Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless Review 25

Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless Review

Microphone Performance »

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


If you're buying a headset in hopes that it will give you a competitive edge over your enemies, then by all means, stop reading this review and just buy the Corsair Void Pro RGB Wireless. It's tuned exactly like I was secretly wishing it would be. It has a very natural, smooth, airy kind of a sound that successfully balances between being exciting, accurate, and informative.

The bass has just the right amount of punch and presence when needed, without overwhelming the midrange and ruining your chances of hearing subtle things, like a nearby enemy walking on grass. The midrange is detailed and precise, and the highs sound clean and crisp. It all comes together nicely. 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 Wireless enabled me to detect my enemies with ease, and thus, 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? I described the sound performance of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 in a similar way, but not by accident - their tunings are conceptually alike in 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 Wireless 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, assuming 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 naturally and neutrally is that it can offer great performance in a wide array of music genres. The Void Pro RGB Wireless wholeheartedly proves that hypothesis true. I found it similarly engaging and enjoyable while going through my collection of rock classics ("dad-rock", as my girlfriend would put it) 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 similarly priced 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 mid- and high range at the same time as well, which crushes otherwise lovely dynamics and results in a veiled, suffocating sound. In short, steer clear of the Bass Boost profile.

Combining the Void Pro RGB Wireless with an external DAC/amplifier isn't really an option as there's no way to establish a wired connection with such a device.

7.1 Surround Sound


It's no secret that I have my doubts when it comes to virtual 7.1 surround sound - that is 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 Wireless is a different story compared to most. Dolby Headphone 7.1 Surround Sound can be activated by pressing the appropriate button in the Corsair Utility Engine or by pressing and holding the volume jog dial.

While I would still recommend anyone who is after the best possible spatial awareness to stick with stereo mode, I have to admit that the sound quality manages to stay on a fairly high level even after surround sound has been turned on. The bass is still there, as punchy and entertaining as ever, and you do a 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 its 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.
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Nov 23rd, 2024 01:57 EST change timezone

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