Razer Barracuda: HP-1 Gaming Headset

Introduction:

Razer, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end precision gaming and lifestyle electronics peripherals, has given us the opportunity to review their Barracuda. The Razer Barracuda is a 5.1 channel surround sound headset. We have seen how well Razer has performed in the past with their superior technology, but how will they perform with their new gaming headset?

Razer’s Take:

“The Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones features eight discrete audio drivers to enable pinpoint positional accuracy essential for gaming. It features advanced noise cancellation capabilities and a built-in microphone designed specifically for in-game communications — ideal for frenzied in-game communication.”

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Packaging:

The headset comes packaged in a rather stylish box. Located on the front of the box is a picture of the headset and the name on a reflective surface. The front panel of the box lifts open which allows you to see the headset itself. On the back there is a features and specifications list. Overall the box is very well designed and just by looking at it you can tell it is a high-end headset.

Contents:

• HP-1 headphones
• Detachable microphone
• Audio splitter
• Getting started guide
• Certificate of Authenticity

Features:

	True In-Game Surround Sound for Enhanced Positional Audio A 5.1-channel surround audio enables accurate positional audio in game play.
	Optimal Sound Quality with Dedicated Drivers Expect better sound quality with three dedicated mid/high frequency drivers and a low frequency woofer for each ear.
	Audio Clarity with Built-In Amplifier Hear better and louder audio with a built-in amplifier in gaming and music environments.

Specifications:

• Razer Fidelity™ gaming audio engine
• Eight discrete drivers (six for mid-high frequency, two for sub-woofer)
• Six-channel analog input
• Individual volume controls: front, rear, center, bass and master
• Detachable uni-directional noise-cancelling microphone
• Razer High Definition-Dedicated Audio Interface™ (HD-DAI™ connector)
• 2m cable

Audio Characteristics (Headphones)

• Frequency response: 50~20,000Hz
• Impedance:– Front speaker: 64Ω- Rear speaker: 32Ω- Centre speaker: 64Ω

  – Sub-woofer: 8Ω

• Total power rating: 330mW RMS

Audio Characteristics (Microphone)

• Frequency response: 50~16,000Hz
• Sensitivity: -58 ± 2dB
• Impedance: 2.2KΩ

System Requirements

• HD-DAI or USB port
• PC with audio output (5.1 or higher audio recommended)
• Mic input required for voice communications

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Product Overview:

Taking a closer look at the Razer Barracuda HP-1we see many interesting and innovative features. The most noticeable feature is the adjustment for the size. The HP-1 uses a type of a suspension system which will adjust to your head when you put it on. You may also notice that the ear piece is made out of a comfortable material and has a lot of padding – this will allow for all those hours of gaming and help with reducing unwanted noise. The headset uses a total of 8 discrete drivers. Each side of the headset contains 4 of 8 drivers, you can see in the pictures below where they are located and what their uses are.

For most gaming enthusiasts, a microphone is a definite must. The microphone for the HP-1 is small, elegant, and also detachable. It is omni-directional and noise canceling as well.

The control pod for the HP-1 is located in the middle of the cord. It allows you to change the volume, bass, and treble on the fly. During game play it may be a hassle to change the volume or specific parts of the sound like the bass or treble. It will also allow you to change the balance of the sound from the front to rear. Located on the control pod is a small switch which will allow you to turn it off, on, or on with lights.

The plug uses a HD-DAI connector which will provide the user with true high-definition sound. The connector is gold plated, which will help prevent from any corrosion or ware and tare the plug may receive. The HP-1 also comes with a connector which will convert the HD-DAI plug into your normal 3.5mm headphone jacks, and a USB connector.

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Testing:

Having a nice headset is a huge benefit when playing videos games. Having the 5.1 surround sound headset makes you feel as if you are in the game. You know exactly what’s going on, and where. For testing purposes I played some of the newer titles for the pc, like Bioshock, Hellgate London, and Crysis. While playing these games I felt as if I was truly in the game and felt fully aware of the environment around me. Not only was the game play enjoyable, but the comfort of the headset was amazing. After three hours of wearing them, my ears didn’t hurt at all. The way the headset breathes is very nice and allows for hours on end of game play.

Great sound doesn’t only enhance your gaming experience, but it will also enhance your experience while listening to music. The barracuda HP-1 deliverers a crisp sound unlike all others, it is very soothing and clear.

Conclusion:

Before I even laid my hands on the headset, I was rather skeptical that a headset could provide true 5.1 sound. Although I knew it was a razer product, and I have yet to be disappointed by one of their products, I was still worried. Now I can say again that I am not disappointed by razer’s products. When listening to music on the Razer Barracuda HP-1, I felt myself slip away and emerge into a state of tranquility. Although I didn’t use this headset in conjunction with razer’s high-definition audio card, AC-1, I’m sure that with the addition of the AC-1 the sound quality would have been even more realistic.