We take the same ones and start over: 700, 700 Gen 2, it’s the 700 Gen 2 MAX tested in our columns. After a week of intense use, here are our impressions.
What we liked
Battery life
Turtle Beach claims a lifespan of 40 hours, which seems quite plausible. Our first tests showed a much superior lifespan with more than 52 hours for use mainly focused on audio at one level constant. We have not abused the microphone, which could potentially influence, and there is no doubt that after a few too long recharges (via a USB-C cable), the lifespan will indeed drop drastically towards a figure closer to 40 hours.
Connection flexibility
You switch from one connection mode to another with a simple button on your headset. You can go from your Xbox to your PC to your phone in moments, hassle-free by just changing the port dongle for devices that don’t support Bluetooth. It’s a bit annoying for Xbox users who are used to not having an extra gadget when they buy the supposedly console-specific version, as was the case with previous models.
Satisfying sound
That’s pretty good sound for a gaming headset, but it shows the traditional flaws of the genre, with in particular strongly or even too strongly amplified bass. It’s nice for music with good big double pedals, a little less in play where explosions and shots will be a little too present. If you want to attenuate them occasionally, you can lean towards the “Super Human Hearing” option which reduces the importance given to the lowest frequencies as well as to the highest. The idea is to let go of any semblance of fidelity but of you give a competitive advantage by directly eliminating frequencies that are traditionally less useful or informationally relevant, such as footsteps or gunshots. We will also mention 7.1 surround sound.
The microphone at the height
It is in line with what Turtle Beach has been able to offer in recent years on its various helmet models. Sound remains accurate across the spectrum, even on the bass, which is not the case with some of the competitors. The only small defect that we could note is a bit of “grit” whether on PC or console, but nothing dramatic for this type of device: its purpose is not to allow you to record a podcast, but to allow your friends to hear you on Discord or on your console of choice.
Compatibility
The helmet is easy to use, for once very plug and play : we had in our hands the Xbox version which allows us to connect to all gaming platforms, from the PlayStation family to the Switch via PC and mobile, thanks to the use of a 2.4 GHz USB wireless RF dongle and Bluetooth (which you can connect in parallel to the device of your choice and your mobile to simultaneous use).
This feature is designed to allow you to answer a phone call or listen to something on your phone without having to pause your game or remove your headset. Unfortunately, there’s no real wired option, although you can listen to it while it charges (via USB-C), provided it’s connected via Bluetooth or the dongle.
What we liked less
Very limited insulation
It is on the level of what is done almost everywhere else in terms of“natural” insulation for gaming headsets. There is no active insulation and the headset therefore relies on its earbuds alone to ensure your immersion. Concern: If it works well for the most common noises in the house, you’ll easily hear a scream and be aware of the conversation your roommate is having on the phone in your couch (if you use your headphones at a reasonable volume, although sure).
Bluetooth codecs that leave something to be desired
The headset offers Bluetooth 5.1 but only default SBC codec support. So it really isn’t envisioned as a Hi-Res audio device (in the purely audiophile sense of the word), which is a bit of a shame, especially given the supposedly superhuman enhancement features for your hearing.
An irritating app
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 is compatible with Turtle Beach’s application, Audio Hub. She wants to be simplistic, but in doing so, she shoots herself in the foot. The PC version of the application, for example, only manages hardware updates. If you want to control everything as it should, such as the bass equalizer or the “Super Human Hearing”, you will have to go through the mobile application. The only reason we really used it was to adjust the balance between our chats and the sound of our games.
What leaves us indifferent
The overall design
This is a global concern with the helmets of the brand: you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. There are developments, it’s undeniable, but… The lines are rarely changed at all and there is no risk taking. On the one hand, we can understand the desire for unity to make all the products easily identifiable, but on the other, the first contact is more like “Ho, encore?”.
The helmet is essentially made of plastic, with the only real novelty compared to previous versions being a pad under the arc of the helmet. It is therefore light, but does not give an impression of incredible solidity. The headphones can be laid flat and the double hinges also allow you to find a suitable position on all ears. The pads are made of memory foam, with a layer of cooling gel itself covered with imitation leather, and they are also suitable for wearing glasses thanks to grooves designed to avoid subjecting the frames to too much pressure.
Spit your coconut tree, Myrhdin
This is a very satisfying wireless gaming headset. It offers decent sound, an accurate microphone, and a build that, while very classic, makes it comfortable to wear for the long haul. We must admit that in the end, if it didn’t disappoint us, it didn’t surprise us either: we would have liked to have a moment that would have made us say “Ha, yes, this thing is great”. We were able to try it on each of the supports with which it is compatible with the exception of the playstation5and he rose to the occasion on each of them. In itself, therefore, a very good option for players who need great flexibility at a “reasonable” price of 199.99€.
This test was carried out by Myrhdin with a device provided by the manufacturer. Its writing is not the result of any financial transaction whatsoever between the writer or JeuxOnLine and the manufacturer or the companies representing it.
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