With a street price spherical $50, Corsair’s HS50 is in fact an attention-grabbing contender. We’re truly not anticipating any miracles from such a value-oriented headset. However, we’re curious to see if the HS50 can beat higher-end fashions that put additional emphasis on flashy seems to be like.
Corsair’s bundle accommodates the bare necessities. You get the headset itself, a detachable microphone, and a Y-splitter that mixes 3.5mm jacks for audio in and mic out.
Specifications
Unfortunately, Corsair is a bit stingy with its technical data. Therefore, we wanted to take some measurements of our private for the specification desk.
Look & Feel
Corsair was clearly going for a matte black plastic look. To current a bit of little bit of distinction, the headband choices quilted padding, whereas the once more of the ear objects are lined with metal mesh. As minimalists, we truly like the fashionable, understated look of this model in carbon, though Corsair moreover affords blue- and green-highlighted variations. Gamers who favor flashier will disagree with us, nevertheless we predict gimmicky lighting is overrated. True superiority is demonstrated biggest by exemplary effectivity.
The ear pads are product of thin pretend leather-based. In combination with comparatively loose-fitting foam cushions, they seem pretty large. Thanks to their dimension, these pads cowl the ears pretty successfully, and even create a comparatively tight seal. Nevertheless, the system simply is not fully closed.
Unfortunately, there is not a strategy for us to open the ear objects with out risking hurt, so we will not experiment with modifications as we’ve got carried out in a couple of of our completely different opinions.
Comfort
Although the HS50 employs a semi-closed design that creates a bearable native climate over your ears, it’d most likely get uncomfortable after just some hours. Expect that you want a towel to mop up sweat as quickly because the movement heats up.
Fortunately, the headband’s padding is tender and simple to wash. However, the band’s match is much too tight for greater heads. While it is potential to manage the headband’s dimension on all sides, that doesn’t resolve the difficulty. Even completely extended, the HS50 is just a few sizes too small.
The joint mechanism is proscribed to horizontal modifications. Thanks to the huge cushions, though, that’s completely sufficient.
We take into consideration the headset’s match to be good, complete. Just keep in mind to attempt it out on your self sooner than searching for for individuals who’re apprehensive about comfort all through extended gaming courses (considerably in case you’ve an enormous head).
Functionality & Interface
The amount administration and mute button are every located on the once more of the left ear piece. They’re every simple to achieve and performance. Furthermore, the button is sweet and big, so you’ll not miss it on accident. The potentiometer’s synchronization is sufficient, though our sample’s left channel activated a bit sooner than the right one. Consider leaving the bodily controls at their most settings and use Windows’ slider to manage the amount.
Microphone
The detachable microphone plugs in to a jack socket. Its kind ensures the mic goes in one strategy and is held onto securely. But there is not a outlined click on on whilst you push it in. You’ll ought to instead depend upon the socket’s tactile solutions.
Performance-wise, the versatile microphone does what it’s imagined to do.
Measurements & Sound-Check
To read about our check out methodology in depth, please attempt How We Test Gaming Headsets, considerably net web page 6 the place we component the measurements we take.
We start with a measurement of the microphone’s frequency Fluctuate. For this check out, we use a calibrated mic (for reference) in our purpose-built measuring room. This permits us to take comparative measurements and generate a curve that comes shut adequate for what we’re attempting to do (even when it isn’t most likely essentially the most ideally suited methodology for testing Corsair’s mic). So, whereas the restrictions of our gear don’t allow us to calculate the microphone’s exact frequency response, we do have an reasonably priced approximation to substantiate our subjective impression.
There is a measurable low-cut underneath ~100 Hz that may be simple to take heed to, as a result of the microphone is comparatively weak on Bass to begin with. Thus, rumbling sounds should not be lots of an issue. Speech intelligibility is spectacular. However, the overall output diploma simply is not considerably extreme. You might have to change your sound card’s settings to barely improve its diploma. This may indicate you get some slight residual noise, sadly.
The sibilants (hissing sounds) are considerably exaggerated. This is due to the reality that extreme frequencies are raised by nearly 12 dB at 5 Okayhz to 6 okayHz. This causes a metallic, cold-sounding impression. But it could not impact intelligibility. Only respiratory and completely different air noises are additional prevalent than we would like.
Headphone Measurement
The distinctive curve wouldn’t look unhealthy, though it does show a typical bathtub kind. A bass improve of about 5 dB and an almost-9dB exaggeration of the extreme frequencies leaves little query about Corsair’s objective market.
If the neglected fluctuate at ~500 Hz is bolstered by 8 to 9 dB, amount is lowered at 8 okayHz by ~5 dB, and loudness decreased by 1 to 2 dB on the 2 okayHz mark, you get an nearly linear finish consequence between 45 Hz and 16 okayHz (±3 dB). This sounds significantly larger (and as well as hotter) than the distinctive.
Subjective Audio Experience – Original versus Optimization
Bass Reproduction
We check out the underside bass throughout the sub-contra octave (16.4 Hz to 32.7 Hz) with a recording of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor (19 and 25 Hz), along with the competitors overture composed in 1880 by Tchaikovsky (10 Hz and 12.5 Hz).
The related applies to the lower ranges of the contra octave (32.7 to 65.4 Hz). The large bass drum, typically tuned to ~55 to 60 Hz, is used to complete this evaluation.
In stock form, the bass is a bit reserved from about 45 Hz upwards, nevertheless nonetheless has adequate presence and even reasonably priced determination. With our tuned profile, the whole thing sounds additional differentiated and clear, though. From about 30 Hz down, the duplicate will get considerably skinny. But the sub-contra octave is roofed in its entirety, which should comfort these of us who have the benefit of extremely efficient bass.
Reproduction of the huge bass drum is sufficiently clear, with diploma stability that’s acceptable for this price section. The HS50’s transient response might be respectable. Bass is definitely not one of Corsair’s weaknesses.
Upper bass, as a lot as 150 Hz, contains the male voice’s primary speech frequency. Thus, it has a strong have an effect on on the lifelike duplicate of male vocals.
This fluctuate already sounded balanced, correct out of the sphere. There is a slight little little bit of exaggeration, though, which makes male vocals sound nearly too rich and warmth. But gadgets sound pretty pure. The determination we observe is appropriate, allowing non-dominant sound sources to hold out successfully.
Mid-Range
The lower mid-range (usually often called “fundamental range”) spans from ~150 to 400 Hz. Together with the upper bass, this fluctuate performs an very important place in producing the subjectively perceived warmth and fullness of sound. This might be the place the fundamental fluctuate of female vocals could also be found.
The duplicate of female voices is sort of spot-on. Vocals and gadgets lean in the direction of the good and comfy side by default. However, better frequencies are audibly additional good with our optimized profile, which does a better job of neutralizing the bathtub affect. The profile we created pushes this headset even extra into the good and comfy territory. It’s a will need to have for anyone who enjoys piece of music, although our modifications won’t make lots of a distinction for gaming.
The larger mid-range, from 400 Hz to about 2 okayHz, contains the 1 okayHz stage that’s used as a reference for lots of measurements. Unfortunately, that’s normally very noticeable, significantly with cheaper devices, as producers are inclined to overemphasize it a bit. This frequency fluctuate moreover performs a significant place in gaming, and its balanced duplicate contributes significantly to good spatial determination.
The precise draw back house makes itself recognized at about 500 Hz. Without our help (using a software program program equalizer), many gadgets lack very important nuances, inflicting sound determination to endure enormously. A complete lot of the component is each blurred or misplaced fully. Fortunately, the sound stage and subjectively-perceived spacial determination are every comparatively good after our modification.
From a purely subjective viewpoint, music followers ought to grasp the orchestra positioned massive adequate, even when some quieter sources could also be laborious to place. This is the place the restrictions of a $50 headset come into play. Gamers are hardly affected, though they’ll nonetheless revenue from our equalizer-based optimizations.
High-Frequency Range
Between 2 okayHz and 3.5 okayHz is the place the human ear is most delicate, significantly as a result of the lower ranges of this fluctuate are answerable for the human voice’s overtone duplicate. This frequency fluctuate is important to the recognition of a voice or an instrument. Thus, on this context, it moreover pertains to the respective tone shade, or timbre.
Our improved profile makes the whole thing on this fluctuate sound additional pure, even when Corsair’s stock settings already sounded pretty good. In every implementations, in-game sound localization seems fairly appropriate.
The mid-high fluctuate (3.5 to 6 okayHz) determines the success or failure of speech duplicate as a complete, since sibilant sounds (identical to the letter “s” and hiss sounds) fall into it. The larger trebles fluctuate as a lot as about 10 okayHz, the place we transfer into the territory of super-high frequencies.
Out of the sphere, extreme and super-high frequencies are amplified an extreme quantity of to be good. Their duplicate sounds metallic and sharp, inflicting over-emphasized sibilants and air noises. Our optimizations give the headset additional warmth and spine.
The claimed frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 okayHz is little better than a fantasy. With no tolerances outlined in Corsair’s specs, that’s solely a marketing-friendly fluctuate. Given the profile we created, you presumably can realistically anticipate response from 45 Hz to 16 okayHz with a deviation of ±3 dB, counting on how successfully the ear pads are adjusted. That’s pretty darned good for $50.
Conclusion
No doubt, Corsair’s entry-level price stage sends a strong message to the opponents. But not the whole thing regarding the HS50 is good. An exaggerated bathtub curve and tight match can every get uncomfortable of their very personal strategies. Landing someplace between frequent and good earns this headset an approving nod from our editors. However, we aren’t shocked adequate to roll out our additional prestigious awards.
For gamers with a head circumference of decrease than 62cm who don’t truly care about natural-sounding music, and like loudness over neutral sound, Corsair’s HS50 is a gem. On the alternative hand, audio followers who acknowledge additional linear duplicate, or simply have greater heads, might have to try the Sound BlasterX H5 instead. It matches larger and wouldn’t worth somewhat extra.
Pros
- Attractive price stage
- Sharp, understated design
- Intuitive amount/mute controls
- Good sound (after equalizer optimizations)
- Not ideally fitted to large heads
- Exaggerated lows and highs by default
As an affordable gaming headset, Corsair’s HS50 does exactly what it’s imagined to, with an acoustic profile to match the objective market. True audio followers can tune this for additional pure sound, as we’ve got carried out. However, a good match would possibly present uncomfortable over time for these with greater heads.
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MORE: Best PC Builds
Like what you read? Follow us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, Follow us on Instagram and Subscribe by means of FeedBurner.
With a street price spherical $50, Corsair’s HS50 is in fact an attention-grabbing contender. We’re truly not anticipating any miracles from such a value-oriented headset. However, we’re curious to see if the HS50 can beat higher-end fashions that put additional emphasis on flashy seems to be like.
Corsair’s bundle accommodates the bare necessities. You get the headset itself, a detachable microphone, and a Y-splitter that mixes 3.5mm jacks for audio in and mic out.
Specifications
Unfortunately, Corsair is a bit stingy with its technical data. Therefore, we wanted to take some measurements of our private for the specification desk.
Look & Feel
Corsair was clearly going for a matte black plastic look. To current a bit of little bit of distinction, the headband choices quilted padding, whereas the once more of the ear objects are lined with metal mesh. As minimalists, we truly like the fashionable, understated look of this model in carbon, though Corsair moreover affords blue- and green-highlighted variations. Gamers who favor flashier will disagree with us, nevertheless we predict gimmicky lighting is overrated. True superiority is demonstrated biggest by exemplary effectivity.
The ear pads are product of thin pretend leather-based. In combination with comparatively loose-fitting foam cushions, they seem pretty large. Thanks to their dimension, these pads cowl the ears pretty successfully, and even create a comparatively tight seal. Nevertheless, the system simply is not fully closed.
Unfortunately, there is not a strategy for us to open the ear objects with out risking hurt, so we will not experiment with modifications as we’ve got carried out in a couple of of our completely different opinions.
Comfort
Although the HS50 employs a semi-closed design that creates a bearable native climate over your ears, it’d most likely get uncomfortable after just some hours. Expect that you want a towel to mop up sweat as quickly because the movement heats up.
Fortunately, the headband’s padding is tender and simple to wash. However, the band’s match is much too tight for greater heads. While it is potential to manage the headband’s dimension on all sides, that doesn’t resolve the difficulty. Even completely extended, the HS50 is just a few sizes too small.
The joint mechanism is proscribed to horizontal modifications. Thanks to the huge cushions, though, that’s completely sufficient.
We take into consideration the headset’s match to be good, complete. Just keep in mind to attempt it out on your self sooner than searching for for individuals who’re apprehensive about comfort all through extended gaming courses (considerably in case you’ve an enormous head).
Functionality & Interface
The amount administration and mute button are every located on the once more of the left ear piece. They’re every simple to achieve and performance. Furthermore, the button is sweet and big, so you’ll not miss it on accident. The potentiometer’s synchronization is sufficient, though our sample’s left channel activated a bit sooner than the right one. Consider leaving the bodily controls at their most settings and use Windows’ slider to manage the amount.
Microphone
The detachable microphone plugs in to a jack socket. Its kind ensures the mic goes in one strategy and is held onto securely. But there is not a outlined click on on whilst you push it in. You’ll ought to instead depend upon the socket’s tactile solutions.
Performance-wise, the versatile microphone does what it’s imagined to do.
Measurements & Sound-Check
To read about our check out methodology in depth, please attempt How We Test Gaming Headsets, considerably net web page 6 the place we component the measurements we take.
We start with a measurement of the microphone’s frequency fluctuate. For this check out, we use a calibrated mic (for reference) in our purpose-built measuring room. This permits us to take comparative measurements and generate a curve that comes shut adequate for what we’re attempting to do (even when it isn’t most likely essentially the most ideally suited methodology for testing Corsair’s mic). So, whereas the restrictions of our gear don’t allow us to calculate the microphone’s exact frequency response, we do have an reasonably priced approximation to substantiate our subjective impression.
There is a measurable low-cut underneath ~100 Hz that may be simple to take heed to, as a result of the microphone is comparatively weak on bass to begin with. Thus, rumbling sounds should not be lots of an issue. Speech intelligibility is spectacular. However, the overall output diploma simply is not considerably extreme. You might have to change your sound card’s settings to barely improve its diploma. This may indicate you get some slight residual noise, sadly.
The sibilants (hissing sounds) are considerably exaggerated. This is due to the reality that extreme frequencies are raised by nearly 12 dB at 5 okayHz to 6 okayHz. This causes a metallic, cold-sounding impression. But it could not impact intelligibility. Only respiratory and completely different air noises are additional prevalent than we would like.
Headphone Measurement
The distinctive curve wouldn’t look unhealthy, though it does show a typical bathtub kind. A bass improve of about 5 dB and an almost-9dB exaggeration of the extreme frequencies leaves little query about Corsair’s objective market.
If the neglected fluctuate at ~500 Hz is bolstered by 8 to 9 dB, amount is lowered at 8 okayHz by ~5 dB, and loudness decreased by 1 to 2 dB on the 2 okayHz mark, you get an nearly linear finish consequence between 45 Hz and 16 okayHz (±3 dB). This sounds significantly larger (and as well as hotter) than the distinctive.
Subjective Audio Experience – Original versus Optimization
Bass Reproduction
We check out the underside bass throughout the sub-contra octave (16.4 Hz to 32.7 Hz) with a recording of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor (19 and 25 Hz), along with the competitors overture composed in 1880 by Tchaikovsky (10 Hz and 12.5 Hz).
The related applies to the lower ranges of the contra octave (32.7 to 65.4 Hz). The large bass drum, typically tuned to ~55 to 60 Hz, is used to complete this evaluation.
In stock form, the bass is a bit reserved from about 45 Hz upwards, nevertheless nonetheless has adequate presence and even reasonably priced determination. With our tuned profile, the whole thing sounds additional differentiated and clear, though. From about 30 Hz down, the duplicate will get considerably skinny. But the sub-contra octave is roofed in its entirety, which should comfort these of us who have the benefit of extremely efficient bass.
Reproduction of the huge bass drum is sufficiently clear, with diploma stability that’s acceptable for this price section. The HS50’s transient response might be respectable. Bass is definitely not one of Corsair’s weaknesses.
Upper bass, as a lot as 150 Hz, contains the male voice’s primary speech frequency. Thus, it has a strong have an effect on on the lifelike duplicate of male vocals.
This fluctuate already sounded balanced, correct out of the sphere. There is a slight little little bit of exaggeration, though, which makes male vocals sound nearly too rich and warmth. But gadgets sound pretty pure. The determination we observe is appropriate, allowing non-dominant sound sources to hold out successfully.
Mid-Range
The lower mid-range (usually often called “fundamental range”) spans from ~150 to 400 Hz. Together with the upper bass, this fluctuate performs an very important place in producing the subjectively perceived warmth and fullness of sound. This might be the place the fundamental fluctuate of female vocals could also be found.
The duplicate of female voices is sort of spot-on. Vocals and gadgets lean in the direction of the good and comfy side by default. However, better frequencies are audibly additional good with our optimized profile, which does a better job of neutralizing the bathtub affect. The profile we created pushes this headset even extra into the good and comfy territory. It’s a will need to have for anyone who enjoys piece of music, although our modifications won’t make lots of a distinction for gaming.
The larger mid-range, from 400 Hz to about 2 okayHz, contains the 1 okayHz stage that’s used as a reference for lots of measurements. Unfortunately, that’s normally very noticeable, significantly with cheaper devices, as producers are inclined to overemphasize it a bit. This frequency fluctuate moreover performs a significant place in gaming, and its balanced duplicate contributes significantly to good spatial determination.
The precise draw back house makes itself recognized at about 500 Hz. Without our help (using a software program program equalizer), many gadgets lack very important nuances, inflicting sound determination to endure enormously. A complete lot of the component is each blurred or misplaced fully. Fortunately, the sound stage and subjectively-perceived spacial determination are every comparatively good after our modification.
From a purely subjective viewpoint, music followers ought to grasp the orchestra positioned massive adequate, even when some quieter sources could also be laborious to place. This is the place the restrictions of a $50 headset come into play. Gamers are hardly affected, though they’ll nonetheless revenue from our equalizer-based optimizations.
High-Frequency Range
Between 2 okayHz and 3.5 okayHz is the place the human ear is most delicate, significantly as a result of the lower ranges of this fluctuate are answerable for the human voice’s overtone duplicate. This frequency fluctuate is important to the recognition of a voice or an instrument. Thus, on this context, it moreover pertains to the respective tone shade, or timbre.
Our improved profile makes the whole thing on this fluctuate sound additional pure, even when Corsair’s stock settings already sounded pretty good. In every implementations, in-game sound localization seems fairly appropriate.
The mid-high fluctuate (3.5 to 6 okayHz) determines the success or failure of speech duplicate as a complete, since sibilant sounds (identical to the letter “s” and hiss sounds) fall into it. The larger trebles fluctuate as a lot as about 10 okayHz, the place we transfer into the territory of super-high frequencies.
Out of the sphere, extreme and super-high frequencies are amplified an extreme quantity of to be good. Their duplicate sounds metallic and sharp, inflicting over-emphasized sibilants and air noises. Our optimizations give the headset additional warmth and spine.
The claimed frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 okayHz is little better than a fantasy. With no tolerances outlined in Corsair’s specs, that’s solely a marketing-friendly fluctuate. Given the profile we created, you presumably can realistically anticipate response from 45 Hz to 16 okayHz with a deviation of ±3 dB, counting on how successfully the ear pads are adjusted. That’s pretty darned good for $50.
Conclusion
No doubt, Corsair’s entry-level price stage sends a strong message to the opponents. But not the whole thing regarding the HS50 is good. An exaggerated bathtub curve and tight match can every get uncomfortable of their very personal strategies. Landing someplace between frequent and good earns this headset an approving nod from our editors. However, we aren’t shocked adequate to roll out our additional prestigious awards.
For gamers with a head circumference of decrease than 62cm who don’t truly care about natural-sounding music, and like loudness over neutral sound, Corsair’s HS50 is a gem. On the alternative hand, audio followers who acknowledge additional linear duplicate, or simply have greater heads, might have to try the Sound BlasterX H5 instead. It matches larger and wouldn’t worth somewhat extra.
Pros
- Attractive price stage
- Sharp, understated design
- Intuitive amount/mute controls
- Good sound (after equalizer optimizations)
- Not ideally fitted to large heads
- Exaggerated lows and highs by default
As an affordable gaming headset, Corsair’s HS50 does exactly what it’s imagined to, with an acoustic profile to match the objective market. True audio followers can tune this for additional pure sound, as we’ve got carried out. However, a good match would possibly present uncomfortable over time for these with greater heads.
MORE: Best Deals
MORE: Best PC Builds
Like what you read? Follow us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter, Follow us on Instagram and Subscribe by means of FeedBurner.
The post Corsair HS50 Gaming Headset Review appeared first on News Doses.
