Sennheiser PC 363D - Review

Written by Profi | 12 March 2014
Posted in Articles - Reviews

For more than two years Sennheiser PC 360D is my main headset. I’m using it for usual routine work and for casting purposes. It’s extremely comfortable and it has the best sound among other headsets which I have used and reviewed.

Recently, Sennheiser offered me to review the updated version of PC 360 which comes under Sennheiser PC 363D tag. At first glance it looks that the changes are very tiny, but what happens after a detailed review? Check it out!

Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: open
• Frequency Response Headphones: 15-28000Hz
• Frequency Response Microphone: 50-16000Hz
• Impedance Headphone: 32? (headphone)
• Impedance Microphone: 2? (microphone)
• Connectors: 2 x 3.5mm / USB
• Ear Cups: around-the-ear
• Cable: 2 m + 1.2 m (USB)
• Weight: 312gr
• Warranty – 2 years

The Box

Sennheiser decided to revamp the design of the box entirely. The green color has been removed and now we have the combination of black-white-blue colors, in my opinion now it look more serious and professional.

Traditionally, on backside of the box we can find the description of the main features on several languages. The most important functions and features are described with the pictogram and icons.

The edges of the box are not empty as well. There are “marketing” texts in English, German and French languages.

Unboxing and Design

The headset is packed very well. There is no empty space, so you can be sure that everything stays safe during transportation. Of course it doesn’t mean that you can throw it.

Inside the box there is headset itself, disc with software, USB soundcard and its cable, Quick Start Guide.

Let’s start from the USB Sound Card 7.1 3D G4ME1. Actually it is the same sound card as we saw while reviewing Sennheiser PC323D model. By sliding “top cover” to left – we can enable special feature “Engaged” which boosts Dolby Surround sound effect.
 

There are two “channels” on the backside for better cable management.
 

It’s time to switch to headset. As mentioned in the beginning, there is no big change in design between PC 363 and PC 360. The difference is in details.
 

External design of ear pads has been modified. The PC 360D had black grid while PC 363 has grayish “radiator”. In my opinion design of both versions looks good and it’s just matter of taste. At the same time, radiator version seems better in long run because its gaps are inclined which reduces the possibility to gathering dust inside. And of course, my beloved volume controller is here. Hard to describe how such volume controller is better than the embedded controller into cable.
 

The ear pads are very flexible. Due to this, they are laying over the ears perfectly.
 

They are flexible horizontally as well. Not too much though, around 6 degrees, but I don’t think that more is required.
 

Velvet is used as internal material of ear pads.
 

The same material has been used for headband too.
 

The height is adjustable up to 6cm and could be fixed in any point (there are no special fixation sections).
 

There is a microphone on the left ear pad. The construction is not modified. Mute function while lifting up is available.
 

In comparison with PC 360, the microphone is exactly the same except for its color. Now it’s gold opposite to black. In my opinion black one was better, but as in case of design of ear cups – it’s just matter of taste.
 

There is a rubber part in the middle of the microphone. Thanks to it, you can adjust the microphone in different angles.
 

In Usage and Conclusion

If you would like to use the headset without included USB Sound Card, just plug 3.5mm connectors to respective outputs of your PC and you’re done.

If you don’t have sound card or your sound card is not supporting Dolby Surround feature – you should go ahead with included USB Sound Card called Sennheiser 3D G4ME1. No rocket science is required for using it - plug connectors to card first, and then attach USB cable to any free port on your PC. Windows automatically will recognize the new sound card in your system. For enabling “fast multi-channel switcher”, you should install the driver either from the included disc or from the official website. I always suggest to use the second option for making sure that you’re using the latest version of the software with fixed bugs and new features.

For switching the channels of your sound card, you should right-click on tray icon and select the desired option.

Also, dedicated sound card will help you on LAN parties or events. With your own card you will be sure what exact sound you will get at the end.

I have tested the Sennheiser PC 363D in games, movies and music. What can I say? It’s the same perfect quality as PC 360 – very detailed highs, deep bass, decent mid. Well, I didn’t expect anything else from the manufacturer which has spent ages in headsets production.

The main difference between PC 363D and PC 360 is the sound card and it is important. Use your headset with it – and you will get pure Dolby Surround in games and movies. Enable “Engaged” feature by sliding the “cover” of the card for boosting the sound surround effect.

As a caster, I paid a huge attention to microphone’s quality. I tested it in sound editor and made sure that recorded voice is crystal clear and there is no noise when I’m silent.

Also, the volume controller is available on the right ear pad. It’s extremely comfortable, and you will hate in-line controllers which are embedded into cables.

Another handy feature is the muting microphone by lifting it to top. For enabling back, just put it down.

Sennheiser PC 363D is extremely comfortable. Seriously, you can wear it for few hours and you will not feel any pressure, heat, discomfort, you name it. Huge ear pads with its cushion velvet material are gently lying around your ears without any single pressure on them. The headset is light weight and because of this you will not feel pressure on top of your head as well. Thanks to open acoustic design for keeping natural air flow and keeping your ears cold.

Now let’s speak about the cons of the headset. Well, they’re same as for PC 360. First of all, it’s price. Sennheiser PC 363D is probably the most expensive gaming headset out there. But well, hard to imagine low or even mid price from the headset with such quality (in both sound and build) and with such number of advantages. Also, it’s not foldable which is adding some inconvenience for those who are taking part a lot in LAN tournaments and/or parties.

Take a note that PC 363D has an open acoustic design. It means that people around you will hear the sound from your headset, and you will be able to hear them if they speak loudly. It’s perfect for isolated place or for cases when you would like to hear the phone calls or when colleague/family member is calling your name.

If you prefer the headset which is totally isolating all around noises and sounds – pay attention to Sennheiser G4ME Zero model.

Bottom line: If you already have PC 360 and Dolby Surround is not crucial for you, then it’s not worth for you to upgrade. If you’re looking for gaming headset with open acoustic design and price is acceptable for you – be sure that Sennheiser PC 363D is just the best gaming headset out there. No doubts.

Pros:

• Perfect sound and build quality
• Great microphone with noise isolating feature
• Outstanding comfort while wearing
• Embedded volume controller in ear pad
• Handy mute/unmute feature by shifting the microphone up/down
• Included USB Sound Card 7.1 with Engaged feature

Cons:

• Price
• Not foldable