In The 10,000’s ongoing Know Your Sound Tool series, we dive deeper into the technical design and engineering behind our audio products. To learn more about the MG20 Wireless Gaming Headphones, we spoke with our product development team about the specific features and design aspects of the gaming headset. We discussed the comfort, minimal design, low-latency audio connection, detachable boom microphone and the finely tuned soundstage unique to the MG20.
What design details and tech specifications were incorporated into the MG20 that are new to the Master & Dynamic product line?
Gaming headphones are generally very similar to standard headphones except for the following critical differences: A low-latency audio connection for seamless gameplay, a boom microphone for unrelenting noise rejection during chat, and a finely tuned soundstage with optional 7.1 for optimal game reaction time. We consider comfort, sound quality, convenience, and connectivity for all of our products but adding the game-specific tech was a fun and unique challenge.
Physical, on-board controls are a consistent part of the company’s DNA. For the MG20, the challenge was to integrate a full range of controls in a functional and seamless way. Where we could have opted for touch sensor controls, we used aluminum scroll wheels and buttons to provide tactile feedback and instant response every time.
Why were specific materials like Alcantara® and magnesium chosen, and what are some of the key benefits?
Alcantara® is an Italian-made vegan suede leather alternative that is often found in luxury sports cars due to it being highly durable and having a great hand-feel. We selected Alcantara® over our typical leather as we found it provided improved on-head grip while gaming, where exaggerated head movements are more common than while listening to music.
Magnesium was another unique material choice that we are excited about. We opted for magnesium over our traditional aluminum for its beneficial “Specific Strength” and “Acoustic Damping” properties. With all of the added tech in the MG20, magnesium was one of the creative ways we found to reduce weight while enhancing acoustics.
What inspired the minimalist design of the MG20? Did the Product Team draw inspiration from any unusual sources or materials?
The MG20 is defined by what we did include as much as what we did not. For this design, we took the idea of a “sound tool” literally. The MG20 is inspired by professional equipment like helicopter pilots’ headsets and military gear, objects that are highly functional and only include what’s necessary.
One of our goals was to design a gaming headphone that one could wear anywhere - not just while gaming. The minimalist design and removable boom mic make the MG20 a perfect headphone not only for gamers, but for anyone who is looking for a sophisticated sound tool with great microphone performance.
