Drop + EPOS PC38X vs EPOS H6PRO (Closed)
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There is both an open and closed back version of the EPOS H6PRO. This comparison is about the closed-back version specifically.
Differences
Stock pads on the PC38X.
Open-back vs Closed-back
The Drop + EPOS PC38X is open-back, meaning the outside of the earcups has venting. This lets sound leak in and out, and it makes the soundstage wider. In other words, audio cues sound like they’re coming from farther away.
The closed-back version of the EPOS H6PRO has a slightly more narrow soundstage, but the sound isolation is far better. This really comes down to personal preference. Neither gives a definitive edge in competitive gaming.
Headphone Audio
The H6PRO has an amazing sound signature for FPS games in terms of frequency response. It is treble heavy, and it has a very forward upper-midrange as well. The bass is very restrained, but not quite to the level of SteelSeries devices. The PC38X gives more attention to the bass, but it trades off some clarity in the process.
For immersive games and basically everything except for FPS, I prefer the PC38X. However, if I absolutely need to win a match of Call of Duty, The H6PRO is my pick.
Microphone
Mic removed from the H6PRO.
The mic on the PC38X is non-detachable, but it’s flip up to mute. The H6PRO mic is also flip up to mute, but it’s magnetic and it can be pulled off completely. It also comes with a mic cavity cover.
Comfort and Build Quality
Velour pads on the PC38X.
The PC38X is made entirely of plastic. The H6PRO is mostly plastic, but it has some metal on the adjustment frame. The PC38X also has subpar adhesive keeping the headband padding on. Mine has been peeling very slightly since day 1.
The H6PRO’s pads are soft and cloth-like on the inside with pleather on the outside. The PC38X comes with a harder cloth type of pad but also secondary velour pads. The velour is not only softer, but it adds slightly more emphasis to the bass. I find the H6PRO to be easier to wear for long periods because of its more mild clamping force.
Volume Control
While both devices use a finite scroll volume wheel, the PC38X’s wheel doesn’t actually go down to 0%. It drops down to maybe 50%, but the H6PRO actually goes to 0. It’s a really strange design choice on the PC38X.
Volume wheel on the H6PRO.
I don’t know why this volume wheel doesn’t go to 0.
Similarities
Despite being made by the company, these headsets don’t have a ton in common.
Connectivity
PC38X with its included cables.
The H6PRO comes with the same cables.
Both headsets are wired only and connect using proprietary cables. They come with 2 different cables: a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm cable, and a 2.5 mm to Y-split cable with a 3.5 mm end for the headphone audio and 3.5 mm on the other end for the mic audio.
Microphone Audio Quality
Both mics have similar performance. They reject background noise very well without any software filters needed. However, they are nasally in tonality, and they don’t do very well with plosives.
H6PRO with its microphone cavity cover on.
Verdict
This comparison comes down to what you intend to use your headset for. If it’s strictly competitive gaming at the highest levels, I recommend the H6PRO because of its impressively detailed sound.
However, if you want an immersive experience in games or plan to use your headset for other activities like listening to music or watching movies, the wider soundstage and superior bass makes the PC38X a better choice for those use cases.
