Epos takes off as an independent brand, takes up the references of the Sennheiser era and supplements the range with new models. The H3 presents itself as the successor, responsible for the history of these brands, and as a helmet that corrects most of the mistakes of its predecessors.
An excellent level of manufacturing
It is difficult to deny that this H3 belongs to the Sennheiser GSP 350 and GSP 370 that we tested at the time, which, with the exception of a few comfort defects, clearly satisfied us. But the Epos gaming headset is anything but a simple update of these two models. Granted, the design looks familiar, but the actual structure of the helmet is completely different. The ball head of the atria swaps its ball system for guidance over two axes, one horizontal and the other vertical like the Sennheiser GSP 670, for a flexibility of almost 40 ° per axis. On the tire side, Epos offers us a simple model, relatively flexible and without pressure adjustment. Only the size remains adjustable thanks to two notched metal sliders an adaptation to most skull sizes, the maximum opening is too big even for the largest and hairiest buds we could try. Children can enjoy it from around 7 years old.
| specification | |
|---|---|
| compatibility | PCs, consoles, smartphones and tablets |
| Converter | 2×40 mm |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 30 kHz |
| Impedance | 20 ohms |
| sensitivity | 124 dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 V RMS |
| Enter microphone | Bidirectional at the pivot point |
| Microphone noise attenuation | Not |
| Illuminated areas | Not |
| 7.1 / 3D rendering | Not |
| Weight | 279 g without cable |
| Connections available | Wired mini jack 3.5 (1×4 poles or 2×3 poles) |
Available on Amazon for $ 119
Available at Fnac.com for 119 $ (black)
Available at Fnac.com for 119 $ (white)
In particular, the padding on this tire is fairly new, with a hollow in the middle where the thickness is generally greatest. Because the Epos teams have an eye for detail, especially when it comes to comfort. In fact, this “hole” in the middle simply allows Shift the load on the helmet a few centimeters to the right and left and thus distribute the weight more in two points than in one. And it works very well. With a total of only 280 grams, the H3 is not particularly heavy, but with this system it is quickly forgotten.
And then the pressure on the ears remains limited in contrast to the GSP 350. The gaming headset will certainly keep its hold, but above all it is much more comfortable to wear than its predecessor. Even after several hours of play, no exchanges or migraine breaks are necessary. Eyeglass wearers will appreciate the considerable thickness of the ear padsthat are lined with synthetic leather on the sides and airy fabric on the ears. A compromise that avoids excessive heat while ensuring proper sound insulation for these circumaural headphones. At this last point the H3 is placed in the middle, neither very insulating nor very ventilated, ideal for playing in peace at home without disturbing the world, but a little inadequate for the noisiest places.
In any case, the H3 enjoys successful aesthetics and exemplary workmanship, as we have been used to from Epos and Sennheiser for years. The materials are beautiful, the textures are pleasant, and the whole thing exudes strength and durability. The helmet also withstands twisting well, without cracking or squeaking noises and comes back into place perfectly after the nasty manipulations. So nice thing.
A wired gaming headset for PC, PS5, Xbox Series and Switch, but without software support
Supplied with two detachable cables, one of 1m20 ends in a 4-pin mini-socket and the other of 2m with two 3-pin mini-sockets, the H3 connects analogously to many sources. Portable or stationary PCs, PS4, PS5, Xbox One or Xbox Series controllers, Nintendo Switch, tablets or certain smartphones, he uses this universal connection to recover a stereo signal, the quality of which naturally depends on the source and the interface.
The H3 also has a volume in the form of a rotary control integrated into the headset on the right-hand side. Again, this is an analog volume that does not affect the operating system of the PC or console, but only the sound of the headphones. As with the GSP 670, we notice an apparent choice by the Epos engineers, namely the inability to zero the volume through this dial. Even when fully turned up, this dial leaves a clear background soundwhich only a muting at the operating system level can really eliminate. Strange anyway.
We definitely appreciate that this bike is rather subtle, sufficiently protected to avoid unwanted actions during handling, but also sufficiently accessible and identifiable to be used quickly. However, please note the technical choice of placing an exponential potentiometer behind this control, so that the first 20 degrees of rotation dampen the volume, while the following 170 degrees are less and less active. From our point of view, a linear action would have been more effective, even if the impact on usage remains very small.
Obviously (or unfortunately) Epos does not provide any software for its headset, it cannot be identified by the computer via its connections. Equalizer point, active attenuation, home surround … the gaming headset is of course compatible with virtual 7.1 solutions on PCs and consoles
Exemplary sound for your ears
If there’s one point where the H3 really (but then really) amazed us, it’s of course the quality of its sound reproduction. very a bit generous on the bass side, it still retains a sound that respects the source, very open, very precise, close to what we find in studio headphones like the DT 770 Pro. Happiness is thatit maintains this accuracy regardless of the volume being sentwithout saturating, without seeing its media come to the fore or its highs become aggressive.
The media in particular are present here without excess, with a sharpness that is unusual for this product category. Shots, snares and vocals come out of the mix nicely, even when the signal is loaded across the spectrum. No fat in the lower mids, no inaccuracies, no unpleasant peaks in the upper mids and yet the signal is absolutely not undermined, as is usual with headphones that want to avoid aggression.
The highs are also reproduced well, with a hollow and hump characteristic of “W” headphones, like the DT 770 Pro precisely. The signal is precise, even in the highest frequencies. Well, we’re going to squint a little at the pompous 30kHz announced by Epos and take comfort that the playback up to 20kHz is excellent, again with no distortion under the pressure of volume. In contrast to the spectrum, the bass does not drool, there is neither a lack of dynamics nor precision. A real treat when it comes to watching a movie or playing an action gamewhile the sound is spectacular and whirring as you wish, but also a pleasure when it comes to playing subtly, for example while listening to music. And above all not the slightest uncomfortable vibration of the headphones, not the slightest audible failure. Great art that we would love to see more often in the world of gaming.
An effective microphone, if not of course
Everything is in the title of the paragraph. On the micro side, we are entitled to a somewhat metallic sound without bass and high frequencieswhich robs the voice of part of its naturalness. Nevertheless, the recording is clear, clean, despite the lack of dynamic damping, quite well protected from ambient noise, with a great ability to withstand nuances. The voice is perfectly understandable at low volume and the saturation is well contained if you raise the tone, even until you shout a little.
It’s perfect for chatting, and it gets creamy after a little software equalization while streaming. Still, note the lack of the return of the microphone in the headset, partially offset by the fact that we can make our way through the atria a little. Nothing unusual for an analog gaming headset. The use of the microphone is in any case very easy, with a mute function when lifting the microphone rod and flexible placement of the capsule as desired, near or far from the mouth.
A new standard is born
Of course, this H3 does not leave us indifferent, corrects most of the shortcomings of its predecessors and offers us an experience of a very high level. The wearing comfort is excellent thanks to a measured weight, a balanced support on the head and a firm but well-controlled pressure at the level of the ears. We also like the softness of the ear cups, their very adaptable position, and the fairly high level of insulation they offer.
But what impresses us the most about this gaming headset is the quality of the sound it offers. Well balanced, with just the right amount of low-end for the spectacular side, it shines across the entire sound spectrum, regardless of volume. It sounds, it is very pleasant in the game as in the film or when listening to music, it is well balanced on all levels, and suddenly we easily accept the lack of software support or equalization. On the micro side, it’s not bad either, even if the GSP 370 and 670 do a little better. In the end, this H3 is at the top of our list of references for wired models for use on PCs and consoles with an introductory price of $ 119. If you have the budget, there are no concerns. For the future, keep an eye on the Epos brand. It seems we are dealing with a team that understands the needs of the players.
Available on Amazon for $ 119
graduation
Points fortresses
- Exceptional workmanship
- Light and comfortable to wear
- The sound, really great
- A gaming headset that adapts to all sizes
- Multiplatform with single or double 3.5 mini jack
- Microphone sound is clean
- A good insulation / ventilation balance
Weak points
- The volume wheel does not completely mute the sound
- Voice a bit metallic
Epos takes up the torch of the Sennheiser gaming range and sets an undeniable benchmark with the H3. Easy to use thanks to their universal analog connectivity, these closed-back headphones adapt to many platforms and offer remarkable, detailed and spectacular sound. A real success on all levels, for PC gamers and consoles.
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