As a budget-friendly gaming headset, Corsair HS50 Pro performs admirably, fulfilling its intended purpose with an acoustic profile well-suited to its target market. Enthusiasts seeking a more natural sound can adjust settings, as we’ve found. However, the snug fit may become uncomfortable over time, particularly for those with larger heads.
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Specifications
| Connection | Wired 3.5mm analog |
| Speakers | 50mm neodymium |
| Speaker response | 20Hz to 20000Hz |
| Speaker impedance | 32 Ohms @ 1kHz |
| Microphone | Unidirectional |
| Mic impedance | 2.0k Ohms |
| Mic response | 100Hz – 10000Hz |
| Sensitivity | ~111db (+3dB) |
Design and Build Quality
The Corsair HS50 Pro defies its budget label with impressive polish and build quality, standing out among its peers. Its large, comfortable ear cups feature faux leather memory foam that gently conforms to your head. The cans, resembling speaker grates, come in black, green, or blue to match your Xbox One or PlayStation 4. The sturdy metal arches connecting the cups to the headband ensure a good fit for all head sizes. The headband itself boasts sleek faux leather with accent stitching and the Corsair logo.
The Corsair HS50 Pro uses a standard 3.5mm audio jack, making it compatible with game consoles, smartphones, PCs, and Macs. Controls, including a volume dial and a mute button, are conveniently located on the left cup. The detachable microphone enhances its versatility for on-the-go use. Overall, the HS50 Pro combines style, comfort, and durability, making it a standout option in its price range.
Sound Performance
We assessed the speaker performance of this headset as our next metric. Our evaluations were based on the clarity of other players’ voices, the HS50 Pro’s performance in our audio benchmarking and positional tests, the quality of soundtracks and music, and its effectiveness in filtering out background noise. Overall, the HS50 Pro performed admirably, achieving a slightly above-average score.
To begin with our audio benchmarking test, the Corsair HS50 Pro demonstrated a strong start. It exhibited minimal parasitic buzz in the bass test. Furthermore, it excelled in the driver matching test, facilitating precise sound localization in our binaural test. These findings were consistent with our positional test results, where our judges consistently pinpointed the origin of in-game sounds.
In terms of noise reduction, this headset effectively diminishes background noise by approximately 15-20%. Moreover, other players’ voices come through clear and full, enhancing communication clarity. However, while music reproduction was solid, it fell slightly short compared to top-tier models in our estimation.
Microphone Performance
Our next assessment of the Corsair HS50 Pro focused on evaluating and comparing the microphone’s ability to capture our voices and filter out background noise. Once again, the headset delivered a satisfactory performance, earning a slightly above-average score.
Initially, we noticed that our voice sounded somewhat echoey and distant to other players. Furthermore, some teammates mentioned it seemed like we were speaking through a mask, as it sounded muffled. On the other hand, others felt it was fine, though a bit faint.
On the positive side, however, the microphone isn’t overly sibilant or prone to popping on hard ‘t’ sounds. Additionally, it effectively filters out most external background noise. Unfortunately, it does pick up side conversations unless they are more than 15 feet away.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comfortable faux-leather and super-soft cushions
- Decent microphone quality
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Integrated non-detachable cable
- No dedicated chat volume wheel
- Ear cushions can cause sweating
Verdict
Should You Buy It?
Buy the Corsair HS50 Pro if you:
- Need a comfortable gaming headset
- Are looking for high-quality construction on a budget
- Have devices compatible with a 3.5mm wired connection
Avoid if you:
- Require a detachable cable
- Want the highest-quality microphone
- Dislike synthetic leather
Comparisons
| Feature/Model | Corsair HS50 Pro | HyperX Cloud II | SteelSeries Arctis 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Memory foam ear cups, adjustable headband | Memory foam ear pads, adjustable headband | AirWeave fabric ear cushions, adjustable headband |
| Build Quality | Sturdy construction, durable materials | Solid build quality, aluminum frame | Lightweight, durable materials |
| Sound Quality | 50mm neodymium drivers, clear highs and lows | 53mm drivers, rich sound with good bass | S1 speaker drivers, balanced sound |
| Microphone | Detachable, flexible, clear voice transmission | Detachable, noise-cancelling | ClearCast bidirectional microphone |
| Design | Sleek and understated | Classic gaming headset design | Modern minimalist design |
| Compatibility | PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch | PC, Xbox, PlayStation | PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm analog | 3.5mm analog and USB | 3.5mm analog and USB |
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Corsair HS50 Pro gaming headset surpassed my expectations in every aspect. It combines exceptional comfort, a robust build quality, and impressive sound performance at a competitive price point. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, the HS50 Pro offers everything you need for an immersive gaming experience.
Overall, I would strongly recommend the Corsair HS50 Pro to anyone seeking a reliable gaming headset that excels in comfort, audio quality, and versatility. It’s an excellent choice for gamers who prioritize both performance and affordability in their gaming gear.
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