Razer Barracuda Gaming Headset

Testing

To test this headset I prepared several different tests. First was a musical test, where different genres of music were listened to at various volumes and with various EQ settings (This test is designed to show the full range of the headsets capabilities). The next test is the immersion test where we test the headset in several different gaming environments. I also performed a microphone test using our friendly neighbourhood Skype to test the mic quality. The final two tests are not quite so technical, the first being a comfort test (Several hours of wearing the headset) and a cool test, which I will let you be the judge of.

Test 1: The headset performed well in all genres of music, sounding especially good in some of the grittier genres such as rock and the “Harder” RnB tracks. However, the bass could be a bit lacking if you are used to extreme bass performance. For those that have not made their ears bleed before, the bass sounds awesome.

Test 2: For the gaming test I played 30 minute segments of different games. These games were, Prey, Battlefield 2142 and for a bit of a genre change, Company of Heroes. In Prey the atmospheric squelches of the organic walls and the cries from the guards were very disturbing in the fact that instead of the stereo left-right outputs I was used to, I was surprised by guards shouting from behind me! Battlefield 2142 was equally quelling and the ricochet noises from the bullets spraying all around me were immersive in every sense of the word. Company of heroes was just as good again, as I really felt for my soldiers as their anguished cries and death greeting screams carried across the battlefield. I was also greatly amused when the soldiers not only insulted each other in front of me, but behind and to the sides of me; 7.1 surround sound has never been so good.

Test 3: The mic performed very well and was surprisingly clear considering the size and placement of the microphone on the headset. There was some crackling when the volume was increased and due to the fact that the mic has no sleeving, ambient noises are occasionally audible.

Test 4: Comfort wise this headset wasn’t bad. It never felt heavy or constricting, even after a couple of hours of using it. However, typically with the cup style headsets you can get sweaty ears, if you’re the sweaty type, which, obviously, I’m not…

And for the cool test:

Pleb, or gaming master? You decide

Peripherals