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You are here: Home / Archives for 7.1 virtual surround sound

Gaming: Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

04/18/2018 By Hakan Can

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

It’s now 2018, and every gaming hardware and accessories maker has begun to put forth their latest creations for the year. Gamdias is no different with the introduction of four new gaming headsets in as many months. We’re fans of the brand so when the opportunity to review the Hephaestus P1 gaming headset arose, we quickly accepted. How does the best of the four headphones hold up to our testing? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB review.

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Headset

Key Features

• 50mm drivers
• 7.1 virtual surround sound
• Remote control with a vibration feature

• Oversized, vented earcups
• RGB lighting
• $90 price point

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSP 350 Headset Review

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

Hephaestus P1 RGB Design

The gaming headset comes in an attractive combination of glossy black along with matte black and gray. When plugged in with the Hera software activated, the headset will produce one of six RGB colors. These colors are yellow, purple, orange, green, blue, and red.

On the left of the headset is the omnidirectional, flexible microphone with its swivel feature. Trailing down the tangle-free 1.8-meter braided cord, you’ll notice the remote controller. On the remote, there are volume controls, a mute microphone button, and the vibration on-off switch. The controller is well-built and rather rugged.

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Headset

The headband and oversized earcups of the Hephaestus P1 RGB gaming headset have ample memory foam padding underneath their synthetic leather surface material. Regarding the adjustable nature of the headset, it’s hard to determine how many notches/positions there are. You see, the headset adjusts too easily; too much for my liking. One can feel the bumps, but as they are not well pronounced, thus counting them becomes impossible. Upon measurement, there’s about 1″ of travel. You’ll find that as you take the headset off, you’ll lose the setting.

The “cooling structure” is most interesting. I found that it worked at keeping my ears cool after hours of continuous wear. My ears were never warm, hot, or sweaty. And when you place the headset on a surface such as a desk, you’ll notice that the vented design allows for the headset to balance itself. It’s neat seeing the headset rest flat on its front side. I like this design aspect.

I would say these ear cups aren’t noise-canceling, and they definitely don’t swivel or fold flat. The latter is just fine by me. The mic is noise-canceling.

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Headset

Read:   Gaming: Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO Amplifier Review

Hephaestus P1 RGB Specifications

• Ear coupling: Closed Acoustic
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Cable length: 1.8 M
• Driver diameter: 50 mm
• Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15%
• Sound Pressure Level: 119 dB ± 5 dB

• Vibration unit size: 30 mm
• Microphone frequency range: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
• Microphone pick-up pattern: Omindirectional
• Microphone sensitivity: -58 db ± 5 db
• Microphone impedance: 2.2 kΩ
• Dimensions: 232 x 100 x 216 mm

Read:   Gaming: HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard Review

First Impression

Although it’s a personal issue, I don’t like the microphone on the left side. I would have preferred it on the right. Voice quality is good when playing YouTube, and there’s a nice ambiance to it. However, the mic was not very good at voice isolating. It’s pretty easy to notice noises outside of the video game, a bit harder when actual gaming sound was playing but wasn’t too hard overall.

The feature I most wished it had was a pant/shirt clip because of the microphone control placement. I say this because if you stand when you game as I do, the controller keeps hitting the keyboard tray on my standing desk. If you sit, as the high majority of you do, the weight of the controller could become a distraction. I usually reach to my neck to change the volume or mute it, but this control was on my lap. It was tricky in the middle of a game to reduce the volume or mute it.

If you’re a prescription eyeglasses wearer like myself or someone who wears eye fatigue reducing glasses, you probably won’t enjoy the headset as much. The oversized earcups don’t appear to be designed with the glasses wearer in mind. As someone who falls into this category, I highly recommend you wear a pair of contacts.

Gaming Performance

While 7.1 virtual surround sound has its critics, it works very well on the Hephaestus P1 RGB headset. This feature and the optional vibration certainly add to the gaming experience.

We’ve sampled this headset with a handful of games, YouTube gaming videos, and even Unigine benchmarking programs. This closed acoustic headset’s audio quality is as good when compared to many within the $80-90 retail price tag.

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Headset

Rainbow Six: Siege

The mic is smooth, with no voice cracking. There’s good sound quality as it isolated distinct sounds such as gunshots. Case in point, I could hear a window break, so I was able to kill an in-game character. I also heard two other characters moving through a terminal, and was able to locate and kill them using sound. In another outing, I heard an enemy player get hit by a trap, then went around the corner and killed him. There’s pretty good sound location using these Hephaestus P1 RGB headphones.

Headphones were comfortable on the ear, little soreness around them. They were reasonably soft around the ears, but also firm, so it didn’t hurt after using them for an hour and a half. This headset with its steel headband is heavier than I would have preferred, but not too heavy.

Total War: ATTILA

The headset worked well for this game; the sound was very immersive. There were no discernible differences as the game is a strategy game.

Read:   Gaming: Gamdias HEBE M1 RGB Headset Review

Final Thoughts

Pros:
• Comfortable, long-lasting fit with no hot ears
• High-quality sound during gameplay
• Remote control for audio level and vibration
• Flexible, adjustable mic a big plus

Cons:
• Earcups could fit better on the lower part of the ears
• Not particularly comfortable when wearing glasses
• Remote control could use a tie/pant clip to affix to clothing
• Headset adjustment moves too easily; it should be firmer

Headset Scores:
• Appearance: 8.5/10 – Pretty, sleek, and good looking. While not a charmer, it’s pretty good looking.
• Use: 9/10 – Microphone was useful and smooth on video calls. When used on YouTube it was good, but nothing spectacular.

• Gaming: 9.5/10 – The simple effect of being able to notice people moving above or around me was incredible. Poor microphone control placement did affect gaming on occasion.
• Comfort: 7/10 – The steel headband weighed down the entire headset, and often dragged the headset off the table. The microphone control was poorly placed, which often became a distraction, and weighed on my lap during gameplay.

The Hephaestus P1 RGB delivers some high-end features for its price: flexible-and-swivel mic, vibration response, a robust controller, and 7.1 virtual surround sound. When tested with competitive shooters such as Rainbow Six: Siege or Counter Strike: Global Offensive, I noticed discrepancies such as footsteps or broken windows. Often, this would let me surprise and kill an opponent. During typical web use such as browsing YouTube or video chatting, the Hephaestus worked just fine.

This headset is in the high-end of Gamdias’s arsenal. If you want a gaming headset with fewer features, feel free to check out one of their other three recently headsets. This model gets the job done at a reasonable price.

If you’re comparing the Hephaestus P1 to headsets from other brands, look within the $80-120 price range. This headset is for use with whatever platforms accept a USB connection, but you’re sure to lose the RGB feature.

I do have to state that it’s a shame this headset doesn’t come with a carry bag.

Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review
Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB Review

Read:   Gaming: Gamdias HERMES P2 RGB Keyboard Review

The Hephaestus P1 RGB gaming headset is available for purchase on Amazon for approximately $60 (see link at the bottom of this page.)

What do you think of this Gamdias Hephaestus P1 RGB gaming headset review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Gamdias homepage to see their current line-up of products. The Hermes P2 RGB gaming keyboard comes with a 1-year + 2-months warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Gamdias provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Hephaestus P1 RGB gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2018

Read:   Gaming: Gamdias HERMES P1 RGB Keyboard Review

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: 7.1 virtual surround sound, Gamdias, gaming headphones, gaming headset, Hephaestus P1 RGB 05/21/2018

Gaming: Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 Headphones Review

12/26/2017 By Zach Can

Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review

Thermaltake through its Tt eSPORTS brand has rolled out some unique gaming products in 2017. One such example was that they’re one of the first companies to release a gaming mouse with a fingerprint scanner. Thermaltake’s practice is “Quality, Performance, and Reliability.” One of this year’s releases was the Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 gaming headset. (It genuinely upsets me that “Riing” is spelled this way.) To be confident enough to have a spelling deviation like this, the product better be good. Not too long ago we got our hands on the Cronos Riing RGB. Is this headset a worthy addition to your gaming rig? Let’s take a closer look in this Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review.

[envira-gallery id=”9950″]

Key Features of the Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1

  • Oversized and tilted 50 mm neodymium drivers
  • Eight lighting effects, 16.8 million colors
  • 7.1 virtual surround sound
  • Customizable software
  • In-line control
  • Fold-flat design
Read:   Gaming: Tt esports MEKA PRO Keyboard Review

Per the press release, “It comes packed with features and latest tech offering up an oversized 50 mm state-of-the-art tilting neodymium driver, true RGB engineered 16.8 million color illumination amongst 8 different lighting effects, and the latest 7.1 premium virtual surround sound technology to offer the most immersive 3D sound experience to ensure you hear all sounds with pinpoint accuracy for that all-important competitive edge.”

Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 Headphones Review

Design

The gaming headset comes in an all sleek black color. When you plug it in, the control dongle, the RGB aspect on each ear cup, and heck, even a line on the microphone lights up. This light on the microphone lights up red when it’s both un-muted and muted, which is a little confusing. I had expected the microphone light to turn white indicating it’s not muted, but no luck. The mic can be extended out of its little cubby hole, and then adjusted.

Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review

The ear cups pivot to a flat position allowing for effortless storage. They’re made from soft memory foam and fit snug over your ear. How the headset fits over your head is a bit of a problem. The Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headset uses an elastic/spring type of fitting, where the “headband” slowly adjusts to your head. While it’s awkward the first time you put it on, it gradually conforms to your head. It’s not a bad fit, just inconvenient at first.

The control dongle has a Tt eSPORTS logo, volume control, 7.1 surround, microphone mute, and specific volume modes, reminiscent of the Sennheiser Gaming audio amplifier. The headphones come with software that is easily installed.

[envira-gallery id=”9955″]
Read:   Gaming: Patriot Viper V361 & V370 Headsets Review

Specifications

• Drivers: 50 mm Neodymium magnet
• Cable Length: 2 Meters
• Max Input: 100 mW
• Headphone Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Sound Pressure Level: 99 ± 3 db

• Pick-up Pattern: Omindirectional
• Microphone Frequency Response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz
• Microphone Impedance: < 2.2 kΩ
• Microphone Sensitivity: -42 db ± 3 db
• Weight: 15.2 oz
• Dimensions: 8 x 3.8 x 9 inches

Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review

Read:   Sennheiser GSP 301 Gaming Headset Review

Performance

The first thing I noticed is the microphone volume is unusually low, even when maxed out using the software. And there’s an annoying buzz of static. It’s not noticeable when actual audio is going through them, but it’s audible without. Nonetheless, the audio comes out clean. The headset’s 7.1 virtual surround sound has more reverb than I would like, and those special audio effects don’t offer enough value. In fact, most of them lower the sound quality, while one sounds exactly like the regular audio. You can set the speed and mic volume, and master volume.

The lightning effects look cool, but you can’t even see the colors when you’re wearing them. It makes for great video when everyone around you can observe the colors lit up. Eight effects come with the headset’s software: Static, Pulse, Spectrum Running, Music Rhythm, Single Blink, Double Blink, Rapid Blink, and Rapid Pulse.

[envira-gallery id=”9937″]

During gameplay of Rainbox Six Siege, the headphones performed quite well. I managed to hear roamers in the game trying to outflank us. However, according to my teammates, the microphone was overly quiet. It might have to do with the fact that it’s a bit behind your head. Regardless, I had to turn up the volume output for my microphone.

Overall, this is where the headphones shined most, helping track people moving around me better than my usual earbuds. After 1-2 hours of gaming, it started hurting my ears from too much pressure. This soreness is not something we look forward to with headphones. If your ears are sore after gaming, it’s a really bad sign of how much pressure is being placed on them. Another item to note is the earcups get warm-to-hot as their ventilation isn’t up to par.

Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review

Read:   Gaming: Tt eSPORTS Black FP Mouse Review

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones come with 50 mm neodymium drivers, eight lighting effects, 16.8 million colors, 7.1 virtual surround sound, software, in-line control, and a fold-flat design.

The gaming headphones are good, but nothing sets them apart from the competition. They’re very similar to the Gamdias HEBE M1 RGB headphones in the way of software and RGB color.

For a list price of $89, this headset leans toward the higher-end of the gaming accessories spectrum. If this one doesn’t fit your needs, there are 17 Tt eSPORTS gaming headset models and color patterns currently available. We’re sure there’s at least one worth your time and consideration.

All-in-all, this gaming headset (and software) earned a 3.5 out of 5-star rating. There are plenty of gaming headsets available with a variety of features, so compare away until you find the right one for you.

Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review

The Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 gaming headset is available for purchase on Amazon for $77 (see link below) and the Tt eSPORTS website.

What do you think of this Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Tt esports on Twitter
• Follow Tt esports on Facebook
• Follow Tt esports on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Tt eSPORTS homepage to see their current line-up of products. Soon we’ll all see what’s coming out in 2018. The Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 gaming headset comes with a 2-year warranty. Should you need to reach Customer Support, click on this link.

Gamer Jack Yang wrote a portion of this review. All photographs are the copyrighted property of Thermaltake or Beantown LLC © 2017.

FTC Disclosure: Tt eSPORTS provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 gaming headset sample for review purposes. These writers opinions are 100% their own, and neither are paid product ambassadors.

Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 headphones review

Read:   HyperX Cloud Revolver S Headset Preview

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware, Headphones Tagged With: 7.1 virtual surround sound, Cronos Riing, gaming headset, Thermaltake, tT eSports 12/26/2017

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