I thought the formalities should continue.
These set in my previous review for the Astro A50 headset. This formality simply being ‘X Headset | A Review’. I know, connective tissue or universe building. Who knows, maybe we’ll build a Xenojay Headset Review Universe! Though I’ll admit that seems self-serving and wordy.
I was fortunate enough to be approached by JBL who said “Hey! Review these Quantum ONEs!”. I replied “Well I don’t know if I’ll do that very well, but let’s have a look”, and I have to say the website blew me away. Looking for background to start understanding the product, the first thing I noticed was “professional”. I am anything but, so thank you for that JBL Quantum ONE headset. It was then followed by JBL QuantumSPHERE 360, which was trademarked. I suspect something being trademarked means it is in fact good, but I had to investigate further. It then said I could be at the center of gaming, which sounds a little freaky. But that’s the power of the QuantumSOUND Signature for you. “Certified 50mm neodymium drivers deliver an immersive sound curve tuned by JBL audiologists and specifically designed for gaming.” I’m sold.
From here the page further elaborated on different ways the device could be used. And I think this is a great way to section off each way I’ve experienced the device as I’ve used it.
Next-Gen Ergonomic Design
This was the first thing I noticed. It means I’m like 99% of consumers which makes the review relatable. Blown away by how well built and solid the band felt, it’s flourished with a cushion which sits upon your head and feels like marshmallows. Robust earpieces are premium leather-wrapped, memory foam cushion and boy do you notice while wearing them. And removing them while gripping an earpiece feels like the luxury it is. Considerate L and R decals decorate the inners to ensure we know our left from right are also well done. The cabling for the headset has a tension to it, with the ability for it to hold shape when bent. They also feel, much like the rest of the headset, built to last. Different cable lengths are also included so you can make it work to your setup. And I haven’t even talked about the RGB lights.
Active Noise Cancelling
This is actually followed by “made for gaming” but we’re doing relatable reviewing now. The first time I experienced this was when I accidentally enabled it via the button on your left headset. There’s a brief alert sound, but I hadn’t read the instruction book fully, because relatable. I could SOMEWHAT hear the people I was in chat with, but they could not hear me. What I’m saying is the active noise was in fact cancelled. For both parties. And it was astonishing, especially as I blamed my computer at first. But it was the Quantum ONE headset. And it absolutely worked.
Optimized for PC, Compatible With Multiple Platforms
On my PC, this thing is ROBUST. Running via USB and that awesome cabling, it is a dream to hear audio through and speak into. The 3.5mm jack to PlayStation though…honestly not that bad. If anything, limitation of the hardware meant a light, tin-like sound pitched up in the higher frequencies. Overall though, it was surprising to me how well it ran through this. Would I use it as my primary solution? Probably not. But as a secondary, it was easy to setup and plug and play.
Be heard with the voice focus detachable boom mic
I wasn’t surprised by the mic being detachable. I’ve seen it on a few other headsets, and JBL say it’s to help with “gaming on the go” or using a “peripheral microphone”. What was surprising was I thought it included a lapel mic but no! It’s even better. It includes a CALIBRATION MIC. Used in collaboration with the headset and QuantumENGINE suite, you chuck this thing in your ear while the Engine runs some tests and you get the fully realised spatial sound experience it promises. Never have I thought having a mic in your ear would be a good thing, but the Quantum ONE has proven me wrong.
DISCORD Certified game audio-chat balance dial
Utilising separate sound cards which handle game and chat audio, it means this is a winner for the likes of Discord. While I haven’t played around with this TOO much, the fact my computer registers separate outputs for Game and Chat means it does exactly as it says. One channel is game, one is chat, and the balance dial allows you to adjust the balance until it meets what you need. I used this to separate music while chatting and honestly it was a dream. It’s so easy to utlise that anyone can do it.
Powerful JBL QuantumENGINE PC Software Suite Customization
Look. I said I was a bad reviewer. BUT ALSO! I’m skipping this along with spatial sound and audio equalizer for custom sound. Why’s that? For me, it comes to being the optimal standard consumer. If the thing doesn’t work optimally out of the box, then where’s the thinking that it would be utilised further? That’s the incredible thing about the Quantum ONE headset. It wants you to go on that journey with it. And that’s why you’re guided there by the…
RGB effects tuner
Yes, I brought up earlier that I hadn’t factored in the RGB lights with the design. But boy. THEY ARE GOOD. Very bright in a multitude of different lighting environments, they stand out with their choice of reds, greens and blues. Often sitting in the brighter scale, they dazzle as you slide the Quantum ONE’s over your listening holes. But it wasn’t until I stepped away after taking off the headset, that I noticed something. I could faintly hear the song I’d left playing coming out of the headset. And as the percussion played its beat, so did the RGB effects. I didn’t even realise the RGB lights were reacting TO the beat. If I had, I would’ve stood up and ignored a chaotic altercation like I’m Gina Linetti.
Settings
I ended up breaking down their last 3 categories to ‘Settings’. What fell under this was microphone settings, manage user profiles & settings and ergonomic next-gen design. I think I spoke of my admiration for the design already. And well the settings are settings we know of, and are definitely enhanced by the likes of the QuantumENGINE PC suite I suspect. So just what do I think of the Quantum ONEs?
MUST BUY
If you're looking for a wired headset solution for gaming and streaming. then look no futher.
With control and configuration and RGB's left up to you, you'll get it all with the JBL Quantum ONE headset.
With a ridiculous sense of quality out of the box, and the ability to further refine and adjust, it's one of the finest pieces of hardware I've ever adorned. The implied care taken with how it feels and looks, through to your first tactile interaction with it is sumptuous to say the least.
Even just leaving them to rest on a headset holder while the RGB lights dance around to whatever signal they're receiving is dreamlike.
While the price may be premium, there's a reason the Quantum ONE sits atop their range of hardware as the flagship. Because it is the standard that the rest must follow.
XENOJAY.COM was supplied with hardware for review by JBL ANZ and King Creative.
