Review: Arctic Sound P531 - 5.1 USB Gaming Headset

Posted by Will Smith

Tuesday, 02 November 2010 22:09

Introduction

There's been an explosion of gaming headsets over the past few months. This year, we've already seen new gaming headsets from the likes of Steelseries, Sharkoon, Logitech and even Corsair have now started to produce gaming headsets too. I mean, how come Corsair who specialise in memory products, decides to produce a gaming headset? There must be a reason for this, and the answer is ... PC gaming is on the rise, and with it comes a whole host of gaming accessories. Needless to say, many manufacturers saw a huge opportunity in this market, and started producing gaming accessories such keyboard, mice, mouse mats and headsets to satisfy the needs of these dedicated gamers.

There are many headsets on the market. Some are designed specifically for gaming with a built-in mic, some offer 3D surround sound, while others have are wireless and cable-free. Each headset offer varying levels of audio quality, so it's difficult to judge which headset offer the best audio quality, until you've actually listen to the sound produce by the headset itself.

My first experience with an Arctic Cooling product was a few years ago, when we tested one of their CPU coolers. And over the years, I've associated Arctic Cooling with thermal and cooling product. So it was kind of odd to see them producing gaming headsets. I guess if Corsair are doing it ... why not Arctic Cooling.

Arctic Cooling are already pretty well known for their CPU coolers, but now it seems that they're expanding their product catalogue to include headsets, mice, keyboards and other accessories. For those who are not familiar with Arctic Cooling or their products, here's a quick blurb taken from their website ...

"ARCTIC COOLING is a privately owned company founded in 2001 with headquarters in Switzerland, offices in Hong Kong and the USA and production facilities in Asia. The ARCTIC COOLING team consists of international highly educated people with business, technical and communicational skills. The attitude to work is based on Swiss principles of innovative spirit and high standards of workmanship for which it is recognized internationally. This striving for excellence is integrated in all processes as a matter of course. ARCTIC COOLING´s core competencies are multifarious including systematic noise reduction,copper and aluminum heatsink development, customization of thermal solutions, as well as designing quiet fans. More recently quiet and cool PC Cases and Power Supplies have been developed."

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In this review, we'll be taking a look at the Arctic Sound P531 USB Gaming Headset. It's a 5.1 channel USB gaming headset that features a distortion-free microphone, and 4 individual drivers in each earcup. It produces uncompromised 5.1 surround sound with high details and good dynamics. What's more, it comes with integrated special subwoofer to produce deep bass, and has vibration units to provide extra sensation to your gaming experience. Sounds pretty good ... let's see if this 5.1 surround sound feature, can really make a difference?

Features and Specifications

Overview

ARCTIC SOUND P531 is the most professional computer headset and literally elevates gamers to a new dimension of sounds. It is like having a home theatre crammed into a headset. This 5.1 channel surround sound gaming headset that can be connected via USB. This headset is designed for ultimate gamers as it features four individual drivers in each earcup to provide true surround sound.is the most professional computer headset and literally elevates gamers to a new dimension of sounds. It is like having a home theatre crammed into a headset. This 5.1 channel surround sound gaming headset that can be connected via USB. This headset is designed for ultimate gamers as it features four individual drivers in each earcup to provide true surround sound.

To enhance exceptional gaming experience, the ARCTIC SOUND P531 is integrated with vibration units on the earcups to provide extra sensation. The ARCTIC SOUND P531 is installed with a special subwoofer to produce deep bass sounds The illuminated remote control is dedicated to tune the drivers individually.. Thanks to the 5.1 surround sound system, gamers can experience 3-dimensional game settings during their game play. From enemy footsteps, to grenade explosions, gamers can experience everything on a whole new level with this headset. With its integrated microphone, gamers can easily communicate with their teammates.

Main Features

5.1 channel gaming USB headset
Installed with special subwoofer to produce deep bass
Distortion free digital audio
Microphone included
Lightweight and highest noise absorption
Designed for ultimate gamers
Features 4 individual drivers in each earcup for uncompromised 5.1 surround sound details and dynamics
Integrated vibration units to provide extra sensation to gaming experience
Closed cicumaural design to isolate outside noise

Specifications

For more information please visit Arctic Cooling's website ...

5.1 Surround Sound Configuration Software

To take full advantage of the 5.1 surround sound from the Arctic Sound P531 Gaming USB Headset, you need to install the drivers that come with the package. Once the software and drivers have been installed, then next step is to configure the audio settings, which includes the mixer, effects, magic voice and others.

Verdict and Conclusion

During our tests, we spent 2-3 hours gaming on my PC, so one of the things we always consider extremely important is comfort. With cheaper headsets, you normally get sore ears after an hour of gaming, but luckily we didn't experience such problems with the Arctic Sound P531 USB Gaming Headset. This is all thanks to the soft, fabric earcups, which fits nicely around your ears. The built-in microphone records pretty decent sound/speech quality, which I think is more than acceptable for both gaming and general recording. The mouth-piece is flexible and can be stored away by twisting it upwards.

As far as audio quality is concerned, I was extremely impressed. It produces excellent surround sound via its 4 individual drivers (front, surround, center and subwoofer). The highs are crisp and clear, while the low-end responses are deep with good bass. With such good audio/sounds being produced by the P531 headset, it feels like I was actually immersed in the game during our gaming session. I can literally hear the footsteps of my enemies in the distance or nearby. And to enhance your gaming experience, the explosions feel so much better, thanks to the integrated vibration units.

The Arctic Sound P531 USB Gaming Headset comes with a built-in control unit with a blue LED. It's located halfway along the USB cable/extention cord. The unit allows you to control the surround sounds which includes the front, rear, center and subwoofer. There's also a master volume control and a mic on/off switch.

We checked the price of the Arctic Sound P531 USB Gaming Headset on their website, and I was pretty surprised to find out that it cost no more than USD $67.00 (GBP 45.00). At this price it's both attractive and affordable.

Final words. The Arctic Sound P531 USB Gaming Headset produces great sound from its 4 individual drivers (front, surround, center and subwoofer). The highs are crisp and clear, while the low-end responses are deep with good bass. I have no problems recommending this headset to any gamer who wants to achieve a better immersed gaming experience.

SCORE
8.5/10