What do does Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini have to do with wireless gaming headsets? To be completely honest, that wasn’t a question I had ever thought of until I came across Master & Dynamic.
Founded in 2014, New York company Master & Dynamic specializes in premium on, over and in-ear headphones. The brand is well known for their high-profile collaborations with brands such as Mercedes Benz, Automobili Lamborghini, BAPE, and even camera brand LEICA. In addition to these collaborations, NBA superstar Kevin Durant is a part owner of the company through his business venture firm, 35 Ventures.
Design
Master and Dynamic knew to make a premium pair of headphones it’s about two things: design and performance. They knocked it out of the park with design.
These gaming headphones were designed with detail in mind. The MG20s feature soft, texturized, lambskin leather ear pads that feel comfortable even during extended usage. On the external side of headphones are textured, magnesium ear cups. The material choice of magnesium offers strength and durability at a lightweight for comfort. The headpiece feels firm yet comfortable. It is also fluidly adjustable, meaning it fits perfectly for all different head sizes. For consumer products of many varieties, if brands can balance strength and durability while making a comfortable product, they did something right.
The MG20s feature intuitive controls and functions that are familiar and easy to learn. On both sides of the each ear cup are a combination of physical button and dials. The left side features a mic level indicator dial, a 7.1 surround sound button, bluetooth/power button, USB-C port, and 3.5mm Aux port. The right side features a similar array but this time with an adjustable volume dial and multi-function button. The multi-function button allows users to pause, skip, go back and even command a virtual assistant. For fellow Apple fans out there, the controls of the MG20 multi-function button are actually identical to the commands of AirPods Pro.
The MG20 also comes with a bunch of accessories (see below). All of the accessories feel well built and durable. The MG20 comes with a: braided two-way 35mm splitter, braided USB-C to USB-A charging cable, braided USB-C to 3.5mm Aux cable, wireless adapter, and a detachable boom mic (with wind cover). A protective travel case is also included with the MG20 and it exceeded expectations I didn’t know I had for a headphone case. It features a soft material with a magnetic snap close on the top of the case as well as a zippered pocket on the front. There’s even a little interior pocket to stow away your boom microphone when you’re playing single player games such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
The minimalist MG20s come in a variety of color ways: Moss Green (pictured below), Sand Dune, Black Onyx, and Galactic White. The MG20 also features special co-branded color ways with brands such as Lamborghini, Bugatti, Mercedes AMG and even Parisian football club, PSG.
Performance
Premium feeling headphones are only as good as their premium sound. Thankfully, Master and Dynamic got that right with the MG20. The MG20’s 50mm Beryllium coated drivers pack a sonic punch. While the headset does not feature active noise cancellation, there is some level of noise isolation due to the over-ear design. I tested the MG20s playing NBA 2K23 on my Xbox. The sound quality was great and I could hear every detail in audio from the rich voice of Kevin Harlan’s play by play call to the PA sound effects heard on the court.
While the audio sounds great, there are some functionality woes to be aware of. From my testing, the included wireless low-latency adapter did not connect to my Xbox Series X. Of course, the website does specifically mention Playstation and PC when referencing the adapter. Regardless, wireless connection for Xbox would have been nice. Thankfully, the included USB C to 3.5mm worked great when I plugged it into my controller.
The battery life on these headphones is some of the best I’ve tested. As I made my way across worlds in Jedi: Survivor and as I replayed a classic matchup between the Duncan era Spurs and the Nowitzki era Mavericks on NBA 2K23, the battery held up great. However I did notice, that when paired to my iPhone via bluetooth that the battery drains quicker. Nothing new for bluetooth headphone users but just a heads up.
Lastly, the microphone quality is good and most likely will be better than most of your friends in the Xbox party. While I would have liked to have seen an even clear, even crisper sound from the detachable boom mic, it does more than enough for online gaming needs. The design of these headphones is so clean and simple and paired with a quality microphone, I would consider wearing them for online video calls. Typically, gaming headsets would not be my first choice but I would opt for the MG20s over my Apple AirPods Pro in some video call situations.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pair of gaming headphones that provide serious comfort and high-quality audio, the MG20 gaming headset is a strong choice for you. However, while I can rave about the quality of the product it is not cheap. Coming in at $449, you have to be a serious gamer or someone looking for a high quality pair of gaming headphones that can serve as multi-use headphones.
Overall, the MG20s are a great pair of headphones that will get the job done in the game and even at the office but with so many other high quality options for significantly less (like this pair Gearadical reviewed last year), it’s not for everyone. I give Master & Dynamic props though, they made a unique product with unique offerings that blend industry lines.
Note: Our reviews are always 100% independent but Gearadical receives a small affiliate amount if you purchase the product on Amazon.
