**Corsair HS1 Review**
Throughout the week I have been testing the all new Corsair HS1 Gaming headset, putting it through the tests a normal gaming user would consider the base line for a headset.
Features
• Massive 50mm drivers for high-quality audio reproduction
• Frequency response tuned to deliver serious gaming punch without sacrificing audio quality for music and movies
• Circumaural, closed-back earcups for superior noise isolation
• Replaceable memory foam earpads with fabric covers for a firm fit without binding or pinching
First impression:
After unboxing the headphones, I inspected the build quality. Corsair have really put some thought into the durability of the headset. They are strong, and don't feel cheap or tacky. The memory foam headband and soft material ear-cups which engulfs your ears bring maximum comfortability. I could easily wear the headphones for a whole day with having no bother from strains or stress of weight. The braided cable is a big plus to me, it brings an overall better build to the headset along with no tangles. The rotating microphone contributes the awesome build quality, bringing a very sturdy feel. This means when you take the headset off and put it round your neck, its not pushing together - instead they sit quite naturally. Along the 3 metre braided cable you will find a sound up/down and microphone mute component. The one small issue I have with this is the constant flashing blue leds - but this isn't a big problem as I can hide it away, and does not effect the overall performance of the headset.
Very impressed with the build, honestly can't find a fault with it!
Sound Quality:
I started my sound test by listening to some music. Seems Corsair are jumping into the headset market bringing not just build quality but sound quality! The sound quality is very clear, and over all experience was pleasant. I did not get the "Live Music" feeling listening to studio quality mp3s. The HS1's come with extra installable drivers, which bring along the EQ which I turned onto the Bass setting, This for sure improved the music which needed the deeper bass impact. Despite not using the power of my soundcard, the USB headset performs very well.
Microphone Quality:
I have tested the microphone on several applications including MSN Messenger / Skype / Teamspeak 3 / Ventrillio / Mumble and all have crystal clear quality, picking up the speech on voice activation properly. Is a big plus when your having team games and need constant communication!
Gaming Test:
So I hopped onto playing some FPS with the Corsair HS1 headset. I am very picky about my headphones, I hate missing important sounds in games - so from the first sound test I had high hopes for the HS1. In the games I tested which consisted of the new MOH, Call of Duty 4, Call of Duty MW2, Dirt 2.
Throughout my gaming on the FPS games, I could clearly distinguish using the quality of the headphones where and when something was going down, whether it was someone trying to blow me up with a grenade, or just the ricochet noises from people who can't aim
I could tell in which direction to a very exact location where the enemy was trying to compromise me from and to take them down, as Naithwraith and rjkoneil would know
Being able to hear the footsteps of the enemy is very important for gamers which the HS1's were able to help a good deal. Sound effects which bring the game to life were established correctly and the right audio effects were matched. Using the HS1's for Dirt 2 really brought the in-car feeling. A highly graphical game should be accompanied by the equivalent sound quality. I did find that some SFX were quite high frequencies - but I just put the bass EQ on which fixed this.
I recorded a short video from call of duty 4 using the headset:
Movie Test:
The HS1s feature Dolby sound quality which enhances the listening experience for any stereo, 5.1, or 7.1 audio source. Dolby Headphone works with any audio source, and no special encoding is required. People who are not gamers looking for a great headset to watch films with satisfying sound quality would appreciate the HS1s. Again with the clear sound quality full and satisfying movie experience was gained, however on the deeper bass movie sounds again it could be slightly improved.
Verdict:
Overall the HS1s are a very good product, and Corsair jumping straight into the headset range with a top product. Very slight adjustments, but nothing major - I would happily game with these
Full Product Specifications
Headphones
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ohms at 1kHz
• Dynamic range: 93dB A-wtd
• USB power consumption: 250mW
• Drivers: 50mm
• Cable: 3 meters
• Connector: USB Type A
Microphone
• Type: Unidirectional noise-cancelling condenser
• Impedance: 2.2k Ohms
• Frequency response: 200Hz – 10kHz +/- 2dB
• Sensitivity (1mW, 1KHz): -45dB +4/-2 dB
"The Gaming Audio Series HS1 USB Gaming Headset is designed for gamers who are serious about audio. Massive 50mm drivers deliver serious gaming punch, without sacrificing the sparkling sound quality you need to enjoy music and movies. Dolby Headphone surround sound gives you a competitive edge, and the noise-cancelling microphone ensures that your teammates and opponents hear you loud and clear. Extra-large earcups and fabric covered memory foam earpads provide a firm fit and excellent noise isolation without binding or pinching, so you’ll keep your cool and keep your head in the game for hours of playtime. The extra-large inline volume and microphone controller is easy to grab when things get fast, and the HS1 is designed and crafted with high-quality materials for years of use."
Only £76.99 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
Throughout the week I have been testing the all new Corsair HS1 Gaming headset, putting it through the tests a normal gaming user would consider the base line for a headset.
Features
• Massive 50mm drivers for high-quality audio reproduction
• Frequency response tuned to deliver serious gaming punch without sacrificing audio quality for music and movies
• Circumaural, closed-back earcups for superior noise isolation
• Replaceable memory foam earpads with fabric covers for a firm fit without binding or pinching
First impression:
After unboxing the headphones, I inspected the build quality. Corsair have really put some thought into the durability of the headset. They are strong, and don't feel cheap or tacky. The memory foam headband and soft material ear-cups which engulfs your ears bring maximum comfortability. I could easily wear the headphones for a whole day with having no bother from strains or stress of weight. The braided cable is a big plus to me, it brings an overall better build to the headset along with no tangles. The rotating microphone contributes the awesome build quality, bringing a very sturdy feel. This means when you take the headset off and put it round your neck, its not pushing together - instead they sit quite naturally. Along the 3 metre braided cable you will find a sound up/down and microphone mute component. The one small issue I have with this is the constant flashing blue leds - but this isn't a big problem as I can hide it away, and does not effect the overall performance of the headset.
Very impressed with the build, honestly can't find a fault with it!
Sound Quality:
I started my sound test by listening to some music. Seems Corsair are jumping into the headset market bringing not just build quality but sound quality! The sound quality is very clear, and over all experience was pleasant. I did not get the "Live Music" feeling listening to studio quality mp3s. The HS1's come with extra installable drivers, which bring along the EQ which I turned onto the Bass setting, This for sure improved the music which needed the deeper bass impact. Despite not using the power of my soundcard, the USB headset performs very well.
Microphone Quality:
I have tested the microphone on several applications including MSN Messenger / Skype / Teamspeak 3 / Ventrillio / Mumble and all have crystal clear quality, picking up the speech on voice activation properly. Is a big plus when your having team games and need constant communication!
Gaming Test:
So I hopped onto playing some FPS with the Corsair HS1 headset. I am very picky about my headphones, I hate missing important sounds in games - so from the first sound test I had high hopes for the HS1. In the games I tested which consisted of the new MOH, Call of Duty 4, Call of Duty MW2, Dirt 2.
Throughout my gaming on the FPS games, I could clearly distinguish using the quality of the headphones where and when something was going down, whether it was someone trying to blow me up with a grenade, or just the ricochet noises from people who can't aim
I could tell in which direction to a very exact location where the enemy was trying to compromise me from and to take them down, as Naithwraith and rjkoneil would know Being able to hear the footsteps of the enemy is very important for gamers which the HS1's were able to help a good deal. Sound effects which bring the game to life were established correctly and the right audio effects were matched. Using the HS1's for Dirt 2 really brought the in-car feeling. A highly graphical game should be accompanied by the equivalent sound quality. I did find that some SFX were quite high frequencies - but I just put the bass EQ on which fixed this.
I recorded a short video from call of duty 4 using the headset:
Movie Test:
The HS1s feature Dolby sound quality which enhances the listening experience for any stereo, 5.1, or 7.1 audio source. Dolby Headphone works with any audio source, and no special encoding is required. People who are not gamers looking for a great headset to watch films with satisfying sound quality would appreciate the HS1s. Again with the clear sound quality full and satisfying movie experience was gained, however on the deeper bass movie sounds again it could be slightly improved.
Verdict:
Overall the HS1s are a very good product, and Corsair jumping straight into the headset range with a top product. Very slight adjustments, but nothing major - I would happily game with these
Full Product Specifications
Headphones
• Frequency response: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ohms at 1kHz
• Dynamic range: 93dB A-wtd
• USB power consumption: 250mW
• Drivers: 50mm
• Cable: 3 meters
• Connector: USB Type A
Microphone
• Type: Unidirectional noise-cancelling condenser
• Impedance: 2.2k Ohms
• Frequency response: 200Hz – 10kHz +/- 2dB
• Sensitivity (1mW, 1KHz): -45dB +4/-2 dB
"The Gaming Audio Series HS1 USB Gaming Headset is designed for gamers who are serious about audio. Massive 50mm drivers deliver serious gaming punch, without sacrificing the sparkling sound quality you need to enjoy music and movies. Dolby Headphone surround sound gives you a competitive edge, and the noise-cancelling microphone ensures that your teammates and opponents hear you loud and clear. Extra-large earcups and fabric covered memory foam earpads provide a firm fit and excellent noise isolation without binding or pinching, so you’ll keep your cool and keep your head in the game for hours of playtime. The extra-large inline volume and microphone controller is easy to grab when things get fast, and the HS1 is designed and crafted with high-quality materials for years of use."
Only £76.99 inc VAT.
ORDER NOW
