JBL Quantum 910: the new reference for gaming headphones?

When thinking of JBL, it is usually the hi-fi and professional audio sectors that first come to mind. But for the past few years, the brand, which was bought by Harman and placed in the Samsung Electronics subsidiary, has been searching for a new area of focus. After Bluetooth speakers and car audio, the manufacturer has recently joined the gaming market and the first reviews have been very positive. So, just how good are the JBL Quantum 910 wireless gaming headphones?

JBL has added a new model to the Quantum range of gaming headphones: the 910. How good is the most sophisticated model in the series? And with all the features it has in store, could it be the new reference model for gaming headphones?

JBL Quantum 910: packaging and accessories

The headphones come in a very brightly colored box that is decorated with many logos for the various features and certifications. When opening the box, only the grayish white velvet pouch with its very discreet JBL logo is visible. While the Hi-Res sticker on the box evokes the world of hi-fi, the presentation of the headphones is 100% gaming. The box also contains a calibration microphone, a wireless connection dongle, a foam windshield for the boom microphone, a USB (A to C) digital cable and a 3.5mm analog cable. The dongle can be connected via USB-A or USB-C thanks to the included adapter. These accessories are joined by a quick start guide and the warranty card.

Although the box is very colorful, the JBL Quantum 910 headphones are quite discreet-looking when unpacked. Upon opening the soft carrying pouch in which they are stored, we discovered a pair of headphones with imposing earpieces, without being bulky or too heavy despite their weight of 420g. The headset is made from different plastics, but the finish of the latter is very good and looks sturdy enough for everyday use. It is quite rare to find metal in gamer headphones under 300 euros.

JBL Quantum 910: presentation

Comfort

The thickly padded ear pads are instantly noticeable and make you want to try the headphones right away. The comfort is great! The padding in the ear pads and headband is very pleasant. The boom microphone in the upright position mutes the signal and is fitted with a windshield, ideal for attenuating any breathing noises or drafts.

Transducers

The JBL Quantum 910 headphones’ earpieces are large enough to accommodate 2” transducers (called E transducers) that are perfect for reproducing extensive and deep bass. When looking at the frequency response curve (which ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz), one notices two peaks: one in the highs and another in the lows. As a result, we can expect a balanced sound, suitable for “modern” audio. The sound signatures of gaming headsets can sometimes be (too) pronounced, a result of manufacturers’ desire to convey an atmosphere rather than sound. The credibility of sound does not necessarily depend on a straight and linear response, but on a psychoacoustic feeling. Naturally, the credibility of video game sound is very different from that of hi-fi. But as Hi-Res headphones, the Quantum 910s must be versatile.

Microphone

The microphone is mounted on a boom and is highly directional in relation to the mouth, which improves the rejection of ambient and unwanted noise. The microphone swivels up and down and, in its operating position, does not obstruct your line of sight. To deactivate the microphone, simply lift it up until you hear a small “click”, after which a red LED next to the capsule lights up, visually and audibly indicating that the signal transmission has been cut off.

Naturally, the microphone places emphasis on the mids and is sensitive enough to allow you to be heard, even when whispering. It is rather precise and although it isn’t as good as a professional broadcasting mic, it is very effective and offers clear, bright vocals.

LED light effects

When the headphones are turned on, the LEDs light up. The lighting effects, while and quite elegant, are a questionable design choice: some find that the LEDs are a source of light pollution that causes reflections on the screen during dark parts of the game. We could also mention the battery life, but the LEDs can be turned off so each user can do as they wish. We personally used the headphones with the LEDs turned on, and the discreet lighting was never visually distracting, even in the dark.

Connectivity

2.4GHz RF

Once again, the Harman subsidiary has gone all out and offers full connectivity. The main connection, called “Game”, is a 2.4GHz radio frequency transmission provided by the USB dongle. This transmission is compatible with PCs as well as Sony PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles. It is a shame that this connection method can’t be used with Xbox consoles (and we still don’t understand why Microsoft hasn’t improved the compatibility of its wireless audio system). The range of this RF transmission can reach around 10 meters and never cuts out (unlike Bluetooth).

Bluetooth 5.2

The dual connection (Bluetooth and 2.4GHz) allows the JBL Quantum 910 headphones to be connected to two devices at the same time, namely a PC and a smartphone. That way, the user never has to take the headphones off. It is just as well that they are comfortable! You can be gaming with your friends on your computer and still answer a phone call using Bluetooth. Two thumb wheels on the left earpiece allow you to adjust the balance of each channel. But you can also listen to music from your smartphone (or any other Bluetooth source) while the sound of the game is playing in the headphones.

3.5mm mini-jack

Thankfully, JBL hasn’t forgone a wired connection. Probably for multiple reasons, notably so that the headphones can be connected to an Xbox. A mini-jack cable is still handy for many situations, and omitting it would have been a mistake. One of the most obvious is of course to be able to listen to a source that only has a mini-jack connector. The other is when you aren’t able to recharge the headphones’ battery. The headphones work in passive mode, that is to say when the battery is flat and using the 3.5mm mini-jack cable.

USB

The main function of the USB cable is not only to charge the headphones, but also to transmit audio between the computer and the JBL Quantum 910s, even during charging. It is also used for updating the firmware and for the configuration of spatial sound with the calibration microphone.

Features

Quantum Engine app

The futuristic interface is very user-friendly. It is easy to install and shows the user a quick tutorial before checking for updates. The app lets you activate the headphones’ various modes and features, carry out the calibration process, adjust the equalizer and the LEDs, and save profiles for specific games or different users. However, it is a shame that you can’t access this app on a smartphone to benefit from these settings when listening to the headphones in Bluetooth mode.

Calibration microphone

You also need to use the app to calibrate the headphones with the included microphone. It is therefore necessary to have a computer for the calibration and to enjoy all the headphones’ features. Once again, the procedure is simple and only takes about five minutes.

ANC

The active noise-cancelling is very effective and doesn’t alter or distort the sound. It works very well with background noise and persistent sounds such as ventilation or a vacuum cleaner. It isn’t as effective with rapid, loud noises, but this feature is still valuable in quieter environments as it reinforces immersion, whether in a video game or for music. A very good quality for the JBL Quantum 910 gaming headphones.

7.1 spatial sound and DTS:X

A growing number of video games that are developed merge gaming and home theater, much to the delight of movie lovers who game. Technologies and hardware that were previously separated are being pushed in the same direction since the release of next-gen consoles. So whether you’re a casual gamer or a serious enthusiast, these headphone modes are increasingly the same as those for cinephiles.

Head-tracking

Unfortunately, this feature didn’t impress us as much as the others. We imagine that there are many technological challenges to overcome when developing a head-tracking system. We noticed a lack of precision and that the sound was sometimes out of phase. We’re not saying that it didn’t work, but the effect wasn’t that noticeable, and it was sometimes a bit strange. With Fallout 4, the sound didn’t seem to vary much and when it was perceptible, it was slightly distracting. More obvious on a flight simulator, we didn’t find this mode particularly useful. Perhaps some people enjoy it and others are less responsive to it. It is difficult for us to form a clear opinion about this mode, as subjectivity plays an important role.

JBL Quantum 910: key specifications

See all the features of the JBL Quantum 910

JBL Quantum 910: configuration

When connecting the headphones for the first time, we simply inserted the USB receiver into the port of a Windows computer and the JBL Quantum 910 headphones worked instantly. We then downloaded the Quantum app and followed the tutorial. After, we were able to do an update before starting the calibration of the headphones with the included microphone.

After connecting the USB cable for the update, we started the calibration with the dedicated microphone. The process was quick and simple, and the headphones were able to analyze the morphology of the wearer. This procedure is necessary in order to use the head-tracking feature. After navigating through the menus, we tried the equalizer with some songs that we are very familiar with via various sources, including YouTube and Qobuz, then later on games where it proved to be just as effective. We then decided to leave the equalizer flat, as it will be used depending on each user’s taste. We can simply say that the 8 bands are sufficient to allow a precise adjustment of the different frequencies to suit your personal preferences.

JBL Quantum 910: our impressions

The 2” E transducers designed by JBL provide an extensive, well-defined sound and, because the JBL Quantum 910 headphones are a gaming model, an improved stereo image. While gaming, the spatialization was excellent and the transducers provided nuance throughout the entire spectrum. Added to this was excellent passive isolation, which eliminated a lot of the ambient noise to plunge us into the heart of the game’s action. Immersion guaranteed!

If you are used to hi-fi headphones, then the first few listening sessions may be a little confusing as this model’s design isn’t based on audiophile characteristics, but psychoacoustics and spatialization. However, if you’re used to gaming headsets you’ll probably be very impressed by the sound offered by this model which, sonically, is in the same league as the most high-end gaming headphones.

Gaming mode

We tested the JBL Quantum 910 headphones with a PC and video games compatible with 7.1 spatial sound and DTS:X. First, we tried Metro Exodus and Fallout 4, ideal for immediately getting an idea of the spatialization of a first-person game. After that, we opted for racing games and a flight simulator to judge the immersion in a cockpit.

7.1 and DTS:X spatialization

The sound signature of the 7.1 mode was very transparent and bright. This didn’t distort the sound, but the bass was a little less pronounced than in the other modes. This is explained by the fact that lows are harder to locate than high frequencies, which are more directive. When playing a game, the experience became more realistic, with sounds that moved through the sound bubble we were in. The effects moved around the listener naturally and made the gaming experience much more immersive.

With DTS:X compatible content, the JBL Quantum 910 headphones took on a whole other dimension. Although it wasn’t as precise as the virtual 7.1 spatialization, it was just as effective. The difference between the two modes is the responsiveness of the 7.1 in-game, which is better than the DTS:X, although this may be a result of latency on our test PC. The latter, on the other hand, seemed to be more balanced in terms of frequency distribution. The DTS demosaicing was incredibly precise, and the entire sound spectrum was perfectly structured. Very captivating with its balanced bass and great soundstage, this mode was the biggest strength of these highly immersive headphones.

Spatialization effects

Just like the Audeze app, JBL Quantum Engine offers room spatialization effects. Our opinion is the same for both brands: these effects aren’t really worth it.

Music

For music, we tested all possible transmission modes: 2.4GHz RF, Bluetooth and wired. We mostly listened to Hi-Res music via the Qobuz platform. In both wired and 2.4GHz mode, the bass was quite prominent in relation to the rest of the spectrum, without overpowering the other frequencies. This type of signature is consistent with modern headphones and JBL sound, and even more so for gaming models. The most important aspect is the excellent reproduction in Bluetooth mode. The sound was more balanced, although we would have liked more treble. We also would have liked to have been able to use the Quantum Engine app with the Bluetooth transmission or on a smartphone.

Movies

The result was excellent with movies, especially those with DTS sound. The slight prominence of the bass, useful for video games, was also a plus here. It plunged the listener into the atmosphere of the movie for an equally immersive experience. The enhanced stereo image was also very impressive. We could really feel the movement of sound objects, and the voices stood out naturally from the rest of the soundtrack.

JBL Quantum 910: compared to…

B&O Beoplay Portal

The B&O Beoplay Portal headphones are the result of a collaboration between Microsoft and Bang & Olufsen. While they combine the gaming and lifestyle aspects in a more elegant way than the JBL Quantum 910s, the price is twice as high. Yet, the JBL model offers more options and features for gaming. Both offer the same connectivity, so the use of these two headsets is almost the same.

The Danish headphones’ biggest advantage, and one that JBL should emulate, is the always available phone-based settings app. As the B&O model is more focused on outdoor use, we can easily understand the presence of this app, which is missing for the JBL. The second praise-worthy aspect of the Danish headphones is their aesthetic, and the slightly more balanced sounding transducers. That said, in gaming mode, the sound of the B&O Portals loses all its character and the equalizer becomes a necessity. The JBL headphones provide more features and compatibility with other devices. The sound isn’t quite as good, but it is very consistent and has nothing to be ashamed of facing the Danish competition. A great success for JBL’s latest production.

Audeze Mobius

The Audeze Mobius gaming headphones are twice the price, and just by comparing the two, the JBL Quantum 910 are moved to a higher category. While the match seems to be in favor of the Mobius, the JBL model does not leave the ring on a knockout. All the features offered by the Audeze Mobius are also present in their challenger: 3D sound, head movement tracking, spatialization effects.

Both offer a balanced and satisfying listening experience for video games, movies and music. The JBL Quantum 910s take points with the 2.4 GHz connection and the ability to connect them to Bluetooth at the same time, the LED lighting, the passive mode and the appreciable length of the cables. The Audeze Mobius on the other hand offer a more punchy and precise sound with their maximum sound pressure level of 120 dB and 4” Planar transducers. The Californian manufacturer also offers a better build quality, but then again, the price of the Audeze Mobius is twice as high. The JBL Quantum 910s can therefore lose the game with their head held high.

JBL Quantum 910: who are they for?

Overall, the ANC feature and the quality of the various aspects discussed above make these headphones an excellent choice. They are ideal for all gamers who don’t want to change headphones to listen to music or watch a movie between gaming sessions. The comfort of the ear pads and headband promise many hours of gaming without discomfort or your ears becoming too warm. Only its imposing design prevents it from being used on-the-go, but it’s easy to believe that these headphones won’t leave your side when you are at home.

JBL Quantum 910: conclusion

Those used to hi-fi and professional headphones will find the jump to gaming headphones very disconcerting, at least at first. The different listening modes (stereo, spatial and DTS) have very different sound signatures and are effective in their respective domains. The slight prominence of the bass fits the modern style of all the recently released headphones. It is punchy and precise. One could criticize a slight lack of high frequencies, but in reflection this isn’t a bad thing for long gaming sessions: the highs can be responsible for auditory fatigue, so this contributes to better comfort over long periods. The midrange has a nice presence without being metallic or too pronounced. The overall balance is good when considering that the JBL Quantum 910 headphones are designed for gaming.

Once again, the absence of an application is obvious when you just want to listen to a song on your smartphone and boost the highs a little. It’s hard to blame a gaming headset for this, though. Especially since the sound in Bluetooth mode is more balanced than with the USB dongle.

The flip-up microphone with mute function is on par with a good electret mic. It reproduces the midrange in a way that allows it to be clearly audible despite the cacophony of a video game, which is a real bonus during raids with a lot of players or simply when there are a lot of sound effects. JBL deserves a lot of praise for this new version of their flagship gaming headphones.

We liked:

• The comfort
• The features
• The ease of use
• The coherent sound

We would have liked:

• A smartphone app
• More highs for music listening sessions