Thursday, May 5, 2016

Kingston HyperX Revolver Gaming Headset Review

Up for review today is the Kingston HyperX Revolver. The Kingston HyperX Revolver is actually a gaming headset, that doubles as a standard over the ear headphones. The mic is detachable. The attached cable is a standard cable. Then there is a second cable that attaches to the attached cable. This extends the cable length for sitting back from the TV, and it also has mic mute switch, to mute the mic wherever you need to have a conversation with someone else in the room.  At least this is what I thought initially, which turned out not to be the case.  The second cable with the built-in mic mute and volume switch is for PC gaming.  For XBox One, the cable will plug in to the controller.  In order to have control of the volume at your fingers, you would need an adapter that connects between the Revolver headset and the controller.

Features and specs:
Studio-grade soundstage
Signature HyperX memory foam with premium leatherette
       Durable steel frame
       Detachable noise cancelling microphone
       Next-generation directional 50mm drivers
       Multi-platform compatibilities
       Headphone:
       Driver:  Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
       Type:  Circumaural, Closed-back
       Frequency Response:  12Hz-28,000 Hz
       Impedance:  30 Ohm
       Sound Pressure Level:  104.5BSPL/mW at 1kHz
       THD:<2 p="">  <2 o:p="">
       Input Power:  Rated 30mW, Max 500mW
       Weight:  360g
       Weight with mic:  376g
       Cable length and type:  Headset (1m) + Audio Control Box (2m)
       Connection:  Headset 3.5mm plug, Audio Control Box 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs
       Microphone:
       Element:  Electet condenser microphone
       Polar Pattern:  uni-directional, Noise cancelling
       Frequency response:  50Hz - 18,000 Hz
       Sensitivity:  -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa, 1kHz



The Kingston HyperX Revolver came shipped in a nice looking box and cut out insert to protect the Revolver. Included in the box was the owners manual, detachable mic, second cable with the mic switch, and the headset. Materials used in the construction were good, and the quality of construction and the fit and finish was even better! These looked like they should have been priced more.  And they were very well made, which is a good thing based on the amount of time gamers tend to, well.....game!  But, how do they sound?

David Bowie: Let's Dance, had nice depth, impact and authority in the kick drum. The knocker sounded woody and revealed a wide soundstage and good imaging. Vocals were natural, percussion was crisp and dynamic. Journey: Don't Stop Believing, keyboard sounded natural, vocals were very natural with great texture and detail, the size of soundstage surprised me, throwing a large and wide soundstage! Percussion had good dynamics, kick drum had good depth. Also Sprach Zerathustra, very good low end extension as well as output. Brass was smooth and not overly brassy. Nice impact in the tympani, with nice big soundstage. Junior Wells: Why Are People Like That, really nice low end extension in the bass that also played with authority. Vocals were very natural with good texture. The harmonica was nice and clean with good dynamics. Gershwin: Rhapsody In Blue, clarinet was really natural sounding with enough resolution that you could hear their breathing technique. Brass sounded smooth, piano sounded natural, and bassoon had nice depth and texture. They threw a big soundstage, and imaging was good.

While the Kingston HyperX Revolver is marketed as a gaming headset, it does just as well as a standard headphone.  With it, there's no need to have a separate pair of headphones for music.  The Revolver does a great job with music! They were a complete redesign for Kingston, to provide a studio grade sound.  And they hit it out of the park, providing a sound that is much higher than their price point. Based on their design, features, quality, and performance, the Kingston HyperX Revolver has earned our Highly Recommended Award.  For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.kingston.com.


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