Price and Specifications
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is a premium gaming headset developed in partnership with Audeze and Waves to deliver an unparalleled audio experience. With its groundbreaking planar magnetic drivers and 3D audio technology, the Cloud Orbit S stands as one of the most innovative headsets available for gamers who demand the highest quality in sound, comfort, and performance.
Below is a detailed overview of the price, features, and specifications of the HyperX Cloud Orbit S to help you understand why it is considered one of the top-tier choices for audiophile gamers.
Price Range
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is positioned as a premium product in the gaming headset market. Its price typically ranges between $299.99 and $349.99, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions or discounts. Although the price may seem steep, the Cloud Orbit S justifies its cost by offering advanced features such as planar magnetic drivers, 3D audio technology, and a premium build, making it a great option for gamers seeking the best audio experience.
Key Features
1. Planar Magnetic Drivers by Audeze
One of the most significant features of the Cloud Orbit S is the planar magnetic drivers. Unlike traditional dynamic drivers, planar magnetic drivers provide:
- Unmatched sound clarity: High-frequency response with reduced distortion, giving users a clean and accurate sound profile.
- Faster response time: Planar magnetic drivers have a faster transient response, which results in more precise sound, ideal for gaming and immersive media experiences.
- Wide soundstage: The headphones deliver an expansive audio experience that places you in the middle of the action, making them perfect for gaming.
The Audeze planar magnetic drivers deliver exceptional audio performance across all frequencies, from the low rumbles of explosions to the high-pitched sounds of footsteps, ensuring a competitive edge during gameplay.
2. Waves Nx 3D Audio Technology
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S features Waves Nx 3D Audio Technology, a breakthrough that transforms the way sound is perceived. Waves Nx delivers:
- Realistic spatial audio: Immerses the listener in a 360-degree soundstage for an incredibly lifelike gaming experience.
- Head tracking: Waves Nx uses built-in sensors to track head movement, making the sound react to your movements in real-time. This feature provides an incredibly immersive experience in games and movies, where sound moves around based on where you turn your head.
- Personalized audio: Waves Nx also offers customizable audio settings to tailor the sound experience based on your preferences, improving clarity, bass, and treble to suit your listening style.
The 3D audio technology is particularly beneficial in competitive gaming scenarios where situational awareness is critical, allowing you to hear in-game cues from all directions.
3. Superior Comfort
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S is designed with comfort in mind, essential for extended gaming sessions. Some key features that contribute to its comfort include:
- Memory foam ear pads: These provide a snug, comfortable fit, reducing pressure on the ears during long gaming sessions.
- Breathable faux leather ear cups: These prevent heat buildup, helping to keep your ears cool and comfortable.
- Adjustable headband: The headband is padded for additional comfort and is easily adjustable to ensure a perfect fit for different head sizes.
These ergonomic features make the Cloud Orbit S comfortable even during extended sessions, which is crucial for competitive gamers or those who enjoy marathon gaming sessions.
4. Premium Build Quality
The Cloud Orbit S is built to last, with durable materials that ensure the headset can withstand daily wear and tear. The headband is constructed from aluminum, offering a balance of sturdiness and lightness. The ear cups feature high-quality materials, designed to prevent scratches and damage over time. Additionally, the headset is lightweight, weighing only 368 grams, so it won’t cause discomfort even during long sessions.
5. Detachable, Noise-Canceling Microphone
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S includes a detachable noise-canceling microphone. This microphone delivers crystal-clear voice communication, which is essential for multiplayer gaming. The microphone’s bi-directional design ensures that it picks up your voice while blocking out unwanted background noise, making it ideal for voice chats with teammates.
- Noise-canceling capabilities help to reduce ambient noise, ensuring clear communication.
- The detachable microphone allows users to remove it when not needed, converting the headset into a pair of high-quality headphones for music or media consumption.
6. Customizable Audio Profiles
The Cloud Orbit S comes with an advanced software suite that enables you to fine-tune your audio experience. Using the Audeze HQ and Waves Nx software, you can adjust the following:
- Equalizer (EQ) settings: Tweak the bass, midrange, and treble for your ideal sound profile.
- Sound localization and depth: Customize the spatial audio experience to optimize your gaming or listening experience.
- Head tracking sensitivity: Adjust the responsiveness of the head tracking feature to your preference.
The software gives you the flexibility to personalize the audio based on the game you’re playing or the content you’re consuming, making it an excellent option for those who value customizability.
7. Connectivity and Compatibility
The HyperX Cloud Orbit S offers multiple connection options to ensure compatibility across different devices:
- USB (for PC and Mac): Provides full support for 3D audio and customization through the software.
- 3.5mm headphone jack (for consoles and mobile devices): Allows you to use the Cloud Orbit S with Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and smartphones. However, using the 3.5mm jack limits access to some advanced features like head tracking and custom EQ settings.
- Wireless functionality: The Cloud Orbit S does not support wireless connectivity, which may be a downside for those who prefer wireless freedom, but the wired connection ensures zero latency and better sound quality.
Detailed Specifications
Audio Performance
- Driver Type: Planar magnetic drivers by Audeze.
- Driver Size: 100mm (larger than typical drivers for enhanced sound quality).
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 50kHz (wide frequency range for full-spectrum audio).
- Impedance: 32Ω.
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): <0.1% (minimal distortion).
Microphone
- Type: Electret condenser microphone (detachable).
- Polar Pattern: Bi-directional noise-canceling microphone.
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 18kHz.
- Sensitivity: -39dBV.
Build and Comfort
- Headband: Adjustable, aluminum frame.
- Ear Cushions: Memory foam with breathable faux leather.
- Weight: 368g.
- Cable Length: 3.5mm cable (1.3m), USB cable (2.5m).
Software
- Audeze HQ: For customizing sound profiles and EQ settings.
- Waves Nx: For 3D audio personalization and head tracking.
Who Should Buy the HyperX Cloud Orbit S?
- Competitive Gamers: The combination of planar magnetic drivers, 3D audio technology, and head tracking makes it a fantastic option for players who need the edge in fast-paced games.
- Audiophiles: With superior sound quality and an audiophile-grade listening experience, the Cloud Orbit S is perfect for gamers who also enjoy high-fidelity music and media.
- Content Creators: Streamers and YouTubers can benefit from the clear microphone and customizable sound options, offering excellent communication with their audience.
- VR Enthusiasts: The immersive 3D audio is an excellent feature for virtual reality gaming, offering a more lifelike experience.