Razer BlackShark V2 Wired PC Gaming Headset Features THX Spatial Audio

Razer is releasing two models of the BlackShark V2 wired gaming headset today, following the original model that launched in 2012. Of these two models, the $ 99.99 BlackShark V2 (pictured above) has more features, while the $ 59.99 BlackShark V2 X is a bit stripped down by comparison. Importantly, they both feature an excellent touch knob to adjust volume on the left earbud, cross compatibility with PCs and consoles via their 3.5mm cable, as well as generous size options (in case you have a bigger head larger than usual). Both also have a mute button to make it easier to cut communications with your team.

What increases the cost in the more expensive version is mainly due to the included USB sound card that fits into the end of the 3.5mm earphone cable. Once connected, the sound card provides some additional knowledge for the headphones, allowing you to adjust the microphone equalizer to adjust your voice to your liking. It also allows you to adjust EQ settings in Razer’s Synapse 3 software and enables THX spatial audio integration, expanding the line of Razer headphones that support the feature. Razer told me that the sound card will not be available for purchase separately at launch.

Razer claims that the BlackShark V2 goes “beyond 7.1” in terms of offering all-encompassing sound. It wouldn’t go that far, but after trying it out in some games I noticed that it definitely adds depth to the sound and makes identifying an enemy much easier.

Making their debut in time for the launch of the premium headsets are the THX gaming-specific profiles that, developed in collaboration with the developers and enabled by the USB sound card, use spatial audio in a unique way that is tailored to the game. For example in Apex LegendsYou can use THX spatial audio to deliver a more realistic experience that pulls out all the details, or you can switch to a competitive mode that Razer says gives you the “unfair advantage” of having a headset that can filter out non-Essential sounds for competitive play.

This feature will support more than a dozen games at launch on August 6, including Destiny 2, Valorant, Doom Eternal, Call of Duty: Warzone, Half-Life: Alyx, Subway Exodus, Red Dead Redemption 2, and more. Razer says it will add spatial audio profiles for popular games in the future.

Razer

There are a few other differences between the two headphones, in addition to the THX-enabled features detailed above. The more expensive version features soft, breathable ear pads that do a good job of isolating sound, while the entry-level model has leather ear muffs. I haven’t tried them, but they may get a little toasted during the summer months.

Razer

The adjustable noise-canceling cardioid microphone is the same on both models, though it’s only removable in the $ 99.99 earpiece. Razer uses its new 50mm “TriForce” drivers in both, with a proprietary design that delegates low, mid and high frequency sound to its own section of the driver, with the idea that this will prevent any part of the soundscape from being confused Sound performance should be similar, though Razer says the high-end option has titanium-coated drivers for more clarity and less distortion.

I haven’t tried the cheapest V2 X, so I can’t offer a fair comparison, but the main V2 earphone delivers crisp sound that’s nice for both music and gaming. On top of that, in games I tried using spatial audio, like No Man’s Sky and Red Dead Redemption 2It definitely makes a difference compared to listening with the standard audio profile. Spatial audio quality and overall audio performance isn’t something you haven’t heard of before, but it’s certainly nice to have it in a $ 99.99 package.