Good old iClever, being so kind and sending us another review unit from their massive product list. What they sent us this time around is a gaming headset that will work with your PlayStation 4 and PC. One of the big features with the IC-HS20 gaming headset is that it offers 7.1 Surround Sound, so it doesn’t matter if you’re going to be using this headset for gaming or not because you’ll still be getting 7.1 sound even when you’re listening to music or playing or watching a video on your favorite streaming website. A noise cancelling mic is common among gaming headsets and it’s only right that iClever also includes this tidbit to block out any outside noise. To read more about the iClever IC-HS20 gaming headset, continue reading below for the full review.
Specification
- Driver diameter: Φ50mm
- Driver impedance: 32Ω
- Upgraded function: Vibration
- Sound effect: 7.1 simulated sound channels
- Frequency range: 20Hz-20KHz
- Sensitivity: 97dB±3dB
- Output power: 20MW
- MIC impedance: ≤2.2kΩ
- MIC Sensitivity: -37dB±3dB
- Dimensions: 18.2 x 11.7 x 5 inches
- Weight: 2.2lbs
- Wire length: 2.4m
What’s in the box
- IC-HS20 gaming headset
- Headset stand
- User manual
- Warranty Card
Design
When I was first told about these headphones, I was told that they looked giant in stock photos from iClever. When I read that, I thought “ok, how big can they be?” So, after receiving the review unit and opening up the box, I truly saw how big they are. Seriously, these are the biggest gaming headphones I’ve ever seen. Hey, you know what they say, “go big or go home” and I think iClever knocked that one out of the park. Despite the size, the actual design is nice. You’ve got two memory foam earcups for the right amount of comfort while using them and I didn’t have any issue with my ears hurting after long usage. Connecting the two ear cups together (other than plastic) is the padded auto-fit headband with iClever’s logo on it and a lightweight steel bridge. Moving back to the sides, the right ear cup is clear from any buttons or the like, but the left side is where the party is happening. All controls are on this side such as your volume adjuster which is a wheel, a button for vibration when you’re gaming, the cord leading to a USB Type A plug, and the dedicated omnidirectional mic that cannot be detached. The ear cups do have the ability to swivel up to 30 degrees to also help you out with comfort.
iClever’s logo is behind the red mesh and has RGB lights to change the color from red to green to blue, etc. The cord itself seems to be made out of silicone material but doesn’t look like it’ll tear easily if it gets caught anywhere or if a cat goes after it. At the end of the cable is again, the USB Type A piece which will be used to plug into either your PlayStation 4 or desktop/laptop. The USB portion is covered with some wicked plastic design and also doesn’t look like it’ll break anytime soon from usage.
Software
There is software that allows the headset to have a better sound experience, but I’m someone who doesn’t touch any of that stuff because I don’t really need to use it if the sound quality is doing just fine. In order to get the software, you will need to head to iClever’s website to download the zip file, so if you were expecting a disk, better luck next time. The application itself is pretty basic. Just choose the EQ settings you want or the “effect” having no effect which leaves the sound as is or a theater giving it a nice surround sound feeling. You can also control the mic by giving it more gain or boosting it. Lastly, there’s the option of Virtual 7.1 effects. There you’ll be able to turn on 7.1 and have it going clockwise/counter clockwise. It’s kind of cool, but not my cup of tea so I left that as is.
Sound
Everyone out there wants great sounding headphones or a headset when you’re listening to music or playing games and the IC-HS20’s don’t fall short of this quality. I really like how much sound these guys can push out thanks to the 50mm audio driver and 7.1 Dolby surround sound. I can’t even begin to explain how deep the bass is during music playback on these. There’s one song I listen to that has the deepest bass and lows I know and that’s my first test on any headphones. After that, I just play other random stuff and see how it does but I was blown away at how low this can go. I didn’t use the software to adjust any volumes or set an EQ because I prefer to leave everything as is, but yeah, I like this.
When I was gaming on PC, I was still able to get the same amount of lows and clear audio, but not like my music gets. I don’t play anything too special on PC other than League of Legends and Battlefield 4 so I couldn’t tell you how other games hold up. As I was playing PS4, I could hear everything around me in Horizon Zero Dawn and in Destiny. Even in other games I played, the sound was also clear and didn’t sound muffled at any point.
Microphone/Voice Quality
Every gaming headset out there comes with a mic on it allowing you to speak with your teammates or your friends that you’re playing games with. Without them, we’d be doomed because there would be zero communication. The HS20’s come with an omnidirectional mic on it and it’s pretty good. I only used it for playing games and being in a party on my PS4. Everyone that was in the same party was able to understand everything I was saying and telling me that my voice was coming in clear. There was only one instance where I was told that there was some white noise, but a simple unplug/replug of the headset from the console fixed the issue. Ever since then, no has told me about the white noise.
Price/Value
Ok, so I’ll admit that I don’t really know how much gaming headphones should cost for PC gaming or console gaming, but I think $30USD is an awesome price for what you get. The addition of the headset stand as well as the available software add value as well. If you can get past how big they are, then definitely get them.
Wrap Up
If you’re into PC gaming or console gaming (PS4) then for sure get the iClever HS20 gaming headset. You really won’t be disappointed, because I know I wasn’t at all. These will definitely be recommended to some people out there who are big on PC gaming.
*We were sent a review sample of the iClever HS20 gaming headset for the purposes of this review.
Last Updated on November 19, 2017.
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