The Epos H3Pro Hybrid are an expensive set of headphones, but they will likely work on any device you own, sometimes more than one at a time, and do a great job of it. While you can use the H3 Pro Hybrid without any software I would recommend also installing the EPOS Gaming Suite software to get the most out of this device. The EPOS H3Pro Hybrid is deserving of its Pro name thanks to the excellent audio, wireless connectivity options and active noise cancellation. The H3PRO Hybrid has stellar performance on stereo and 7.1, so pick the option that feels right for you. 2022 TechSpot, Inc. All Rights Reserved. If you desire convenience, the wireless dongle provides high fidelity audio at 40ms response and a slightly diminished quality compared to USB-C. When you add the fact that EPOS gaming suite also offers further personalization options for different sonic scenarios makes this headphone all the more valuable in my eyes. You can also subscribe without commenting. The Pro donates the improved quality and addition of Noise Cancelling and the Hybrid refers to its wired and wireless functionality. Every company in their right mind nowadays is probably trying to sell you a gaming headset. Although the H3PRO is not for the fidelity nut out there, I find the positives of this unit outweigh the negatives, leaving a pleasant experience, tons of features, and a versatile option for people who dont just game. Its also one of the few gaming headsets Ive reviewed that I havent minded wearing outside thanks to its sleek appearance and stable connectivity. The need to use the battery even over 3.5mm connections is a little unfortunate, but its easy to overlook when the rest of the package is this good. It basically applies a high pass, thereby filtering out bass tones, but you can hear all the mid to high-range tones from outside. Basically, if you want something that can do it all, this could the headset for you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Pairing with this gaming headset is pretty straightforward. I also found it remarkable to use the boom mic for a phone call while Bluetooth connected. All prices listed in USD unless otherwise specified. The H3PRO Hybrid joins a rather rarified group by offering noise cancelling. The H3 Hybrid has some of the narrowest ear pads aroundmultiple members of SoundGuys staff cant comfortably wear them for any amount of timebut thankfully the H3PRO Hybrid doesnt have this issue. The headband has 10 fine notches for head size, leaving you with the perfect fit. More punch can be dialed in on the lows through the EPOS Gaming Suite software EQ. Martine McCutcheon stuns in neon swimwear as she showcases weight loss at pool, Gary Lineker pokes fun at Rebekah Vardy after Coleen Rooney wins Wagatha case, BREAKING: Huge police presence and street locked down after reports of shots fired in Manchester, Bradley Walsh gives over half of his multi-million pound fortune to son Barney, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. If you decide you dont care for wireless functionality at all but still want a premium gaming headset with a cool base station, get the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro. The EPOS H3PRO Hybrid (cyan) outputs sound very close to our in-house target curve (pink). Powering on the headset, the user is greeted with an audible battery level indication. If dropping hundreds of dollars on a gaming headset just isnt something you can justify, there are tons of great options for under $100 USD. Also, in the mic section of the software, you can customize your mic tone and more. At a consistent music output peaking at 75dB(SPL), connected via the USB dongle with ANC turned on, the H3Pro Hybrid lasted 19 hours, 24 minutes. IMALENT MR90 50000 lumen flashlight review The sun in your hand, Beyerdynamic Free Byrd True Wireless In-ear headphones review And No, they arent just for Lynyrd Skynyrd fans, ToughBuilt Reload Utility Knife and Scraper Utility Knife review Worlds first magazine driven utility knife, i-Sens KetoSens blood ketone monitoring system review, Litheli 40V 22 Cordless Hedge Trimmer + 2.0Ah Battery & Charger review, OtterBox uniVERSE Case System and charge force battery review, Turn your smartphone into a weather alert device with Twitter, The BLUETTI AC500 power station is hitting the shelf an upgraded successor to help you achieve power independence. The closed back design doesnt detract from the experience, and does a good job of passive sound isolation without suffocating the sound. However, battery life can be extended to a whopping 24 hours when playing on a 3.5 mm cable connection. Something went wrong, please try again later. On PC, it brings a decent amount of software features, and whether youre connected via USB or 3.5mm, it offers great isolation, audio, and microphone audio on every platformplus its super comfortable. But if youre a gamer whos constantly multitasking and wants to go totally wire-free (and keep the distractions at bay with noise cancellation), the $100 premium for the H3Pro Hybrid isnt a ridiculous price to pay for those luxuries. The software, aside from offering updates and features several useful settings like equalizer settings from both your audio input and mics output. The slightly short dongle connection and battery life are a bit disappointing, but easy to get over when the rest of the package is this stacked. That caveat is still present with the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid, though that shouldnt be terribly surprising, given the features it adds all typically require a power source. The headband also offers just the right amount of clamping force. Let me know if you guys need help using it. Open the EPOS Gaming Suite - you should be able to see the H3PRO Hybrid detected. The active noise canceling is not a button, but a switch, which grants unique flavor. InLeave Me Aloneby I DONT KNOW HOW BY THEY FOUND ME, pretty much everything from the vocals to the droning synth to the bass and guitar comes through clearly. Linking is permitted. Its pricey, but compared to similarly exhaustive options like the Audeze Mobius or Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT, the H3PRO Hybrid actually seems a little more reasonable. This is EPOS high-end gaming headset that does it all, so how does it match up to the best on the market? Another feature of the EPOS gaming headphones is the Volume control dial on the right ear cup, but this has been made smaller and more sensitive, it controls the windows master volume and not any sperate or addition volume settings. Frequency response like this should be great for pretty much any kind of game experience. With these three options, you can connect wirelessly to PC, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch (while its docked), and over a wired connection to all those platforms, as well as Xbox consoles and an undocked Nintendo Switch. The EPOS software does not offer any adjustment of the colors used here, so be aware if matching your RBG scheme is important to you. The earcups are slightly smaller than previous models but still managed to completely cover my ears and remain comfortable while keeping me immersed in games. Bass and low mid-range sound is emphasized a little more than we shoot for, but not so much that its unpleasant. If you want the highest quality, go USB-C. Sound quality is very good on either headset, though you get a more pronounced bass boost with the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. In a pinch, the USB-C power cable and the console cable can be connected concurrently. The quoted battery times seem to be close to true in real-world usage. This price point seems steep, but trust me, give it a chance. This makes dialing in dedicated voice apps like Discord a little more difficult as the game is also using the same audio-out. The headset charges via USB-C and takes around 2 hours to fully charge. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless also merits our editors choice award for its elegant, understated design, swappable battery packs, ANC, and sound quality. Just please fix this software! The Best PC Games (You Should Be Playing). REVIEW I always appreciate products that can serve multiple purposes, and was excited to have the opportunity to review a quality gaming headset that I could also wear on a Zoom call (without putting on a rave party light show). This under-emphasis gives you an advantage, making it more likely for you to hear quieter sounds like footsteps in the game Valorant. If your device has a new update, you should be able to see a button stating: Update Available. I tend to dislike this design, as it is less customizable. Out of the box these have a similar sound signature typical to Sennheiser slightly light on the lows, but mids and highs carry through exceptionally well. It handles basic functions pretty intuitivelytheres a big volume dial on the side of the right headphone, and the microphone mutes when you flip it up. This headset boasts so many features that its hard to remember them all, but its worth knowing them if you take this on the go. Now, lets get more intricate. The EPOS H3PRO Hybrid also supports Bluetooth connections. The EPOS H3PRO Hybrid doesnt have incredible ANC performance compared to big name Bluetooth headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort 45, or Apple AirPods Max. Battery status is given whenever you turn the headset on and as well and as a voice indication of the amount of charge remaining. Reproduction in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of The Gadgeteer, is prohibited. Your email address will not be published. In all likelihood, youll primarily stick with either a USB or 3.5mm wired connection, or a wireless connection via the included USB dongle. Otherwise, I think this is my favorite peripheral controller for a headset. Both SteelSeries and EPOS headsets feature Bluetooth and only support the SBC codec for streaming. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories. Without this software, the sound is only okay. The power button sits on the front edge of the left headphone, and the Bluetooth button and active noise cancelling (ANC) switch sit on the back edge of the right headphone. While it can take some time to get used to using a dial instead of keyboard shortcuts these are really handy to switch volume quickly on the fly even while in the middle of a firefight. When the joint venture ended, three distinct new companies were formed including EPOS. All rights reserved. Plus, you also get great wireless headphones too, complete with a strong ANC feature. The H3Pro Hybrids 40mm drivers sound superb, the bass is strong yet never overwhelming, mids and highs were clear as crystal and I was surprised with the sharp details, allowing me to really home in on particular sounds and effects in-game.
Theres also a slight lack of emphasis in the sub-bass range and the treble range, but not much. This material does seem to lose its excitement factor after a few wears, but its still soft nonetheless. Its hard to find another headset that has all these features done well so really, theres not much to compare it too. Switching to Bluetooth solved these issues entirely, and there were no issues using the dongle on a gaming PC with the proper USB-A ports. Still, when connected via USB or dongle and paired with the software enhancements, the sound quality is amplified tenfold. Most will probably find the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless design to appear a bit more covert with its retractable microphone and cleaner appearance, but EPOS headset has its own charm too. We all like fast reaction times, right? Walking into another room reliably makes the connection drop altogether. The experience on the other end of the communication definitely suffers without the boom arm, and there is no headset- level mute option with it detached. As a slight detractor, when using the dongle on a PC, Windows only detected the dongle as an audio-out option. To start, the headset goes for $279.99. Using the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid is pretty straightforward, but theres actually quite a bit going on here. Copyright 2022 Noisy Pixel. Everything else is icing on the cake. The sound stage is spacious for the size of the H3, confirming that the closed acoustic setting is built with careadditionally, the surround sound 7.1 toggle when on EPOS Suite is arguably better and louder than stereo. TECHSPOT : Tech Enthusiasts, Power Users, Gamers, TechSpot is a registered trademark. The best option I found was a direct USB-C connetions as it was the fastest and clearest option. The inside ear cushion is a super-soft synthetic fiber that makes you want to pet it. ( Press Release Image: https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/286162/286162-1.jpg ). The older EPOS H3 Hybrid has one of the best battery test results of any pair of headphones weve reviewedgaming headset or otherwisewith the caveat that the headset needed to be powered on at all times, even when connected over 3.5mm. On the units exterior, we have a multitude of connections and support, featuring a 3.5mm jack for console controllers, USB-C for charging and high fidelity, Bluetooth for phone and other mobile devices, and a high fidelity wireless dongle connection. Price: $279.00 Where to buy: EPOS Website and Amazon Source: The sample for this review was provided by EPOS. Prices may change over time, and vary by region. Gamers want more now, and using a headset for other purposes sounds enticing, which the H3PRO Hybrid provides. Epos' H3Pro Hybrid delivers active noise cancelling and simultaneous multi-device connectivity in an attractive package. Of course, adding another connection over Bluetooth will bring that number down, as will listening to higher volumes.
Instead, its that damn noise-canceling bait and the boom mic quality. One of the biggest draws to picking up this headset is the addition of ANC or Active Noise Cancelling which will reduce background and environmental sounds. Connect the H3PRO Hybrid dongle to your PC and wait for it to be recognized by the EPOS Gaming Suite. The headset doesnt have any issue with the sounds of a frantic gunfight coming through clearly alongside the games guitar-centric score, and voices come through clearly over Discord. If you have music on at half volume, good luck hearing anything outside of this headset. https://photos.webwire.com/prmedia/8/286162/286162-1.jpg, Fixed a bug that caused distorted audio on microphone path, Fixed a bug where headset volume would in some use cases jump to 100 % volume, Fixed an issue that created audio distortion when connected via USB, The noise floor has been reduced during periods where audio is not playing. One more thing; good luck getting the EPOS mobile app to work because that has given me migraines, causing me to abandon the idea of connecting the H3. The size of the drivers is certainly something to consider regarding my previous statement. Built of plastic and metal the H3Pro looks great but also feels reassuringly solid which is handy if you plan you carry them around. Through the Gaming Suite, you can also switch between stereo 2.0 and 7.1 surround sound, with the 7.1 offering greater depth and better audio quality allowing you to pick up more subtle sounds. The microphone page features a live frequency monitor that lights up as you speak, as well as a few EQ presets and the option to set a custom mic EQ. Moving on from those points, I want to emphasize that the EPOS software is occasionally buggy in specific scenarios, such as not detecting the headset and simply not opening at all. Its upsetting that the boom isnt higher quality as I was hoping this would be on the high-end spectrum. 24 hours) before needing a charge. The deepest reverberations of the bass guitar get a little bit lost, but its hard to notice a huge difference, and theres no issue with masking string or cymbal sounds. Your email address will not be published. The headband is made of a mesh fabric, which never seemed to induce pain, even with the metal adjustment band on the inside. I have heard better clarity on a headset, but if you think about all of the features you get, they probably had to compensate here and there for the product to be feasible. Former video game nerd with a love for all things images and visual creativity. The headset is not worth it for the casual user, there are plenty of alternatives, including from Epos. I just wish it worked perfectly. We also added standardized microphone samples and updated the scoring to align with our revised subjective scoring guide. The H3PRO Hybrid is made primarily of hard plastic, with a steel strip running through the headband. If you need something more affordable than the H3PRO Hybrid, but you still want something wireless, check out the SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless. Changed settings stay changed, and the app doesnt have any issue recognizing when the headset is connected. The Razer BlackShark V2 is a few years old, but its still arguably the best wired gaming headset on the market, and itll only run you $99 USD. Required fields are marked *. It works best at removing low buzzing and humming sounds, so it did a great job of removing any sounds of my PCs fans or any other machines I had running. Its handy to remove if you want it out of the way or if you are already using a dedicated microphone like the EPOS B20 for example. Much like the EPOS H3 Hybrid, this detachable mic is loud, accurate, and easy to position. Every day, hundreds of individuals and companies choose.
You can also remove the boom and put the cap cover on for a lighter, cleaner look if you have your own mic, which I always rock. Finally, you get 29 hours via 3.5mm and 18.5 hours of active noise canceling on the console. The headset while still carrying the obligatory chunkiness, it doesnt feel bulky or too large. It also added depth to films and music allowing me to really listen and focus on specific instruments without any of them feeling lost and blended together. Whether the ear holes are a couple of centimeters wider, or the ear pads are just more pliable, I dont know. Dongle and USB-C are much better on the H3. Apart from the genuinely good passive isolation, the H3PRO Hybrid offers decent attenuation up to 500Hz, peaking at around 150Hz with an almost 20dB reduction. On the topic of microphone and call quality, the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid gaming headset can be used without the boom arm and instead utilize the built-in dual microphones. This site is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The microphone is also detachableheld in place by magnetsand the headset comes with a little faceplate to cover the hole when you want to take this out in public. The H3 Pro Hybrid improves on the already very impressive H3 headsets, it's a comfortable versatile set of headphones that still features that signature sharp sound that works well hooked up to a gaming rig or on the go.Whether you use the added wireless functionality and ANC or not they are worthwhile additions and help you adapt to your environment and get the most out of your games. This wireless gaming headset looks good, sounds good, and feels good. The ANC is a nice addition but not really necessary thanks to the already great passive noise cancellation. Usually, most headsets cause pain after lengthy sessions, which was thankfully not the case for this one. For those who want many of the same perks for less, the wired H3 Hybrid costs $179 and supports Bluetooth connections.