Sennheiser GSX 1000

gaming hybrid

The German company Sennheiser, which has long been respected by audiophiles, has recently become closely involved in the video game market. Following a pack of gaming headphones, Sennheiser showed a rather interesting GSX 1000 device, which is positioned not so much as a sound card, but as an amplifier for USB-powered gaming headphones.

Plug-n-play and frequency response from 2 to 48,000 Hz

The GSX 1000 is notable for several things: a plug-n-play mode with no drivers (all settings are hardwired into the card, and therefore are called directly from it), numerous different game modes, as well as an excellent multi-channel mode. The company does not disclose information about the DAC and amplifier schematics. It is only known that the DAC operates according to the 96 kHz + 24 bit scheme, the frequency range inspires respect (2 – 48,000 Hz), and the amplifier is friends with headphones with an impedance of 16 to 150 ohms. That is, it is not suitable for high-impedance music lovers headphones.

Honest sound and excellent virtualization

In terms of sound, the GSX 1000 produces the most honest reproduction without noticeable paint and protrusion of its own character. Everything is ok here, but without enthusiasm. We've saved them for Sennheiser's own virtual 7.1 mode. It competently "clamps" part of the bottoms, middle and part of the tops, highlighting the most important spectrum in games from 2 to 15 kHz, allowing you to clearly hear where steps and shots come from. Judging by the words of the company's engineers, this was precisely the purpose of creating this device, because the simulation of multi-channel sound in conventional sound cards and even rather expensive gaming headphones leaves much to be desired in 99% of cases.

Memorable design

Finally, let's note the design of the GSX 1000. This futuristic geometric box with a large round display looks like a glove on any table. She can safely be called a gaming gadget, but their kitsch is alien to her. A huge aluminium volume ring that surrounds a large information display is a separate song. It has a very soft air stroke, which makes it pleasant to twist it just like that, even if the device is turned off. Plus, the amplifier has a built-in proximity sensor, thanks to which the display lights up as soon as you bring your hand to it. After a few seconds, it fades out smoothly, all additional settings like equalization and sound profiles disappear, and only the volume indicator remains. The only negative of this visual feast is the easily soiled case, which actively collects fingerprints.