Whereas NZXT is understood for loads of gaming elements and equipment, one factor the corporate is not identified for is audio merchandise. With the launch of its new Relay line, the corporate is trying to change that, and in some ways, the NZXT Relay Headset is main the cost.
NZXT made a primary try at entering into the gaming audio scene again in 2019, however these merchandise had been by no means launched. NZXT says they did not meet the corporate’s requirements, which signifies that its new Relay line, consisting of an audio switcher/mixer, audio system and subwoofer, and headset should be in step with what the corporate imagined.
The NZXT Relay ecosystem is spectacular when you may have your complete system in place, however how does the headset fare by itself? It in the end comes right down to what you are searching for.
First rate Construct, Uninspired Design
- Dimensions: 6.6 x 7.7 x 3.7in (168.85 x 196.44 x 93.65 mm)
- Weight: 9.52 oz (269.5 g)
General, the construct of the NZXT Relay Headset is not stunning in any approach. The yoke that holds the ear cups is produced from aluminum, whereas the remainder of the headphones are largely plastic. They do not really feel low-cost or flimsy, however they do not really feel particularly premium, both.
Thankfully, the reminiscence foam within the ear cushions is comfy, and the leatherette masking retains them from heating up after multi-hour classes. After an hour or so, there was noticeable warmth buildup, however no more than I might anticipate with any set of headphones utilizing related supplies.
If there’s a level to be made in opposition to the NZXT Relay Headset, it lies within the look of the headset. It is not garish, however however, it is not particularly putting or noticeable. That mentioned, for those who’re searching for a extra subdued-looking gaming headset, this might be a constructive.
Barebones However Versatile Connectivity
- Cable Size: 6.56 ft (2m)
The NZXT Relay Headset makes use of a 3.5mm cable to hook up with your PC, which suggests it’s going to work with almost any pc. Within the field, you will additionally discover a 3.5mm to USB-A adapter, which is what you will wish to use normally, because it allows further choices.
The three.5mm cable plugs into the best facet of the headphones, whereas on the opposite facet, you will discover a smaller jack meant for the included mic. The detachable mic is helpful if you wish to use the NZXT Relay Headset as a set of headphones with out wanting such as you’re in the midst of an esports championship whereas on the morning prepare.
The detachable microphone can also be helpful for those who’ve bought one other microphone you want to use. Should you’re streaming, you may favor to make use of the NZXT Capsule Mic, for instance, which is a straightforward tweak with the Relay Headset.
Setup and the NZXT Cam App
Setup is simple for those who’re solely utilizing the three.5mm jack, as all you have to do is plug in, and also you’re finished. That mentioned, if you wish to make any use of the NZXT Cam app (accessible for Home windows), you will want to make use of the USB adapter or the individually bought NZXT Switchmix.
The app provides one other dimension to the headset in some ways, because it allows DTS Headphone:X profiles. These add some further house to what would in any other case be much less immersive sounds.
The NZXT Cam app additionally handles firmware updates and allows you to customise the sound. You may disable DTS solely or regulate the extent of stereo widening in addition to the EQ sounds.
Good Mic, However Gameplay Audio Lacks Impression
- Driver dimension: 40mm
- Frequency Vary: 20Hz – 40kHz
- Microphone frequency vary: 100Hz – 10kHz
The NZXT Relay Headset options 50mm drivers, which is frequent for headphones normally. That is what makes it so stunning that these headphones are so missing within the low finish. There merely is not the cinematic thump that provides that further visceral really feel to video games.
Bass apart, the headphones do have their robust factors. Taking part in “Want for Velocity: Unbound,” I may simply hear which facet a automotive from behind me was approaching from. This let me defend extra successfully, which is certainly signal for the headset.
The assorted DTS modes accessible for gaming within the NZXT Cam app make a stunning distinction. Initially, I attempted “Diablo IV” on the RPG setting, and it sounded smeared and unfocused. Contemplating the top-down perspective, I attempted the MOBA preset, which labored a lot better.
The microphone sounds good, contemplating the remainder of the package deal. You in all probability would not wish to document a podcast with it, but it surely’s wonderful for gaming and streaming.
Microphone Audio Pattern
Music Does not Convey the Bass
Whereas the comparatively skinny low finish wasn’t a lot of a difficulty for gaming, that is not the case for music. I’ve heard loads of headphones with 50mm drivers that get nice bass response, however the NZXT Relay Headset does not fall into that class.
Whereas listening to Blind Religion’s “Cannot Discover My Means House,” I attempted shifting by way of varied DTS and EQ choices. Many of those settings did not do a lot in an audible sense, and even selecting the Bass Enhance preset did not do a lot to fill out the low finish. On a music like this, there is not a lot bass to talk of within the first place, but it surely nonetheless sounded thinner than regular. I used to be ready to make use of the NZXT Cam software program’s EQ to treatment this, however what for those who’re utilizing the headset elsewhere?
Listening to “Hotdoggin'” by Fu Manchu on my iPhone (plugged in through the Lightning to three.5mm adapter), the open-sounding high finish gives loads of house for singer Scott Hill’s voice and the quiet guitar that begins the music. Because the band kicks into full gear, the underside falls out, because the Relay Headset simply does not present sufficient low finish to do the music justice. With out the EQ accessible, there is no such thing as a option to make up for this lack of low-end.
Whereas the Relay Headset’s weak level is music, the excellent news is that its comparatively shallow bass response is nice for listening to voice-focused content material. Should you spend your non-gaming time listening to music or audiobooks, the NZXT Relay Headset ought to work completely.
Ought to You Purchase the NZXT Relay Headset?
The NZXT Relay Headset has wonderful definition within the increased frequencies, which additionally helps with spatial consciousness. That is primarily once you’re utilizing DTS, both through the included USB adapter or the NZXT Switchmix, which is bought individually.
The primary concern is that the headset simply does not deliver sufficient within the low finish for most individuals. If speech intelligibility is what you are searching for, the NZXT Relay Headset does a good job. Should you’re searching for thumping bass for music or a cinematic low-end for films and gaming, you will not discover it right here.
Regardless of all the things above, the Switchmix and NZXT Cam software program go a good distance towards smoothing down the Headset’s tough edges. As a part of the system, they are a stable alternative, however for those who’re solely searching for a headset, you will discover loads of comparable choices.
NZXT Relay Headset
- Snug match
- Microphone is stable
- Good positional audio for gaming
- Bass response is missing
- Depends on the remainder of the Relay ecosystem for greatest worth
