Reviews consistently state that the headset does not provide active noise cancellation. Isolation comes from the earcups rather than electronic ANC.
There is no active noise cancellation. The open-back design prioritizes airflow and natural sound, so it can’t cancel distractions the way closed-back ANC headsets can.
Android support is tied to USB-C/mobile compatibility, with reviewers noting Android use through the DAC or USB-C connection.
Works on Android over Bluetooth and supports the Swarm II mobile app, but several advanced audio features are PC-centric and mobile options can feel limited.
The main app-related support is Dolby Access, which reviewers mention for sound adjustment rather than a full companion app.
Swarm II provides firmware updates plus access to EQ, mic controls, spatial options, and game/chat features. Stability and feature parity vary by platform, and some users report connection or preset issues.
Wired use is repeatedly tied to no audio lag or zero latency, supporting strong sync performance for gaming.
Audio latency is best over the 2.4GHz dongle and 3.5mm wired mode. Bluetooth is fine for casual listening but not ideal when timing is critical.
Bass is generally controlled and useful for games, with several reviewers praising thump, deeper bass, and rumble, while some found the tuning not especially bass-heavy.
Bass is generally controlled rather than thunderous. Some reviews find it punchy enough for games, but many note weaker sub-bass and less impact for explosions or bass-heavy music.
Because this is a wired analog headset, reviewers treat battery life as a non-issue: there is no battery to charge.
Battery life is repeatedly praised, usually meeting the advertised ~50 hours and sometimes exceeding it, so most users can go many sessions between charges.
Bluetooth is not supported. Reviews describe the headset as wired-only or explicitly say there is no Bluetooth connectivity.
Bluetooth generally works reliably for calls and media, but it’s higher latency than the 2.4GHz dongle and switching between sources can take a couple seconds. True simultaneous game audio (2.4GHz) plus Bluetooth mixing isn’t supported. You can toggle/QuickSwitch between sources instead.
Build quality is broadly praised, with solid housing, metal or reinforced headband elements, and durable-feeling construction despite some plastic parts.
Build is mostly plastic to keep weight low and is generally described as solid and flexible. It doesn’t feel as premium as metal-framed competitors, and the unusual suspension design raises long-term questions for some.
The included DAC is one of the most supported strengths, with repeated mentions of 32-bit/384kHz capability, clean output, and hi-res playback support.
Controls are mixed. The mic module gives inline volume and mute behavior, but several reviewers criticize the lack of cup controls or the volume slider implementation.
Controls are mostly on one earcup with a prominent volume wheel. Some find them easy to locate, while others dislike similarly shaped buttons or coarse volume steps.
Cable design is partly convenient but not flawless: reviewers note included cables and swappable sides, while also flagging the proprietary/soldered connection.
Pack-in cables are commonly braided, longer than average, and better than typical bundled cables, drawing positive comments across multiple reviews.
One reviewer specifically notes that no travel pouch or case was included, so carry case quality is effectively absent.
The included pouch/bag is useful for scratch protection but isn’t a structured case and offers limited impact protection.
Charging support comes through the USB-C passthrough on the DAC, which reviewers repeatedly describe as useful for phones, Switch, and mobile use.
USB-C charging is convenient, with multiple reviews citing fast charging (often roughly under a couple hours) and the ability to keep using the headset while it charges.
Clamp is described as moderate or medium: secure enough for stability, but noticeable depending on head shape and preference.
Clamp is typically gentle and glasses-friendly, but the same light clamp can reduce stability for people who move around a lot.
Comfort is a consistent strength, with reviewers reporting all-day, several-hour, or eight-hour use without major discomfort.
Comfort is a standout theme: lightweight build, breathable pads, and low clamp keep it easy to wear for hours, especially for glasses wearers.
Connectivity is versatile for a wired headset, with 3.5mm, USB-C DAC use, aux input, adapters, and secondary-source mixing all mentioned.
Console support is good through wired use, but one reviewer found the DAC benefit was mainly a PC feature and did not boost console use.
Design is received positively, especially the clean black/gold look, slick finish, and less flashy studio-style appearance.
A restrained, modern look with distinctive open-back grilles and floating cups. It reads more functional than flashy, which some prefer and others find plain.
The detachable cable system is generally praised for magnetic attachment, side-swapping, and secure fit, though proprietary design limits replacement flexibility.
The detachable microphone is a standout modular feature, with reviewers repeatedly noting that it can be removed, moved to either side, or replaced with an audio-only module.
The detachable boom mic and flip-to-mute are convenient for switching between gaming and casual use. A few mention the boom length or ergonomics as minor annoyances.
The DAC dongle is usually seen as a value-add, but one reviewer found it large and another had a defective or unrecognized unit.
The included 2.4GHz USB-A dongle is the preferred mode for low-latency gaming and tends to be stable, while also enabling the best PC-only audio options.
Ear cup padding receives strong praise for depth, plushness, comfort, and breathable or dual-material construction, with one reviewer noting early stitching wear.
Earpads are described as plush, breathable, and comfortable, often using fabric rather than pleather to reduce heat. Many note they’re removable for cleaning or replacement.
Reviewers note usable cup rotation/swivel for resting the headset around the neck or improving fit.
The earcups don’t swivel flat, which makes it less convenient to rest around the neck or pack neatly compared with headsets that fold or rotate.
Earpad replacement appears easy thanks to magnetic attachment and removable cushions, with multiple reviews emphasizing simple removal or replacement.
EQ customization exists mainly through Dolby Access. Reviewers mention usable EQ profiles, but one review calls EQ options limited.
A 10-band EQ with custom presets is a core strength (especially on PC). A few reviewers report EQ-related artifacts or odd behavior with non-default profiles.
Fit is secure without being extreme: reviewers describe enough squeeze to stay in place and avoid flying off the head.
Gaming cue emphasis is strong, with reviewers specifically noting boosted footsteps, clear grass/ground crunches, and situational detail.
Frequency response evidence is mixed: specs and testing support wide extension, while measured tuning shows deviations and gaming-oriented emphasis.
Tuning is broadly balanced with a mild upper-frequency emphasis that favors detail and competitive cues. Multiple notes point to less sub-bass than many closed-backs and occasional treble unevenness.
There is no dedicated game/chat dial, but the DAC aux input can mix a second source for chat, stream alerts, or external audio.
Game/chat mix is typically handled in the companion software rather than with a dedicated hardware dial, which is workable on PC but less convenient mid-game.
Headband adjustment is described positively, with damped sliders that feel good to adjust.
Adjustment relies on a suspension/velcro system rather than sliding yokes. It fits many heads well, but it’s less granular and some worry about long-term velcro tension.
Durability is supported by metal headband/slider comments and twist tests, though one reviewer notes plastic fork/yoke areas.
The floating, band-suspended earcup design avoids traditional hinge stress points and feels robust in early use, but it’s unconventional enough that long-term wear remains an unknown.
Included accessories are a strength, with reviewers pointing to cables, mod plates, DAC, adapters, and extra modules.
The bundle typically includes the dongle, USB-C cable, 3.5mm cable, detachable mic (often with a windscreen), and a pouch. Braided cables and overall completeness get frequent praise.
Detail and layering are repeatedly praised, including layered audio, environmental detail, and a clear sense of the game world.
Instrument and layer separation is strong, helping complex mixes and busy game scenes remain distinct rather than blending together.
The integrated boom microphone is part of the magnetic module and supports flip-up mute or broadcast-style positioning.
Maximum-volume clarity is a strength in the positive reviews, with low distortion and crisp output noted even when pushed.
Clarity at high volume is generally strong with little distortion, though a few reports suggest certain EQ modes can introduce artifacts, especially at lower listening levels.
Microphone impressions are mixed: several reviewers call it decent, serviceable, or better than expected, while others find it average.
Microphone noise handling is limited. Reviews note background pickup, no powered noise cancellation, and only partial directional/noise-gating help.
Noise handling is generally good with adjustable noise gates and processing, but some reviewers hear occasional dips or artifacts when noise reduction is too aggressive.
Call/chat mic quality ranges from competent to disappointing: some reviewers liked it, while others found it quiet, compressed, or only decent.
Mic clarity is above average for a gaming headset, especially over the dongle/high-bandwidth modes. Over Bluetooth it can sound more compressed and less full.
Midrange is gaming-focused. Several reviews mention boosted upper mids or clear mid/high detail, while one notes some vocals can be drowned out.
Midrange is typically clear and present, keeping dialogue and key cues intelligible even in busy scenes.
Multi-platform compatibility is broadly supported across PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, mobile, iOS/Android, and USB-C devices.
Connectivity is flexible via 2.4GHz dongle, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm analog, covering PC, PlayStation, Switch, and phones well. Xbox support is the main caveat because it isn’t wireless.
Passive isolation is a clear strength, with multiple reviews saying the thick cups block or reduce a meaningful amount of outside noise.
Passive isolation is minimal by design. Sound leaks out and outside noise comes in, so it’s poorly suited to shared rooms, offices, or commuting.
Packaging impressions are limited but positive, especially the black/gold presentation and included headset/accessory layout.
Portability is mostly about wired travel and USB-C/mobile use rather than foldability or a case; one reviewer planned flight use.
Positional audio is a major strength for gaming, with reviewers praising directional cues, sound origin detection, and situational awareness.
Preset EQ evidence comes from Dolby Access, where one reviewer tried performance, warm, balanced, and detailed modes.
The default Signature Sound profile is widely considered the most balanced and reliable. Superhuman Hearing and other presets can sound artificial or overly bright, and some profiles behave inconsistently.
Replaceable earpads are well supported through magnetic cushions, removable pads, and cleaning or replacement comments.
Earpads are removable and replacements/mod options are available or expected, which helps hygiene and long-term maintenance.
Replaceable ear plates are one of the most supported customization features, with magnetic mod plates and cosmetic personalization mentioned across reviews.
RGB lighting customization is not present; one review explicitly notes that there is no RGB.
Mic monitoring/sidetone is adjustable and often described as hiss-free, but several reviewers found it too quiet unless set very high or noted it doesn’t feel especially strong.
Setup is generally simple, with reviewers describing plug-and-play use and no required software for basic operation.
Setup is straightforward when everything behaves, but multiple reviews mention finicky detection, firmware/update hiccups, or settings that don’t persist, making the experience inconsistent.
Sound leakage is a real caveat. The limited evidence points to noticeable outward leakage despite the thick ear cushions.
Sound quality is the product's strongest theme, with most reviews praising crisp, detailed, clear, or impressive wired audio, though measured scores are more moderate.
Overall sound quality is a highlight: detailed, natural-leaning audio with strong positional clarity. The most common caveats are lighter low-end impact and occasional brightness depending on content and EQ.
Soundstage and width are better than typical closed-back expectations in some reviews, with praise for immersiveness and wider presentation.
Soundstage is notably wide and airy thanks to the open-back cups, creating a speaker-like sense of space that helps immersion and directional awareness in quiet rooms.
Spatial audio support is strongly supported through Dolby Atmos, Dolby Access, and some Tempest 3D references.
PC-focused spatial features (often Waves 3D) can add useful directionality, though results vary by game and some listeners prefer it off for the cleanest, most natural presentation.
Stability is strong: reviewers note secure fit, cables/modules that resist accidental tugs, and parts that lock firmly in place.
Stability is mixed: it can sit comfortably when you’re stationary, but the light clamp and floating cups may shift with head turns or quick movement.
Treble is mixed but generally controlled: some reviews praise clear highs, while measurements note a treble dip or less upper-treble energy.
Treble tends to lean bright for detail and cue pickup, but several reviews mention occasional sharpness or sibilance, especially with certain presets or EQ changes.
USB-C support is central to the DAC, with passthrough charging, USB-C device compatibility, and DAC connection repeatedly mentioned.
Charges over USB-C; reviewers treat the USB-C connection as power/charging rather than a full-featured wired audio link.
Value depends on priorities. Reviewers praise the audio/DAC/modularity package, but several call the $150 price high for wired-only use.
Volume output is generally strong, with loud playback and heavy impact mentioned, though one reviewer had console volume decrease through the DAC.
Overall loudness is adequate for many, but multiple reviewers note an odd volume curve or that it needs higher percentage settings to reach their preferred listening level.
Water or sweat resistance is not supported; one review explicitly states there is no IP rating.
Weight comfort is mostly acceptable, with reviewers calling it lightweight or not substantial, though some note it is somewhat heavy.
Weight is consistently noted as very low for a wireless headset (around 300g), helping it feel almost invisible during long sessions.
Wireless latency is not a concern because the headset is wired; reviewers describe no lag, zero latency, and reliability benefits.
Xbox compatibility is repeatedly mentioned through Xbox controller, Xbox Series X|S, or broader cross-platform support.
Xbox use is described as wired-only through the controller via 3.5mm, with no native Xbox wireless support.