Audio-Technica ATH-GDL3 gaming headset review
Audio-Technica is a favorite brand of enthusiasts, but its influence in the game field is relatively small. Fair enough: The company only entered the stage in 2014, but the Japanese company has not yet produced a set of cans that we consider to be one of the best gaming headsets. They are also usually expensive transactions.
This may change with Audio-Technica’s 2021 products. Evaluations of early Audio-Technica outings often praised their audio, but also criticized their cost and construction. ATH-GDL3 is a wired open back design with a 45mm driver, a detachable cantilever microphone and simple onboard controls-a mute button and a volume wheel. It weighs approximately 220 grams, a comfortable and traditional headrest was chosen, and-subjectively speaking-it also looks very elegant.
The connectivity of the wired headset is as you wish: it comes with stock standard 3.5mm plugs for microphones and headphones on a 3-meter cable, but you can also get 3.5mm to 3.5mm plugs that are more suitable for the console. The microphone can also be removed via the 3.5 mm jack.
ATH-GDL3 specifications
type: Open, wired
Frequency response: 10-35,000 Hz
driver: 45 mm
Connector: 3.5 mm
microphone: Electret capacitor, super cardioid
weight: 220 g
Price: 169 USD / 189 AUD
It is worth explaining what the “open” principle of operation is, because it actually makes a significant difference, although sometimes subtle. Open Back has an open or grated exterior on the cup. Although they are particularly prone to leakage (and let in external sounds), they provide a more panoramic sound and emphasize clarity. This makes them very suitable for the expansive soundscapes of the expansive open game world.
At the same time, a more standard “closed” design can better block external sounds, but due to the reverberation of the cup itself, the output performance provided is not accurate (Audio-Technica released a closed back cover) ATH-GL3 Along with the model being reviewed, if this is your preference).
These are important things for recording studios or audiophiles, but for gamers, it basically means: Are you playing games with your sleeping partner, or in a noisy environment? It may be closed back, just for safety. If none of these are true, then on paper, openness can provide a more “immersive” experience.
ATH-GDL3 proved this: playing Forza Horizon 5 at close to the highest volume, I can still hear electronic music from the Bluetooth speaker on the other side of my office. But when switching between wired HyperX Cloud II and ATH-GDL3, the details and clarity of the latter are immediately apparent: the atmosphere of the Mexican countryside is actively shining, and the 2019 McLaren Speedtail roars with almost astonishing presence, every broken stone wall The shattered tree seems to make physical contact with the ear, just like the ASMR of the world-weary.
Of course, the partner sitting at the desk next to me also had to endure all this.
A pleasant benefit is that although open headphones tend to be a bit soft in the bass department, ATH-GDL3 does not sweat, making Borderlands 3 ballistics sound cruel and appealing to Some uplifting drums and bass Put it on the rope and there is no noticeable distortion or loss of clarity at high volume. If you like to be beaten mercilessly by big bass at the expense of clarity, ATH-GDL3 definitely supports the latter method.
The penetrability of the boom microphone is very good. According to my companion in “Back 4 Blood”, the open back feature of the headset did not cause any audio in my game to seep into the microphone input-this is fair The problem has been in advance, but this is something I have not experienced at all.
ATH-GL3 is very suitable for long stretches, and as a person with a very big head, a lot of Swipe the clearance on the headband (get it). This thing is very light and a little fragile in the hand. It’s not that the ATH-GL3 feels that it will break easily, but the cup does not feel as bulletproof as the thick-covered Cloud II-considering the market-leading manufacturing quality of this model, the comparison may be unfair.
But the effect also has its benefits, because this model looks professional and elegant, and obviously lacks the style of game peripherals. This classic aggressive look is not suitable for some people, so this cleaner look is suitable for those people. Cup-shaped pillows feel rough and luxurious when worn on the ears, but fabric (rather than leather) coverings are the type that will wear out over time and will also collect hair and dust.
But to be fair, Audio-Technica has fulfilled its mission here: absolutely outstanding sound, a more traditional and approachable structure compared to earlier outings, and a series of measures to ensure this is durable: the cup is Replaceable, so is the headband. In this price range, this is a crowded market, but for those who are looking for audiophile clarity, ATH-GDL3 is indeed a valuable competitor.