More drivers for more audio
excellence…
One of the things that modern entertainment
brings us is surround sound. It has proven extremely effective in helping
create suspension of disbelief, and proves particularly effective in creating
immersion and engagement in video games, the most interactive form of
entertainment. So it’s hardly a surprise that ensuring effective audio
solutions are available to players of video and PC games is quite a high
priority to a number of manufacturers particularly when we have the ability to
create the illusion of surround sound with personal audio devices.
Tiamat
7.1 Gaming Headset
That really is just a long winded way of
saying that companies like Razer are going all out to create devices like the
Tiamat 7.1 Gaming Headset.
The Tiamat offers the user not only a great
audio experience, but striking looks as well. The angular ear cups are fitted
with clear sections on their outer sides, allowing the ten audio drivers that
the system uses to be visible. The overall look is quite chunky, making it
appears that this headset is heavier than it actually is. And, as to be
expected, Razer has gone with the contrasting black and green finish that marks
so many of their products. The left ear cup also houses a retractable mic arm,
which feature a funky folding design, but is rather short.
That
really is just a long winded way of saying that companies like Razer are going
all out to create devices like the Tiamat 7.1 Gaming Headset.
Audio is supplied by ten drivers, as
mentioned before. These are obviously divided into five per ear cup, and are
comprised of a 40mm subwoofer, two 30mm drivers for center and front sides, and
two 20mm drivers for rear and side surround. The end result is rather
thrilling, if surround sound is what you’re after.
Audio is delivered to the headset by way of
a cable, which passes through a large in-line volume controller. This
controller allows for volume adjustment on each of the various channels, as
well as changing modes between stereo and surround audio, muting the mic and
switching between speaker and headset. It’s a large control, which allows for
fine tuning of audio, but does take up a little desk top real estate.
Because it is an analogue system, it
interfaces with your PC by way of several 3.5mm jacks, and also requires a free
USB port for power. That’s quite a potential cable snarl, but the long braided
cable and general layout of the plugs will help mitigate too much mess.
Because
it is an analogue system, it interfaces with your PC by way of several 3.5mm
jacks, and also requires a free USB port for power
In terms of comfort, the Tiamat is great.
The ear pads are generous, and fit over the user’s ear. The headband also has
generous padding, which is segmented to allow for even greater comfort.
Razer displays a keen understanding of what
gamers require yet again with the Tiamat. It certainly is not the cheapest of
headset solutions, but the performance is well worth the expense.
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At a glance
·
Summary: The Tiamat 7.1 Headset sets new
standards for surround sound in the personal audio space.
·
Manufacturer: Razer
·
Distributer: Corex
·
Price: Approx $198
Tech specs
·
10 drivers
·
Independent channel volume
·
7.1 surround sound
·
Retractable mic
·
Analogue connection
Pros
·
Great sound
·
Precision audio adjustment
Cons
·
Short mic arm
·
Score: 95
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