The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless is a high-end gaming headset designed for audiophiles and competitive gamers. With cutting-edge technology like JBL’s QuantumSPHERE 360 and Hi-Res audio certification, this headset promises a premium listening experience, offering a significant edge in immersive gaming and detailed sound reproduction. Its compatibility with multiple platforms and robust wireless connectivity positions it as a strong contender in the wireless headset market. But how does it perform in real-world scenarios? Let’s dive into its design, features, performance, and overall value.
Design
The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless headset features a sleek and robust build that balances functionality with a gamer-oriented aesthetic. Lifting the headset from the box, the construction of it feels sturdy and fairly lightweight. At around 420 grams, it is heavier than some competitors, but the weight is well-distributed across the adjustable headband. Memory foam ear cushions are wrapped in leatherette and provide excellent comfort and a good seal for noise isolation. Despite housing advanced technology, the cushioning and weight balance hopefully ensures prolonged use without discomfort.
The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless headset is powered by 2 large 50mm dynamic drivers, delivering a wide frequency range for rich audio from 20Hz to 20kHz. The drivers are tuned to emphasize clarity and detail and have an impedance of 32 ohms.
When it comes to the physical buttons, the Quantum 910 Wireless offers intuitive controls, with buttons and dials conveniently placed on the earcups:
Left Ear Cup:
Volume dial
Microphone mute button
Game-chat balance dial
USB-C charging port
3.5mm jack for wired use
Right Ear Cup:
Power button
Bluetooth pairing button
ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) toggle button
These controls provide tactile feedback and are easy to locate during gameplay.
The mic is on the end of a slightly bendable boom arm on the left cup that you can swing up and down to mute yourself. A satisfying click is made to announce activation or deactivation and a light illuminates at the end of the boom to let you know the state.
Tech
The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless stands out with an impressive array of tech features.
Firstly we have the QuantumSPHERE 360: An exclusive to JBL. This feature uses built-in head tracking for spatial audio precision, creating a 3D audio environment. It’s particularly effective in FPS games, giving players an immersive edge.
My personal favourite when it comes to features is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). When you game you want to immerse yourself. ANC minimizes external distractions without compromising in-game sound clarity.
JBL‘s headset is Hi-Res Audio Certified, ensuring a high-fidelity sound experience, and capturing intricate details across the audio spectrum.
The Quantum 910 Wireless has 3 ways of connecting. Firstly via a 3.5mm jack to USB cable, then wirelessly, either through Bluetooth 5.2 or 2.4GHz Wireless connectivity using the included dongle. The dual wireless options ensure compatibility with PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The 2.4GHz connection offers low latency for gaming, while Bluetooth provides flexibility for casual use. It is great to be able to use both at the same time and is a brilliant feature.
Performance
The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless worked well while testing it through gaming and listening to music.
I found the QuantumSPHERE 360 spatial audio to be pretty accurate, allowing me to pinpoint enemy locations or ambient cues with precision. This was most evident while playing Black Ops 6. The bass was punchy without being too overwhelming, while the mids and highs were clear. The speech and subtle environmental sounds all stood out and did not sound muddled unlike some other headsets. If you do not like QuantumSPHERE 360 then you can turn this off in favour of a Quantum SURROUND 7.1 experience or just simple 2.0 DTS.
While listening to music, the Hi-Res audio certification ensured a rich and balanced sound signature, making the headset suitable for both music and movies. The wide soundstage added depth, although it may not be as detailed as dedicated audiophile headphones.
One of the jewels in JBL‘s crown is of course the QuantumENGINE Software. Here you can unlock the full potential of the headset. It allows users to customize:
- Equalizer Settings: Tailor the sound profile to personal preferences.
- RGB Lighting: Customize the lighting effects on the earcups.
- Microphone Settings: Adjust sensitivity and sidetone levels.
- Spatial Audio Calibration: Fine-tune QuantumSPHERE 360 to individual preferences.
While the software is intuitive and adds significant value to your overall experience, it is only available for Windows PCs.
When it comes to battery life, the Quantum 910 Wireless offers up to 39 hours of playtime without ANC and about 28 hours with ANC activated. This is more than enough for extended gaming sessions, and the USB-C quick charge provides several hours of playback with just a short charge. It is worth noting that the headset can be worn and charged simultaneously. I certainly came across no issues with the life of the headset. I just wish the headset could be wirelessly charged.
Final Thoughts
The JBL Quantum 910 Wireless headset is a fantastic and comfortable option for gamers seeking a premium wireless experience. Its combination of cutting-edge features like QuantumSPHERE 360, Hi-Res audio, and versatile connectivity makes it a standout choice for immersive gameplay and multimedia use.
However, its weight of 420g and price point of £165 may deter casual users or those on a budget. Overall the headset is solid in build and functionality.
I award the JBL Quantum 910 Wireless headset the Thumb Culture Gold Award!
Disclaimer: A sample was received in order to write this review.
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