Audio-Technica GL3 Review: Is This Gaming Headset Worth It?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Audio-Technica GL3 gaming headset. If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for that perfect blend of audio quality, comfort, and affordability. Audio-Technica has a solid reputation in the audio world, but does the GL3 live up to the hype? Let's find out!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, first things first, let's talk about what you get in the box. The Audio-Technica GL3 comes with the headset itself (obviously!), a detachable microphone, and a cable with in-line controls. The packaging is pretty straightforward – nothing too fancy, but it gets the job done. When I first held the GL3, I was pleasantly surprised by how lightweight it felt. This is a big plus for those long gaming sessions where a heavy headset can become a real pain. The build quality seems decent enough, with a mix of plastic and metal components. The earcups are nicely padded, and the headband has a good amount of cushioning too.

My initial impression was that this headset looks like it could be comfortable for extended use. The design is understated and sleek, not overly flashy like some gaming headsets out there. It's got a more mature and professional vibe, which I personally appreciate. The detachable microphone is a nice touch, giving you the option to use the headset for music listening or other activities without the mic getting in the way. So far, so good! But the real test is how it performs in action, right? Let’s get into the sound quality, which is arguably the most important aspect of any headset, especially a gaming one. Audio-Technica is known for their commitment to audio fidelity, so I had high expectations going into this review. The GL3 boasts 45mm drivers, which are a decent size for delivering immersive sound.

I tested the headset across various games, from first-person shooters like Call of Duty and Apex Legends to more cinematic titles like The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077. In FPS games, the GL3 performed admirably, providing clear directional audio that allowed me to pinpoint enemy footsteps and gunfire with accuracy. This is crucial for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts. The soundstage is reasonably wide, creating a sense of space and immersion that helps you feel more engaged in the game world. When it comes to cinematic games, the GL3 delivers rich and detailed audio that enhances the overall experience. The explosions in Cyberpunk 2077 had a satisfying punch, and the ambient sounds of the Witcher 3’s forests were crisp and clear. The headset also handles music playback quite well, with a balanced sound signature that doesn’t overly emphasize any particular frequency range. The bass is present but not overpowering, the mids are clear and detailed, and the highs are crisp without being harsh. This makes the GL3 a versatile headset that can be used for gaming, music listening, and even watching movies.

Comfort and Design

Now, let's dive into the comfort and design aspects of the Audio-Technica GL3. As I mentioned earlier, the lightweight design is a major plus. I wore this headset for several hours at a time, and I never experienced any discomfort or fatigue. The earcups are large enough to fit comfortably around my ears without pressing on them, and the padding is soft and plush. The headband is also well-padded, distributing the weight evenly across my head. The GL3 features an adjustable headband, allowing you to customize the fit to your head size and shape. The earcups also swivel, which helps to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. The headset is made primarily of plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. The build quality is decent, and the headset seems durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. The design is understated and sleek, with a matte black finish and subtle Audio-Technica branding. It’s not the flashiest gaming headset out there, but it has a clean and professional look that I appreciate. The detachable microphone is a convenient feature, allowing you to remove it when you’re not using it. This is especially useful if you plan to use the headset for music listening or other activities where you don’t need a microphone. The microphone is also flexible, allowing you to position it exactly where you want it. Overall, the comfort and design of the Audio-Technica GL3 are excellent. It’s a lightweight, comfortable, and well-built headset that’s perfect for long gaming sessions.

Microphone Quality

Mic check, one two! Let's talk about the microphone quality on the Audio-Technica GL3. A good microphone is essential for clear communication with your teammates in online games, and it's also important for streaming or recording voiceovers. The GL3 features a detachable microphone with a cardioid polar pattern, which means it primarily picks up sound from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. In my testing, the microphone delivered clear and intelligible voice audio. My teammates could hear me clearly without any distortion or background noise. The microphone also does a decent job of blocking out ambient sounds like keyboard clicks and mouse movements. However, it's not perfect. In a particularly noisy environment, some background noise may still be audible. The microphone is also flexible, allowing you to position it exactly where you want it. This is important for ensuring that your voice is picked up clearly and that the microphone doesn't get in the way. The detachable design is also a nice touch, allowing you to remove the microphone when you're not using it. This is especially useful if you plan to use the headset for music listening or other activities where you don't need a microphone. Overall, the microphone quality on the Audio-Technica GL3 is good. It delivers clear and intelligible voice audio and does a decent job of blocking out background noise. It's not the best microphone I've ever used, but it's certainly adequate for gaming and other voice communication tasks.

Features and Connectivity

Alright, let's talk about the features and connectivity options of the Audio-Technica GL3. This headset keeps it pretty simple, focusing on the essentials rather than loading up on unnecessary bells and whistles. The GL3 connects to your PC, console, or mobile device via a standard 3.5mm audio cable. This makes it compatible with a wide range of devices, including PCs, PlayStation consoles, Xbox consoles, Nintendo Switch, and smartphones. The cable is detachable, which is a nice touch. This makes it easier to store the headset when you're not using it, and it also allows you to replace the cable if it gets damaged. The cable also features an in-line volume control and a microphone mute switch. These controls are conveniently located and easy to use, allowing you to adjust the volume and mute the microphone without having to fumble around in your settings. The GL3 doesn't have any fancy features like wireless connectivity, active noise cancellation, or customizable RGB lighting. However, it does offer a solid set of essential features that are perfect for gaming and other audio applications. The lack of wireless connectivity may be a deal-breaker for some users, but it also helps to keep the price down. The GL3 is a relatively affordable gaming headset, making it a great option for budget-conscious gamers. Overall, the features and connectivity options of the Audio-Technica GL3 are adequate for most users. It doesn't have any fancy features, but it offers a solid set of essential features that are perfect for gaming and other audio applications.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break it down with a good ol' pros and cons list for the Audio-Technica GL3. This will help you get a clear picture of where this headset shines and where it might fall a little short.

Pros:

• Excellent Sound Quality: The GL3 delivers clear, detailed, and balanced audio that's great for gaming, music, and movies.
• Comfortable Design: The lightweight design and plush earcups make this headset comfortable to wear for long periods.
• Good Microphone Quality: The detachable microphone provides clear and intelligible voice audio.
• Versatile Connectivity: The 3.5mm audio cable makes it compatible with a wide range of devices.
• Affordable Price: The GL3 is a relatively affordable gaming headset, making it a great value for the money.

Cons:

• No Wireless Connectivity: The lack of wireless connectivity may be a deal-breaker for some users.
• No Active Noise Cancellation: The GL3 doesn't have active noise cancellation, which may be an issue in noisy environments.
• Basic Feature Set: The GL3 doesn't have any fancy features like customizable RGB lighting or virtual surround sound.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Audio-Technica GL3? Overall, I'm pretty impressed with this gaming headset. It offers excellent sound quality, a comfortable design, and good microphone quality at an affordable price. It's not the most feature-rich headset out there, but it excels at the essentials. If you're looking for a versatile and reliable gaming headset that won't break the bank, the Audio-Technica GL3 is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice for gamers who prioritize sound quality and comfort over fancy features. However, if you absolutely need wireless connectivity or active noise cancellation, you may want to look elsewhere. But for most gamers, the Audio-Technica GL3 is a great value for the money. It's a reliable and high-performing headset that will enhance your gaming experience without emptying your wallet. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might just be surprised at how much you like it!