Open-back audio · WoW, FFXIV, and OSRS
The PC38X puts an open-back headset and flip-to-mute boom mic on your head. HD 560S plus AM8 separates the headphones and desk microphone. The choice is a smaller desk footprint versus more freedom to position the mic.
Choose the PC38X for one wearable open-back headset with an integrated flip-to-mute microphone and less desk clutter. Choose HD 560S plus Fifine AM8 if you want the mic separate from the headphones. The HD 560S is 280 g, not 240 g; neither open-back setup isolates room sound.
The PC38X integrates headphones and a microphone. HD 560S plus AM8 puts the headset and voice mic on separate cables and controls.
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Best for: An integrated flip-to-mute microphone keeps the voice control attached to the headset.
Tradeoff: The microphone and volume control stay on the ear cup; the headset does not separate into headphones and a desk mic.
TechRadar lists the PC38X at 253 g; EPOS lists 28-ohm impedance and an open acoustic design.
Check current listing on Amazon
Best for: A 120-ohm open-back headphone plus a dynamic cardioid mic with USB-C and XLR connections.
Tradeoff: The microphone uses desk space; the open headphones do not isolate room sound or stop audio leaking out.
Sennheiser lists the HD 560S at 280 g. FIFINE includes a stand, gain control, mute button, and headphone monitoring.
Check current listing on Amazon
Best for: A low-profile arm can put the AM8 closer to your mouth without using its desktop stand.
Tradeoff: This is the arm only. The product photo shows a microphone that is not included.
Elgato lists 740 mm reach and up to 2 kg supported load.
Check current listing on AmazonThe headset choice changes mic position, desk footprint, and head-worn weight. Both headphone designs are open-back.
| Spec | PC38X | HD 560S + AM8 | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head-worn weight | 253 g, according to TechRadar | 280 g headphones; mic stays on desk | PC38X by listed weight |
| Acoustic design | Open-back | Open-back | Tie; neither isolates room noise |
| Microphone | Integrated boom with flip-to-mute | Separate dynamic cardioid USB-C/XLR mic | PC38X for fewer pieces; AM8 for separate placement |
| Impedance | 28 ohms | 120 ohms for the HD 560S | PC38X needs less drive voltage |
| Desk footprint | No separate mic stand | Mic stand required; arm optional | PC38X |
| Mic controls | Flip boom to mute | Tap-to-mute and gain control on AM8 | Depends on where you want controls |
Drop + EPOS PC38X combines open-back headphone cups with an attached boom and flip-to-mute action. The headset includes PC splitter and console cable options for different connections. EPOS lists 28-ohm impedance, and TechRadar measured its weight at 253 g.
That setup suits a small desk or a player who wants voice chat without a separate stand. The tradeoff is that the mic and its controls stay attached to the headset, so you cannot move the microphone away from the ear cups.
Sennheiser lists the HD 560S at 280 g and 120 ohms. It is open-back and has no microphone. FIFINE’s AM8 is a dynamic cardioid USB-C/XLR mic with an included desktop stand, gain control, mute, and headphone monitoring. Keep the mic close enough for clear voice and adjust its gain; the pickup pattern does not guarantee that keyboard sounds disappear.
Podcastage’s review discusses the supplied mount and positioning. Elgato’s Wave Mic Arm LP is optional if the AM8’s desktop stand blocks mouse space; its listed reach is 740 mm and it supports up to 2 kg. The arm image shows a mic mounted for illustration, but the arm listing does not include one.
Both headphones have open-back cups: room sound gets in, and audio can leak to nearby people or microphones. They are a poor fit when you need isolation from a fan, roommate, or conversation.
RTINGS and SoundGuys provide independent HD 560S audio measurements; RTINGS also reviews PC38X. Use them for comparison, not as a guarantee of fit in your room.
PC38X keeps the boom with the headset. HD 560S and AM8 let you reposition the mic, but require a stand or arm. Choose the integrated boom for fewer desk pieces; choose the separate mic if its placement matters more.
See the open-back vs wireless headset guide, the WoW hub, and the FFXIV hub.
Choose it when you want one wearable headset with an integrated voice mic and mute action, and you do not want a microphone stand next to the keyboard.
Choose the separates when you want the microphone on the desk or arm and the headphones to remain microphone-free between calls.
Both designs leak sound and let outside noise in. Closed-back or isolated headphones may suit a shared room better, even if the source pair is more breathable by design.
Choose the Wave Mic Arm LP only if the included AM8 stand occupies useful desk space or you want to move the mic between calls and play. The microphone is a separate purchase.
Open-back headphones do not cancel room noise or keep game audio private. Dynamic mics do not erase key clicks; placement, gain, and angle still matter. PC38X keeps the mic attached, while AM8 adds a desk or arm footprint.
The HD 560S weighs 280 g, and the PC38X microphone is not described here as broadcast-grade or noise-canceling. For a wireless alternative, compare SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 vs HyperX Cloud III Wireless. The OSRS hub and guides index cover the rest of the MMO desk.
The PC38X combines headphones and a flip-to-mute boom mic in one wearable unit, so it uses fewer separate desk pieces. HD 560S needs an external microphone; the AM8 supplies one, with USB-C or XLR connection and an included desktop stand.
No. Sennheiser’s current specification lists the HD 560S at 280 g. The PC38X is listed at 253 g by TechRadar, so the HD 560S is not the lighter headset in this comparison. Cable and fit can change how either one feels.
No. The HD 560S is a wired open-back headphone. Pair it with a separate microphone such as the Fifine AM8 if you need voice chat. The separate setup gives you more placement choices but adds a cable, desk stand, and another control to manage.
Check the AM8 microphone listingNo microphone can be described as completely blocking keyboard noise. AM8 is a dynamic cardioid USB/XLR microphone, and pickup depends on its position, gain, room, and keyboard. Podcastage’s review discusses its mount and placement; the desktop stand does not remove the need to position it near your voice.
No. The AM8 includes a desktop stand, so the arm is optional. Elgato lists the Wave Mic Arm LP with 740 mm reach and support for microphones up to 2 kg. The Amazon image shows a microphone on the arm for illustration; the arm listing is for the arm only.