Unleash the Power of Sound with Sony Pulse 3D Headset

Sony's Pulse 3D wireless gaming headset has been a top-seller among PlayStation gamers since its release in late 2020. With compatibility with Sony's Tempest 3D spatial audio format and easy connectivity, the mid-range priced headset promises a great experience. Its aesthetic design perfectly complements the PS5, further contributing to its success.

Although several competitors with similar features have hit the market, the Pulse 3D remains a prime candidate for most PlayStation gamers. Sony has continuously pushed out updates that add functionality to the device, while more titles than ever support the PS5's 3D audio technology. Despite this, some competitors offer superior battery life and multi-platform connectivity, which may leave gamers wondering what makes the Pulse 3D a better investment.

As someone who has had the opportunity to compare the Pulse 3D against numerous rivals, I can attest to its powerful sound quality and how it takes full advantage of the PS4 and PS5's 3D audio technology. The Pulse 3D is specifically designed to deliver moving layers of sound that change position depending on gamers' movements in games. Additionally, it is available in several different colors to suit any gamer's individual style.

The Sony Pulse 3D headset boasts dual compatibility with PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox, and Switch. The package includes a USB-C cable, wireless USB-A dongle, 3.5mm cable, and the headset itself. The lightweight design and slim profile make it easy to set up and configure, while also matching the sleek PS5 design. However, some users may find it uncomfortable for long sessions and the dual internal microphones don't quite measure up to the competition. Additionally, the below-average battery life may be a drawback for some. The Sony Pulse 3D is priced at $100 on Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

Contents of Package

The Sony Pulse 3D comes in a compact blue and white box that contains the headset, a USB-C charging cable, wireless receiver, 3.5mm analog audio cable, and a quick start guide. Sony keeps things simple with the packaging, making it easy for owners to unveil its contents.

Design and Comfort

The Pulse 3D wireless headset comes in three different color schemes, including Midnight Black, White, and Gray Camouflage. While the all-black option is perfect for blending in with other PC gaming peripherals, the white model best represents the basic design of the PS5 console. At an affordable price point, the Pulse 3D is primarily composed of plastic parts, which helps to keep its weight at just 292 grams or 10.3 ounces, unlike more expensive headsets that feature a steel frame or headband, such as the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro.

The Pulse 3D earpads have a more rounded shape than oval, making them comfortable enough for medium-length gaming sessions. However, in some cases, wearing them for more than 2–3 hours may cause discomfort in the earlobes, requiring repositioning of the headset. The headset has limited adjustability options, with a flexible rubber headband doing most of the work. Fortunately, Sony's one size fits all approach seems to work, with even users with larger heads reporting no significant issues regarding general comfort.

Despite the earcups' lack of swiveling capabilities, the Pulse 3D is accommodating to a wide audience. The wireless headset comes with a pair of internal noise-cancelling mics instead of an external boom microphone. While this design choice contributes to its streamlined appearance, it makes storage and travel more challenging.

The Pulse 3D headset may be easy to wear, but there are quite a few controls located on the left earcup that may take some time to get used to. The power switch is located at the bottom of the earcup and may not be the most accessible while wearing the headset. However, it is separated from the other buttons, which reduces the risk of accidentally turning off the device during crucial gameplay moments.

Moving up the earcup, there is an analog audio jack that allows for a wired connection to sources that the official Microsoft Wireless Xbox headset does not offer. Above this port is a USB-C connection that allows for recharging the Pulse 3D while also making a USB audio connection to the PS5 possible. Additionally, there is a button to mute the microphone, a rocker switch for adjusting headset volume, and a monitor switch that enables users to hear their own voices as they are recorded by the mics. It should be noted that initially, the chat/game mix controls on the top of the earcup can be mistaken for the headset volume button.

Unlike some Xbox-certified wireless headsets that use Microsoft's wireless protocol, the Pulse 3D requires a wireless USB adapter even with PlayStation consoles. While it's disappointing that the adapter takes up a USB port, it does allow for the use of the wireless headset on PCs. Unfortunately, the Pulse 3D lacks Bluetooth connectivity.

As a console wireless headset, there's no need for complicated software adjustments with the Pulse 3D. The initial setup process is extremely simple - just plug in the USB wireless adapter and turn on the headset. The Pulse 3D will automatically pair with the console, and the PS5 will switch sound devices to the headset without any effort required from the user. Gamers can easily check the battery status of the headset by pressing the PS button on the controller. If needed, users can also trigger a series of beeps and LED indicator lights by using a combination of physical chat and volume-down buttons to inform them of the headset's power level.

To cater to the fact that not everyone's ears are the same, Sony has provided some fine-tuning options for the 3D audio effects. Users can choose between 5 different height levels accessed through the sound settings on the PS5, which adjust the position of the spatial sounds. While the default setting sounded the most accurate to the writer, Sony has also enabled users to compare sound effects with Tempest 3D Audio enabled or disabled if the spatial audio sounds too strange to use while gaming.

Using the Pulse 3D and its USB dongle with a Windows PC, the headset will show up as a generic audio device in sound settings. Although the Pulse 3D won't provide true surround sound, users can actually enable Windows Sonic or Atmos by delving into the properties of the device if they have purchased the app from Dolby.

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In addition to the impressive audio quality, Sony has further optimized the Pulse 3D headset with detailed EQ settings in a PS5 update. Users can now choose from a variety of profiles to enhance their gaming experience, including options tailored for different game genres and sliders for adjusting bass and treble levels when listening to music or watching movies.

The main selling point of the Pulse 3D headset is undoubtedly its support for Tempest 3D audio, which provides a truly immersive gaming experience. While other headsets, such as the Razer Barracuda X, also offer spatial audio, the Pulse 3D is specifically designed to make full use of this technology with minimal setup required.

To put the Tempest 3D audio to the test, I played my favorite racing game, Gran Turismo 7, and was blown away by the difference in sound quality. I could clearly hear the difference between different surfaces, such as grass and dirt, and the ability to pinpoint the exact location of other racers was a game-changing feature. Overall, the Pulse 3D headset delivers impressive sound quality and performance at a mid-range price point.

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The Pulse 3D headset enhances the audio experience of The Last of Us Part 1 on PS5 with its new positional audio effects. It also performs well for watching movies and listening to music, with well-balanced high, mid, and low sounds. However, the lack of Dolby Atmos compatibility on the PS5 makes it less than ideal for high-budget films. While gaming, the volume is generally sufficient, but some sources may sound quiet if used to PC gaming headsets. Using an analog audio cable improves the situation, and the Pulse 3D is a decent option for gamers whose PC and PS5 are in close proximity.

The Pulse 3D boasts a wireless range of 10 meters or about 32 feet, and while gaming, the wireless signal remained mostly undisturbed. However, sitting around 8-10 feet from the PS5 and a large TV, there were a few instances of static interference. Attaching a USB extension cord to the Pulse 3D wireless receiver was a successful workaround, but it's safe to say that the Pulse 3D lacks the signal strength of alternatives like the Logitech G Pro X, which has a range of 15 meters. Additionally, the omission of Bluetooth on the Pulse 3D removes another potential connection method to avoid audio disruptions.

With a battery life of around 12 hours, the Pulse 3D falls short compared to some PC gaming headsets that offer up to 20 hours of gameplay. Even PlayStation-compatible headsets like the HyperX Cloud Alpha offer a remarkable 300-hour battery life.

The dual noise-cancelling internal mics on the Pulse 3D do their best to overcome the lack of an external boom mic, but chatters during multiplayer gaming sound distant and hollow. The headset itself does a poor job of noise isolation, so outside distractions will further interfere with communication. At $100, there are many gaming headsets with superior external microphones and noise cancellation.

After extensive use, the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset lives up to its promises of providing exceptional ease of use and maximizing the potential of Tempest 3D audio. Despite the inconvenience of an additional wireless dongle, users can effortlessly pair the headset with their PlayStation console without having to make any compromises that come with using other multi-platform devices. The Pulse 3D is equipped with console-native software that simplifies the process of adjusting positional audio settings and selecting from expertly-tuned EQ presets. However, the headset falls short in terms of comfort during prolonged gaming sessions, and its dual internal microphones do not measure up to its competitors. Additionally, the battery life is below average. Nevertheless, the Pulse 3D showcases the best of Sony's Tempest 3D audio, is lightweight with a slim profile, and is available in various colors to suit individual preferences. It is also compatible with PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox, and Switch, and comes with a USB-C cable, wireless USB-A dongle, and 3.5mm cable. The USB receiver also works with PCs. At a price of $100, the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset is available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart.

The Pulse 3D headset may not be the most comfortable option available, but it is impressively lightweight and can accommodate a wide range of head shapes and sizes. Despite its plastic construction, the headset shows minimal signs of wear even after extended use. However, the headset's slim profile does come with some drawbacks. Its dual internal mic setup is no substitute for noise-isolating external mics, and the headset's below-average battery life of 12 hours is likely due to its 292-gram weight.

Despite its imperfections, the Pulse 3D is a visually stunning match for PlayStation peripherals and console gamers will appreciate the relatively affordable and hassle-free way to experience the PS5's spatial audio technology. With an increasing number of 3D audio-compatible titles available, the Pulse 3D is a solid choice for PS4 and PS5 gamers seeking high-quality audio.

However, for audiophiles or gamers on multiple platforms, there are other wireless headsets worth considering. The Razer Barracuda X, for example, offers Bluetooth connectivity and a 50-hour battery life, making it a versatile option in the same price range.

If you're looking for a wireless gaming headset that matches your PlayStation console, the Sony Inzone H9 is a pricier option that offers spatial audio support on both the PS5 and PC. This premium headset also comes with a noise-cancelling boom mic and Bluetooth radio, features that are lacking in the Pulse 3D. Alternatively, the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro is a newcomer to the wireless gaming headset scene that also offers superior active noise cancellation technology, and is available in a PlayStation version. Regardless of which headset you choose, there are now more wireless headsets on the market than ever before, all boasting convincing sound quality. Another option to consider is the Razer Barracuda X, priced at $90.

Sony Inzone H9

$298

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

$330

FAQ

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The Sony Pulse 3D stands out from other wireless gaming headsets due to its exceptional audio quality and compatibility with the PlayStation 5's Tempest 3D AudioTech. It also features a comfortable design, long battery life, and easy-to-use controls. The headset's ability to deliver immersive 3D audio can enhance your gaming experience and provide a competitive advantage in games that support the technology. Overall, the Sony Pulse 3D is a top choice for serious gamers looking for a high-quality wireless headset.

The Pulse 3D headphones were specifically crafted with PlayStation gamers in mind. The seamless connection to both PS4 and PS5 consoles makes it effortless to enjoy and the settings can be easily modified on the PlayStation dashboard without the need for any external software.