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Razer Barracuda: HP-1 Gaming Headset
Product Overview:
Taking a closer look at the Razer Barracuda HP-1 we 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.
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.| « Razer Barracuda: HP-1 Gaming Headset | More Reviews » |