost feeling more comfortable with a headset on than without one.
Despite the average comfort levels, the pros for the GSP 500 far outweigh the cons. In the past, I’ve always preferred USB headsets due to their ease of use (I’ve always had to do a lot of fiddling with dual 3.5mm headsets to pick up on my quieter voice); however, the GSP 500 makes me think that there may be a good reason that analog headsets are still around. Between the stellar audio and the most natural-sounding mic I’ve ever used, this unit delivers on the expectations that come with the Sennheiser name.