One of my all-time favorite gaming headphones isn’t even a gaming headset. It’s the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X—an open-back studio monitor that’s phenomenal for both music and gaming. The sound reproduction is spot-on, and the open-back design provides that wide, immersive feel that’s truly a “chef’s kiss” experience.
So, when I got my hands on the new Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro, a dedicated gaming headset from the same brand with the same impeccable STELLAR.45 drivers and an open-back design, I was excited to test it out. The main difference? The MMX 330 Pro includes an attached boom microphone—essential for gamers who rely on clear chat.
The other big change is the price. The MMX 330 Pro retails at AU$499, compared to the DT 900 Pro’s AU$449. Whether that $50 difference is worth it for the mic is up to you. While these headsets share a lot internally, they diverge in physical design and sound tuning, which makes for a very different experience that I’ll unpack in this review.
In short, the MMX 330 Pro didn’t wow me as much as the DT 900 Pro. That’s not to say it’s a bad headset; it’s actually one of the best gaming headsets available. I mention it only because I can compare them side-by-side. Then there’s also the excellent Corsair Virtuoso Pro that’s also open back and yet about half the price of the MMX 330 Pro. If I didn’t own the DT 900 Pro X, the MMX 330 Pro would be an easy go-to for a wired gaming headset.
Design and Build
The MMX 330 Pro maintains Beyerdynamic’s signature style with an all-black metal frame and large, enveloping ear cups. The velour ear cushions are some of the softest I’ve worn, and they’re replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance or customization. The headband features a replaceable leather wrap and adjustable sizing for various head shapes. While the initial clamping force is snug, the plush cushions make them comfortable for long sessions.
The headset’s aesthetic is sleek, with a minimalist black design that’s broken up only by Beyerdynamic’s red logo on each ear cup. The left cup holds the flexible boom mic, which can be flipped up or down. This is a wired headset, with a three-pole mini XLR plug to connect the cable, and it includes all necessary adapters for various devices.
The detachable cable also has an in-line remote for volume adjustment and mic muting, though I found the mute switch a bit inconvenient during intense gaming moments. I’d have preferred a flip-to-mute mic instead, as seen on other headsets. Despite that minor annoyance, the build quality is impressive, and I expect it to hold up for years of use.
Sound and Performance
The MMX 330 Pro uses Beyerdynamic’s STELLAR.45 drivers, the same as in the DT 900 Pro X, and they’re superb. With a 48-ohm impedance, it’s easy to drive without an amp (though it does benefit from one). Sound flows freely with the open-back design, creating a more natural and spacious experience that’s perfect for immersive single-player games like Diablo IV, The Witcher 3, and Cyberpunk 2077.
The MMX 330 Pro excels at picking up high-frequency game cues like footsteps and reloads, giving you a positional advantage in games like Call of Duty Black Ops 6. However, as with any open-back headset, sound goes both ways—you’ll hear your surroundings, and people around you will hear your game. This can be great for quiet spaces but isn’t ideal if you’re in a shared environment.
When it comes to music, the MMX 330 Pro’s tuning doesn’t hit the same lows as the DT 900 Pro X. The bass feels more restrained, and music can sound clinical rather than immersive. EQ adjustments helped slightly, but they couldn’t fully bring out the lows I was hoping for. This tuning seems intentional and might benefit from pairing with a dedicated DAC/AMP setup.
The gooseneck boom mic on the MMX 330 Pro is flexible and well-built, with impressive sound quality that’s natural and warm without any annoying hiss or static. It’s solid enough for streaming or creating content, and it does a good job filtering out background noise like keyboard clicks. The included pop filter does a great job at diminishing pops and plosives too. My only gripes? You can’t remove the mic, nor can you mute it by simply flipping it up. Instead, you’ll have to reach for the in-line remote, which is less than ideal mid-game.
Verdict
The Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro is easily one of the best wired gaming headsets on the market. Its comfort, detailed sound, and quality microphone make it a strong choice for gamers who value audio fidelity. However, with similar performance from Beyerdynamic’s own DT 900 Pro X, which lacks only the mic, and alternatives like the Corsair Virtuoso Pro (open-back with graphene drivers though not nearly as comfortable) available at a much lower price, it’s hard to say this headset is a clear winner.
That said, if you’re looking for a top-tier, open-back headset specifically for gaming and are okay with the price, the MMX 330 Pro won’t disappoint. It’s a stellar choice for anyone who prioritizes sound quality and comfort over aesthetics and premium materials.
Beyerdynamic kindly provided the MMX 330 Pro to PowerUp for the purpose of this review
