VZR Model One evaluation: Get essentially the most out of 3D audio
MSRP $349.00
“The VZR Model One offer excellent audio quality that’s perfectly built for next-gen gaming.”
Pros
Excellent sound high quality
Strong spatial audio
Comfortable earpads
Sturdy design
Two microphones in a single
Cons
Very costly
No quantity management
The VZR Model One isn’t your common gaming headset. You received’t discover any flashing RGB lights on it. It doesn’t have a identified gaming model like Razer or HyperX hooked up to it. And you seemingly received’t see your favourite streamers prominently (and suspiciously) carrying them whereas enjoying video games. The precedence right here is audio high quality, not trend.
The self-proclaimed “audiophile headset” comes from a formidable pedigree. It was designed by former Apple lead acoustics engineer Vic Tiscarareno alongside online game audio veterans. The Model One’s large innovation is its patented CrossWave know-how, which optimizes it for 3D audio. With consoles just like the PlayStation 5 utilizing sound as a promoting level, the Model One is able to be the right next-gen headset.
The VZR Model One is a superb gaming-focused headset that delivers superior audio high quality and stunning consolation. Its excessive value level may put it out of many gamers’ budgets, however this can be a key instance of “you get what you pay for” in movement.
Do the CrossWave
The Model One’s major promoting level is its audio high quality. It’s a closed-back headset that comes with 40mm drivers. For those that desire a gaming headset that’s constructed with spatial audio in thoughts, VZR has a powerful promoting level.
The fundamental sound high quality lives as much as the “audiophile” label. When I swapped between the Model One and the Roccat ELO I had available (my go-to gaming headset), the distinction was instantly clear. It gives a wider audio panorama that higher balances booming bass and sharp treble. When listening to music with it, the bass is forceful, nevertheless it by no means overpowers the upper frequencies. It’s at all times a difficult steadiness to strike, however VZR has executed an admirable job right here.
I can’t deny that I’ve gotten essentially the most out of next-gen sound whereas carrying the Model One.
The major attraction right here is VZR’s patented CrossWave know-how. To put it in layman’s phrases, the Model One makes use of an acoustic lens that’s constructed to higher form directionality. VZR notes that the tech permits the headset to information sound in a method that extra carefully mirrors how we hear it in actual life.
That’s instantly obvious when enjoying a PS5 sport. As a part of my assessments, I jumped into Returnal, which contains a detailed alien soundscape. Even after enjoying 20 hours of the sport beforehand, I used to be blown away by what I used to be listening to. Rain fanned out in each path and I may hear drops, shut and much, hitting the bottom in each path. When I trampled over alien eggs, I may hear them squishing beneath my toes as if the sound was coming instantly beneath me. I had comparable leads to Resident Evil Village’s Maiden demo (which is a 3D audio tour de power), as detailed sound actively made for a extra terrifying, immersive expertise.
Sony notes that the 3D audio impact works the identical on any headset that helps it, however I used to be skeptical of that declare after utilizing the Model One. Even if the CrossWave know-how was a little bit of “Blast Processing” advertising and marketing shine (and I don’t consider it’s), I can’t deny that I’ve gotten essentially the most out of next-gen sound whereas carrying the Model One. The excessive audio high quality makes each little sound pop and I felt a full spatial listening expertise.
Quality and luxury
When I first seemed on the Model One, I used to be anticipating an uncomfortable expertise. They weigh in at 430 grams with a tough, steel skeleton across the headband and ears. That design actually signaled that these are in all probability constructed to final, however I used to be skeptical about the way it’d really feel carrying them for hours on finish.
I anticipated a trade-off between consolation and high quality right here, however I’m impressed that the Model One is ready to ship each.
To my shock, the Model One delivers a stunning stage of consolation. That’s thanks largely to the headset’s reminiscence foam earpads. With how thick they’re, my ears barely brush up in opposition to the laborious plastic beneath. The earpads are comfortable in comparison with gaming headsets I’ve used beforehand, making it simple to maintain them on for hours at a time.
The headband ups the consolation issue as properly. It’s not inflexible due to a divot proper within the middle, permitting it to flex. The headband seems to be padded with the identical reminiscence foam that’s used within the earpads, making it relaxation simple on the scalp.
I anticipated a trade-off between consolation and high quality right here, however I’m impressed that the Model One is ready to ship each. The solely draw back is that the dimensions could make them a ache to lug round. They are available in a large sq. case that’s larger than a childhood lunchbox. They is probably not essentially the most transportable possibility, however that shouldn’t be a lot of an issue in case your intention is to seize a set of cans that make the most of residence consoles higher.
Mic verify
The final piece of the bundle is the Model One’s removable microphone. While it’s not seeking to reinvent something in the way in which the drivers are, it’s nonetheless a bit distinctive. It has a patent-pending design that’s constructed with passive noise cancellation in thoughts.
It’s more durable to say how a lot of an impact that design tweak has, however the microphone actually will get the job executed. In testing it on PS5, I discovered that my voice was coming by clearly with out slicing out. Recording some assessments with it hooked as much as my iPhone, I did discover that I wanted to have the microphone nearer to my mouth than I’d like. It picked up my voice properly sufficient at mid-range, however I may actually hear the gap. Discord associates famous the identical factor once we performed just a few rounds of Pokemon Unite.
When not utilizing the growth attachment, the headset defaults to an inline microphone, which is a pleasant contact. The high quality naturally suffers right here, nevertheless it’s a pleasant little bit of flexibility. The headset contains a mute toggle as properly, although no quantity management. It’s a little bit of a stunning omission contemplating how strong the bundle is — and the value level.
For informal gamers, the Model One’s value will definitely be robust to swallow.
That final half is essential. The VZR Model One will price you $349, which is actually an funding. For comparability, Sony’s personal Pulse 3D headset, which is “optimized” for the PS5, prices $100. For informal gamers, the Model One’s value will definitely be robust to swallow. But for many who need the most effective sound possible, it actually lives as much as the audiophile label.
Our take
The Model One provide great sound high quality that actually will get essentially the most out of next-gen spatial sound. VZR has burst onto the headset scene with a formidable set of cans that balances consolation and high quality. The $349 price ticket is notably excessive for the gaming house and that’s admittedly going to be a block for a lot of gamers. Fortunately, Model One justify the value for these prepared to make the leap.
Is there a greater various?
If you simply desire a headset that’s higher optimized for next-gen consoles, the Pulse 3D is a less expensive PS5 companion.
How lengthy will it final?
With a steel body and a sturdy design, the VZR Model One is actually constructed to final. Don’t count on them to crumble in a yr.
Should you purchase it?
Yes. If you may have the money to burn and actually care about sound high quality, they’ll actually fill your audiophile wants.
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