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.
Although these modes are helpful, it’s difficult immediately discerning which mode users are in. Corsair went a little too subtle distinguishing ANC and transparency function with a tone. It would have been more practical to just have a voice differentiating the two.
Another issue with the Virtuoso Max is the cushioning on the earcups. It’s a little too thin and the memory foam is a bit too firm. It can be uncomfortagble at first but users get used to the device’s weight so that it becomes tolerable.
One of the headset’s perks I liked is that it can hook up wirelessly to a console or PC using the USB-A dongle while also connecting to a phone via Bluetooth. It’s a nice feature that’s been around for years on other devices, but it’s comforting to know that it persists. Users can listen to their own music and game while perhaps answering a call all on one device. The headset’s omni-directional microphone handles voice well in-game or on the phone.
Lastly, the Virtuoso Max has impressive battery life. The device can go a legit 60 hours on a single charge. That means average gamers can use it for at least a week with no problems. The device has built-in efficiencies with auto-shutoffs that activate when it doesn’t detect a user donning the headset. It makes the 60-hour battery life feel longer.
Corsair’s latest headset has a lot going for it, but the device suffers from quality-of-life and software issues that makes its hefty $329 price tag harder to justify even with its nice carrying case. It’s not a perfect headset, but it does have the bones to become a better one. If Corsair can improve its iCue software and focus more on the comfort element, then the Virtuoso Max could rank among the top headsets. At the very least, it has the style to compete.
Corsair Virtuoso Max
Thee stars out of four
Price: $329.99
ManufacturerCorsair
