Why You Can Trust CNET HyperX Cloud Revolver S review: HyperX Cloud Revolver S review: Gaming audio on cloud nine
HyperX's latest headset is pure comfort, offering world-first plug-and-play Dolby 7.1 audio. But the damn microphone kept getting in the way.
HyperX approach gaming peripherals with a very simple design ethos. Its number one concern is the number one requirement from you, and it's a philosophy that's largely paid off for the relatively young company. The Cloud Revolver S, announced at CES 2017, is the biggest, baddest headset in the company's range.
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
Going back to that design principle, HyperX is aiming for comfort first and sound second. But between the memory foam cups, wider steel headband, 50mm drivers and plug-and-play Dolby 7.1-channel surround sound, the Revolver S isn't messing around with performance either. There's just a couple of problems with how it delivers.
The gentle elasticity and memory foam cups make the Cloud Revolver S feel custom-made for your head.
Key Specs
- 50mm neodymium drivers
- Memory foam cups
- Weight: 360g, 376g with mic (roughly 0.8lb)
- 3.5mm jack or USB connection
- Dolby Virtual 7.1
- Plug-and-play
- Control box with discrete voice and sound control and 3 sound profiles
Some minor lip gymnastics are required if you're trying to squeeze drinks in between respawns. Or you could use a straw. The point is that the mic itself, once plugged in, isn't retractable or easily folded away. It's bendable, but you can really only do so much with it if it's in your way, and I found myself missing the low-profile or folding mics on other headsets I've used.
The mic is detachable, but that's not really a solution.
Sound quality itself was superb, both for gaming, comms and general music playback. I wouldn't be caught replacing my usual bluetooth headphones with these to use in the office or during my commute, but you're getting crisp, multi-channel quality and clear voice chat both ways.
Likewise, the in-line audio control box felt cumbersome. It's quite large and the clip on the back is fine for a pocket or a lapel, but it's not much use if you're in a plain t-shirt. Or I guess, no shirt. I'm not judging how you play games. As it's home to both your voice and audio volume controls and mute buttons, you want to keep it in easy reach, but it's hard to find a good place to put it.
Oooh, branding.
The audio box does manage to pull its weight. It's the source of the world-first plug-and-play Dolby 7.1 virtual surround, offers up bass boost, flat and vocal equalizer modes and it keeps everything in line on a single cable. It's compatible on PC and PlayStation 4 with the audio box, but you're limited to 3.5mm if you're an Xbox One owner.
Those two minor foibles aside, and they are minor, the Cloud Revolver S is just stupidly comfortable. I wish I were making this story up, but I had a friend try on the oversized memory foam cups and elastic headband, and he said it was "like wearing a cloud." I called him an idiot and then told him the name of the product. He's not wrong though -- the lightweight design and perfect springiness of the cups and the headband make the Cloud Revolver S one of the most comfortable headsets I've ever worn.
You'll find all your controls on the in-line audio box.
The Cloud Revolver S is available now for $150 or AU $250. That converts to around £120. If you're after comfort above all else in your headsets, your ears with thank you for picking up the Cloud Revolver S.
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