About the JBL Quantum 300
Power and detail for today's sophisticated game soundscapes
The JBL Quantum 300 offers immersive surround sound simulation for games and movies on a Windows® PC.
Power and detail for today's sophisticated game soundscapes
Video game creators and developers put a crazy amount of detail into their games. And rich, atmospheric sound can be as important to their world-building as the graphics, characters, and narrative. The JBL Quantum 300 gaming headset features high-performance drivers and is the least expensive model in the company's Quantum Series line to offer their simulated 7.1 surround sound processing. That means you get deep bass, along with all those distinct, contextual sounds that can draw you deeper into the gameplay.
Battle-tested sound
These headphones feature the same large 50mm drivers found in all of the other Quantum headsets. JBL's special headphone sound signature has been honed by years and years of research and exhaustive user testing. We've visited their U.S. headquarters in California and seen their impressive testing facilities — they take this stuff seriously. It's helped them develop a sound profile that's been proven to satisfy most listeners.
For gamers, of course, that means hard-hitting sound effects, but it also means dialogue clarity and directional cues that can help when competition gets fierce.
Hands-on with JBL's special software
The Windows PC app gave me control JBL's surround sound.
These JBLs offers clear, powerful sound out of the box. But for an extra level of immersion in your games and videos — and a suite full of cool customization features — you'll want to download the QuantumENGINE software to your Windows PC. I gave the software a spin with both the JBL Quantum 400 and Quantum 600 headsets, and I really enjoyed the extra level of control.
I could dial in JBL's QuantumSURROUND sound based on my headsize and height. When audio played, the app gave me a visual representation of where the sounds were coming from. Graphics of speakers were positioned all around a 3D avatar of my head, an each would "pulse" when the sound was coming from their direction.
JBL's advanced surround sound processing
The surround processing was effective with the right material. I didn't do any gaming, but I did watch some videos mixed for surround sound. (With three young kids, I've kind of been forced into retirement from Madden and Red Dead — but we plan on having some of our Crutchfield gaming enthusiasts try out the Quantum series soon.)
The new season of the Netflix docuseries Formula 1: Drive to Survive was a good fit for these headphones. All of the visceral racing action and tire changes came through with punch-to-the-gut impact. But then in lower-key moments, like an office meeting between a driver and race sponsor, I heard subtle atmospheric nuances that provided a richer sense of place. For example, even though they were in a non-descript conference room, I heard a faint background murmur of machinery that told me they were within walking distance of the manufacturing area.
Wired connection to your PC or console game controller
This headset also connects to the headphone jack on the bottom of most Playstation or Xbox controllers.
In order take advantage of the QuantumENGINE software — including the surround sound processing — you'll need to connect to your PC via the provided USB-A adapter cable. This cable is over four feet long, so it gives you some extra slack. And it feels nice and durable thanks to the woven-fabric covering.
That adapter attaches to another cable terminated by a 3.5mm miniplug. So you can also connect to the headphone jack at the bottom of your Xbox One or PS4 controller (and some third-party Nintendo Switch controllers) for two-channel sound. You should be able to make the same type of connection on the forthcoming Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 controllers, based on the specs released by those companies.
Secure, well-cushioned fit
Gamers often end up wearing headphones for even longer stretches than we serious music listeners. So JBL added a thick layer of soft memory-foam padding to the Quantum 300's earcups and headband. These headphones do fit snug, but that helps ensure that they stay properly in place while you move around.
One tip for all-day PC gamers: in the QuantumENGINE software suite, choose the EQ setting called "long session." It will smooth out some of the higher frequencies, and help tame harsh sounds that can be grating over time.
Convenient communication and control
Obviously, in the middle of an intense game you don't want stop and fiddle with your headset. To that point, there's a raised volume dial on the left earcup that's easy to find with your finger. Plus there's an attached directional microphone for clear-sounding chat with online teammates. You can flip the boom arm up to quickly mute the mic.
Product highlights:
- over-ear, closed-back design provides noise isolation
- 50mm drivers deliver clear sound with deep bass emphasis
- JBL's QuantumSOUND signature tuned for immersive gaming sound with hard-hitting effects
- attached voice-focused directional microphone
- raise boom arm to mute the mic
- volume control dial on left earcup
- lightweight design with snug, secure fit
- soft memory foam earcup and headband padding helps relieve pressure on your head and ears
JBL QuantumENGINE software suite and surround sound:
- downloadable PC software that lets you adjust settings and update firmware for the Quantum headset
- headset must be connected to computer via USB cable
- JBL QuantumSURROUND offers surround sound decoding up to 7.1 channels
- helps provide directional and spatial awareness cues
- customize the sound based on your head size and body height
- choose from existing audio profiles or manually dial-in EQ
Connections and cables:
- detachable 47" fabric-covered cable terminated with a 3.5mm miniplug
- can connect to PlayStation or Xbox controller
- two-channel stereo listening mode only
- 51" 3.5mm minijack to USB-A cable
- for connecting to PC for sound, firmware updates, and QuantumENGINE software
- also connects to PS4 and Nintendo Switch console for audio
General info and specs:
- frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
- impedance: 32 ohms
- sensitivity: 113 dB
- weight: 8.6 ounces
- warranty: 1 year
- MFR # JBLQUANTUM300BLKAM
What's in the box:
JBL Quantum 300 owner's manual
- Gaming headphones with attached 48" cable (angled 3.5mm plug)
- Foam windscreen for microphone (installed)
- 63" USB audio adapter cable (female 3.5mm jack on one end and male Type A USB on other end)
- Quick Start Guide
- Warranty Card
- Attention sheet
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More details on the JBL Quantum 300
Product Research
Features
Overview: The JBL Quantum 300 headset for gamers provides a realistic gaming experience with the JBL QuantumSOUND Signature. With the included USB Audio adapter, you can enjoy JBL's QuantumSURROUND with your PC, for an even more immersive experience. The headset features a directional microphone on an adjustable boom, and memory foam ear pads and headband for a comfortable fit during long gaming sessions. The Quantum 300's attached cable supports multiple platforms with an included USB adapter for your PC or Mac.
JBL QuantumENGINE: JBL's downloadable QuantumENGINE PC software takes your gaming experience to the next level. Using advanced algorithms and overhead audio, QuantumENGINE provides more realism and a spacious soundstage to put you in the center of the action. QuantumENGINE adds multi-channel surround sound, multi-zone RGB illumination, 3D audio virtualization, and additional audio controls. You can also personalize your JBL Quantum gaming headphones with customized audio features and special light effects and colors. QuantumENGINE software requirements: Windows 7 or higher, 500MB of free hard drive space for installation is required.
Note: Not all software features are available for all Quantum headphone models.
Earcup Design: The Quantum 300's over-ear headset features soft memory foam ear pads for comfort, durability, and even passive noise reduction. The large, integrated rotary volume control, located on the left earcup, gives you easy and fast sound level adjustment at your fingertips.
Drivers: Quantum 300's large 50mm dynamic drivers deliver JBL's QuantumSOUND Signature which for more realistic gaming. The headset is compatible with the native surround sound system built into Windows 10 PCs and Xbox ONE consoles.
Microphone: The boom microphone has a voice focusing directional pattern so your communications are crystal clear. It has a frequency response of 100-10kHz, and a sensitivity rating of -40 dBV/PA. The 4mm x 1.5mm microphone is on a 6" boom that can be rotated into position, or flipped up and out of the way when you're not using it. Raising the boom to the upright position automatically engages the microphone mute. A foam windscreen for the microphone is included to cut down on wind noise and plosive sounds.
Connections: The Quantum 300 comes with a 4', non-detachable, fabric-covered cable with an angled 3.5mm plug that supports Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile, Mac, and VR platforms. A 63" USB Audio Adapter features a USB Type A dongle for connecting to your PC or Mac, and enjoying the additional QuantumENGINE software features.
Specifications:
- Frequency Response (Headphones): 20Hz - 20kHz
- Frequency Response (Microphone): 100Hz - 10kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Sensitivity: 100 dB SPL @ 1 kHz / 1mW
- Maximum Input Power: 30mW
- Microphone Sensitivity: -40 dBV @ 1 kHz / PA
- Ear Cup Dimensions:
- Exterior: Width 3.494", Height 3.939", Depth 2.424"
- Interior: Width 1.822", Height 2.235", Depth 1.104"
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
The JBL Quantum 300 replaces these items
- closed-back headset with attached boom mic and game/chat balance dial
- 50mm drivers and JBL QuantumSURROUND and DTS headphones:X v2.0 sound processing
- connect to console or PC: includes one 3.5mm miniplug cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter
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Perfect for those with kids who, like so many these days, are learning virtually. Comfortable fit; plug and play right out of the box.
Anthony D. from SAN ANTONIO, TX