The esports-level audio peripherals market just got a familiar face refreshed for the year of 2020 as Razer has announced the Razer BlackShark V2 series of gaming headsets designed and
tested in conjunction with some of the world’s top esports athletes.
The Razer BlackShark V2 is the first of its kind to feature the company’s latest patented 50mm driver, the Razer TriForce Titanium diaphragms that allow engineers to individually tune the high, mid and low range separately, resulting in a clear distinction of clear trebles, rich midrange with powerful bass.
The advantage of this thing provides is essential to any esports player, especially team-based games where clear communication and the distinctive audio cue is needed to identify key information within the game. The headset is also designed in mind with THX Spatial Audio as well which we have previously talked about. In short, virtual surround sound simulation is something that we might not need but has been the de facto requirement for top-of-the-line gaming headsets these days.
Onto the microphone, the HyperClear Cardioid Mic has been tuned specifically to focus on front-facing sources to eliminate ambient noise which typically comes from the backside and is removable as well. The additional USB Sound Card provides advanced microphone controls for even further tuning to the following aspects to minimize distraction and maximize the effectiveness of team communications:
- Mic Boost
- Voice Gate
- Volume Normalization
- Microphone Equalizer
- Ambient Noise Reduction
While the 3.5mm jack can be used on any audio out ports, the USB sound card unfortunately only works on Windows 10 PC for now. Hopefully, Razer could push out compatibility patches through Razer Synapse in the future.
Speaking of software, THX Game Profiles will be debuting alongside the headset that provides users with 2 sets of modes to choose from which are Environmental Mode for lifelike sound and immersive experience and Competitive Mode that emphasizes spatial awareness and directional cues, for the quicker and more accurate locating of enemies. 18 titles are currently supported such as CS: GO, Valorant, CoD: MW and Apex Legends, and more coming in the future.
For you geeky power users that seeks absolute numbers, here is the specification for the BlackShark V2:
Headphones
- Frequency response: 12 Hz – 28 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω @ 1 kHz
- Sensitivity (@1 kHz): 100dBSPL/mW,1KHz
- Drivers: Customized Dynamic 50mm Driver
- Inner ear cup diameter: 65 x 40 mm / 2.56in x 1.57 in
- Connection type: 3.5mm with USB sound card
- Cable length: 1.8 m / 5.91 ft.
- Approx. weight: 262g / 0.6lbs
- Oval ear cushions: Breathable memory foam cushions
Microphone
- Frequency response: 100Hz-10KHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 60dB
- Sensitivity (@1kHz): -42dB V/Pa,1KHz
- Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional
BlackShark experience for everyone with the X
Is the price of the BlackShark V2 a bit too steep for you? Then the Razer BlackShark V2 X might catch your attention. It retains the HyperClear Cardioid Mic and Advanced Passive Noise Cancellation like the original BlackShark V2 but swaps out the 50mm driver to a non-titanium version and runs a normal 3.5mm audio jack instead of a full USB sound card. Aimed to provide tournament-focused features while removing premium properties to keep the cost down, players who own several gaming devices can enjoy full compatibility across them while keeping things simple and light due to the exclusion of the sound card plus weighing in at just 240g.
Pricing
The Razer BlackShark V2 and BlackShark V2 X are available in Malaysia right now and you can get one through the Razer Store or authorized resellers. Catch other details of both devices through the links below.
