Sennheiser PC 363D 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review

The Headset

The PC 363D, like the PC 360 is an open-type headset which ensures that air (and sound) can pass in and out of the cups so that the users ears do not warm up excessively. The open design also means that when not listening to a source the outside world can be heard with reasonable clarity. As expected based on their other recent products Sennheiser have located the volume dial on the right ear cup rather than part way down the cable. We can also see one of the aesthetic changes between 360 and 363 at this area, instead of a mesh cover on the cups we get a slotted design.

Each earpiece on the PC 363D has a frequency response of 15-28,000Hz with an impedance of 50 Ohms. Sound Pressure Level is rated at 112dB.

Over on the left side of the headset we have the mic location. The action as the mic is moved up or down has a good level of resistance, ensuring that it never falls further than the users chosen location. As well as moving vertically the mic can be moved closer or further away from the mouth thanks to a flexible rubber section mid-way along the arm. Like the volume control which is located on the right cup the mute function for the mic is performed on the left cup. Lift the mic to a vertical position and an audible click tells the user that the mute has engaged. It is also worth noting that in another minor aesthetic tweak between PC 363 and 360 the mic insert is orange here, rather than black on the older model.

In terms of specification the mic present on this headset is a noise cancelling model with 2kOhm impedance, 50-16000Hz frequency response and -38dBV/Pa sensitivity.

The PC 363D is a headband style headset and can be extended by increasing the length of either side by a simple pull. There are around 17 individual lengths which can be selected increasing the size by around 1.5 inches on each side. The bottom of this same joint also rotates slightly, ensuring a good fit on the users head. The headband features a padded section at the top and this is velvet lined, as are the large ear pads. Finally on the headset front the PC 363D weighs approximately 300g.

Before we discuss the user experience shown above is the main component which differentiates the PC 363D from the older PC 360 G4ME. This USB sound card, which also has a 1.2m extension cable, is compact and easy to use with a slider to enable Dolby Headphone technology. The 2 metre 3.5mm audio and voice cables from the headset plug directly into the base with the wires secured by two guide clips. As we slide the top section to enable 7.1 audio the centre graphic lights up blue and as shown below we can also select other modes from the small driver control panel.