Holy crap. Best headset I've ever had.
History: I'm strictly a PC gamer. Been on the hunt for a new headset after my old Logitech Artemis Spectrum G933 started shorting out. After a lot of research I tried the SteelSeries Arctis 7 (2019 edition), SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC, and the new Logitech G Pro X.
The SteelSeries Arctis 7 had bad sound quality - I couldn't get any decent sound from it even with EQ. Unimpressed.
The Arctis Pro was much better, but the GameDAC is crap - anything other than Flat EQ setting caused popping noises after audio stopped, and the surround feature sounds horrible. The headset seems to go into an inactive mode after 10 seconds of no audio, causing a digital popping sound if the EQ isn't set to flat. Also, to get decent sound out of them I had to run Equalizer APO + Peace to get even remotely close to good sound. The GameDAC EQ settings are decent, but again, if you use them you get a wonderful popping sound any time audio ends after 10 seconds.
The Logitech G Pro X wasn't bad, but it was hollow and lacked the immersion I like for gaming and music. The mic on that thing is great though. The G Pro X would be my choice for a cheaper headset.
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Enter the HyperX Cloud Orbit S. This headset sounds phenomenal out of the box, no EQ required. That said, it does come with plenty of EQ presents which I'm playing around with, however I find the "Default" EQ the best sounding for everything from games to music. This also happens to be the EQ it comes set on out of the box. The other EQ options are very well done, with no distortion. The "Warm" setting is a great bass boost for those who like a bit more power to the bass end.
The "S" version includes head tracking technology which will virtually simulate a real "room" in which you are listening to audio, changing the sound when you move your head. It's extremely accurate and does exactly what it says it will do. While cool, I don't find a real use for it, as I prefer my audio to be based on my character's actual location in games, not my own head. For music, if you want to pretend you're in a concert hall, it's awesome. The non-S version lacks this feature and is a little cheaper.
The 3D audio feature is unparalleled. I have never used the virtual surround feature in any past headset, since it tends to just degrade the sound quality and sound awful. This is the first headset where I actually ENJOY the 3D setting in games AND music. It opens up a wonderful soundstage that sounds like you're sitting in the audience of a live concert. I've spent several hours switching 3D audio on and off listening to music and in games. It will come down to personal preference, but I'm thoroughly impressed. Even without the gimmicky head-tracking tech, the 3D audio is nothing less than astounding.
Comfort, not a problem. Reviews say the Arctis series is more comfortable with the ski-goggle strap style, which I actually really did like. This headset is perfectly comfortable though, and I forget I have it on. The memory foam headband and ear cups don't get too hot. Some reviewers complain about the weight. I do not find this headset overly heavy at all, especially after taking a little time to adjust it to sit properly on my head. It has more than enough extension to accommodate larger heads.
The microphone is good. Some people mention that it is too quiet, however with proper positioning it is very clear and loud. You just have to make sure it's pointed the right way.
The cons I can come up with:
- Cannot control mic sidetone. Audeze states if the mic gain is set to less than 44% in the software, the sidetone is disabled, and this is true. I've never been a fan of microphone sidetone anyway, so I wish we could turn this off completely and still set microphone gain to 100%.
- There is an EVER so slight "white noise" when no audio is playing. It's less of a sound or hiss than a "feeling." I can tell if the headset is on and nothing is playing - it's not an empty void of sound. This is hardly a con though. As soon as any audio is playing this is completely masked an unnoticeable. This sound floor is to be expected with any active amp headset, as I understand.
- It's not wireless. Maybe in the future they will come out with a wireless version, however I do believe the pros of a wired connection (latency/sound quality/battery issues) outweighs wireless since I just sit at my PC desk anyway.
- The "voice" prompts when switching EQ settings. This headset comes with preset EQ options, and when switching between them it feels the need to vocally announce which EQ setting you are choosing. This makes it somewhat difficult to compare the EQ presets, since you have to wait for a voice to announce this setting between options. I much prefer an instant switch where I can really tell how the sound is changing. This could easily be fixed in a future software/firmware update.
- EQ. There is no option for a custom EQ, and the preset settings don't show what the EQ is actually doing. Again, easily fixed in a future software version I hope.
Everything considered, this blows every Logitech and SteelSeries headset I've tried out of the water. I'm extremely satisfied and recommend this headset to anyone who can afford it. It's worth the extra $$$.
| Brand | HyperX |
|---|---|
| Series | Cloud Orbit S |
| Item model number | HX-HSCOS-GM/WW |
| Hardware Platform | PC, Mac |
| Item Weight | 13 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 8.9 x 8.9 x 3.9 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.9 x 8.9 x 3.9 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 1 Volts |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Manufacturer | HP Inc. |
| ASIN | B07WD66FL5 |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Date First Available | September 3, 2019 |
