Just in time for gamescom 2022, Harman presented the new top model in the gaming headset sector under its audio brand JBL, which is supposed to leave nothing to be desired technically. Active noise cancellation (ANC), 50 mm drivers and a virtual 360° surround sound including head tracking are offered. Our JBL Quantum 910 review shows that almost all of the gaming headset’s promises come true and that the Quantum can play right at the top among the best devices.
Technical data
| Design | Over-ear |
| Driver | 50 mm (Neodymium) |
| Frequency range (headphones) | 20 – 40,000 Hz |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2, wireless (2.4 GHz), 3.5 mm jack |
| Microphone type | omni-directional, with noise reduction |
| Frequency range (microphone) | 100 – 8,000 Hz |
| Range (Wireless) | Circa 12 meters |
| Battery life | Up to 45 hours |
| Charge time | 3 hours |
| Weight | 421 g |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch Smartphone, Tablet |
| Special features | Active noise cancellation (ANC); 3D surround sound; Dual connectivity; RGB lighting, head tracking |
| Price | € 179.00 * |
JBL Quantum 910: scope of delivery, design and workmanship
- Generous scope of delivery
- Wireless receiver suitable for USB-C and USB-A
The JBL Quantum 910 reaches us for the test in a rather heavy, colorful cardboard box that is littered with euphonious buzzwords. Inside, we then find quite a few accessories.
Besides the headset itself, which is packed in a beige cloth transport bag, a whole bunch of cables and accessories, as well as the usual paperwork including warranty and quick start guide can be found in the packaging.
There is, for example, a high-quality, fabric-covered USB-A to USB-C charging cable with a length of around two meters, as well as a one-meter 3.5 mm jack cable for analog use on almost all platforms.
The USB dongle, which functions as a wireless receiver, comes with a modern USB-C port. However, JBL also includes the matching USB-C to USB-A adapter in the box – very commendable! The scope of delivery is rounded off by a 3.5 mm jack calibration microphone (more on that later) and a foam windshield for the microphone.
High-quality design, very good build quality
- High-quality, classy design
- Relatively robust construction,…
- … But wobbly ear cups and plastic headband
Visually, the JBL Quantum 910 definitely packs a punch. The headset comes in an all-black color scheme, with matte and glossy surfaces alternating to provide a nice contrast.
The grain on the top of the matte headband is a bit reminiscent of a turtle shell. The glossy outer sides of the ear cups feature the manufacturer’s logo and a grippy ribbing, behind which the customizable RGB lighting is hidden. From the ear cups, cables that are a bit too long, but covered in fabric, merge into the headband.
Interesting detail: the ear cups – inside – and the headband are kept transparent, which is also a nice contrast. Also noticeable are the numerous buttons and controls, which are located on a pleasantly grippy band on both ear cups.
A look into the manual is actually necessary here, since not all buttons and dials are self-explanatory. More about their use later in the operation section. As for the build quality, the JBL Quantum 910 is largely on a very good level and scores with a robust and high-quality build.
However, I don’t really like two points: On the one hand, the inwardly rotating ear cups are much too loose and wobbly, so that they turn in by themselves as soon as you pick up the headset.
On the other hand, the headband, made of transparent plastic, doesn’t seem quite as sturdy as I’m usually used to in this price range.
Wearing comfort of the JBL Quantum 910
- Comparatively very high weight at 421 grams
- Still convincing wearing comfort thanks to large and soft ear cushions
With a weight of around 421 grams, the JBL Quantum 910 is truly no lightweight. The recently reviewed Corsair HS55, for example, comes in at just 266 grams, and even the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (our review), which excels in almost all areas, comes in significantly lighter at 338 grams.
Still, from my point of view, there is hardly anything to complain about in terms of wearing comfort, which the JBL headset owes primarily to the thick and soft pads.
The ear cushions have a thickness of 2 centimeters and offer excellent space inside with an area of 6 cm x 4.5 cm (height x width) for small and medium-sized ears. However, they are not quite as stretchy as some foam counterparts, so it might be a bit tight for large eardrums. Personally, though, this doesn’t bother me; I was able to wear the headset for hours without any problems and without feeling any uncomfortable pressure.
Operation and practical test
- Comparatively complex operation thanks to numerous buttons and controls
- In practice, quick and easy to use
Let’s move on to the operation of the JBL Quantum 910, which actually requires a bit of familiarization. On the left side, we find (from top to bottom) an LED that informs about ANC and transparency mode, respectively, as well as the switch that toggles between these two operating modes.
Below that, two rotary controls: The upper one adjusts the balance between chat and game sound, the lower one increases or decreases the volume. Below that, again, a button to mute the microphone, while a charging LED, the 3.5 mm jack and the USB-C input round out the selection.
On the left side, on the other hand, we find a status LED, the power button that is also responsible for Bluetooth pairing, and an additional button that controls Spatial Audio and head tracking.
That is a lot of buttons and controls, whose position and function first need to be internalized. However, this works quite well with a bit of familiarization. However, I don’t find the positioning of the two dials ideally solved, since one tends to accidentally adjust them when putting them on and off.
As for practical use, the JBL Quantum 910 is quickly ready for use. The connection with PC, Mac and PlayStation 4/5 works flawlessly and quickly with the included USB receiver, but all other platforms have to make do with the 3.5 mm jack cable and accordingly only enjoy stereo sound. Alternatively, a Bluetooth connection with PC, Mac, mobile devices and Nintendo Switch is possible.
On the PC, the initial connection also automatically triggers the installation of the JBL QuantumENGINE companion software, which is then downloaded and installed.
Range, Battery Life and Charging Time
- Convincing wireless range
- Very good battery life of around 44 hours
- Charge time of 3.5 hours
Wireless capabilities are one area where the JBL Quantum 910 really shines. It starts with the range, thanks to which we can easily move more than 12 meters away from the audio source without any sound dropouts or other problems – and even through walls and doors.
However, the battery life of the wireless gaming headset is just as convincing. The manufacturer states up to 39 hours of playback in the specifications. However, we were able to exceed that by far in the test with deactivated RGB lighting.
However, the battery runtime is of course also significantly related to various factors. ANC has just as much influence on the battery life as the volume or the operating mode (Bluetooth or wireless). However, you can expect an average runtime of 40-50 hours. A strong value that also puts the comparably equipped Sony Inzone H9 (our review) in its place.
However, the charging time is correspondingly long. A complete charging process takes three and a half hours. However, those who want to can continue playing relaxed during the charging process.
Recording and playback quality
- Excellent, detailed and well-tuned sound
- 3D surround sound brings bass strongly to the fore
- Head tracking just nice gimmick
I was absolutely pleasantly surprised by the JBL Quantum 910 from a sound perspective, and on both the PC and PlayStation 5. So much so, in fact, that the model can rival the very best gaming headsets.
50 millimeter drivers that cover a frequency response of 20 Hz to 40,000 Hz already sound quite impressive on paper.
However, what Harman or JBL has done in terms of tuning is even more impressive. The gaming headset scores with a powerful, quite neutral sound that does not have problems with rich basses or airy trebles and reproduces them in detail.
But the Quantum 910 also does an excellent job listening to music and even copes very well with complex arrangements, in which the finest details are excellently worked out. Pretty impressive for a gaming headset.
I also particularly like how the device separates the different audio tracks from each other and, especially in gaming, separates the music from the sound effects to create an airy sound stage.
What is noticeable, however, is how the sound changes when you switch between stereo and 3D surround sound. Especially with music, the bass is lifted too much to the foreground in the virtual surround sound called QuantumSPHERE 360, while the trebles come across a bit cheap and slightly tinny. Of course, you can use the equalizer to improve this a bit, but the stereo sound is undoubtedly better suited for listening to music – even though the music is naturally more open and airy due to the surround sound.
Nevertheless, the virtual surround sound naturally offers a noticeable advantage, especially in competitive games, and allows, for example, pinpointing steps in shooters or similar.
A nice gimmick, but not really connected with advantages, is the head tracking. The sound changes according to your head position to the monitor or TV. Yes, you can do that, but the difference is only really audible to a limited extent.
How good is the ANC?
- Effective passive attenuation
- Very good active noise cancellation
In contrast to active noise cancellation (ANC), because this is again at a very high level. Already the passive sealing of the ear cups filters out monotonous, dull ambient noise as far as possible. With the ANC function of the JBL Quantum 910, even voices and loud fans disappear to a large extent.
The ANC, still a rarity in gaming headsets today, is definitely one of the best among the direct competition. Although it cannot quite hold a candle to real ANC headphones, the feature is always practical for isolating oneself while playing, working or listening to music.
How good is the microphone quality of the JBL Quantum 910?
- Practical flip-to-mute function
- Adecent to good microphone quality
Good, but unimpressive, turns out to be the quality of the built-in microphone. Practical is at least that this has a flip-to-mute function and is automatically muted when you flip the bracket up. This is also indicated by a red LED on the microphone boom.
In terms of pure quality, the JBL Quantum 910 suffers from the issues that come with almost all wireless gaming headsets.
While there is still quite clear voice intelligibility, the user’s own voice sounds a bit muffled and lacks detail. The quality is sufficient for voice chats in games or the one or other call, but unfortunately it is not enough for more.
Software integration: JBL QuantumENGINE
The JBL QuantumENGINE is used as accompanying software, exclusively for Windows PCs and notebooks. It offers, for example, the possibility to influence the sound via equalizer, to adjust the RGB lighting, and to choose between different modes (DTS and QuantumSPHERE 360) for the surround sound. You can also adjust your head size here and optionally activate head tracking.
A calibration is first required to activate the JBL surround sound. This is where the included in-ear microphone comes into play, which is used to measure your own ear canals while sitting under the headphones. Sounds nice, but hardly makes a difference in practice.
In addition, I don’t really like the futuristic design of the companion app. While the software is intuitively designed, readability suffers a bit under the squiggly font and unsizable window.
JBL Quantum 910 review: conclusion
With the JBL Quantum 910, the manufacturer has not only created its best gaming headset to date, but also one that can play right up front, at least on PC and PlayStation 5, thanks to 360-degree surround sound.
Especially in terms of sound, the device’s performance is quite convincing, and it allows precise localization with 3D surround sound. However, we clearly recommend switching to stereo sound for listening to music, since the bass is otherwise emphasized too much.
The headset collects further plus points with its excellent battery life and the convincing active noise cancellation.
Only the somewhat confusing controls, the slightly wobbly build and the only decent to good microphone quality tarnish the otherwise very good impression a bit. So, if you’re looking for a wireless gaming headset with very good sound and practical additional features, especially for PC and/or PlayStation 5, the JBL Quantum 910 is an excellent choice.
JBL Quantum 910
Workmanship
Comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money
91/100
High-quality gaming headset with excellent sound, strong ANC and convincing battery life, which can show its strengths especially in 3D room sound on PC and PS5.
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