Wednesday, August 20th 2008
Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine Unveiled At Games Convention
Razer, the world's leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming peripherals, has unveiled the Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine at Games Convention, Leipzig at Hall 4, B01. The Razer Maelstrom is a highly upgraded virtual surround sound system found in the Razer Megalodon, Razer's latest 7.1 surround sound gaming headset.
Razer Megalodon - US: $149.99; Europe: €139.99
Headphones
Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Impedance: 40 Ω at 1kHz
Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): 105 ± 4dB at 1 kHz
Max. Input Power: 200 mW
Magnet Type: Neodymium
Microphone
Frequency Response: 50 - 16,000 Hz
Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): -37 dB (user adjustable)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB
Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional
Cable: 3.3 meters
AVAILABILITY: Q4 2008 - Worldwide
About the Razer Megalodon
The Razer Megalodon is powered by the Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine, which has the ability to process audio algorithms up to 800% faster than traditional HRTF virtual surround sound technologies. The Razer Megalodon is thus able to offer a convincing and realistic positional sound stage. Gamers looking for an in-game advantage will be able to listen to the positional cues emitted by the Razer Megalodon and hear incoming threats before the threat can actually be seen onscreen. Coupled with an amplified microphone with adjustable sensitivity and leveling, the Razer Megalodon is a complete audio communications package.
The Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine originated as a military grade audio technology developed for fighter pilots who needed precise audio warnings for incoming missiles. The Razer Megalodon is based on this same platform, but developed specifically for gaming.
The Razer Megalodon encompasses a circum-aural headset with replaceable ear-pad cushions, a cushioned headband and an adjustable boom mic. The control pod is connected to the headset via a braided cable and comes in a glossy piano black finish with a rotating dial adjustment for volume, mic, bass and positional sound. Meant as desk controller, the control pod allows gamers to switch effortlessly between 2.0 stereo and 7.1 surround sound, even controlling which speakers gamers prefer to use in the 7.1 environment.
For more information on the Razer Maelstrom Audio engine and the Razer Megalodon, please refer to the Razer Megalodon mini-site and whitepaper here: www2.razerzone.com/Megalodon/.
About the Razer Moray
Razer also proudly presents the Razer Moray In-Ear Noise Isolating Gaming Earphones today at Games Convention. Designed for gamers, the Razer Moray delivers immersive gaming audio or music on the go in a sleek, compact package. Take your gaming on the road with the Razer Moray's powerful bass-driven stereo sound and mid/high range clarity. With a standard 3.5mm mini-jack, the Razer Moray is the perfect complement to any mobile gaming device such as the PSP, Nintendo DS or any MP3 player.
Razer Moray - US $39.99; Europe: €29.99
Frequency response: 20 to 11000 Hz
Sound pressure level: 110 dB
Impedance: 17 Ω
Max rated input: 20 mW
Cable length: 1.3 m
Connector: 3.5 mm miniplug
Weight, including cable: 10.7 g
Source:
Razer
Headphones
Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
Impedance: 40 Ω at 1kHz
Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): 105 ± 4dB at 1 kHz
Max. Input Power: 200 mW
Magnet Type: Neodymium
Microphone
Frequency Response: 50 - 16,000 Hz
Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): -37 dB (user adjustable)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB
Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional
Cable: 3.3 meters
AVAILABILITY: Q4 2008 - Worldwide
About the Razer Megalodon
The Razer Megalodon is powered by the Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine, which has the ability to process audio algorithms up to 800% faster than traditional HRTF virtual surround sound technologies. The Razer Megalodon is thus able to offer a convincing and realistic positional sound stage. Gamers looking for an in-game advantage will be able to listen to the positional cues emitted by the Razer Megalodon and hear incoming threats before the threat can actually be seen onscreen. Coupled with an amplified microphone with adjustable sensitivity and leveling, the Razer Megalodon is a complete audio communications package.
The Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine originated as a military grade audio technology developed for fighter pilots who needed precise audio warnings for incoming missiles. The Razer Megalodon is based on this same platform, but developed specifically for gaming.
The Razer Megalodon encompasses a circum-aural headset with replaceable ear-pad cushions, a cushioned headband and an adjustable boom mic. The control pod is connected to the headset via a braided cable and comes in a glossy piano black finish with a rotating dial adjustment for volume, mic, bass and positional sound. Meant as desk controller, the control pod allows gamers to switch effortlessly between 2.0 stereo and 7.1 surround sound, even controlling which speakers gamers prefer to use in the 7.1 environment.
For more information on the Razer Maelstrom Audio engine and the Razer Megalodon, please refer to the Razer Megalodon mini-site and whitepaper here: www2.razerzone.com/Megalodon/.
About the Razer Moray
Razer also proudly presents the Razer Moray In-Ear Noise Isolating Gaming Earphones today at Games Convention. Designed for gamers, the Razer Moray delivers immersive gaming audio or music on the go in a sleek, compact package. Take your gaming on the road with the Razer Moray's powerful bass-driven stereo sound and mid/high range clarity. With a standard 3.5mm mini-jack, the Razer Moray is the perfect complement to any mobile gaming device such as the PSP, Nintendo DS or any MP3 player.
Razer Moray - US $39.99; Europe: €29.99
Frequency response: 20 to 11000 Hz
Sound pressure level: 110 dB
Impedance: 17 Ω
Max rated input: 20 mW
Cable length: 1.3 m
Connector: 3.5 mm miniplug
Weight, including cable: 10.7 g
8 Comments on Razer Maelstrom Audio Engine Unveiled At Games Convention
Yet again, I'm not completely impressed by Razer.
I bet the majority of users who don't have a sound card chose that route because either A) Cost or B) There GPUs block the PCI access.
Going external would be awesome. Strap it to the top of your case and away you go.
Creative has their Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1 and Asus has their Xonar U1... just to name a few.
So, yes. It exists.
Edit: Huh! Zalman has one too as do many other manufacturers. Go here.
Most of them are just going to be a USB cable attached to your run-of-the-mill C-Media USB audio chipset.
Bass Fréq Level: 122dB at 20 Hz
Frequency Response: 8 Hz – 22000 Hz
Speaker Driver: 10mm neodymium rare earth magnet
Cable length: 30.5” plug to y-connector, 13.5” even-length earphone cables
Plug: 24k gold-plated, straight 3.5mm mini-plug
And the V-MODA ones are cheaper too i think,$30 on amazon. :D