Headsets and headphones from the German manufacturer beyerdynamic have been among the non-plus-ultra in the gaming sector for years. While the MMX 300 (our review) is often called the ultimate gaming headset, others swear by the combination of the DT 770 PRO headphones with an external microphone. With the MMX 100 gaming headset, they now want to realize the professional sound for under 100 euros. How good it sounds and what else there is to say, clarifies our beyerdynamic MMX 100 test.
Technical data
| Design | Over-ear |
| Driver | 40 mm |
| Frequency range (headphones) | 5 – 30,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohm @ 1kHz |
| Microphone type | Omnidirectional |
| Frequency Range (Microphone) | 5 Hz – 18,000 Hz |
| Connectors | 3.5mm jack |
| Weight | 296 g |
| Compatibility | PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Mac, Smartphone |
| Price | € 79.00 * |
beyerdynamic MMX 100 review: the scope of delivery
The beyerdynamic MMX 100 gaming headset comes in a fairly plain black cardboard box, with the headset resting securely on a generous bed of foam. Directly underneath is the detachable microphone.
When we take the duo out of its case, we find the rest of the scope of delivery underneath. This consists of the typical quick-start guide (only in English), as well as two cables. Specifically, it’s a 4-pin 3.5 mm jack cable with a length of 1.2 meters, as well as a 3-pin double jack cable with a length of two meters.
Design and finish
Offered is the beyerdynamic MMX 100 in gray and black color schemes, while the manufacturer provided us with the black model on loan for the test. Visually, the gaming headset is based on its almost legendary big brother, the MMX 300, but comes with orange accent details that are a bit more playful and youthful.
The matte black frame of the MMX 100 is made of aluminum and covered with a textured finish that provides a pleasant and grippy feel. Both outer sides of the ear cups are emblazoned with the type designation, while the manufacturer’s name can be seen on the top of the headband and at its ends.
Right at the first glance, the orange details catch the eye. On the one hand in the form of a small border between the ear cup and ear pad, on the other hand in the area of the controls and ports. These are all positioned on the bottom of the left ear cup and consist (from front to back) of the microphone jack, jack connector, mute button and volume wheel.
From the cups, sturdy aluminum mounts, as well as a flexible cable on both sides, transition into the headband. On the inside of the headband, we find a size adjustment indicator in the form of differently sized dots, which allows for fine adjustment in a total of ten levels.
The generously sized memory foam pads including a synthetic leather cover also stand out positively. The soft ear pads have a thickness of around 25 mm, while the headband is also softly padded (7 mm thick). The manufacturer consequently does without RGB lighting, which ensures a noble, discreet look.
Workmanship of the beyerdynamic MMX 100
For the called price, the build quality of the beyerdynamic MMX 100 turns out excellent in the test. We particularly liked the sturdy aluminum frame and headband. The headband is flexible enough to adapt to the respective head shape and yet stiff enough not to give way unnecessarily even under great pressure. The soft and excellently manufactured head and ear pads also score plus points.
However, the MMX 100 has two points of criticism in terms of workmanship. On the one hand, the edges of the headband are a bit too sharp – but not so sharp that you could injure yourself. On the other hand, we found the volume wheel to be a bit too smooth. Since it also doesn’t have a detent, you could accidentally reach it during operation and unintentionally adjust the volume.
We again like the high-quality, fabric-covered connection cables, as well as the flexible microphone with a total length of 15 centimeters, which allows free positioning. Only the foam pop shield could have been a bit tighter. Since all components are also removable, it is quick and easy to provide a replacement in case of loss or if something breaks.
Comfort of the beyerdynamic MMX 100
The generous and extremely soft pads of the ear cups as well as the headband promise a high wearing comfort, which we can also confirm in the beyerdynamic MMX 100 test. This shows that the gaming headset can easily keep up with the most comfortable representatives like the Razer Kraken V3 HyperSense or the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless.
However, with a height of around 60 mm and a width of 55 mm, the inside turns out to be minimally smaller, but significantly wider than in the case of the Razer, which makes the MMX 100 a bit more “noticeable” over the ears. However, due to the soft foam, there is no feeling of pressure even after hours, and even with large ears.
The size adjustment on the head turns out to be comfortable thanks to the precise, very well graduated ratchet, and the heat development below the ear cups is also kept within a pleasant range despite the closed design. Thanks to the weight of only 296 grams without cable, the MMX 100 rests comfortably on the head even during longer gaming sessions.
Practical test and handling
In practice, the beyerdynamic MMX 100 is quick and easy to set up. To do this, simply connect one of the included jack cables to the PC/notebook or the desired audio source and we can get started.
We also find it well thought-out that both the microphone input and the jack use the same plug, but a wrong connection is still impossible. This is due to a small but ingenious trick on the part of the manufacturer: The jack plug of the microphone is on the left edge, while it is positioned centrally on the aux cable. A connection to the wrong input is thus impossible.
Otherwise, there is little to say about the handling. The connection of the microphone is optional, and if desired, the MMX 100 can also be used as pure headphones. However, it’s a shame that the manufacturer doesn’t include a cover for the microphone input. The microphone can be muted quickly and easily using the mute button, which is confirmed acoustically with a click.
Beyerdynamic consequently does without an accompanying software including additional sound or equalizer settings or the possibility to update the firmware. So you get the sound and features that the manufacturer has intended for the gaming headset.
Sound and recording quality
From a sound perspective, the beyerdynamic MMX 100 gaming headset promises a lot. The analog headset comes up with an impedance of 32 ohms and covers a frequency band from 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz – this puts it surprisingly close to the MMX 300 and, at least on paper, offers a significantly wider sound spectrum than most gaming headsets, which mostly have to make do with 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz. The sound is realized with the help of dynamic drivers with a diameter of 40 mm. Standard in the gaming segment.
However, the sound quality of the precisely and powerfully tuned drivers is anything but standard. It doesn’t take long to notice that the MMX 100 simply blows away all the competition in this price segment and doesn’t have to hide behind much more expensive headsets.
Compared to the often oversized basses of gaming headsets, the MMX 100 is much softer and more neutral in the low frequencies. However, this is to be understood positively, because the basses are reproduced punchily and precisely. However, those who have been used to other headsets from the gaming sector might be disappointed.
This is not about as much boom, fanfare and fun as possible, but about precision and dynamics. Even when we turn the volume up to full, the bass doesn’t tend to boom. That pleases.
Fortunately, the mids and trebles are also on an equally excellent level, reproducing even the finest nuances in the sound in a detailed and warm manner. Especially the mids should be mentioned here, which stand on a wide stage and thus enable an excellent intelligibility and clear representation of voices. This becomes audible in podcasts, songs and also extensive dialogues in gaming.
The MMX 100 in gaming mode
Keyword gaming: beyerdynamic boasts that the drivers are “specially optimized for gaming” by their own “acousticians” and that you can thus offer a strong sound across all genres. We can also confirm this promise in the beyerdynamic MMX 100 test.
Regardless of whether it’s powerful gunfire in Apex Legends, rich engine sounds in F1 2021 or dialogs and fights in Elden Ring – the MMX 100 masters all tasks with flying colors. The spatial localization of the sound is also very good and allows a precise localization of opponents even without the help of Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic on the PC or Sony’s Tempest 3D audio on the PlayStation 5.
The MMX 100 copes excellently with the PlayStation 5 (but also Xbox Series) and, in the case of Gran Turismo 7 or Horizon: Forbidden West, reveals sonic details that remain hidden from us in many other headsets.
Microphone quality of the MMX 100
For communication in online games, video conferences or phone calls, the beyerdynamic MMX 100 resorts to a cardioid condenser microphone. The Meta-Voice microphone builds on a capsule diameter of 9.9 mm to provide “lifelike and natural voice reproduction”. So much for the manufacturer’s promise.
In practice, this means that only sounds on the front of the headset or microphone are recorded. Everything that happens behind it (like typing on the keyboard, mouse clicks or other ambient noise) is thus supposed to be suppressed.
This is confirmed in the practical test, while the MMX 100 reproduces our voice clearly and naturally, as well as with a comparatively high dynamic range. We also like the volume of the recording without any adjustments, while the microphone doesn’t seem to have any notable weaknesses with plosive sounds or sharp S tones. Of course, you should not expect a studio-quality microphone, but the given quality is also excellent for a gaming headset.
Summary of the beyerdynamic MMX 100
With the beyerdynamic MMX 100, the manufacturer from Heilbronn delivers nothing less than the new reference in the field of gaming headsets under the magic 100-euro mark. Workmanship, wearing comfort and sound are almost on par with the much more expensive MMX 300, which is still considered one of the best gaming headsets par excellence.
Especially in terms of sound, the MMX 100 easily outperforms even some twice as expensive representatives and brings out details from music or game sound that many headsets tend to swallow. The microphone quality is also on an excellent level.
However, sound is an extremely subjective area and builds more on personal taste than many other areas. Those for whom a good pair of headphones equates to rich bass won’t necessarily warm to the MMX 100. The sound turns out comparatively neutral, with the bass noticeably (but no less precisely) in the background. From a purely objective point of view, this results in a better sound – but you have to like that. In any case, those who can do without software settings, RGB lighting and wireless operation will be excellently served.
beyerdynamic MMX 100
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
93/100
With the MMX 100, the manufacturer puts together an outstanding overall package of rich, neutral sound, excellent wearing comfort and strong workmanship. The microphone is also top.
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