Corsair Void USB headset review

The single USB connection is excellent if you don’t have a dedicated soundcard, and it means you don’t have to mess around with colour-coded 3.5mm audio jacks to get surround sound, either. Corsair also makes an analogue version for anyone that doesn’t want to ditch their sound card, or wants to use it with another device like a smartphone, tablet, PS4 or Xbox One – assuming you have one of the new controllers with a 3.5mm audio jack.

Starting off my testing in stereo mode and with the Pure Direct pre-set, the 50mm neodymium drivers delivered a rather neutral sound. This is somewhat surprising for a gaming headset, where bass presence tends to be dominant, so it was nice to be able to use the Void for music and films. There’s an excellent mix of clean treble, clear mid-range and reasonably impactful bass. It certainly won’t rattle your brain like other headsets, but the Bass Boost pre-set does give music a bit more of a kick if that’s what you like.

Dolby Surround doesn’t work well with music, however, creating an airy sound that doesn’t match the original recordings. It’s definitely best to keep it off until you’re playing a game or watching a film. Here, voices feel like they have more presence in the centre of the soundstage, and soundtracks feel like they have a wider spread. The 10-point EQ can be completely customised if you don’t like the default mix, with control over individual sliders or linked control for less precise mixing.

Games also benefit from Dolby surround, but while it’s almost convincing in certain titles, it can’t deliver the precision of a true surround sound headset. The simulated sound definitely adds to the sense of immersion, but it can’t be relied on to identify the direction of footsteps. Even so, the mix of treble and bass gave gunshots and explosions a welcome punch, without obscuring more incidental detail.

The RGB LEDs in each ear cup can be customised through Corsair’s CUE software suite, with a series of blinks, flashes and pulse effects in any colour you choose. You can also sync the headset with a Corsair mouse and keyboard that supports CUE Link, so that everything changes colour at the same time. The lights aren’t as distinctive as some of the Void’s rivals, but I think that works in its favour; it’s a subtle headset, unless you opt for the blindingly bright yellow model.

Importantly, Corsair has got the price right. At £80 it’s one of the least expensive 7.1 surround sound headsets around, and it has the edge in build quality over cheaper models from the likes of Steelseries. At only £10 more than the existing Corsair Vengeance range, which lacks RGB lighting and the InfoMic user feedback, it’s the obvious choice if you want virtual surround. For sheer audio quality and comfort, Q-Pad’s analogue QH-85 remains my preferred headset, but for accuracy in games the Void gets a Recommended award.