14 DAY TRIAL // When one hears “sound card” they may immediately envision one of those PCBs that insert into a PCI or PCI Express motherboard slot. Kingston is using the term for something else, however, in the case of the new HyperX Cloud II headset.
Having launched the HyperX Cloud II, the company is passively extolling the benefits of sound card technology integrated into the headphones themselves.
This headset features an LED backlit audio control box that enables 7.1 surround sound with independent audio and microphone volume control.
It does this without actually relying on any software, though you do, naturally, get an installer with the purchase. Just because a product doesn't need software doesn't mean it can't benefit from a program after all.
Still, it only takes one button press to switch to and from 7.1 virtual Surround Sound during a film, game or whatever else.
The hardware of the HyperX Cloud II Headset
The HyperX Cloud II connects via a 3.5 mm jack, but it is meant to be hooked up to the USB sound card which, in turn, links to a PC or Mac system via Universal Serial Bus (USB).
The sound card is quite small, easy to mistake for an in-line volume and track playback control.
However, if you want to use the headphones with a game console (Xbox or PS4), you will have to plug the 3.5 mm jack into them directly.
For those who want the technical specs of the headphones, here are the most relevant numbers: nominal impedance of 60 Ω per system, frequency response of 15 Hz to 25,000 Hz, 150 mW power handling capacity, circumaural ear cups, ambient noise attenuation of 20 dBA and a dynamic Ø 53mm transducer.
The headset also features a cable of 1 meter (3 feet), plus a second extension cable of 2 meters (6 feet). This means you can lounge on a couch or armchair in front of a large screen TV comfortably.
Needless to say, a microphone is included, with a condenser transducer type, 50-18,000 Hz frequency response, -39±3dB output, 150 mm mic boom, and 2V supply voltage. The press release below has all the little details.
Availability
The Kingston HyperX Cloud II gaming headset should be available soon, but the price was not included in the press release. Fortunately, listings are up by now, at $150 / €150.
