The Ultimate Review of Corsair's Virtuoso RGB Headset

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Design

Comfort

Sound Quality

Mic Sound Quality

Conclusion

Having a good gaming headset is crucial to fully enjoying your gaming experience. It's been said that in the world of film, audio is even more important than visuals. The same can be said for gaming - without proper audio, you may not feel fully immersed in the game. So, if you find yourself not fully engaged in your gameplay, it may be time to upgrade your audio setup with a quality gaming headset.

We've had the pleasure of using the Corsair Virtuoso RGB headset for the past few weeks, and it has truly revolutionized our gaming experience. The headset boasts 7.1 surround sound through its expertly tuned 50 mm high-density neodymium drivers, providing a high-fidelity audio experience that is double the frequency range of your typical gaming headset. Additionally, the integrated omnidirectional microphone delivers clear and dynamic voice communications, which can be conveniently detached when not needed. The ear cups are made of soft memory foam, and with up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, this headset is a must-have for any serious gamer.

Contents of The Box

Experience high-quality sound and seamless compatibility across multiple devices with our premium headphones. Whether you're using a PC, MAC, Playstation, or mobile device, our headphones are designed to work seamlessly with your setup. Enjoy crystal-clear audio with surround sound capabilities and passive noise cancellation. Our headphones are also incredibly lightweight, weighing in at only 372g, making them perfect for extended use. With up to 20 hours of battery life and a frequency response range of 20Hz to 40kHz, you can enjoy uninterrupted audio for hours on end. Charge your headphones easily with the USB-C charge type. Our headphones also come equipped with an omni-directional microphone with a frequency response range of 100Hz to 10kHz, ensuring that your voice is always heard clearly. Get your hands on our premium headphones for only $130 on Amazon.

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Headset

Detachable Microphone

USB Dongle

USB-C to A cable

3.5mm Audio Cable

Design

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB boasts a sleek and sophisticated design that makes it suitable for both gaming and non-gaming purposes. With its subtle RGB Corsair logos on the ear cups, it doesn't scream "gamer" and can even be worn outdoors without looking out of place. What sets this headset apart from its competitors is its use of machined aluminum in its construction, which adds a premium touch and durability that is often lacking in other high-end headsets that are made of plastic.

I typically prefer headphones in black or darker colorways, but I must admit that the white and gray combination on this headset is quite striking. However, it is important to note that the surface of the headset is prone to picking up stains from sticky fingers. Fortunately, I have found that a simple solution of rubbing alcohol and a paper towel easily removes any slight stains.

This headset offers three versatile ways to connect - wireless using Corsair's Slipstream Wireless technology for 60ft of low latency range, USB wired for the best sound quality with 24bit/96kHz high-fidelity audio, and 3.5mm wired for compatibility with various devices featuring a 3.5mm jack. The premium quality cables included with the headset measure approximately 5 feet long, ensuring optimal flexibility and convenience. Additionally, the Corsair Virtuoso boasts an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours, allowing for uninterrupted use and performance. In my personal experience, I was able to use the headset for approximately 16 to 17 hours before recharging was necessary. However, the ability to use the headphones while charging eliminates any need for switching to a different pair of headphones mid-use.

Comfort

The Virtuoso RGB headphones, weighing in at 372 grams, provide exceptional comfort even during prolonged use. As an individual who enjoys wearing headphones while at my computer, I can attest to their comfort, even when not in use. The ear cups' memory foam pads are remarkably cozy, and the drivers are positioned far enough back to provide ample space for your ears. In the event that the ear cup pads wear out, they can be effortlessly removed and replaced with third-party options readily available on Amazon.

However, individuals who wear glasses may experience slight discomfort from the ear cups. As a glasses wearer myself, I did not encounter any issues, but those with wider frames may experience slight pressure on the side of their head due to the ear cups' clamping.

The headphones come with three adjustable features, including an expandable and collapsible headband and swiveling and tilting ear cups that conform to the shape of your head. Among these features, the swivel is particularly crucial for comfort. Since faces and ears tend to taper rather than lay flat, the swiveling ear cups ensure a better fit and enhance the overall feel of the headphones.

Sound Quality

The moment we've all been waiting for - the sound quality of the Virtuoso RGB headset. In both wired and wireless modes, this headset delivers exceptional sound. For optimal audio performance, it is recommended to use the USB connection which provides a 24-bit 96K Hz format with 8 channels, as compared to 48K Hz in wireless mode. Although 48K Hz is not subpar, once you experience the 96K Hz format, it's difficult to settle for less.

While the soundstage of the Virtuoso may not be as wide as my daily drivers, the Koss KPH30i, it's important to note that the Virtuoso is a closed-back headphone while the KPH30i are open-back headphones. Typically, open-back headphones are preferred for a more natural sound, however, the Virtuoso still delivers a relatively wide soundstage in comparison to other closed-back headphones I've used in the past.

Music Performance

To start testing headset sound quality, I typically like to listen to music because I can easily test the difference, especially songs I am familiar with.

The Virtuoso gaming headset boasts a relatively accurate sound stage, avoiding excessive bass or mids. However, the high frequencies leave something to be desired, lacking clarity and becoming muddled. In terms of audio quality, the Virtuoso excels in handling bass-heavy tracks, but falls short in reproducing the highs. While listening for extended periods at high volumes via USB, some fatigue was experienced. The wired options allow for significantly louder volume, given the headphones' 32 Ohms impedance rating, compared to Apple's earbuds at 42 Ohms. This makes the Virtuoso headphones easy to power. If you require headphones with studio-grade accuracy, gaming headsets may not be your best bet.

Gaming Performance

The Virtuoso RGB truly stands out when it comes to gaming. Whether you're playing a fast-paced shooter or a slow-burning strategy game, this headset delivers an immersive experience without overwhelming your senses with excessive explosions or gunfire. You can expect to hear every detail of the game's audio, from the subtle sound effects to the booming soundtrack, all while maintaining crystal-clear communication with your teammates.

The game's cutscenes are characterized by engaging dialogue that is well-balanced with crystal clear soundtracks and impactful sound effects. The sound elements complement each other seamlessly, resulting in a clear and immersive audio experience.

Mic Sound Quality

While Corsair claims that this microphone is at a broadcast-level standard, I wouldn't necessarily agree. However, it does perform admirably well for a detachable headset mic. While it may not be on par with standalone microphones, it is hard to think of a better headset mic on the market. The microphone provides a balanced and natural sound for anyone who speaks into it, which may not be extraordinary, but it is both accurate and pleasant to listen to. Additionally, if you want to attain a higher level of audio quality, you can enable mic feedback to monitor your own speech. Although it takes some time to get used to hearing yourself speak, it makes it much simpler to keep track of levels and quality.

This detachable mic sets itself apart from others by using a micro-USB connection instead of the standard 3.5mm, providing additional capabilities. Its mic mute button is located on the bottom of the mic, where it joins with the ear cup. The LED on the mic body changes from green to red when the mic is muted, making it easy to determine whether it's on or off. Corsair's iCue software allows for voice prompts, but I found them to be bothersome and kept them turned off most of the time.

Conclusion

The Virtuoso by Corsair is a well-constructed and impressive headset overall. However, potential buyers may be deterred by the steep price tag. Currently, the Virtuoso is available on Amazon for $130, making it one of the more expensive gaming headsets on the market. If you're in search of headphones or a headset with exceptional sound accuracy and a wide sound stage, the Virtuoso RGB may not be the best choice. It's worth noting that even the most high-end gaming headsets cannot measure up to audiophile-grade headphones, but that's a discussion for another time and budget.

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless Gaming Headset delivers a high-fidelity audio experience with 7.1 surround sound. Boasting precisely tuned 50 mm high-density neodymium drivers with a frequency range double that of a typical gaming headset, this headset offers superb sound quality. Its integrated omnidirectional microphone records clear voice communications with dynamism, and is detachable for convenience. The ear cups feature soft memory foam, and the company promises up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge. If you're on a tight budget and spend most of your time in Discord or Zoom calls and playing games, you won't find a gaming headset that offers a better experience than the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless Gaming Headset.

Similar Products

Experience crystal-clear audio with our top-of-the-line omni-directional microphone that is compatible with PC, Mac, PlayStation, and mobile devices. With surround sound capabilities and passive noise cancellation, you'll never miss a beat. The lightweight design, weighing only 372g, and up to 20 hours of battery life make it perfect for long gaming sessions or work calls. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 40kHz, and the mic frequency response ranges from 100Hz to 10kHz. Get yours today for only $130 on Amazon.

FAQ

Q: Does The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless Have Onboard Memory

No, it does not, which means that the EQ profiles you have on PC are only available on PC and not on PlayStation or other devices.

Q: What is the difference between Corsair Virtuoso SE and non-SE?

While the SE version of the Virtuoso boasts a slightly more sensitive microphone, the non-SE version still offers exceptional audio quality. Ultimately, the primary differences between the two headsets come down to their aesthetics and pricing.

Q: Will The Corsair Virtuoso Work Wirelessly With A PS5

Yes, using the USB Slipstream dongle, the Virtuoso RGB headset works wirelessly with a PlayStation 5.