HyperX Cloud II Headset Review
Summary: Recommended for gamers of all levels!
4.7
Impressive audio
HyperX Cloud II Headset
Company: Kingston
Product: Gaming Headset
Price: $135AUD (Jan 2015)
Reviewer: James Wright
The HyperX Cloud II Headset is the latest gaming accessory from Kingston that has been specifically designed to give gamers an optimum audio experience. This is achieved with the inclusion of a USB sound card audio control box that enhances the clarity of audio in not just games but also with movies and music… basically all audio. Another highlight of the HyperX Cloud II Headset is the virtual 7.1 surround sound that successfully mimics this technology in order expand your audio experience by adding depth and substance which really enriches the sound.
In essence, it adds location to your audio which is ideal for games such as Call of Duty Advanced Warfare or Dragon Age Inquisition to assist the player in knowing the location of their friends and enemies. With that said, the headset has been designed for a PC and Mac via its USB connectivity but you can use the HyperX Cloud II Headset on other devices such as the PlayStation 4 or an iPhone 6 but you do lose the capabilities of the USB sound card audio control box. Even so, it still expands the uses of the Cloud II which is ideal in our books.
Features
- Advanced USB audio control box with built-in DSP sound card
- Hi-Fi capable with 53mm drivers for supreme audio quality
- Hardware-driven virtual 7.1 surround sound
- Comfortable, 100% memory foam on headband and leatherette cushions
- Pro-Gaming optimized with closed cup design for passive noise cancellation
- Compatible – USB connectivity for PC & Mac. Stereo compatible with PS4, Xbox One1 and mobile
With improved audio and comfort, the HyperX Cloud II Headset is definitely the successor to the previous headset and Kingston have done an exceptional job at revamping some of these features. In terms of design, the Cloud II is a very impressive looking gaming headset that not only looks like a high-end product but boasts a very sturdy and professional build, especially with the HyperX logo that stands out quite well.
It should be noted that the packaging is exceptional, especially the deluxe red box that holds this unit. For portability, Kingston have even included a travel bag. Another feature is the closed-back earcups which also assist with noise cancellation but more importantly are quite comfortable on the ears thanks to the memory foam, especially after long gaming sessions.
It should be noted that if you don’t like the faux leather ear cups, Kingston even allow the user to change this with material ones. The headband of the Cloud II which also uses a faux leather adds to the overall comfort factor. Personally I can’t fault it!
To compliment the strong design of the headset, Kingston have included a USB sound card audio control box to create the virtual 7.1 surround sound experience plus the ability to tweak both audio and microphone volumes. The controls on the contorl box are well placed with the controls for the volume on the left and microphone on the right. This is adjusted by either pushing the plus or minus buttons with two on both sides. To enable 7.1 surround sound, you simply push the 7.1 button.
However the highlight of the HyperX Cloud II Headset is definitely the audio capabilities of the product that thanks to the 53mm drivers produce some exceptional clarity in this department. Levels are produced well on the Cloud II with no distortion whatsoever, provided you don’t have the volume too loud. Bass is quite decent without distortion and for games, speech, sound and music compliment each other well.
The 7.1 surround sound aspect works very well, especially with first person shooters. Games like Call of Duty allowed me to hear which direction my enemies were in and for games like the new Tomb Raider, the cursed island of Yamata sounded amazing, especially with all the weather effects. Blu-ray movies also boomed and music such as The Veronicas and Taylor Swift’s new CD produced exceptionally clear audio with almost perfect levels.
As mentioned, the headset is compatible with other devices that use a 3.5mm connection such an iPhone 5s, Galaxy S5 or even a gaming console like the PlayStation 4 or XBox One. However as mentioned, the surround sound element of the headset will only work on the PC/Mac due to the USB sound card audio control box. Even so, the audio is still quite clear and the headset does deliver some very clear audio on those devices, even though it is only stereo.
As the Cloud II is a gaming headset, the microphone plays an integral role to gamers who play online but it should also be noted that the micrphone can be removed if needed. We tested the Cloud II on Starcraft II, Battlefield III and Call of Duty and the audio sent by the microphone was quite clear thanks to the noise cancellation technologies used on the Cloud II. I also like how it’s easy to tweak the volume of both the headset and the microphone on the fly.
Final Thoughts?
The HyperX Cloud II Headset definitely gives the user some bang for their money which not only produces exceptional audio quality plus the inclusion of 7.1 surround sound but it is extremely comfortable to wear, especially after long gaming sessions. The headset is also realtively quite lightweight and USB sound card audio control box definitely increases the audio experience for the user which is easy to control sa well.
So if you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful headset that matches some of the top end units, than we could happily recommend the HyperX Cloud II Headset from Kingston that makes it the perfect tool for gamers of all levels.
Headset Specifications
- Transducer type: dynamic Ø 53mm with neodynium magnets
- Operating principle: closed
- Frequency response: 15Hz–25,000 Hz
- Nominal impedance: 60 O per system
- Nominal SPL: 98±3dB
- T.H.D.: < 2%
- Power handling capacity: 150mW
- Sound coupling to the ear: circumaural
- Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 20 dBa
- Headband pressure: 5N
- Weight: 320g
- Weight with microphone and cable: 350g
- Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension
- Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5 mm)
Microphone Specifications
- Transducer type: condenser (back electret)
- Operating principle: pressure gradient
- Polar pattern: cardioid
- Power supply: AB powering
- Supply voltage: 2V
- Current consumption: max 0.5 mA
- Nominal impedance: =2.2 kO
- Open circuit voltage: at f = 1 kHz: 20 mV / Pa
- Frequency response: 50–18,000 Hz
- THD: 2% at f = 1 kHz
- Max. SPL: 105dB SPL (THD=1.0% at 1 KHz)
- Microphone output: -39±3dB
- Length mic boom: 150mm (include gooseneck)
- Capsule diameter: Ø6
- Connection: single mini stereo jack plug (3.5mm)
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