Audio Performance

I'll split the audio performance analysis into two parts - gaming and music. Even though the headset produces the same sound regardless of what it's being used for, you won't necessarily look for the same things while annihilating your virtual opponents as you will when listening to your favorite tunes.

Gaming

Corsair goes out of their way to point out that their entire Void Pro gaming headset lineup uses identical 50-mm audio drivers. That's why it should come as no surprise that the acoustic performance of the Void Pro RGB USB is the same as with its wireless sibling. Meaning, it has a smooth, airy kind of a sound with a successful balance between being exciting, accurate, and informative. Thanks to that, the Void Pro RGB USB is one of those headsets that give you a competitive advantage over players equipped with headsets that aren't as good.

The bass has just the right amount of punch and presence to be there when needed, without overwhelming the midrange and ruining your chances of hearing subtle things, like an enemy walking on grass nearby. The midrange is detailed and precise, and the highs sound clean and crisp. If for some reason you realize that you'd like to tweak the factory sound a bit, no problem - you can do so within a system-wide equalizer that's a part of the Corsair Utility Engine. You can save up to five different audio presets and switch between them by pressing a single button on the headset. More on that in the software section of this review.

The Void Pro RGB USB enabled me to detect my enemies with ease, which had me engage them fully prepared, while sounding fun and rich at the same time. What else could one hope for from a gaming headset? Interestingly, I described the sound performance of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 in a similar way. Not by accident, their tunings are conceptually alike, in a sense that they're equally focused on the entirety of the sound spectrum rather than just a part of it (usually the bass). However, the Void Pro RGB USB is slightly bassier, which will be a definite plus for many.

The passive sound isolation is good, but not perfect. Do keep in mind that the ear cushions are covered in breathable fabric, so it comes as no surprise that they do leak a bit of sound outward when the volume is high enough. As long as you don't have someone who could be annoyed by it sitting within a 2-meter radius from you, I don't see it as a real problem.

Music

One additional benefit of tuning a gaming headset fairly neutrally is that it can offer great performance in a wide array of music genres. I found the Void Pro RGB USB to be similarly engaging and enjoyable while going through my collection of rock classics and monstrously bassy rap and EDM tunes. It's versatile enough to be able to handle the complexity of death metal and subtlety of indie folk. Whatever you listen to, it will sound either good or great, just as it would if you were using a pair of midrange hi-fi headphones.

The best sound quality is achieved by sticking with the flat sound profile called Pure Direct within the Corsair Utility Engine. If you prefer tons of bass, take my suggestion and increase the low-end by manually adjusting the equalizer (focus on the 32, 64, 125, and 250 Hz sliders and keep in mind that the 250-500 Hz range is the lower midrange, not bass). There's a factory Bass Boost profile available, but it's tuned awfully. It completely overemphasizes the bass, making it boomy and extremely annoying, while messing with the midrange and the high range as well, which crushes the otherwise lovely dynamics and results in a veiled, suffocating sound. In short, steer clear of the Bass Boost profile.

Combining the Void Pro RGB USB with an external DAC/amplifier isn't a viable option as the headset terminates in a USB plug.

7.1 Surround Sound

It's no secret that I'm somewhat reserved when it comes to virtual 7.1 Surround Sound - that's when you try to emulate eight different speakers by physically using only two. On gaming headsets, it usually completely ruins the acoustic presentation, while offering no real benefits. With that in mind, I'm happy to report that the Void Pro RGB USB is a different story compared to most. Dolby Headphone:X 7.1 Surround Sound can be activated by pressing its corresponding button in the Corsair Utility Engine or by pressing and holding down the volume jog dial.

While I'd still recommend that anyone who's after the best-possible spatial awareness sticks with stereo mode, I have to admit that the sound quality manages to stay on a fairly high level even after turning on the surround sound. The bass is still there, as punchy and entertaining as ever, and you do get a bit of additional width and depth. It really does seem as though the sound is coming from all directions, especially if the game you're playing supports proper surround. At times, it can be a bit overwhelming, which is exactly why you're still better off with the clearer, more informative stereo mode for serious gaming, but the fun is definitely there. Do give it a try and see how you like it as the overall experience will also depend on the game.