R3,999 is a lot of money to ask for a gaming headset even with the Razer brand behind it. The Razer Blackshark v2 Pro might be feature-packed but every time I put it one and loved it, I had to remember this experience would set me back R3,999 should I ever decide to buy one. So what makes the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro so expensive and does the price warrant the experience? Yes and no. For the most part, the headset’s performance is great. This is across both wired and wireless modes. It is extremely comfortable too and packs a pretty impressive microphone.
Razer Blackshark v2 Pro Tech Specs
- Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 28 KHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω (1 kHz)
- Sensitivity: 100 dBSPL/mW, 1 kHz
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Weight: 320 grams
- Battery Life: up to 24 hours
Features
- Removable Razer HyperClear Supercardioid Mic
- Advanced mic control features
- Ultra-soft FlowKnit memory foam ear cushions
- Removable Razer SpeedFlex Cable
- THX Spatial Audio
- Connectivity – Razer™ HyperSpeed Wireless Technology (2.4GHz) + 3.5mm jack
There’s no doubt the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro is a high-end gaming headset with some pretty impressive tech built into it. It is identical to the fantastic Blackshark V2 headset but with its own wireless features. This means the design follows the wired headset and includes much of the lightweight design, comfort and versatility. The earcups are attached to the headband with a thin but sturdy wire. The headband packs a breathable memory foam cushion that not only helps with the cooling but also allows for a longer game time before the headset starts to feel heavy. It is also wrapped in faux leather on the top which adds to the premium feel.
On the left-hand earcup, there’s a large knob that sticks out of the side. This is used for volume. The mute button also feels nice to press in and out and includes the iconic Razer green on it to indicate when you have muted the mic. Then there’s an audio jack for when you are forced to use it or want to use it. More on that later. We also have a removable microphone which is a godsend for this device, especially when playing games alone. Lastly, we have the micro USB charging port to recharge the battery for wireless use. I would have preferred a Type-C port here, to be honest. It is 2020 and mostly everyone who games has adapted to the Type C life by now. This port just makes the headset feel a bit dated.
Razer Blackshark v2 Pro Performance
The Razer Blackshark v2 Pro is a wireless headset which means there are two ways you can use it. You can either go with the 3.5mm audio jack to whatever device you are using or plug in the wireless receiver which comes packed in the box. Of course, you will have to use this USB to make use of any fancy THX spatial audio as the Razer Synapse software enables the tech. However, this also means that using the 3.5mm jack does not allow for any sort of THX sound output for the device too. It also means that console players won’t be able to benefit from it as while the wireless dongle works on PS4 and Xbox, you aren’t getting anything but stereo sound.
Clearly, the USB dongle does more than just output the sound and acts as a sort of sound card at the same time. For PC that is. While using the device on a console, you can make use of the wireless features but any sort of surround sound is disabled. This did not make much sense to me. There are so many great wireless headsets on the market that support 7.1 surround sound on a console. The PlayStation Platinum Headset, for example. It also costs R1500 less than this Razer Blackshark v2 Pro. While it is great to have the wireless support on the console, if you are buying this solely for PS4 or Xbox, perhaps look for a more feature-packed headset which is cheaper too.
Still, the versatility of the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro is pretty great. The 3.5mm jack and wireless option help for when you need them. On PC the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro shines the most. The Razer Synapse software let me perform all sorts of audio tweaks to the device (only when using the USB of course). There’s a bunch of things I could tweak including 10-band EQ toggles with multiple presets for different listening situations. Bass Boost, Voice Clarity, Sound Normalization and more. Then there’s the THX which is enabled and disabled using the app. This allowed me to enable the feature for every game and app I used. Furthermore, the software automatically knows which mode to use and whether or not to disable THX completely.
Performance on the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro was mostly fantastic. Of course, you have the lack of surround sound on console but if you are using this for PC then you are going to love it. Music provided some kick with an impressive level of bass. Instruments were clear and low frequencies were well balanced. However, high frequencies tended to sound dull at times.
When it came to gaming, the headset definitely packs a punch. Playing Borderlands 3 with the headset’s THX spatial audio meant I could hear all around me with an extremely accurate reading of what was to the left and from of me. Gunfire in the distance was not only clear but also spatial aware meaning I knew where the enemy was. Not to mention the great kick from my guns sounded deep and loud. I heard every clang of metal around me and every soundtrack provided some clear bass that enhanced the experience. The THX will help a lot of games when it comes to making users aware of their surroundings while providing some solid simulated sound.
While the console lacks the THX Spatial Sound and surround sound while using both the USB and 3.5mm audio jack, it still provides a decent experience. I never had an issue at all and all games provided some decent audio enjoyment.
This is a wireless headset so it relies on a battery. Razer claims it can last around 24 hours and they weren’t lying. A full charge can no doubt see you through a full day of use and not a day of gaming, actual 24 hours of gaming. If anything, it could even last longer if you are not using the microphone or the headset on max volume.
The Microphone on the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro is also quite impressive. It features a boom area where it detects sound. Anything out of that area is not heard as much. This means background sound won’t find its way into your chat parties. I tested this using some software and it was actually great. If my mouth was far away from the mic, the test hardly picked up any sound. This in hand with the ambient noise reduction means you are getting a great microphone on this headset.
VERDICT
Should you buy the Razer Blackshark v2 Pro? Well, it depends. If you are buying it for a console then it is a hard no. You’re not getting much value out of this due to the lack of surround sound. There are also dozens of cheaper headsets on the market for a console that pack it. If you are buying it for PC then maybe but you need to keep in mind that you need to use it wirelessly in order to use THX. Then again, the battery life is pretty impressive so this may not be a problem. However, R3,999 is still a load of money to spend on a headset with so many limitations.
