INTRODUCTION

   One of the things many of you ask is just how long it takes for me to test headsets and even though that largely depends on the type of headset between burning in the drivers and actually testing one it usually takes me at least 1 full week (and in some cases even that may not be quite sufficient). Now, there are of course various ways for one to burn in drivers inside just a few hours (there are even some android apps available for that) but those are not very reliable so instead i just use them for as many hours as possible prior to actually start taking notes about how they perform. So basically, my definition of proper testing takes quite a bit of time in regards to audio devices and particularly headsets. With that out of the way today's review is about two of the most popular models in the market today and more specifically the H6PRO Open & Closed Acoustic Gaming Headsets by EPOS.

   Established upon the former successful joint venture between audio specialist Sennheiser and the world-leading hearing technology group Demant, EPOS designs, manufactures and sells pioneering high-end audio and video solutions for business professionals and serious gamers. EPOS audio is engineered to bring forward every important sound cue to provide that ultimate gaming experience. Immersive sound that cuts out the rest of the world and transports you into a different reality. Owned by the Demant Group and with headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, EPOS builds on more than 115 years’ audio expertise and operates in a global market with offices and partners in more than 60 countries. Alongside own-branded premium audio and video solutions, EPOS sells co-branded EPOS I SENNHEISER products under a trade license agreement with Sennheiser. Find more information at www.eposaudio.com

   The H6PRO line of gaming headsets by EPOS is quite unique primarily because of two reasons, firstly it includes both closed and open acoustic models and secondly both models are available in 3 different colors (black, green and white). As expected, the closed acoustic model offers cleaner audio and optimal audio isolation whereas the open acoustic model is more comfortable (slightly smaller and lighter) and allows you to listen both to your own voice and also what's happening around you (like the hearthrough function but without the help of microphones). Both H6PRO models are based on 42mm neodymium dynamic stereo drivers featuring a frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz with 28Ohm impedance but with a sensitivity of 117dB for the closed acoustic model and 111dB for the open acoustic model. As with previous models the H6PRO line also sports a magnetic detachable bidirectional boom microphone (100Hz-10KHz frequency response with -dB sensitivity), earcup volume wheel, hinge design for the earcups (optimal comfort), memory foam padded ear pads (replaceable) and detachable 3.5mm cable. So, let's get close and personal with the H6PRO Closed & Open Acoustic Gaming Headsets by EPOS.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

This time EPOS used a black and green box the front of which is taken by a partial product picture, their logo and of course the model version.

The product features are printed on the left side in 6 languages and are placed just over the bundle contents list.

Turning the box around we find yet another product picture used to showcase some of the main features.

Both headsets are placed inside formed pieces of black foam with the rest of the bundle placed in a smaller cardboard box (in both this picture and the next i swapped places so the closed acoustic model is on the left and the open on the right).

EPOS ships both models with an 2x3.5mm PC cable, 1x3.5mm console/smartphone/tablet/player cable, two boom arm cover plates, safety guide, compliance paper and the quick start guide.

THE H6PRO CLOSED & OPEN ACOUSTIC

Both the EPOS H6PRO models are made out of plastic, stainless steel, leatherette, fabric and memory foam (the closed acoustic version weighs 322g while the open acoustic version weighs 309g).

In terms of size both are medium sized headsets but the H6PRO open acoustic model seems just a tad smaller than the closed version.

As with previous models EPOS has placed both their name and logo on both sides of the headset as seen above.

Both models come with the same drop-down bidirectional boom microphone which has a rubber section right in the middle for more flexibility.

Since this is a 3.5mm powered headset there is no activity LED for the microphone but it's clear to see that this isn't your average one.

The volume control roller/knob is located on the exterior of the right earcup.

As mentioned in past reviews you can remove the boom microphone just by pulling it out and replacing it with one of the bundled plastic caps as seen above (great for use while on the go).

Using a dual axis hinge system is not only more comfortable, it also makes the headset more "compatible" with different head and ear shapes.

The 3.5mm port is located at the rear of the left earcup.

As you can see from the above picture the earpads of the closed acoustic version feature leatherette on all sides and soft velour like fabric at the front whereas the earpads for the open acoustic version feature synthetic fabric on all sides and velour like fabric for the front.

The H6PRO models may not have the largest earpads I've seen used with a gaming headset but they should be more than enough for most types of ears.

Moving onto the headpad well as expected it's filled with memory foam and dressed with leatherette.

The black stainless-steel slider can extend up to 41mm on both sides (82mm total) via 16 increments (8 visible ones).

Here you can see an exposed version of the H6PRO left earcup (marketing material).

Even though some sources on the internet claim that you can control the H6PRO via the EPOS gaming suite software i tried to do so on 2 of my test rigs (both with SoundBlaster cards) without luck (quite normal for a 3.5mm headset).

CONCLUSION

   Since i received both acoustic versions of the H6PRO line i ended up spending almost a full month testing them with surprisingly good results. Now even though we’re still basically talking about an Sennheiser product this is actually something i didn’t expect since EPOS this time over used smaller 42mm drivers as opposed to the 50mm ones they used with previous models like for example the GSP602. Of course, this means that you’re not getting the same bass levels (or even volume) as the GSP602 but in terms of audio clarity the H6PRO delivers very crisp and accurate mids and highs. That’s not to say that bass is bad, it just may not be enough for some people who may also use this headset for music. The boom microphone also does a great job in delivering clear audio to the other end (perhaps one of the best microphones I’ve used with a gaming headset and that says a lot about both the H6PRO and EPOS). Comfort levels are also very good, especially with the open acoustic version which is not only lighter but also has softer earpads. In terms of audio isolation, the open version may not the best choice if you have someone next to you who you don’t want to disturb but it does give you a higher degree of awareness in regards to your surroundings. Yes, audio is not quite on par with the closed version (especially in terms of volume) but at least for me the open acoustic version ticks the most boxes.

   At the time of my review the H6PRO Closed acoustic gaming headset by EPOS retails for USD179.85 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 168.39Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) while the H6PRO Open acoustic version retails for USD179 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 177.25Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de). This is a very balanced price tag for what you’re getting in return, both in terms of build quality and audio performance. On top of that add the available colors and also that EPOS is probably the only company in the PC gaming market to launch an headset model with both closed and open acoustic versions and it’s no wonder that the H6PRO gets the Golden Award.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Clear & Accurate Mids & Highs
- Comfortable (Dual Axis Hinges / Memory Foam Earpads)
- Flexible & Detachable Bidirectional Boom Microphone
- Closed & Open Acoustic Editions
- Available In 3 Colors (Black, Green & White)

CONS

- 3.5mm Only