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The Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 gaming headset is both good-looking and strong. This shouldn’t be a surprise, since Audio-Technica is a well-known brand for audiophiles, even if it isn’t as well-known for gaming accessories. This brand knows how to make headsets, and the ATH-GL3 and ATH-GDL3 are right up there with some of our best PC gaming headsets.
Both the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 and the ATH-GDL3 were sent to GamesRadar. They are very similar, but the ATH-GDL3 is more expensive and has an open back while the ATH-GL3 has a closed back. This review will be mostly about the ATH-GL3, but we’ll also talk about the GDL3s when it’s helpful. This will help you decide which headset is best for you.
Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 Specifications
Compatibility | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile |
Drivers | 45mm |
Frequency response | 10 to 35,000 Hz |
Microphone | Detachable |
Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 review: Design and Features
The thin metal headband that connects the ear cups is held away from your head by a rubber strap. The headband has no cushion at all, which may surprise you. The matte-black or matte-white plastic ear cups on the closed-back GL3 come with soft leatherette ear cushions that can be easily removed and replaced.
Bright blue cords and an ear cup with a bright blue interior add a nice splash of colour. The open-back GDL3 are almost the same, but they have a metal grate on the ear cups to show that they have an open back, and the cushions are a little bit thicker because the driver is set in deeper.
All of the controls are on the left ear cup, near where the 35mm AUX cable plugs in. There is a volume dial and a mute button. The left ear cup also has a flexible boom mic that can be taken off and put back on. The headset is very light, which is great, but it can feel a little bit flimsy, especially where it goes around the head. You can buy this headphone from its official website.
Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 review: Comfort
The GL3 has a mic that can be taken off so that you can be as comfortable as possible when playing alone or with others. Surprisingly, the mic has a very clear sound. We did hear some clipping when we moved it closer to my face, but it sounds good when it’s in the right place. The left ear cup also has a dial for the volume and a switch that mutes the mic. The design is simple and makes sense.
Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 review: Sound quality
Soundstage is one of the most important parts of a gaming headset. Most of the time, the stereo field needs to work well to give the impression of moving through a 3D space. This not only affects how much you enjoy the game, but it can also make it hard for you to do well.
Thank goodness, the GL3’s sound field is very wide and shows the area around my character very well. Subtle, moving details were shown well, and we felt like we were in the story. The GL3’s soundstage did nothing but make my experience better.
Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 review: Gaming
The Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 is a great choice for gamers because the microphone can be taken off and the sound quality is good. It sounds excellent with games like Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Elden Ring. It’s important to know that, unlike some other gaming headsets, the Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 doesn’t come with EQ or spatialization software.
If you want those features, you’ll have to find your own software or use the built-in option for your platform of choice (if it has one). The headset is great for voice chat on Discord, Skype, or in-game thanks to its detachable microphone, easy-to-reach mute button, and two 3.5mm audio cables.
Final Words
The main goal of Earth is immersion. Its closed-back design makes me feel more immersed without making me feel too much. Even though it has some problems, none of them are nearly enough to make up for all the good things about GL3.
Even though they aren’t the best for listening to music, GL3 can still be used as a good pair of headphones for other things. Even though they didn’t make me a better player.
Audio-Technica ATH-GL3 Ratings
Pros
- Great, clear sound quality
- Sleek, elegant design
- Detachable mic
Cons
- Cheaper plastic design
- Uncomfortable for longer sessions
FAQs
Is Audio-Technica good for games?
When it comes to gaming, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones give full-range sound performance with crystal clear clarity and strong bass. These headphones are pretty decent.
Is Audio-Technica high-quality?
Audio-Technica has a wide range of headphones for both personal and professional use that are affordable. This brand focuses on sound quality, especially in their popular ATH-M line of headphones, which have very good sound quality for a low price.
Is Audio-Technica a Chinese company?
Hideo Matsushita started Audio-Technica in 1962 as a company that made phonograph cartridges in Shinjuku, a part of Tokyo, Japan. Its first items were the MM stereo phono cartridges AT-1 and AT-3.