HyperX Cloud Revolver S (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
Same Company, Different Headset
I recently took a look at HyperX's lightweight, budget Cloud Stinger headset, and it seemed fitting to review a headset on the other side of the spectrum to see what the up-and-coming gaming line can provide.
The Cloud Revolver S is HyperX's latest and priciest headset to date, with a price tag of $150 on Amazon at the time of writing. With a tag line of "the headset to choose if you’re looking for top-tier comfort, audio quality and clear communication", let's see what this premium product has to offer...
The HyperX Cloud Revolver S
As with last time, the package was quickly delivered via UPS in one piece:
And here's what's inside:
- The HyperX Cloud Revolver S Headset
- 3.5mm speaker and mic PC extension cable
- USB Audio Control Box
- Detachable Microphone
- User manual
Revolving Around The Specs
The advertised features of the Cloud Revolver S are as follows:
- Plug N Play Dolby® Surround 7.1 audio technology
- Advanced USB Audio Control Box with DSP Sound Card
- Studio grade sound stage
- Signature HyperX memory foam
- Wide Headband for Maximum Comfort
And spec-wise, the following is what the headset packs:
Headphone
- Driver: Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
- Type: Circumaural, Closed back
- Frequency Response: 12Hz–28,000 Hz
- Impedance: 30 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 100.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
- T.H.D.: < 2%
- Input power: Rated 30mW, Maximum 500mW
- Weight: 360g
- Weight w/ mic: 376g
- Cable length:
Headset (1m)
USB Audio Control Box (2.2m)
PC extension cable (2m)
- Connection:
Headset - 3.5mm plug (4 pole)
USB Audio Control Box – USB
PC extension cable - 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs
Microphone
- Element: Electret condenser microphone
- Polar Pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-canceling
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-18,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)
On Target
With the Cloud Revolver S, HyperX hits the target and delivers what's advertised.
Unlike the Cloud Stinger, it hits the right balance between treble and bass to output a high grade, clear and faithful sound quality. Whether for gaming or other audio media, you can hear the fine details in the source audio which makes the experience all the more immersive and pleasurable. It enabled me to determine exactly where those pesky mimics were coming at me from in Prey and pinpoint where gunshots were being fired from in the more competitive Killing Floor 2.
Here's hoping no one shoots the janitor
The improved sound quality is in part thanks to the "Advanced USB Audio Control Box with DSP Sound Card" that features the Dolby Surround 7.1 audio technology that simulates seven positional speakers to provide precise sound with distance and depth. The Control Box itself features 3 preset equalizer modes, Microphone Mute key and Headphone & Microphone volume adjustment wheels. Unfortunately the whole thing is not in line with the headset and has to be attached separately. Those controls would be better off in line with the headset rather than belonging to a separate piece altogether. Still room for improvement there!
The Revolver S also kept some of the best features of the Cloud Stinger like the comfortable memory foam and the bendable mic. With their signature memory foam, HyperX hits the comfort zone once again; I swear that I can wear those headphones for hours on with no discomfort felt. The ear cups are generously large enough to comfortably fit around my ears and the only reason to take them off is to occasionally aerate my ears. It even improves on the mic quality as compared to the Cloud Stinger; nothing stellar but decent enough. Moreover, the mic is detachable in the Cloud Revolver S! Now you can use those great sounding headphones when you are out and about without attracting too much attention (well, less attention than a headset with a mic attached to it would attract...).
The premium price also means that the headset has a premium look. No more cheap plastic-y feel and look with the sturdy steel frame and premium leatherette around the memory foam on the ear cups and headband. The design is also kept simple (although I would prefer if it sported more unique ear cups design) and for better or worst, they switched the traditional red HyperX logo for a grey one. The steel suspension-frame design painlessly adjusts the piece automatically to your head size. I'll have to note that, although I haven't tested the headset with any VR device, the fixed steel frame might limit the Revolver S' height to fit HMDs. Also, with the steel suspension, you'll have to be weary of your surroundings as reverberations are felt when the frame hits anything.
However, since the location of the mic plug is fixed, you cannot swivel it like with the Cloud Stinger to get it out of the way and you'll have to make the extra effort of detaching it to do so. I also deplore the lack of the ergonomic sound slider under the right ear cup which was such a seamless feature in the Cloud Stinger; so we'll have to rely on the add-on USB Control Box for that purpose.
Click Click, Bang! Bang!
Marketed for competitive gamers and those seeking a more immersive gaming experience, the HyperX Cloud Revolver S delivers what's advertised. The clear, rich sound output and the comfort it offers are the highlights of HyperX's top-tier headset. Moreover, it doubles as more than a gaming-only headset as it delivers the same feat when used with other media. But all of those don't come cheap and you'll have to be ready to pay top dollar to experience what the Cloud Revolver S has to offer.
Verdict
- High quality sound
- Comfortable to wear
- Detachable microphone
- Compatible with multiple platforms
- Pricey
- Lack of in line controls
- Reverbarations from the steel frame can be annoying
