It seems a perennial truth that no matter how many gaming headsets we have, a new year always brings new platform-specific renditions of familiar models and form factors. In that light, the JBL Quantum 100P tells you a lot with just its name—it’s a P-for-PlayStation themed model of one the most basic gaming headsets JBL sells in a now crowded Quantum line. Simple isn’t always a bad thing—in fact, it’s often preferable.
Let’s see if the Quantum 100P has what it takes to become a new budget classic.
Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
About this JBL Quantum 100P review: We tested the JBL Quantum 100P over a period of 5 days. The company provided the unit for this review.
The JBL Quantum 100P targets PlayStation gamers, but really it’s an attractive gaming headset for anyone who wants to save some money. The headset works equally well across any device with a headphone jack, whether that’s Sony’s console, Microsoft’s, a smartphone, or a computer.
What’s it like to use the JBL Quantum 100P?
It may be PlayStation colored, but this headset works everywhere.
The JBL Quantum 100P is about as basic as it gets. It’s an all-plastic over-ear gaming headset, sporting a PlayStation 5-esque white and blue look. There’s no extra buttons, LED lights, or frills of any kind. It’s just a pair of headphones with a boom mic attached.
While the plastic doesn’t feel terribly durable, the Quantum 100P is very comfortable to wear. It’s lightweight, no doubt owing in part to the lack of internal components, like a battery. The ear cups are wide, and deep enough to allow for big ears, which means getting a seal around your ears is easy. The headset’s hinges have a decent capacity to tilt and can rotate to lay flat, which means you shouldn’t have much trouble finding a comfortable fit, regardless of your head shape.
This is a very lightweight headset, so it’s great for long sessions.
Actually using this gaming headset is extremely simple. There’s no software or device drivers to install. The Quantum 100P comes with a detachable 3.5mm boom microphone, and features a volume dial and mic mute switch on the bottom edge of the left headphone. That’s pretty much all there is to it.
How do you connect the JBL Quantum 100P?
If it’s got a headphone jack, you can play.
This is a wired gaming headset, and the only way to connect it is by plugging it into a 3.5mm TRS headphone jack. There’s no USB dongles or Bluetooth functionality to speak of. That means the JBL Quantum 100P works on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PC, mobile devices, and more. Simple as can be.
No. The JBL Quantum 100P and JBL Quantum 100X are functionally identically headsets. They both connect via 3.5mm jack. The only difference is the color.
How well does the JBL Quantum 100P attenuate noise?
Fairly standard for a closed back headset.
The JBL Quantum 100P features good passive isolation performance, but nothing too remarkable. Attenuation like this will be more than adequate for handling most of the environmental sounds you might hear while gaming at home—roommates talking, someone washing dishes in the kitchen, a car horn out the window—but not much past that. There’s no active noise cancelling, so low-end attenuation is pretty much nil.
How does the JBL Quantum 100P sound?
Definitely a quirky looking frequency response.
The JBL Quantum 100P has an odd looking frequency response for a headphone, but one that’s typical of many gaming headsets. Particularly odd is the big bump in the 70-400Hz bass range. Sound like this could be pretty disruptive depending on the kind of music that you listen to—anything that relies primarily on the low and mid range sound could come through sounding disproportionately loud. Needless to say, it lands pretty wide of our in-house target curve for headphones.
Listening to a rock song like Dracula’s Daughter by Beach Day, the reverb on the distorted rhythm guitar steamrolls the rest of the track. The bass guitar comes through pretty clearly, but drums and vocals sound notably less present. The guitar is supposed to be very prominent, but on this headset it seems to dominate the rest of the instrumentation in a bad way.
This kind of sound profile works fine for playing most games, though. The over-tuned bass makes the rumbles and big reverberant aspects of environmental sounds feel a little too present in a single player game like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on PlayStation 5, but multiplayer games don’t have the same issues most of time. When there’s no backing track or atmosphere environmental sounds, it’s a lot less distracting, so the silence punctuated by gunfire and explosions in games like Apex Legends and Valorant doesn’t sound terribly out of whack.
How good is the JBL Quantum’s microphone?
The bass measures higher than you normally see with headset microphones, and it sounds quite muffled.
The JBL Quantum 100P sounds loud, and it suffers a little from a tendency to blow out the bass in lower voices. You can mitigate this a little by positioning the mic a bit farther from your mouth—it’s on a flexible wire, so finding the right spot is easy. Voice and video calling apps like Google Meet or Discord will also do a lot to pick up the slack, so others may not even notice an issue in the first place.
If you don’t like the color, you can always get the Xbox version.
If you’re on the hunt for a budget gaming headset you don’t have to think too hard about, the JBL Quantum 100P is definitely worth considering. It’s not a spectacular piece of hardware—the sound is pretty wonky, after all—but it’s also under $40 USD. What you get for that money is a lightweight, easy to use, no-nonsense device. The microphone is okay, the design is comfortable, and it works everywhere. That’s a pretty compelling proposition.
We haven’t tested the Quantum 100X, but by every indication it is basically an identical gaming headset to the JBL Quantum 100P. Basically, if you want a gaming headset that’s white with blue accents, get the 100P. If you want something that’s black with green accents, the 100X could be for you.
What should you get instead of the JBL Quantum 100P?
If it’s got a 3.5mm headphone jack, it works with the Quantum 50.
If you’re on the hunt for bargain gaming audio products, there are tons of great options to choose from. JBL’s own Quantum 50 is a common recommendation we often make for anyone open for a pair of earbuds instead of over-ear headphones. It’s doubly worth bringing up here, given how much better it sounds than the Quantum 100P. It’s cheaper too ($24.99 at Amazon).
However, for more substantial offerings, you may need to spend a little more. For $50.41 at Amazon, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 brings comfortable suspension style headband, and ear pads covered in soft mesh fabric—perfect for long gaming sessions. The headset also sounds a little more reasonable.
Frequently asked questions about the JBL Quantum 100P
It may be tuned slightly differently, but otherwise there doesn’t seem to be much difference—at least, not apart from the respective products’ ages. You can at least Quantum 100 in other color options.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
