Gaming products have a reputation for being flamboyant. Controllers from manufacturers like PDP have flashy gimmicks and bright colors while other devices sport lines so aggressive lines that a simple router looks more like a lethal weapon. To top it all off, companies such as Razer find ways to squeeze RGB lights into unnecessary places so that devices spew out rainbows.
The Corsair Virtuoso Max does a little of each of these things, but rather than be stylistically off-putting, the company does it in an elegant way. It comes in a staid carbon or silver with a solid build quality of metal and faux leather. The design complements the materials with a simple but versatile button layout. The wheels built on each earcup controls the volume from different sources with lovely textured grips.
The Virtuoso Max also has RGB but like the rest of the package, it’s restrained. Three lights ring each earcup so that it accents the package. It’s a headset with gamer trappings but transforms those elements with a heavy dose of sophistication that stands out from the crowd.
GREAT SOUND AND DISAPPOINTING SOFTWARE
When it comes to the sound, the Virtuoso Max performs like an experienced maestro. The 50mm graphene drivers handles anything games throw at it with alacrity. The mids and highs have a crisp clarity that can be startling at times. Subtle noises like running water comes through along with the clinking of bullet casings on the floor. Meanwhile, the bass has a heaviness that military shooter fans will appreciate because it’s thrummy without being overpowering. The bass creates a presence that brings players into the games.
Although the hardware is good, the Virtuoso Max’s software falls short. The device runs off iCue on PC and it offers barebones customization with a few basic presets and the opportunity to add more. It also has the option to tweak the lighting. Unfortunately, Corsair doesn’t have an iOS or Android counterpart app.
Thankfully, the Virtuoso Max comes with a Dolby license that unlocks the Dolby Access software that pushes the hardware. Although iCue disappoints with its preset offerings, Dolby comes through with more sound profiles for movies, music and its specialized Dolby Atmos that offers a more three-dimensional sound.
It’s more immersive and allows players to hear action above and below players. The great separation gives players an edge in competitive play because they can pinpoint where gunfire and other dangers come from.
ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION AND COMFORT
Further amplifying the sound quality, the headset features active noise cancellation and a transparency mode. The ANC works well, eliminating outside noise, so players focus on the in-game action. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if players need to be aware of their surroundings, the transparency mode does enough so that they’ll know when a significant other is talking or baby is crying. It can mitigate those domestic issues.
