Audio-Technica is a brand beloved by audiophiles, but its influence in the gaming sector is relatively small. The company only entered the field in 2014, but the Japanese company has yet to produce a headset that could be called the best gaming headset available. And they are usually expensive, too.

That may change with Audio-Technica's 2021 product. Previous reviews of Audio-Technica's products have generally praised its audio, but have been critical of its cost and build. ) in a wired open-back design. It weighs about 220 g, has a comfortable, orthodox headrest, and, subjectively speaking, is quite elegant in appearance.

Connectivity of the wired headset is as expected: a 3 meter cable is included with a standard 3.5mm plug for the microphone and earphones, but a 3.5mm-3.5mm plug suitable for consoles is also available. The microphone is also removable via a 3.5mm jack.

It is worth explaining how the "open back" principle of operation works. Open backs are cups that are open or gridded on the outside, and while they are particularly prone to sound leakage (and outside sounds coming in), they provide a more panoramic sound with an emphasis on clarity. This makes them ideal for soundscapes in expansive open-world games.

The more standard "closed-back" design, on the other hand, is better at blocking out outside sounds, but less accurate in its output due to the reverberation of the cups themselves (Audio-Technica has announced a closed-back ATH-GL3 with the model under review).

All of this matters to recording studios and audiophiles, but for gamers it basically means this: you either play games with a sleeping significant other or in a loud environment. If neither of these is the case, open backdrops provide a more "immersive" experience.

The ATH-GDL3 demonstrates this: even when playing Forza Horizon 5 at near maximum volume, you can still hear the techno playing from the bluetooth speakers on the other side of the office. However, switching between the wired HyperX Cloud II and the ATH-GDL3, it is immediately apparent that the latter has more detail and clarity. The Mexican countryside certainly shines through, the 2019 McLaren Speedtail roars with an almost startling presence, and every shattered stone wall and cracked tree seems to make physical contact with the ear like ASMR for misanthropes.

Of course, my partner, sitting at the desk beside me, had to put up with all of this as well.

One pleasant bonus is that even though open-back headsets tend to be a bit soft in the bass department, the ATH-GDL3 made Borderlands 3 ballistic bullets sound brutal without breaking a sweat, relying on gut-wrenching drums and bass to get the rope through, but even at high volumes That there was no noticeable distortion or loss of intelligibility. If you're willing to sacrifice intelligibility to be mercilessly pounded by loud bass sounds, the ATH-GDL3 definitely favors the latter approach.

The boom mic cut through perfectly, and according to Back 4 Blood's zombie-killing companion, the open back of the headset did not allow in-game audio to bleed into the mic input.

The ATH-GL3 is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and there is plenty of headroom in the sliding headband, even for my large head The ATH-GL3 is lightweight and feels a bit flimsy in the hand. Not that the ATH-GL3 feels like it will break easily, but the cups do not feel as bulletproof as, say, the thicker-walled Cloud II.

However, there is a bonus to that effect. This is because the model looks professional and elegant, without the flamboyance of gaming peripherals. The classical, aggressive look may not be right for some people. The cup pillows have a lumpy, luxurious feel to the ear, but the fabric (rather than leather) cover is the type that wears out over time, and hair and dust can stick to it.

However, Audio-Technica has accomplished its mission here. Absolutely great sound, a more orthodox and friendly build compared to previous products, and various measures to ensure that this product will last. The market in this price range is crowded, but for those who seek audiophile clarity, the ATH-GDL3 is a worthy contender indeed.