Table of Contents

Intro

Comfort, sound quality, and a strong microphone come together with the JBL Quantum 400 gaming headset. This headset has a lot to offer at a reasonable price.

Like those of other Quantum headsets, the spatial sound capabilities and sound quality of the JBL Quantum 400 are touted as competitive advantages for gaming. In terms of functionality and customizability, the headset excels owing to JBL QuantumENGINE. Still, console players may be disappointed by missing out on a couple more gaming options, making it less than perfect for the more diverse gamer.

Let’s find out in this review if the Quantum 400 is worth the hype.

First Glance at the Build and Quality of the JBL Quantum 400

JBL's attractive and unique headgear seems to be based on its over-the-ear headphones. Gamers will like the Quantum 400's colorful accents, which extend to the cable's tip that flashes the company's emblem when the cable is plugged into a computer.

But first things first: you get to choose between a USB port and a 3.5 mm connector right out of the box. If you want to play on a console, you may use an audio cord; however, the light-up logo will be disabled.

Because all other functions and connections are positioned on the left earpiece, the volume wheel is convenient. Console gamers must always accept the default sound settings provided by the manufacturer since customizing the sound is not an option. As luck would have it, JBL came up with a great sound that is perfect for games! The Quantum 400 headset has a powerful bass and low midrange, making it ideal for gamers. But why should JBL be compared to itself since the Quantum line was designed specifically for gamers? When using the 50 mm dynamic speakers in stereo mode on the console, the sound blasts loud and clear, making music and effects stand out.

The Quantum 400's lightweight headband and snug-fitting yet non-pressing memory foam ear cushions make them very pleasant to wear. This implies that gamers can spend even more time in front of the screen without experiencing any discomfort.

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Using the JBL Quantum 400 with QuantumENGINE

PCs have the advantage over mobile devices any day, any time. You'll need the accompanying USB cord and the free QuantumENGINE software to use this machine. At first glance, the design seems to be a future interface with glitch animations and other gimmicks.

If you look at the 10-band equalizer, you can build and store your profiles and use the pre-sets provided by the manufacturer. Regardless of whether you're using your computer, the Quantum 400 requires a few tweaks to allow you to listen to music.

The second, and no less critical, consideration is light. If you like lights, there are a few pre-set profiles you can use as a starting point from which you can experiment, establish your color changes, and choose one of three effects - pulse, distracting flicker, or steady. The pace may also be changed. There is a little learning curve since it doesn't operate naturally.

Quantum 400 has two modes for activating its virtual surround sound like a stereo headphone, and we tested each of them. Although the user's head diameter and body height may be altered here, no discernible change in sound quality can be heard while playing 7.1 sound files.

QuantumSURROUND activates an acoustic realm in which sound is played back from all directions instead of stereo Left/Right. However, it seems like the room is built of tin since rain sounds like high-frequency noise, speech sounds artificial, and background noise (particularly in the high-frequency region) sounds out of place. Is there a benefit to using this while playing games? Probably Yes.

Thank goodness for the "dts-mode" as a backup. Also known as "DTS Headphone:X 2.0," this feature offers the benefits of surround sound to the stereo experience while maintaining a more realistic sound. As a result, the DTS mode is the ideal option if you need to hear your opponent's or teammates' locations. If not, games may be played in stereo mode, which, for us, was the finest of the three modes in terms of sound quality.

Control Features of the JBL Quantum 400

The USB-C cable connector, the port, mic, volume, and game chat wheels are located on the left earcup's bottom and rear edge. Gamers won't have to worry about fiddling with the controls while playing. On the left earcup is a non-detachable boom microphone with a flexible arm that can be tucked away when not in use. When the mic is muted, a red LED lights up the capsule, which also houses a windscreen for reducing background noise.

It is possible to fold the ear cups and pivot them up and down independently of the headband's flex, making this a very adaptable headphone for people of various head sizes. In contrast, the headband is supple and resilient, with no hint of the components or materials giving in to pressure when the two ear cups are pushed apart. The headband's clamping pressure isn't too firm to become oppressive, allowing for comfort throughout lengthy gaming sessions thanks to the included padding's secure and pleasant fit.

Sound and Game Mode Performance of the JBL Quantum 400

The Quantum 400's mid-and high-frequency output is good, but its low-frequency output falls short of the expectations of bass enthusiasts. Even at maximum volume, the headset didn't distort when used with Skepsis' "Rush." With the Bass Boost Equalizer on, bass-induced players may not be as happy as they are with kick drum strokes without distortion.

Soundgarden's "Black Hole Sun" default sound signature is neutral. The guitars provide an abundance of warmth, offset by a touch of bass. Hearing other aspects is possible, but they don't have the clarity that an audiophile is looking for.

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Final Fantasy 7 Remake for the PlayStation 4 has a nice soundtrack with its pulsating electronic beats. The bass is adequate but not exceptional, as the song's melodic elements take center stage. Even with the audio restricted to stereo, the directional image details of impacts, booms, slashes, and whips sound excellent. Detecting opponents and picking up sound bites from broad directions will still be possible.

On a computer, it's much more enjoyable. Overwatch's QuantumSURROUND function provides excellent directional imagery of explosions and gunfire, making the headphones an excellent choice for games. Finding the source of the action noises proved to be a simple task, and it was possible to obtain a feel of where the battle was even if the player was facing the opposite direction of where the action was occurring.

Quantum 400 has a great microphone for the price. Discord pals can better hear what you're saying thanks to this microphone, which isn't the greatest, but it picks up your voice naturally and without distortion or muffled speech.

Should you buy the JBL Quantum 400?

Those looking for a comfy USB gaming headset with excellent audio playback and a superb microphone should check out the JBL Quantum 400. If you're a PC player, this headset's pricing is competitive with other gaming headsets with comparable capabilities. Playing games on a console is still possible, but you will lose out on the spatial sound and other benefits that QuantumENGINE provides.

Check out these closely similar alternatives

The JBL Quantum 350 Wireless connects to your computer through a USB RF dongle if you're looking for a low-latency wireless gaming headset. The EQ is comparable to the Quantum 400, except that the bass is boosted more, and the microphone is slightly inferior. It's also better for larger heads since mine keeps falling off. The Quantum 400 costs the same as the 350 models.

The Razer Kraken V3 is the same price, boasts an even better microphone than the Razer Kraken V2, and supports THX spatial sound and color-changing LEDs.

Perhaps you're looking for a headset that's less than $100. Fortunately, the Kraken X offers surround sound, but it's only available on Windows. Although it features eyeglass ports in the ear cups to accommodate those who wear glasses, the ear cups do not contain LEDs. You get many of the same useful features for a fraction of the cost.