Corsair Virtuoso Review - ALMOST The Best Wireless Gaming Headset!
The Corsair Virtuoso SE and Virtuoso are designed to be the best wireless gaming headsets on the market in 2019. But in this review we decide to take a critical eye towards their microphone, comfort, wireless range of SlipStream techology and overall performance.
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Corsair Virtuoso SE: geni.us/VIRTSE
Corsair Virtuoso: geni.us/CORSAIRVIRT
Corsair HS70: geni.us/HS70
Sennheiser GSP 600: geni.us/GSP600
Sennheiser GSP 670: geni.us/GSP670
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Review unit provided free of charge by Corsair. This video is sponsored by PRIVACYcom. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Gear list (Available on Amazon):
Main Camera - geni.us/SONYA7III
Main Lens - geni.us/Tamron2875
Main Camera Mic - geni.us/RODEMIC
Second Camera - geni.us/GH5w1260
$700 Camera (Panasonic G7) - geni.us/24nm
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 - geni.us/dLL
Cinevate DUZI Slider - geni.us/1Hwt
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AKG C 568 B - geni.us/1D2S
Zoom H5 - geni.us/2LUm
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#corsairvirtuoso #gamingheadset2019 #hardwarecanucks
smaller mic is better THIRD mic sound like you got influenza
Nah, that's just how he always sounds. Like his nose is stuffed up.
@@notgonnahappen7899 nah I think he's right
Wow ur right, the smaller one is 10x better
The smaller one sounds pretty good for a wireless headset, like the hyper x flight, no way in hell I would pay $189 for this thing though
@@ShuffleToExpresss same. I would never buy a gaming headset to begin with. Rather us real open backed headphones with an mod mic and an amp
If the Sennheiser sounds good to you, then my friend you have a lot to hear in terms of quality. The "small" mic from corsair actually sounds natural and decent
YEP
Pedro Silva you do understand about sound compression that KZhead uses by the time it gets to your ears right?
@@MrAnderson2744 Even with compression it's very easy to understand that that mic is subpar compared to the others. If dimitri didn't mention them as being his "go-to reference mics to be tested against other headset mics" I wouldn't say anything. Regarding compression, I do understand what it does, but it wouldn't make a good sounding mic sound like a 10$ mic from ebay...
The small mic sounds the most nasally. I'd hate for a teammate to have this mic.
100% agree with this
Thanks for the review! The fact that you did a back to back with the normal vs SE was a massive help, especially regarding the microphone!
Holy cow, I am now glad I went with the white version instead of the SE. That microphone literally dropped my jaw. It sounds absolutely amazing, especially with it being in wireless mode.
hey could you send me a link with the white version that you went with instead? i cant seem to find it anywhere
@@tace4982 try eBay, they have a bunch
youd think the se would be the better overall version
You know what is the best though? Your sound reviews. I really love them and think you're doing a wonderful job with reviewing headphones etc. Two thumbs up!
i guess im just not a mic guy but to me the gsp500 sounded terrible compared to the corsairs
Yea the gsp500 sound worse imo
You just have a discerning ear. If you got Walmart ears like the reviewer then you might like the airy, overly large soundstage, and bad peaking of the regular or Sennheiser. It’s like saying a yeti ball is better than a rode.
@@recreant359 You're hilarious. What is wrong with your ears? The Sennheisser was the only one with clarity. The rest sound like he's speaking with a fucking pillow in front of the mic. I bet you like Beats, don't you?
Dan Bavin the gsp500 sounds like ass compared to the little Corsair mic
@@Khragor It depends on what headphones *you* are using to watch the video. On my Sennheisser PX550 -The Standard Corsair mic is the clear victor. -The Sennheisser GSP500 sounds pretty bad in comparision. -The SE Corsair mic sounds terrible. On my Corsair Void Pro -The Sennheisser GSP500 sounds amazing -The Standard Corsair mic sounds a little tinny. -The SE corair mic sounds bad.
Only Corsair would make the better product cheaper on accident lol
In basically every other review, the SE version with larger microphone sounds miles better than in this review, and definitely better than the smaller microphone of the non-SE. HardwareCanucks either did something wrong or got a defective unit.
@@Thunterise it's possible there was a software update that corrected this.
@@UnfocusedRacing I can confirm, now SE version is incredible. Wired mode is easily good for streaming of something like that.
And if you listen to VarsityGaming he using this mic and it sounds so good
I picked up the SE and no issues here. Love it!
just a update for anyone watching this review recently, the SE mic got updated at some point and is now as good as, if not better then the regular one. just got my headset today from a black friday deal.
The smaller mic is literally the best headset mic I've heard wired or wireless, what the hell. Did you deffo use the right audio track haha, I cant believe your not making more of a point of the smaller mic if so.
and the thing is he tested the SE version wired and not the non-SE, meaning it could be even more clearer! something fishy going on i think
You can hear the difference it is definetly not the same audio track but what I wonder is that he just switched the mic not the headset itself. He uses the non SE mic on the SE Headphones. Maybe that makes a difference ?
@@pko_0x7c7 No, the headphones are basically the same - the only difference is the carrying bag, the metal earcup covers and the bigger mic. Everything else is exactly the same.
I guess you've never heard an audio technica or beyerdynamic microphone Both of them have better sound quality than my studio mic that cost me 120 bucks
Indeed! There was not that much of a difference between the small mic of the Corsair headset and his regular microphone for recording the videos.
WOW I was just looking into wireless headsets too! What perfect timing
I watched a lot of reviews on this headset (some several times) but ultimately used your affiliate link as your review made the biggest impact on my decision. Thank you!
amazing i have watched jays two cents video and his mic quality is great on the big mic, and jimsreviewroom mic was really impressive it did sound like broadcast quality.
The normal one sounds better, even when compared to the Sennheiser ones. And these need changable batteries, an extra would be using standart AAA size and voltage ones.
The Arctis Pro Wireless has swappable batteries and it's probably my favorite feature on them.
@@willmasonmoses9563 too bad the sound is lackluster
At first I thought the same. I was listening to them on my phone. Then I put on my Sennheiser PC 360 and could hear what Dimitri meant. I agree with Dimitri now.
@@carstenhilbert5472 Hmm, maybe I'll try some different headphones then, I currently use Sony MDR-RF895RKs.
@@eden1925 I guess the difference between our headphones is not that big. It's more likely you just disagree.
Non-SE Corsair mic makes the other two sound like shit bro. I'm super impressed.
U explain so clear direct to what info i need and even tho it's my 1st time watching ur vid i subscribed without hesitant, Thank you so much.
LOVE the review man as well as all your content, I am watching this for a 2nd time as i am planning on buying my gf the virtuoso i know she will prefer the wireless option and solid sound quality/mic quality on the non SE white version. I however like 2 years ago purchased the Sennheiser gsp 500 from your reviews. Which made me laugh when you directly referenced it in the video as being the "best" mic quality. Ill try to hide this video from her lol. Thanks for all the great content over the years.
Wonder if the mic on the SE is defective? Had similar issue with hyper x cloud s which was fixed after getting new mic
Thanks for the review. How does it compare with the HyperX Cloud Flight which I really love ?
You CAN enable battery percentage in the system tray in the settings of the headset on iCUE. It’s on the right column of choices, second from the top
Bought the none premium version or whatever, last month. Could not be happier, battery life is great (most important feature for me), nice wireless range and microphone is good. Thanks for the video
3:12 Microphone review
The Non SE mic is better than GSP 500 IMO
Great review! We LOVE this headset. We just had to grab it.
Heyyy the cans pouch is exatcly the same as the pouch for my B&W P5s. Great video as usual , very informative. Spasiba tebe Dimitry!
Glad you enjoyed 🙏 -D.
The non-SE model sounds way better for a lower price lol
RymeofDawn Go watch other reviews they sound really good, he’s doing something wrong, I mean you can tell he prefers the Sennheiser Mic and they sound shitty compared to both Corsair’s Mic.
@@LRRPEXILE They are bluetooth. They sound like shit.
LRRPEXILE Those other reviews don’t do back to back comparisons and one in particular that I watched where the mic was sounded great the reviewer was using them in USB mode, not wireless mode.
@@LRRPEXILE I searched for another reviews but I can only found the SE or normal version NOT SE vs normal
It is dont get either
0:54 What is that sponsor transition What are you... Linus?
Thibault Vlacich it's just a meme and also @ don't work on yt
@@thibaultv How on Earth are you getting a credit card privacy service advertisement confused with the stereo headphones being reviewed? Let alone your basic understanding of how content creators make money to let them keep on creating content for you to watch.. for free. I keep forgetting how dense some people really are. Thank you Thibault for the reminder.
dank memes wut
I actually watch all of HardwareCanucks sponsor segments (same goes for Linus' terrible segways) because its what makes them able to produce quality videos without having to charge us money. I'd rather watch their sponsor segments rather than put up with youtube's unskippable double ads tbh.
@@ordoordo8917 ikr,he is so creative
Thanks for the review. Just got the regular version of these headphones with out even knowing even knowing about the special edition. Seems like I made a good choice!
The black non-SE version is on sale right now for $159 so I ordered me a set, that mic quality of the non-SE really sold me on it!
The normal version mic is really impressive, best i've heard from a gaming headset. I really like this headset, but it's pretty damn expensive...
I was literally looking for your review of these headsets 12 hours ago. Only question I was hoping you would answer is console compatibility.
3.5 mm jack on the headset to put into a controller he said.
Xbox with the 3.5mm ps4 with usb wired or wireless
Considering the price, I was very excited for this review. Bummer, it wasn't as positive as I would have liked. Nice, blooper there Dmitry. I enjoy seeing them when you all leave them in. (:
O man you video editing is mind blowing man 😯😯 keep the good work 🤘🤘
Please review the Audio Technica ATH-G1WL Wireless Gaming Headset!
Can we see a comparison of these to the hyper x cloud flights?
and the hyperx cloud mix
Watched many of your vides. You do a fantastic job. Thank you so much!
Great video, really wished you explained about compatibility. I'm looking for headphones that work in all consoles. awesome video though
Too bad I can't get the small mic with the SE model. How do they release a SE model with a mic that sounds worse?
The smaller mic sounds like a wired mic, similar to my Cloud II's mic. All the others sound too compressed/nasally.
Being told about the shallow earcups, I took the chance with this headset, it is ok, it is confortable on that matter. The thing I can not get used to yet, is the head support, the foam is very thin and this headset is very heavy... after 2 hours, the spot where the headset rests on your head will hurt.
I want an even higher end version with a charging dock with auxiliary inputs. At the moment the A50 and Arctis pro wireless are the only two headsets on the market that have the features I want, but I hate their aesthetics and would pay silly money to get the Virtuoso if it had those additional features.
Personally I think the non-SE microphone sounds better than the SE *and* the GSP. What game is that at 5:00? Nvm, found it. It's Control. I thought it looked a lot like Quantum Break, now I know why.
Nailed it at the end. There are some shortcomings with this headset but at $180 this headset is half the price of the other high end wireless competitors.
You lost your mind it should only be 100 to 120 max. These are not Sennheisers here.
Still too pricy when the m50xb exists.
@@brumby92 Stop it, you're too funny
I would have liked to see a comparison on mic quality with background noise between the two, I'm wondering if that's related. I would have also liked to see how the audio sounded on the SE with the smaller mic attached to it.
Great Review! Would the Virtuoso gain better improved audio quality from connecting to a Dac/Amp using the 3.5mm jack or from the 24bit/96KHz audio from the USB cable? Sorry for the specific question. Thanks
i bought these about a month or 2 ago and here is my opinion on the Virtuoso SE. The mic is great, i dont know how the non SE actually sound but everyone hears me loud and clear. For $200 i think the quality and comfort is reasonable, especially when looking for something that doesn't scream gaming headset, the design is very minimal and somewhat low profile with the tiny bit of RGB. The sound quality isnt AMAZING but its good, it works. I've had instances where i would think the sound is coming from my monitor or outside my window cause the "surround sound" is actually that good. I rarely even use iCUE to change the settings and mostly run it with Windows spatial sound and im able to hear footsteps and pinpoint which direction they're coming from in COD/Warzone, better than the people i play with who use some of the other options people have listed below. If you really care about audio quality that much you're better off spending the money and getting a Arctis pro wireless, which right now will probably set you back 600. The mid range pricing and design is what sold me on these mostly, as most gaming headsets are laced in that typical gamer red/ green colors and the somewhat clunky / bulky designs that make you look like you're a pit crew chief. I mean seriously most gaming headset designs are just UGLY. I find it to be pretty comfortable, i usually wear it for about 3-5 hours and it doesn't bother me too much, though prolonged wear could make it feel a bit heavy but the build quality to me is great so ya know. Cant have EVERYTHING you want unless you fork over the extra cash especially if you're into aesthetics. So take this with a grain of salt but for an everyday average consumer they're worth it. The whole not having an off button is pretty annoying but the battery life is good enough to where i dont have to plug it in every night and i just set it to USB mode unplugged and the RGB lights will shutoff.
Can you confirm that the mic demo for the non-SE mic was actually using the mic? Granted im not an audiophile or anything but i'm having a hard time telling the non-SE mic form your regular studio mic. Nvm, I can hear it now, but wow, why do you think the sennheiser mic sounds better?
David Brenner Corsair definitely sounds better. Just a tad bit though, because the Sennheiser has some more compression
Wow, wired that SE sounds beautiful!
Thanks very helpful video your the guy I run to for my audio decisions
Finally, Type-C makes its way to peripheral companies. Me, as an absolute Logitech fanboy, I am now considering getting this instead. Awesome!
DerTodesSamstag maybe wait what Logitech is gonna make ?
I'm in the same position, I absolutely love Logitech, but after their new headsets using Micro and not Type-c, that really put me off.
@Jakie Jo last product Logitech release that was wireless was in beginning of the year. They most likely have a wireless Pro series headset in the works so never know
The new mx master mouse had usb-c, so they will move to usb-c everything pretty soon i think
HyperX Cloud Revolver S. Best sounding headset in the
Great sound, but I wouldn’t recommend. I’ve had problem after problem with these. Even when the mic is off, there’s a constant buzzing, when charged there will be no sound from my mic, and a lot of times when connected there will be no sound at all. Terrible, but when they are working, the sound quality is phenomenal
just bought a virtuoso non SE because the microphone quality sounds better in the video thanks!
God damn im glad i found this video the Non SE version mic sounds incredible
3:12 mic test
I think we all can agree the smaller one (mic) sounds better
Well it is only available on the 189$ version so why even bother to buy the 219$ version only for the aluminum....come on...
Actually, something with his recording went wrong. The SE mic sounds way better in other reviews than in this one.
Luca Dario Bützberger Which ones?
@@LucaDarioButzberger wich reviews did you find I am trying to find a definite answer on wich is better please help me
Luca Dario Bützberger Which reviews?
Can you do a few comparisons ? Like maybe other flagship headsets?
I'm glad that u have a good ears. it's very true that the non-SE version is so much better than the SE one and saved your money instead. Nice video.
Are the earpads replaceable? I like to use third party brainwavs memory foam earpads on all my headphones.
Have you gotten an answer to this yet im also curious?
@@truthtimetv4575 no lol
thanks for letting me know about the brainwavs!
They are removable but I don’t think brainwave have circular earpads
XeN Vidhaan very late, but they do sell circular ones
I give a trick to you all as I did with my Logitech pairs (G533 and now G935). I bought cheap magnetic cables from amazon and put their micro USB connector in the headset and left them there. Whenever I want to charge them, I just throw the magnetic cable to the headphone and the cable connects itself(magical magnets) and headphones start getting charging. No fiddling around, no searching for USB port for put cable. :-D On top of that, it even works in a pitch-black room. :-P Hope this helps anyone who owns a wireless headphone. :-P
wtf that's a brilliant idea how tf I haven't thought of it before! thanks man
Hey Dmitry, if you go into the Dashboard area of iCue you can turn on a battery percentage indicator. Using it on mine.
Nice video keep it up man i wish you had more views you deserrve more than this
They made SE cups more beatiful so everyone would pay extra 30 bucks
Consumers are gullible
@@ImperiaGin Hi I'm gullible
Well, that's weird, but in France, SE version is cheaper than the classic version... bruh
@Félix Sanz He's right though, if they had different mics but same look more people would go with non SE version.
@@Dontmindmeisnotoriginal Hi gullible I'm dad
Whats up with the SE mic ? I think they messed up and forgot to put the bad mic in the cheaper version.
maman89 The Corsair SE Mic sound really good, go look at every other review, I believe he’s doing something wrong, just look how talks about the Sennheiser as if the Mic sound much better...
Look at Jims review room channel for his mic review. A priper review unlike this one
the lack of angular speaker locationis easily corrected (if your ears stick out enough for it to be an issue)... just slightly turn the cups forward. the awesome hinges hold their position
Agree with you on those earpads man. I find these are super uncomfortable after a few minutes of gaming because the ear pads are just not thick enough. the sound also sounds more hollow compared to my Arctis pro's. when I put my Arctis pro's on they also feel far more comfortable! I also took for granted how comfortable the skie strap is on the top of your head. Was hoping these virtuoso's would be my wireless gaming headphones but going to return them, they just too uncomfortable. BTW I have medium size ears (by no means are they large). I also thought they sound horrible with the default EQ's compared to my Arctis pro's
The smaller mic sounds fantastic
You can tell he always praise the Sennheiser, yet clearly both Corsair Mic sound way better.
Cuz the mic on Sennheiser was way better than the Corsair mic
Wow the non se mic sounds pretty good, especially for a wireless headset mic!
The sound on the non SE version is so much better. Almost crystal clear, which is amazing for wireless.
How much seinheisser paid you to say that every time? lol The smaller mic sounds better even closer to your recording mic when you're hearing it through speakers.
WHAT OTHER RELEVANT CONTENT, DIMITRY? IT DIDN'T GIVE ME ANY END CARDS
Woops... will add. Thanks 🙏 -D.
Love my CORSAIR, after endless problems with numerous pairs of @Razer Nari headphones - with Razer USBs forever going wrong - I’ve had many months perfect use of my @Corsair Virtuoso and love them.
do you still love them now cuz i was planing on buying the se version
@@cread6518 yup - still love them, I snapped the mic arm but not the cables to fixed that with an expiry putty
can you please review the SE again? I heard a software update fixed it. I wanted to know your thoughts now that it has been updated.
i heard a firmware update fixed trhe mic quality between the 2, can we get an update? im on the fence between the SE and non SE, if the mic is fixed then i will get the SE
I like the Virtuoso's small microphone more than the Sennheiser O__O
Sennheiser sounded way better
@@hak9786 you have weird headphones, the small mic sounds near studio quality, the sennheiser mic sounds tenny and a bit conpressed
@@DJ-Vixo nah he's just a Sennheiser fanboy lol. Whoever says that the gsp sounded better clearly is either lying or a fanboy. It literally has zero bass and ultra compressed.
So, I managed to snag a pair of the SE’s as a refurb from Best Buy with a 2-year Geek Squad Accident Protection Plan for $114 all in. Headset was a little over $90 after taxes, warranty was $20. Honestly, don’t think I’ve ever made a better peripheral purchase, but I genuinely dont think I would pay anywhere near $220 for them. They’re clearance at Best Buy for $160… even that seems kind of steep, but I do love them and have been daily driving them since Feb of 2022.
Hey, thank you for your nice video. I am currently looking for a new gaming headset. My basic question is 7.1, is it possible to listen only via cable? My second question is which headset would you recommend? Corsair Virtuoso and my other options are Game ONE Sennheiser, XPG Precog and Audio-Technica ATH-G1, there are so many headsets and reviews are sometimes quite different :) I play FPS with my friends on PC
for those checking this now, Corsair released a software patch for the SE and now that mic sounds even better then the nonSE version
Much of a difference tho? I mean the non se one is 60 bucks cheaper.
Source? Could you please provide a link?
@@CanopusInfinity did you find out anything about that statement? If so please let me know
Thanks for the update bro! I really appreciate it
I personally find the GSP 500's microphone quality is MUCH worse than the Virtuoso non-SE mic.
No charging dock? No way to plug 3.5mm or optical into it for sound from consoles?
Wow, the 2nd mic sounded SO much better than the 1st and honestly the 3rd. It sounded very close IMO to your studio mic
I bought this headset after watching this review. I wish I didn't. I've had so many issues with these and they're finally going back. The volume control is terrible, turning the wheel causes the volume to jump all over the place, sometimes it will go to 100% when you're at 30% and trying to turn it down. Sometimes the battery will last 4 or 5 hours from a full charge, sometimes they will last all day. Last night they completely spazzed out, and kept disconnecting and reconnecting to my PC over and over again. Only after leaving them turned off for a while did the problem stop, but then they would jump to 100% volume without me even touching the volume. Now, the right side is much louder than the left, even with Windows 10 sound settings showing they're balanced. Shockingly disappointing for £150 headphones, especially when so many people are reporting similar issues.
I bought the near $300 USD version. Same complaints, and the design is just ..whose head was this designed for? I can't even look at my Start button on my monitor without it creeping off.
Hi Dmitry. What do you think about the case? Is it sturdy enough to put it in my backpack during traveling?
Hi. Thanks for the review. Do you consider the sound of this headset better than HyperX Cloud Alpha S?
Dimitry, wake me up when i have something to replace my GameOne's with
Would You recommend this or the cloud flight?
using flight for 3 months and i can say that it really comfortable on the head, also the battery life is so long that i never had an issue where i wanted to game but the battery is empty, charging between session and you gonna good to go...
I have the clouds for about 8 months they were brilliant, comfortable and light, could charge while using them if you needed to, not super loud but it has enough. These may be better tho
@@Kevin-vg5uw Now they are very koud since the last firmwarebupdate.
I hace the cloud for almost 4 months and im very happy whit them, the only issue is the mic, os just not good, but sound quite like this corsairs
GSP600 + GSX1000 plus make sure Windows audio settings are at 32K
That segway intro to your sponsor was clean!!
Are you going to review the ath g1 and the g1wl from audio technica?
$30, right? Or do i need my school money back :b?
It clearly displays the price in the video
Its 30, he made a mistake
Me: How do I, you know, HEAR THINGS with it? Corsair: iT's bUrIeD iN tHe iCuE SoFtWaRe
Nice review. Really liked it.
So glad I bought the non-se model!
0:40 "Price difference of 40 dollars" 219-189=30 I'm proud to raise my abysmally low ego by correcting someone.
Yeah... I’m a noob at times 😅 -D.
@@HardwareCanucks oh no the creator replied... My ego has shot up too high!
@@thatmartinlau Anton Ego
Why do you keep ignoring the Arctis 7 wireless
Is it possible to order the smaller mic for the SE and have it work the same ?? I just bight the SE cuz the sleek look, love them so far , like your review
I could be wrong but was that borderlands 3 footage ? also i main zane and recently got this headset its going to be here in a few days can't wait to try it out. Thanks for another great review
"ALMOST" Because that price.
Really? I think that's a pretty fair price even for the aluminum structure. I think they're right where they need to be, though I will never argue that a lower price is far more appealing but compared to my astro a50's that I bought at a discounted price(open box) its WAY better and now I'm considering making the switch just based off that microphone sample on the non-SE and the fact it's usb-c. I'm worried about the sound quality, battery life and the performance of its connection. Every bluetooth headset I've ever owned will always have that random "crash" and goes silent for a full second and the Astro's have performed the best in my opinion. Just my 2 cents I guess?
Wdym lmao, the arctis pro is almost twice the price.
What settings do you use for you corsair non SE version. Mine doesnt sound nearly as good as yours
What about the Audio Technica ATH-G1 / Audio Technica ATH-G1 WL? Podcastage did a review, but I'd be interested in your take, too
Nice video! Is the sidetone strong enough? I have Logitech G935 but sidetone is really low, i end up screaming in my apex nights xD
Have you guys reviewed the Audio Technica ATH-G1WL? Seriously considering preordering one based on what I've seen so far.