MARC’S GAMING AUDIO SHORTLIST
A smaller setup. A simple wired connection. Soundbrenner Wave Pro 2 brings the in-ear format I’d build my gaming audio around.
Includes the full kit breakdown, fit advice, and seven audio options compared.
THE TOP THREE
In-ear monitors
My first choice for a compact in-ear setup: four drivers, a replaceable cable, and nine pairs of tips to work with.
Wired headset
A wired, over-ear headset with an included detachable boom microphone.
Comparison notes
Wireless headset
An over-ear wireless headset with a USB-C dongle and retractable microphone.
Comparison notesTHE ONE I’D BUILD AROUND
The appeal is in how the whole package fits the desk.
The strongest reason to choose Wave Pro 2 is the combination: a low-profile in-ear design, a replaceable cable, and enough fit options to make the setup your own.
A gaming desk already has enough on it. Wave Pro 2 takes a full-size headband and earcups out of the equation, leaving a compact pair of monitors that can go back into their case when you’re finished.
It also makes sense alongside a microphone you already like. Keep that mic selected for voice chat, use Wave Pro 2 for listening, and choose each part of the setup on its own merits.
Each earpiece combines two dynamic drivers with two planar drivers. That hybrid layout is part of the appeal, alongside the tuning and the way the monitors fit your ears.
Start with a comfortable seal and your game’s normal headphone settings. Familiarity with the sound is more useful than changing several EQ or spatial-audio modes at once.
The detachable cable gives you a replacement route, the case keeps the kit together, and the three tip styles let you work on fit before buying extra accessories. These are the details that make Wave Pro 2 a considered package.
The standard 3.5 mm cable handles listening. For chat, use your existing microphone or check the optional compatible mic cable. USB-C audio is an optional accessory too.
For a compact gaming setup built around wired audio, Wave Pro 2 is my first pick. Start with the included kit, then add only the connection or microphone accessories your devices need.
THE EVERYDAY APPEAL
No headset stand or full-size earcups. Keep the desk clear, pack the monitors in their case, and take the same listening setup to your laptop.
Connect to a suitable headphone output and you’re ready to listen. The standard wired earphones need no pairing and no charging.
Try three tip styles in small, medium, and large sizes. A comfortable, consistent seal is the starting point for getting the most from in-ear audio.
THE COMPLETE PICTURE
The earphones, the fit options, and a place to keep everything. Here’s what comes in the standard kit.
IN THE STANDARD BOX
Two dynamic and two planar drivers in each earpiece.
Over-ear routing, a 3.5 mm plug, and a 6.35 mm adapter.
Liquid Pro, foam, and double flange. Each in S, M, and L.
A home for the monitors and cable between sessions.
The microphone cable and USB-C audio connector are optional extras. If you already have a suitable headphone output and a mic, start with those.
THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES
Three styles are included for a reason. Try a few combinations and choose a comfortable seal on each side.
A firmer core with a soft outer dome. Start with a comfortable size and check that the seal stays consistent as you move. Your left and right ears may need different sizes.
Compress before inserting, then let the foam expand in place, following the manual. Give it a moment to settle. If it feels uncomfortable or keeps loosening, try a different size.
A two-flange shape gives you another way to find a stable seal. Try it alongside the other styles; the best fit is the one that stays comfortable without forcing the earpiece in.
Play something familiar at a comfortable level. Both sides should sound balanced. If bass disappears or changes when you move, reseat the tips or try another size before reaching for EQ.
FROM BOX TO DESK
Connect through 3.5 mm. Add a compatible adapter or microphone only if your setup needs one.
PC / MAC
Plug into a suitable headphone output and select it in your audio settings. Keep your existing USB or desk mic selected for voice chat.
PLAYSTATION / XBOX
Use a compatible controller’s 3.5 mm socket for listening. Chat needs a supported microphone or the optional mic cable; check console compatibility.
HANDHELD / MOBILE
Use the headphone jack, or a compatible USB-C audio adapter if needed. The USB-C connector is optional—confirm support for your device.
VOICE CHAT
The standard cable has no microphone. Use your existing supported mic or add the compatible mic cable; check that any adapter also passes mic input.
THE DETAILS, SIDE BY SIDE
Scroll sideways to compare connections and microphones.
| Product | Connection | Voice chat | Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01Soundbrenner Wave Pro 2In-ear monitors | Wired · 3.5 mm | Separate mic / optional mic cable | No charging |
| 02HyperX Cloud IIIWired headset | 3.5 mm · USB-C · USB-A | Detachable boom mic | No charging |
| 03SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 WirelessWireless headset | 2.4 GHz · Bluetooth | Retractable boom mic | Up to 60 hours* |
| —Razer BlackShark V2 XWired headset | Wired · 3.5 mm | Built-in boom mic | No charging |
| —Sennheiser IE 200In-ear monitors | Wired · 3.5 mm | Separate mic / optional mic cable | No charging |
| —beyerdynamic DT 990 PROOpen-back headphones | Wired · 3.5 mm / 6.35 mm | Separate microphone | No charging |
| —Audeze Maxwell 2Wireless headset | Dongle · Bluetooth · USB · 3.5 mm | Detachable boom mic | Over 80 hours* |
Battery figures are manufacturer claims, not measurements from this guide. Audeze’s stated figure uses its specified test conditions. Check exact model and platform compatibility before purchasing accessories.
COMPARISON NOTES
#2 / The wired headset format
Cloud III includes a detachable boom mic, 53 mm dynamic drivers, and 3.5 mm / USB connection options. It uses an over-ear fit rather than Wave Pro 2’s in-ear design. This is the wired model; Cloud III Wireless is a separate product.
#3 / The wireless headset format
Nova 5 uses a 2.4 GHz dongle for gaming and Bluetooth as a second connection. Quick-Switch changes between them; it does not mix both sources simultaneously. The Xbox-compatible version is Nova 5X. It needs charging; the listed runtime is a manufacturer claim.
Analog headset context
This is the analog BlackShark V2 X, with a 3.5 mm connection, 50 mm drivers and a built-in boom microphone. Unlike Wave Pro 2, it combines an over-ear listening format with a headset microphone. USB and Pro versions are different products.
Another in-ear design
IE 200 uses a 7 mm dynamic driver and a detachable MMCX cable. Its standard package has no microphone. Its single-driver design and included tip options differ from the Wave Pro 2 package.
Open-back context
The pictured DT 990 PRO is the 250-ohm version. Its open-back construction lets sound pass in and out, unlike the sealed in-ear fit Wave Pro 2 aims to provide. There is no built-in microphone; headphone-output and amplification needs also deserve attention.
Planar wireless context
Maxwell 2 uses 90 mm planar drivers and includes a detachable boom microphone, wireless and wired connections. Audeze lists it at 560 g. It is a full-size headset, with separate console variants; this comparison does not cover Maxwell 2 ANC.
For a compact wired setup alongside a desk mic, Wave Pro 2 is my first pick.
BEFORE YOU ORDER
The practical details that help you choose the right kit and get set up.
No. Use a supported desk or USB microphone for chat, or check Soundbrenner’s optional compatible mic cable. The standard cable is for listening.
A suitable 3.5 mm headphone output is the starting point. For USB-C-only devices, you’ll need a compatible audio adapter. Soundbrenner’s USB-C audio connector is an optional accessory.
Check your controller’s 3.5 mm socket and audio settings. For voice chat, confirm that your microphone route is supported by the console. A USB-C port or adapter alone does not guarantee compatibility.
Start with a comfortable size, then compare the Liquid Pro, foam, and double-flange options. You may need a different size in each ear. Follow the manual for fitting foam tips and avoid forcing an uncomfortable fit.
A loose seal can affect bass and balance. If the sound changes when you move, check the tips and cable tension before changing EQ. The goal is a comfortable seal that stays consistent.
Yes. Choose a cable specified as compatible with Wave Pro 2 and follow the connection markings. A standard replacement audio cable does not automatically add microphone support.
The standard wired earphones do not need charging. You can listen to games, music, and videos through a suitable audio output; your source device still needs power as usual.
The Shop Wave Pro 2 links take you to Soundbrenner’s current product page. Check the price, included accessories, shipping, and return terms for your location before ordering.
THE PICK I’D START WITH
Wave Pro 2 brings together the compact format, wired simplicity, and fit options that put it first on my list.
Shop Soundbrenner Wave Pro 2See current pricing and bundle options at Soundbrenner.ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Specifications and package details are from the manufacturers. Battery figures are their claims, not measurements from this guide. The ranking reflects the compact wired setup described above.
Check current pricing, compatibility, accessories, and order terms on the product pages before buying.