Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi: Two-minute assessment
The Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi is likely one of the firm’s latest forays into the gaming market, with the model leaning closely on its fame within the skilled audio area because it boasts studio-grade sound high quality for gamers.
The MMX 200 Wi-fi doesn’t precisely lower a slim determine; each side of its type is cumbersome, from the headscarf to the drivers and even the ear pads, which may get in the best way if you lean again in your chair, attributable to their rounded form. There’s additionally no option to fold the drivers away, so that you’ll want quantity of area to retailer it.
Nevertheless, the thickness of the padding does elevate consolation ranges. Each my ears and head remained comfy for lengthy periods, regardless of the relative heaviness of the MMX 200 Wi-fi in comparison with a number of the finest wi-fi gaming headsets.
I did expertise slight fatigue across the ears after a number of hours, although, and whereas the MMX 200 Wi-fi is mostly conducive to glasses wearers, I seen a slight ache from the arms of my frames being pressed into my head – though this wasn’t as egregious as I’ve skilled with different headsets.
The general construct high quality is of a excessive commonplace, with the buttons, quantity wheel and ports feeling stable but simple to make use of. Nevertheless, the mechanism for adjusting the peak of the earcups lacks the identical stage of engineering.
In use, the MMX 200 Wi-fi renders sound with the excessive constancy it claims. All frequencies are clear and balanced, and whereas some could discover the low-end missing considerably, there’s nonetheless simply sufficient punch. I did discover that utilizing the analog enter supplied marginally higher sound high quality, however not considerably. The Low Latency adapter additionally affords barely improved response occasions as claimed; however, once more, there isn’t a lot distinction. One other win is Augmented mode, which achieves its intention of letting your voice and ambient noise come by means of clearly if you need it to.
The microphone, too, is of a top quality. Voices are clear with minimal distortion, though constancy isn’t overly spectacular. Superfluous noises are effectively blocked, although.
There are a couple of usability points with the MMX 200 Wi-fi. First, connecting wirelessly by way of Bluetooth or the Low Latency adapter isn’t essentially the most seamless expertise, and I skilled points with numerous gadgets failing to attach on my preliminary makes an attempt. The button required to change between Bluetooth and Low Latency modes additionally didn’t register constantly, requiring firmer and slower presses than you may count on.
Connecting by way of USB-C from my PC additionally resulted in a relentless, high-pitched whine, resembling that of digital interference, which is clearly an annoyance. Fortunately, although, it’s quiet sufficient to be masked by recreation audio.
The claimed 35-hour battery lifetime of the MMX 200 Wi-fi does appear to carry true, as I managed a number of days of assorted use throughout my time with the headphones. Charging to full from empty takes someplace underneath three hours, which is about common.
Though it could produce other headsets beat for audio high quality, and the a number of connectivity choices and helpful options work effectively for essentially the most half, it is a fiercely aggressive area, and the MMX 200 Wi-fi’ numerous consumer interface and connectivity flaws imply rival fashions – such because the Razer BlackShark V2 Professional and the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional – supply a greater gaming expertise for the same value or much less.
Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi: Worth and availability
- $199 / £169 / AU$399
- Launched September 28, 2023
- Black and grey variants obtainable
The MMX 200 Wi-fi prices $199 / £169 / AU$399. It’s obtainable now in two colours: black and grey. The removable microphone and Low Latency adapter, in addition to the USB-C to three.5mm analog and USB-C to USB-A cables, are all included.
Whichever method you slice it, that is an costly headset. The Razer BlackShark V2 Professional, the most effective wi-fi gaming headsets in our view, prices the identical at $199 / £199 / AU$349, though it may be discovered for much less. Regardless of being a couple of years previous at this level, the BlackShark V2 Professional continues to impress with its wonderful construct and sound high quality. It additionally options Razer’s spatial audio engine, THX, which actually does add an additional layer of immersion.
If you happen to’re solely involved about PC gaming and wish to spend even much less, the Corsair HS65 Encompass could also be a more sensible choice. It’s our choose because the finest PC gaming headset for these on a finances, due to its encompass sound compatibility and light-weight development. You possibly can’t go wi-fi with it, although.
Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi: Specs
| Worth | $199 / £169 / AU$399 |
| Weight | 12.7oz / 360g |
| Compatibility | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Swap, Xbox Collection X, Xbox Collection S, Xbox One, PC, cell |
| Connection sort | Wi-fi (Bluetooth 5.3, Low Latency USB dongle), Wired (3.5mm analog, USB-C to USB-A) |
| Battery life | As much as 35 hours |
| Options | In-line microphone, Low Latency mode, Augmented mode |
| Software program | Beyerdynamic Replace Hub |
Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi: Design and options
- Cumbersome design
- Round cups not ergonomic
- Switchgear feels premium
In contrast to different gaming headsets, the MMX 200 Wi-fi sports activities a reasonable aesthetic, with the flashes of orange adorning the earcups being the one nods to its goal market.
It is not what you’d name discreet, although, as a result of each a part of the MMX 200 Wi-fi is giant. The earpads are thick, which does not less than make them comfy for prolonged session; it prevents the within of the drivers from urgent towards the ear lobes – one thing I’ve skilled with quite a few headsets and headphones, together with the Beyerdynamic DT770s. Glasses-wearers also needs to discover the MMX 200 Wi-fi comfy, though I did discover a slight ache in my temples after a couple of hours of steady use, brought on by the strain of the drivers. It’s nonetheless much better than I’ve skilled with different headsets, although.
Annoyingly, the round form of the drivers means they’ll press on the again of your chair if you relaxation again your head. I usually choose oval-shaped drivers for that reason, often discovering them extra comfy total. Additionally, they don’t rotate laterally, which makes stowing them away a chore. This additionally means the MMX 200 Wi-fi are somewhat cumbersome to hold off your neck, nevertheless it nonetheless isn’t what I’d name uncomfortable on this place.
Whereas the headscarf padding is effectively cushioned, I’d suggest shifting the drivers somewhat additional down than you sometimes may: I discovered that failing to take action brought on the highest of my head to ache. Admittedly, this is a matter I expertise with many headphones, so others could not have the identical expertise.
The mechanism for adjusting the place of the drivers isn’t essentially the most elegant or effectively made. The notches are overly stiff, and don’t really feel essentially the most seamless to function. Additionally, the wires coming from the drivers are uncovered, whereas they’re usually hidden and guarded on different premium gaming headsets.
The switches and ports on the MMX 200 Wi-fi are effectively made, nevertheless. All of the buttons really feel stable, being agency but simple to function. The USB-C and microphone ports are deeply recessed, providing an additional stage of assurance that they gained’t get broken, though that is arguably a case of over-engineering. The included cables are additionally premium, with a thick rubberized casing and stable connections; however their lack of strain-relief might spell hassle when it comes to longevity, making them extra inclined to fraying.
The removable microphone is of a equally excessive commonplace to the remainder of the MMX 200 Wi-fi. The connection to the headset feels very safe due to that aforementioned recessing, and the infinitely flexible cable appears very sturdy but simple to govern, making it a cinch to get in place and out of the best way when desired. The material cowl could be the solely weak level within the headset’s design, because it isn’t notably thick nor cushioned; nevertheless it’s on par with different headset microphone cloths.
There are a couple of further options on the MMX 200 Wi-fi. First, there’s Low Latency mode, accessible when utilizing the included dongle, which may join by way of USB-C or USB-A. This goals to chop the lag between audio and video, though microphone delay occasions will nonetheless apply.
There’s additionally an Augmented mode, designed to let ambient sound in additional clearly, with the principle profit being a extra pure notion of your personal voice when talking. That is achieved by holding the amount button for 2 seconds. Nevertheless, the shortage of any type of audio cue means switching out and in of this mode is somewhat difficult, with testing it being the one option to inform.
There’s no actual software program for the MMX 200 Wi-fi, apart from an updater instrument that may be downloaded from Beyerdynamic’s web site. It additionally tells you whether or not and the way you are related to your PC, however offers no different data, not even battery stage, which is disappointing. Having a extra in-depth instrument would have helped to make clear the varied modes and states of the MMX 200 Wi-fi, because it isn’t at all times apparent from the buttons, LEDs and audio cues alone.
Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi: Efficiency
- Bluetooth connection clumsy
- Excessive-quality audio
- Low Latency and Augmented modes
Getting began with the MMX 200 Wi-fi wasn’t the best of experiences. Connecting by way of Bluetooth to numerous gadgets took a few makes an attempt every time. Urgent the Bluetooth button to change between Bluetooth and Low Latency adapter modes was typically required to kick it into life, and the shortage of voice-over stating the mode you’re in made issues tougher.
What’s extra, urgent the connection button the correct quantity of occasions to change between the 2 modes didn’t at all times work – presses should be very deliberate and spaced out to ensure that mode switching to work. In brief, it’s removed from being essentially the most environment friendly course of in follow.
Quite worryingly, after I first related efficiently to my PC, the amount was set to 100 by default and I couldn’t change it for the primary 30 seconds or so. This might’ve been a quirk of my explicit system, and certainly I didn’t expertise the identical difficulty when connecting to a different PC (Home windows 11 as a substitute of 10 this time) or numerous consoles, nevertheless it’s price mentioning all the identical.
Pairing with an Android telephone additionally proved unsuccessful initially. My Google Pixel 7a acknowledged that an incorrect PIN or passkey was the rationale for the failure, regardless of not asking for one (and the impossibility of typing with headset – you’ll be shocked to be taught there’s no keyboard operate on the MMX 200 Wi-fi). It did finally pair with my gadget, although. I skilled the same difficulty connecting to an Android pill, so maybe it’s an Android-related difficulty.
Whereas it’s appropriate with the PlayStation 5, you’ll be able to’t join by way of Bluetooth, though that is the case for even the finest PS5 headsets. You possibly can join wirelessly by way of the Low Latency dongle, although, in addition to by way of the three.5mm analog jack on the DualSense. Each of those connections have been prompt and steady.
Connecting to my Nintendo Swap was additionally simple, requiring the bottom variety of makes an attempt to ascertain a connection. Beyerdynamic says that connecting to a Swap is just attainable utilizing the Low Latency dongle or the analog cable, however I used to be in a position to efficiently join by way of Bluetooth alone, very similar to the finest Nintendo Swap headsets.
When you’re related by way of Bluetooth, the sound is obvious, with all frequencies being very effectively balanced; there aren’t any muddy mids or harsh highs. There’s additionally sufficient energy in bass frequencies to lend actual influence to in-game music and results, nevertheless it nonetheless lacks considerably on this space in comparison with different common headphones, even these made by Beyerdynamic. Nonetheless, in comparison with different gaming headsets, the MMX 200 Wi-fi performs admirably.
When related by way of the analog cable, there does look like a slight enhance within the presence of upper frequencies, leading to a sound with a seemingly higher constancy, though the distinction is marginal. It’s a lot better suited to taking part in music than another headsets, too, so in case you plan on utilizing the MMX 200 Wi-fi for numerous purposes, it’s versatile sufficient to satisfy your expectations – precisely what you’d count on from an organization famed for its consideration to sonic element.
Utilizing the Low Latency adapter does certainly scale back lag, however the impact is just minimal, and I doubt nearly all of players will ever discover it. Sound high quality does appear barely improved over Bluetooth as effectively, however once more, not by a lot.
Augmented mode opens up the headset to outdoors atmosphere, with the good thing about making your personal voice and ambient noises audible. I might even hear the clacking on my keyboard.
The microphone renders voices effectively, with minimal distortion, though the constancy does not precisely beat that of different premium headsets. Its declare to dam out ambient noises, reminiscent of typing, does seem to carry true based on my assessments. Nevertheless, it is a disgrace that the Low Latency mode doesn’t seem to have any impact on microphone inputs, for the reason that inevitable delay between talking and the sound reaching different gamers stays the identical whatever the mode you’re in.
The claimed battery lifetime of 35 hours does appear to be correct. I managed to get a number of days of use out of the MMX 200 Wi-fi between fees, and that concerned utilizing it with a number of gadgets, connecting to them in all wired and wi-fi modes. Charging efficiency is pretty common, with the headset getting again to full from empty in about two and a half to 3 hours. It’s a disgrace that there’s no simple option to inform how a lot battery life stays, although: the sunshine information across the quantity wheel solely signifies a couple of share increments, whereas the voice-over additionally doesn’t at all times give a precise determine, so it’s exhausting to find out remaining ranges exactly.
Must you purchase the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
Additionally take into account…
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi | Razer BlackShark V2 Professional | SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional |
| Worth | $199 / £169 / AU$399 | $199 / £199 / AU$349 | $250 / £250 |
| Weight | 12.7oz / 360g | 11.3oz / 320g | 10.4oz / 296g |
| Compatibility | Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Swap, cell | Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Swap, cell | Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Nintendo Swap, cell |
| Connection sort | Wi-fi (Bluetooth 5.3, Low Latency USB dongle), Wired (3.5mm analog, USB-C to USB-A) | Wi-fi (USB-C dongle), wired (USB-C, PC solely) | 2x USB-C System Connections, 1x Line-in, 1x Line-out |
| Battery life | As much as 35 hours | As much as 70 hours | N/A (wired) |
| Options | In-line microphone, Low Latency mode, Augmented mode | THX spatial audio, twin connectivity, PlayStation 3D audio | Spatial audio, GameDAC Gen 2 |
| Software program | Beyerdynamic Replace Hub | Razer Synapse (PC) | GG + Sonar Audio Software program Suite |
How I examined the Beyerdynamic MMX 200 Wi-fi
- Examined for one week
- Examined on a number of platforms and gadgets
- Plentiful gaming expertise
I examined the MMX 200 Wi-fi for one week. Throughout that point, I used it to recreation, chat, take heed to music and watch video content material.
I examined all its options and connection strategies. I used it with quite a few gadgets, together with PCs (each Home windows 10 and Home windows 11), a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Swap OLED, a OnePlus Pad Go pill and a Google Pixel 7a.
I performed each on-line and offline video games, utilizing voice chat within the latter case to check the microphone. I attempted to unfold my testing throughout a diversified collection of titles, which included Sea of Thieves, Counter-Strike 2, Gran Turismo 7, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Hollowbody.
I’ve expertise testing audio gadgets, together with headphones and audio system, in addition to different gaming peripherals, reminiscent of mice and keyboards. I additionally personal a pair of Beyerdynamic DT770s, and have used them for audio manufacturing for a number of years. I’ve been an avid gamer for many years.
First reviewed October 2024.
