With gaming headsets, we actually just like with regular audio have several segments, in the higher end you actually get in a couple of ways, the price of course, but in addition it also needs to excel in audio, comfort and more. For me, there are a few headsets in this class, this is because it turns out to be really hard to get everything right. We recently reviewed the Corsair Virtuoso Max headset, which comes in two versions, a version designed for xbox and a normal one. In terms of specifications they are almost the same, we had the one designed for xbox.
The Corsair Virtuoso Max gaming headset, on the other hand, is an impressive piece of hardware. I have used this headset for various aspects precisely because it is more than just a gaming headset.
Corsair has pulled out all the stops to develop a gaming headset that is powerful, stylish and robust. With 50mm Graphene drivers, active noise cancellation, SoundID-powered personalized sound settings and an impressive 60-hour battery life (under certain conditions), the Virtuoso Max is a premium gaming headset of royal class. It offers effortless connectivity with consoles, PCs and mobile devices, making it an excellent choice. Just put your old headset aside hear.
One of the first things I noticed about this headset were the LEDs. You can turn these off to extend the battery life by about 8 hours, but it does look really cool, once you connect them to the Xbox they actually turn green.
The construction of the headset is also impressive. The sturdy aluminum frame is complemented by a leather top layer on the headband. The whole thing feels solid and durable, with much of the weight in the ear cups to distribute it evenly. This keeps the headset securely in place, even when moving heavily. Thanks to the aluminum construction, there is little chance of cracking or squeaking, even at maximum extension. The detachable microphone, with a shell of carbon fiber-like fabric, also feels sturdy and is easily adjustable.
The buttons and controls on the headset are cleverly placed and thoughtfully designed. The Virtuoso Max has two adjustable wheels on either side of the headset, which are sturdy enough to prevent inadvertent volume changes. This means that adjusting the volume requires a conscious action. Other buttons are for switching between sound profiles, turning the headset on and off and controlling music. The buttons are intuitively placed and not prone to accidental touching.
The inside of the headband is lined with the same breathable material as the ear cups, which feature memory foam. Although the headset stays on my head well, the headband felt a bit uncomfortable after two hours of wear. It is not that light, so over time you will start to feel it a bit. This discomfort dissipated over time, but I would have liked some additional cushioning, especially at the top of the headband, to ensure long-term comfort.
While the breathable fabric of the ear cups is practical, I personally would have preferred a leather option, which would be more in keeping with the headset’s premium design. Still, the ear cups provide an excellent seal, preventing unwanted sound from escaping.
The Virtuoso Max’s sound quality is phenomenal. The standard equalizer provides a wide sound range without excessive bass or shrillness at higher volumes. This makes listening to music a pleasant experience, whether you like EDM, classical music or heavy metal. For FPS games like Call of Duty or Battlefield plays, this does recommend adjusting the bass a bit.
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the biggest pluses of this headset. Once you enable ANC, the outside world is effectively shut out. Even at low volumes, the ANC allows you to fully immerse yourself in music or games. Transparency mode is also available, which can be useful for those who still want to hear some of their surroundings.
With a battery life of 45-60 hours, depending on LED usage, and quick recharging times, the Virtuoso Max offers enough battery life for work and leisure. The automatic sleep and resume mechanism further extends battery life and feels almost magical.
Corsair’s iCUE software offers extensive customization options for the headset, including LED settings, equalizer profiles and managing sidetone. Although there is currently a minor bug with sidetone, Corsair expects to fix it soon.
With a suggested retail price of €329.99, the Virtuoso Max is on the expensive side, but it offers premium features that are hard to find in other gaming headsets. If budget is not an issue, this is undoubtedly the ultimate choice for gamers who demand high-quality audio and versatility.