Me wearing the JBL Quantum 600 headset..
The JBL Quantum 600 is a wireless gaming headset that connects to a PC via a Wi-Fi dongle and features a Discord-certified game-chat dial.
It’s my first time reviewing an over-ear headset so many of the experiences are new to me. I’ve previously tested wireless earbuds, wired earphones, and wireless on-ear headphones. Here’s my full review of the JBL Quantum 600!
Unboxing the JBL Quantum 600.
The JBL Quantum 600 tries to provide a premium unboxing experience and it mostly succeeds. The box is big with thick cardboard covers that can be flipped open to reveal the headset.
There are three accessories inside the box – the Wi-Fi dongle, a braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cord, and an audio cord with a volume knob. These feel sturdy with ample length but the dongle is quite long too.
The over-ear design of the JBL Quantum 600 makes it too big for casual outdoor use. But, it’s perfect in a gaming room or studio.
The JBL Quantum 600 box.
Its ear cushions are soft and comfortable for prolonged use since it uses leather-wrapped memory foam. The headband is padded too and the headset weighs about 346 grams only. Make sure to adjust the headband to a perfect fit on your head.
The right ear is where the flip-up mic is attached. It also has the volume knob, game-chat dial, 3.5mm audio jack, and USB Type-C port. Meanwhile, the left ear only has the on-off switch.
The JBL Quantum 600 connected to a PC with the JBL Quantum Engine software.
Upon first use, the audio quality of the JBL Quantum 600 might not impress the user. However, installing the JBL Quantum Engine software and turning on the JBL QuantumSOUND Signature feature on the PC makes a huge jump in the audio quality.
I’ve owned high-quality JBL speakers and headphones before and the JBL Quantum 600 further proves the company’s command in the audio industry. The bass sounds natural and both the highs and mids are well reproduced.
However, the microphone doesn’t have the same impressive quality as the headphones. Its saving grace is the game-chat dial where the user can control the preferred volume of games versus chat apps like Discord or Skype.
The JBL Quantum 600 Wi-Fi dongle.
The JBL Quantum 600 is best used in its wireless configuration. Using the 3.5mm audio jack slightly reduces the maximum volume depending on the mobile device you’re using. It can be controlled through the handsfree controls in the 3.5mm cable.
Furthermore, there’s no mobile app that enables the JBL QuantumSound Signature on mobile devices. It still sounds good but not as good as when it’s connected wirelessly to a PC.
Thankfully, its passive noise cancellation works well in both configurations. The ear cushions create a tight seal reducing the ambient noise. For active noise cancellation, you’ll have to upgrade to the JBL Quantum 800.
The RGB lighting is customizable through the software.
The JBL Quantum 600 has a 14-hour battery life when the RGB lighting is disabled. Otherwise, it will only last around 9-10 hours.
Meanwhile, re-charging the headset from an empty battery to 100% capacity takes a little over 2 hours when using a 10W charger. USB ports of PCs usually don’t have that power output so you should use a phone charger instead.
Charging is accomplished via a USB Type-C port on the left headphone.
Are these your next wireless gaming headphones?
The JBL Quantum 600 is a great-sounding wireless gaming headset for PCs. Make sure you set it up first before using by installing the JBL Quantum software to take advantage of all its extra features.
However, I can’t fully recommend it for mobile gaming since it doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity and there’s no app for smartphones yet. It also costs a little too much if you won’t use it in its best configuration.
