Beyerdynamic's new DT 900 Pro X Studio headphones are not a gaming headset. There are no microphones, no USB connectivity, no fancy tactile features, not even RGB. In fact, you're more likely to see them being used by audio engineers who master important music and cues in games. But the very same qualities that make the DT 900 Pro X ideal for long, critical listening, mixing, and audio mastering are the same qualities that make it ideal for gaming.

Priced at $299, the DT 900 Pro X may not seem like a bargain, especially given its lack of a microphone. But if you can get past that, you get everything you need in a gaming headset. Let's start with the build and comfort. The headphones are very well made, and their comfort level is unmatched.

A big reason for this is the incredibly comfortable velour ear pads. Forget even lamb leather, these pads wrap around your ears in heavenly comfort. The huge circular pads cover the ears so completely that even fellow gamers with glasses won't feel any discomfort. I'm not sure how long they will last, but I appreciate that they are replaceable.

The spring steel headband is padded with shape-memory foam, which holds the muffs securely to your head and provides an excellent sound seal despite the open back. You can hear the sound around you, but it is not as transparent as the Drop PC38X. At first, the clamping force was too strong and I could not comfortably wear it for more than an hour. It took a few days of manual stretching, but now it's perfect.

In terms of design, Beyerdynamic has maintained a clean, minimalist, and professional design that looks nothing like a gaming headset, but I'm all for it. The headphones are only available in black for now, with light gray velour ear cushions; compared to the MMX 100s, the DT 900 Pro X seems boring, but somehow much more upscale and classy. Even the gold-plated 3-pin mini-XLR stereo jacks look really ostentatious, and so does the included carry bag.

Beyer includes two types of cables: a 3-meter length and a shorter 1.8-meter length for game consoles, Nintendo Switch, and smart devices. These cables did not generate the noise that the MMX 100 did. The power requirement is as low as 48 ohms, so no amplifier is needed, allowing the DT 900 Pro X to be used with almost anything.

Yes, you are looking at a set of upscale, ruggedly built cans that will provide maximum comfort all day long. I don't mean to exaggerate, but these are without a doubt the best headphones I've ever used.

As an open-back style headset, the DT 900 Pro X surprised me with punchy audio, unlike the somewhat anemic and airy audio I have experienced with other open-back headsets. The STELLAR .45 drivers employed here are perfectly tuned to a flat profile and hit you with whatever you are listening to. From classical sonnets to Snoop Dogg's bass hits, nothing sounds bad.

Forget the typical bloated gamer bass; with almost surgical precision, the DT 900 Pro X lets you hear layers of bass that hit just right without dominating or muddying the equally sharp highs. Beyer calls this can for critical listening, he really wasn't kidding. You can hear everything.

I just recently started playing the outstanding Ghost of Tsushima, and these headphones bring the game world to life. From the samurai-inspired soundtrack to the guttural sounds of a dying Mongolian, to the gentle sounds of wind chimes swaying in the breeze. They are clearer and livelier than any headphones I have ever used.

The open back gives the audio room to breathe and sound more natural. Listening to the babbling brooks, chirping birds, and, best of all, the sound of the guide winds blowing through the gorgeous forests and fields, I felt like I was truly in the world.

Turning to competitive shooters like CoD Warzone and Apex Legends, the impressive clarity and great audio positioning made it easy to pinpoint the location and relative distance of your opponents. Every bullet sings and roars, every explosion booms and shakes, and the environment comes to life.

The music transcends genres. From hip-hop to classical symphonies to hard rock, listening to music on the DT 900 Pro X is a pleasure. I know I sound goofy, but I am truly impressed.

With all of the above qualities, it goes without saying that the DT 900 Pro X will help you deliver the most accurate audio to your audience if you are involved in content creation. Since many of us are involved in some form of content creation, whether it be streaming, podcasting, or YouTube, the DT 900 Pro X is a no-brainer.

These are good for gaming, but they are not gaming headsets and do not have the microphones needed for game chat. In any case, a stand-alone mic is a better option. It's certainly not the complete package, but the outstanding audio performance, all-day comfort, and build are worth the trade-off. In fact, it's a bargain.