14 DAY TRIAL // Developed with the special interest of providing realistic audio and immersion when playing first-person 3D games, the Roccat Kave 5.1 Surround Sound headset delivers realistic sound source placement through its ingenuous design and high-quality audio output capabilities provided by the 40nm speakers.
Until not long ago, simulating spatial placement of sound sources when playing 3D games was only possible through the use of, at least, a 5.1 surround sound system. Before surround sound was correctly implemented, gamers couldn't know where sounds were coming from when they played 3D games.
They could only hear the sound coming from the speakers. When surround sound was implemented, realistic immersion became possible through the accurate simulation of sound source placement (footsteps coming from behind, birds flying above, etc.), but this was only possible as long as the speakers themselves were accordingly distributed across the room. This, however, could not satisfy those who preferred headsets. To remedy this shortcoming, Roccat put together an advanced piece of headgear, the Roccat Kave 5.1.
Notable about the Kave are its three real, not simulated, 40nm speakers. These speakers are arranged at a 12° angle embedded into the earcups, and they are complemented by two additional vibration units. This placement allows for the distinguishing of sound sources, whether they are in front, behind or to the side. In addition, the headset's microphone itself has a mute LED, which indicates whether the mic is on or off. The headband is fitted with three separately bedded pads, which assure equal weight distribution, and the earcups are hand-sewn, with external noise canceling. The headset is also foldable, making it easy to carry.
As technical specs go, the headset has a frequency response time of 20 to 20,000Hz, SPL at 1KHz with maximum 114±3dB and has an input power of 100mW (30mW). The microphone is omnidirectional, has a frequency response between 20~18,000Hz, sensitivity at 1KHz -36dB, an impedance of 2.2KOhm +15% and a diameter of 4x1.5mm. The 30mm vibration units have a maximum input power of 1,000mW and a Frequency response of 20 to 100Hz. The system itself connects to the PC through four 3.5mm jack plugs. The headset will work on any system with a 5.1 Soundcard for surround sound playback (or Stereo Soundcard for stereo sound playback) and will need a free USB Port (500 mA) for power supply.
The product also comes with the Tip'n'Control Desktop Remote. This accessory is a very useful tool, which directly manages the properties of the headset, including the overall and individual speaker volume (center, front and rear volume, as well as the bass), but also allowing for sound profile switching.
The product is already available and carries a recommended price tag of €89,99 and complete information may be found here.
