Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT Headset Review - More than meets the eye
The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT Headset offers quite a bit. It also asks for quite a bit, with a $270 MSRP. Does the headset warrant the premium? There are some surprising wins, even in this competitive price bracket!
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Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:59 - Hidden Feature?
04:36 - Specs and Features
05:30 - Build Quality and Comfort
08:14 - Stiff?
10:21 - Pads and Pad Swapping
13:54 - Travel Bag
15:12 - Mic Test and Specs
16:49 - iCue and Dolby Atmos (and EQ)
20:31 - Sound Quality
24:16 - Final Thoughts
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This is the first review I've seen that attempts to actually explain why the Corsair mics sound so much better than every other headset.
Sennheiser/epos brother
Same! Best mic I’ve heard and now I know why, the PC38x is like neck and neck!
@@Kallemedkn1ven I've owned a couple Epos/Sennheiser headsets, the PC38X being my current go-to. They're a close 2nd.
@Kallemedkn1ven I dunno mang, my Epos branded 670s have a worse mic than some $30-40 headsets I've owned. Sound quality is great but the mic on this thing sucks whole warehouses of ass.
best review I've seen for this headset. I'm trying the SE model right now but I think you hit everything on the head as far as the gripes I have with that model. You still touch on things other reviewers glossed over or straight up didn't acknowledge in favor of the typical gamer type audience.
Watched many other reviews however after your explanation of the ability to have separate inputs I'm sold! Great review
After about trying over 10 different headsets I’ve picked up these today. And by far they are the best feeling in build quality. Super excited to try them out and tune the EQ.
Thanks for the tip about enabling Dolby Atmos and the recommended EQ. I copied yours and it definitley sounds better. All of your reviews are absolutely excellent by the way. So much detail that other reviews simply don't cover or even hint at. Keep it up!
I'm glad I found you while looking for new headsets! Great reviews man!
very high quality review. I have watched about 50 different reviews of different Headsets and this is definitely one of the most informative and helpful reviews out there. Defnitely helped me pick the Headset I want.
Another great review, thanks for all the details!
Bought it and it's my fav headset: both for gaming and WORK. I've an active workplace that needs to make calls frequently and Mic matters a lot. Thanks!
Really nice video and thanks for the EQ recommendation
Best review of this headset yet. I have been looking for a headset that I can use for work and play.
This review is amazing, I wish I found this earlier. I’ve searched for so many people but most were just bull shitting whilst this was clear, problem solving, well explained, etc. Thank you, by the way the EarPads really do help. I strongly recommend it.
After watching this and other reviews I bought this headset. The flat tuning out of the box is rather weird considering how most other "gaming" headsets come loaded with tons of bass in the default EQ. You HAVE to assign a solid EQ to tune it to how you like. Which is something I couldn't really do with other "bassier" headsets I've had in the past. The flat sound is off putting until you assign it a solid EQ and then the sound holds it's own well enough (in my opinion) compared with any other wireless headset else in the price range. I was able to bring up the lows nicely without drowning out the mids, which is great for gaming. I don't think it's far to compare a wireless headset sound quality to a wired one, but this one does do a really solid job. The mic is absolutely in a class of it's own though, wired or not. It outclasses even some of the cheaper stand alone podcast usb mics.
Thanks for the video, you answer all my questions about these headphone before I got them. I like your open and honest approach. hope using your link helps you out.
Man one of the best I have ever watched with such a details and interesting facts. Love it. :)
Wooow, first review to not only mention the bluetooth features, but also explained it perfectly. (I stupidly bought them before even knowing the info in this video) Excited to get them in a week or two now.
I use these to work from home while simultaneously hearing the games I’m playing on my pc via Bluetooth, and that’s incredible.
Im doing research for a headset for my new gaming setup and every product i search this guy has an in depth review. Thank you for this
Thank you so much for a great and unbiased review.👍
Great review. I have the SE, and my first complaint was the comfort. Otherwise, I love everything about the headset - especially the mic. Huge upgrade from my other set. My pads should be coming tomorrow, so I'm excited.
What pads did you buy ?
Truly a best review i have seen so far, thank you! Had one reviewed, who was pushing WC for half the video (said he isn't sponsored 😂😂😂).
The ear pad replacement is the best thing Eva. Thanks man. You have a new sub here 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I always get complimented on my mic, ppl always say I sounds crisp and clean. Also, thank you for explaining sound stage! I try to explain how the sound can feel a bit narrow but that doesnt always get my point across. Awesome video and thanks for the info. I already have a virtuoso just not the xt and this video was very helpful!
which one do you have
thank you sir! just bought it at bestbuy today 👍
The stiffness is actually a feature. I've been using this headset for two months now and the stiffness allows me to rotate it in such a way that when I rotate my head to switch between watching my screen or a notebook in front of me, the heavy headset does not slide off of my head.
What I was thinking too!
I run HS80's and can confirm the dead nuts reliability regarding microphone connection and headset connection.
Nice video with a lot of missing thing that others reviews doesn't have... Any comments regarding the normal virtuoso rbg? like a comparison or something?
Recently went to these after a pair of Audeze Penrose, and i can agree the sound isnt the same quality. But i switch because an ear cup snapped on me. Reliability and Build Quality>
Great review! You explained the sound issues that I couldn't put into words so well. I just returned mine in favor of the Nova pro wireless and it hurt me because I really did love the functionality of the XTs and the mic
Do you have any issues with comfort on the nova pro wireless?
@@armen1136 No, they are very comfortable. The only thing is your ears might get hot if you run hot. I don't so it's fine for me. I tried to wear them outside one day in 80 degree weather and couldn't do it because my ears got so sweaty. But that hasn't happened indoors once yet. I'm wearing them right now and they've been on for 3 hours no issue.
@@thumbsupworthy how bout the mic. I get a lot of complaints
this thing looks so darn good, even tho i don't like iCue (using it for my MMO Mouse). but what i just don't get is, why only steel series uses the swappable battery system. i tested the arctis nova pro recently, but the ANC Knobs inside of the cups make them unusable for me :/ i hope the mic on my MMX300 (seems to be broken soon) lasts until there's a wifi headset which is perfect for me.
I use these for work for calls, but i find myself using my arctis more for gaming because the chat /game mixer
I personally love it since I use my phone, my pc, and I have an aux cord to my tv/switch. It lets me eadily change it when I need to and not have to change it at all. My only conplaint is that the microphone stopped working in wireless mode.
Giving them a shot as well, it is not a bad price on Amazon right now at $185. I've tried 3 different pairs (Corsair HS80, Drop PCX38, and Logitech 935) already and nothing has lined up great so I'm hoping these are the ones for me.
Did you end up getting them?
I just watch your Artis Nova pro wireless and the corsair RGB wireless XT. video. For the price, the Corsair sounds like a better deal. They appear to be a little more versatile than the Artics Nova Pro wireless for 349.00. I am using the sonic software from Steel series which is better than the corsair software. Thanks for thew info!!
Awesome review! Purchased this because of your review. One issue I have is there's static noise/interference if I'm using both the USB-C and 3.5mm connection at the same time. This is heard by whomever you're talking to. The noise disappears so long as you don't use USB-C + 3.5mm at the same time...anyone else with the same experience?
I’m hoping to purchase the XT’s very soon because the mic quality is absolutely out of this world. I’m a bit suspicious of what the sound quality will be like on the PS5 tho. I’m not a real sound professional so a lot of these in depth reviews on the various different components of sound I’ll be honest, just goes over my head. So I’m thinking at this price the sound should be more than good enough for me. I’m mainly interesting in all the multi accessibility features of these but if anyone had any further info on the quality of the XT’s purely from a ps5 stand point would be absolutely awesome
I have these, they can’t pin point footsteps on call of duty. It’s like the Surround sound doesn’t work.
Thank you for going so in depth! Would you recommend these or the H3Pro Hybrids? I’d like good sound and mic, but it seems it’s one or the other with these two.
EPOS as better sound quality and slightly better comfort whereas the Virtuoso is easier to use every day and has a better control system.
Amazing. Thanks for share.
Now that you reviewed some of the best - why not make a tier list ?
It's definitely the best headset I've owned. It's extremely durable, I'm only now needing to replace the muff material, but the hardware is supreme. Turning of rgb is a definite battery saver. I've done several 24 hour sessions with this and the battery held up. Another thing not talked about often is with it's wireless dongle you can have multiple headsets connected to the same machine.
On sale for $185 at Best Buy right now. At that price these are a fantastic deal for what they are.
I just got one brand new for less than $200....I'm mainly going to use on PS5 and high end android phone. I'm coming from the turtle beach stealth 700 gen 2. I felt the TB clamped a little to much and it really annoyed me and would start to give pain. I did order a set of the bigger cooling pad ear cushions as well for the corsair.
I prefer that the earcup adjustment is stiff, my previous turtle beach 700 were too loose
Do you recommend turning on the surround virtualizer and volume leveler with this headset when gaming with Dolby Atmos?
If you stick it to the music - detailed preset, in atmos, all the sound problems are fixed. Bass and highs sound fantastic. Also, definitely pick up the wicked ear cups. The stock cups begin to flake and break apart after the first few months of use.
Thanks for the tip, did you ever get any flake from the headband? would that wear out also like the cups?
@@navinderdhaliwal9950 I've had them for close to a 7 or 8 months now, wearing them every day, the head band is cracked a bit, but it's still holding up. It hasn't flaked at all yet. I imagine it might in a couple more months of use.
Would you recommend these over the newly Razer BlackShark V2 2023 ?
Great job!
Another question, if I already own the first generation virtuosos should I get these or the turtle beach 700 gen 2 max?
The big problem for me on these headset is that you can change the eq out from the pc... And I think that's a shame, because for all the other aspects, except the stock cushions, the XT will be a killing headset...
By any chance do you guys know if the EQ presets from Dolby stays on the headset when disconnecting from PC and switching to PS5?
Which one you thing you can rely the most: Virtuoso XT or Steel Nova Pro Wireless? I'm between these two, but I can't manage to decide. I work from home and would use it to my daily calls, also using during night to play 1st person e-sports. What would you say?
You can buy other cushions on Amazon that are cheaper in cost with the same quality of the wicked cushions.
This might sound like a dumb question but would those atmos eq settings work on Xbox with Dolby app?
Hi @GadgetryTech, did you by any chance ever experience sound crackling from these headphones? I'm getting these crackling sounds when listening to anything with high notes.. I've played around with it a lot, done all the recommended troubleshooting, tried all kinds of different settings and no luck. What sounds the purest is to just deactivate all software (iCUE/Dolby Atmos/Wndows Spatial Sound) set the headphones to Stereo at 96000Hz Studio Quality, but then the sound is very uneventful and I've just purchased these for 200 euro, I absolutely love the build quality, the mic and I think it still sounds pretty good when I use the Music/Movie Standard EQs from Dolby Atmos , however I also experience the most crackling sound during high notes when using either of these which completely ruins the experience.. For a headset of this price I was expecting 100% pure clean audio.. even if not the most eventful audio.. Idk if I should just RMA these ones and see if I can get another set to try and see whether mine are just defective.. cause if they are not, I don't understand how they could release the headphones like this..
I got a question, does this headset work on nintendo switch docked wirelessly, because it seems like a decent headset, and that would be cool if it works wirelessly on switch. And does it work on Xbox wirelessly too?
could you give me the exact numbers of your tune for dolby atmos on this headset?
can i use it simultaneously dongle on PS5 and USB wired to pc? and hear both sounds?
I had these headsets before. They did have great sound, and features. Though I'm afraid that the weight, was too heavy (as far as headsets go). I was getting a lot of fatigue on my head after an hour or so.
weak head lmao
In your opinion is this headset a step up from Turtle beach 600 2nd gen? On Xbox
Does the Arctis Nova Pro allow you to use PS5/PS4, PC, and Phone at the same time the same way these do? I don't mean connecting to all 3, but not being able to hear and speak to all 3. I mean complete and simultaneous audio in and out.
I love the versatility and design of these. Torn between this and the h3pro hybrids. What are your thoughts? I love that they can both be wired or wireless and can connect to pc and phone simultaneously. Do either of these feature an ambient mode (or allow you to hear background noise better) My ideal headset would be this with an ambient sound mode-does such a model exist??
The closest thing that I can think of would-be open headphones, but then you don't have the option of shutting off the "ambiance".
@@1110100110 I looked into openbacked ones and thought they’d do the job but they leak noise aswell which I don’t want, as I play my games in the evening when my partner watches tv and he’ll moan about it if he can hear it🥺
If you don't need a good microphone on it, the Barracuda Pro is perfect for you. It's crazy comfortable, has the best ANC, and a great performing ambient mode. The sound quality is arguably better than the H3PRO hybrid and the Virtuoso as well! It's just the mic that's poor on it.
H6PRO closed back is superior in sound quality and imaging performance.
Is it worth upgrading from my elite pro 2s to epos h6pros or are they similar? I’m looking for the best sound quality at 2-400 dollars really just need a good answer people say the audeze penrose is the best yet it’s only wireless and I’ve always understood wired is better with a amp?
Is there a way to make them just a bit louder? I got the wc ear pads and they fit great but they could be just a bit louder. Gun sounds are super clear which is crazy to me. I had the Logitech pro wired and they were loud not super loud but louder than there but you could barely tell where people where. On these it sounds like everything gets lowered and the gun sound gets louder.
So how would you connect it to the ps5? Is there a dongle? I actually ordered this while watching your review. Great video.
With the usb dongle, or wired with the usb cable or the jack cable to the dual sense...
just want to make sure i can use these on xbox series x ? And would you prefer these or the Astro A50's?
When using Bluetooth only is there a way to see battery level?
Could you please make a video and compare some headsets that are capable of simultaneous audio? Due to this review I got the corsair. I do love all the simultaneous audio (pc, ps5 and phone) - it's unbelievable. Especially that with the headset I can control everything. However the fit is just disappointing, so is the battery. Therefore im looking for something better.
Nice. Looks like a strong contender for my next set. Do you know of there like this with ANC?
Steelseries Arctis nova pro, got anc
Right now for ANC gaming headsets that work on PC/PS5, you have the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the Razer Barracuda Pro, EPOS H3PRO Hybrid, Band&Olufsen Beoplay Portal (they also make an Xbox version that works via USB and Aux on PS5).
I had these for about a month but had to return them because i couldn’t save my EQ settings on PS5. Other than that, these would have been perfect
Hi Edgar! Apart from not being able to save EQ settings for ps5 how are is the sound while using on the PS5? I’ll be honest I am not a real audiophile so I probably won’t even notice a lot of what real sound professionals can pick up on. I’m mainly interesting in these because they look amazing and they have some of the best functionality features of any headset I’ve seen. I know they will perform better on PC due to the Dolby atmos feature but I’m really eager to know what they are like purely on PS5. Any additional info would be greatly appreciated
You mention that the EQ Presets carry over to PS5. All other reviews(and users) out there claim that the EQ tuning only applies to your PC, since the headset itself doesn't store the EQ. Have you managed to find a way then? THank you for the review!
This is a great callout and I'm sorry for creating confusion here. This is what I get when I record late at night with little sleep! I'm going to trim that part out of the video to get rid of any confusion this may have caused. Yeah on Xbox you'd want to use the Atmos app (which requires you to purchase it because it's only connecting via Aux), and on the PS5 there isn't much you can do because Sony locks out the EQ to only using their Pulse headset (just like chat mix). I really wish it had on board memory support, as the HS80 suffers the same issue unfortunately. Thanks again!
I own this, and found that the Bluetooth can connect to two devices at the same time but sound only either one device at the same time, very good since I have iPad and my s22 stay connected
Are you serious?! The Bluetooth module supports multipoint connections?! Does the mute on the microphone boom also work on muting Bluetooth calls or only wireless/usb connections to pc?
@@loconius mute button will mute all the mic. yes, Bluetooth support multipoint, I accidentally found it out. I paired with my iPad, then my phone separately. one day I found out when I turn it on, it will connect to both devices!
@@jimmyw85 that is so cool, I’m seriously entertaining getting these, I can multipoint with my cell and jabra module on my work computer (I only need to listen to one or the other), but also have the wireless to my gaming box for break (or long meeting background music)! That’s freaking awesome; and better functionality then my work’s jabra headset!!
Would you say this has a better mic than HS80?
So, how does Dolby Atmos work on Xbox? If it's a 3.5 I'm assuming I get shafted?
I hope there is a comparison of this to Harman curve.
great review, the only down side for me is the angle of the cable while using it charging / in powered mode.... its beyond stupid, and ICUE because... well.... ICUE things.
I have been looking for a dual wireless headset that can do a few extra things that benefit my use case. I mostly game on PS5, but I also use my headset quite a bit on PC for discord, watching videos/content, etc. As such, having to use bluetooth to my PC instead of the dongle isn't ideal, but the PS5 doesn't support bluetooth so I wouldn't have a choice. The 2 main headsets I've been eying are the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless and the Corsair Virtuoso XT, which can help me navigate this problem in different ways. I have a couple questions to clarify/confirm some things: 1. If you use the wireless dongle to the PC and 3.5 to a PS5, will the mic work for both devices? Or does one take priority over the other? 2. I know you recently reviewed both. Overall do you prefer one over the other? From what I've gathered, sound is better on the Arctis (heard some bad things about the Virtuoso, especially on console), mic is significantly better on the Virtuoso XT, and comfort seems to lean towards the Arctis. The multi-system connect function of the Nova Pro Wireless is a really useful function for me, but the Virtuoso provides the option of either wireless dongle to PS5/bluetooth to PC, or wireless dongle to PC and aux to PS5. Not quite as simple/seamless as the Arctis, but there is a $100 CAD difference. The battery system on the Arctis also seems to be a lot better.
I am in the same boat, I've purchased the XT's with the help of this review. I am currently rocking the MH752's, which are phenomenal for it's price vs performance. Going to make use of the XT's return window to test out my PS5 + PC/Mobile setup, since I find myself wishing I could mix my audio at the same time for a various of reasons. Might be worth taking a hit on quality for the functionality, will see how big the trade-off is!
@@nihilisticpoet did you ever discover if you could hear/use both ps5 and computer through the same headset using Virtuoso's?
Are these still a good buy? Or in 2024 would you recommend something else. I currently have the void elite or whatever and my mic cuts in and out in game 😞. Willing to spend the money but want a product that give me my bang for my buck ya dig?
My mic is muffled on discord but all other programs are nice. Any idea?
just to make sure i understood correctly. when i pair up my playstation with the wire i can be in mute my game chat, still keep listening to the ingame sounds while i take a phone call via bluetooth. in other words i still hear the game sound while talking on the phone? other than that really nicely presented. really deserved follow.
I'm still Wondering
? i cannot get my logo/headset to appear on the icue app, just the wireless usb? If you could help id appricate it
It does give hi fidelity sound when wired. I have that for over a year and I absolutely love it.
I've heard that out of the box sounds very bad. But I heard a sound test gameplay on ps5 and sounds pretty decent and crispy.
I paid $200 otd for a refurb from Corsair. For that price I'm happy with them
Can anyone tell me if high-res 24 bit audio works via the wireless connection on pc? I asked on amazon and got no definite answers. Cheers.
you said you played war zone with those on XBOX. How did you not echo?
Can anyone who has the SE version tell me that the "hidden feature " works on that model of course without bluetooth,PC +Console at the same time "3.5mm and dongle"?
The biggest problem with these is the wireless connection. Don't get me wrong, I love them! But I have my router in my office and the Corsair people told me I should try moving my router since it is likely on the same 2.4 band. So I have to decide between a wired connection to the router or this headset? Not a huge fan of that.
I'm torn between this and the HS80. I like that the XT has a removable mic but I like the looks of the HS80 more.
very nice video !
how to make dolby atmos stay as spatial sound and not change to Windows sonic, i game alot, and it reverts to windows sonic when i enter a game.
Would you recommend these for a ps5?
I knew I had an amazing headset, sadly on exbox it gives and echo to the chat party. I saw a video on how to fix it but haven’t been playing for a couple of days and I didn’t get to try fix it. I even brought the cushions for it
I use the TB Audio controller hub for $40 and it's a game changer for me! You can also buy the Astro Mixamp Pro if you want even more controls with it on Xbox! Both of these give you EQ presets and have a noise gate to get rid of the echo!! Check it out - amzn.to/3xmgXM9 From product page: "GAME & MIC PRESETS - Selectable game presets to customize your sound (Natural Sound, Bass Booster, Bass & Treble Booster, and Vocal Booster) and environmental mic presets you can set based on room noise levels (Quiet, Normal & Loud rooms)"
I like the low force it makes it more confusing
so for sound quality you said its lacking. is that just a sound profile thing, (because you mentioned the bass a lot) or is it lacking in overall quality and detail? because if its just sound profile we can just fix that with the EQ.
Sound is good just not $270 good, but everything else about the headset makes up for it
Which WC product type would you prefer? The freezing gel ones or the default (fully leather) ones?
Freeze gel is more comfortable for me, but the full leather sounds better (bass performance and treble).
Greetings. I would like thank you for such an in depth review. I was planning on buying these headphones. Given how expensive they are, especially where I live, I wanted to know what's what. I really wanted these, but after your review, I see they are not worth it. Sort of a joke, actually. A gaming headset that performs poorly in what it supposed to excel at, at this price point, that is. It's like a luxurious sports car, that's best for comfortable slow cruising with 4 people and can't handle track day and fast, tight corners. Ridiculous. Yeah, I'm salty as I can't phantom how this could even be 🤯 It's fantastic, but not where it matters, given it's application. Gaming set for conference calls? What a BS. I don't care for the best mic. I wanted the best Dolby Atmos set that doesn't look like given out with the Happy Meal. You know what I mean? Most gaming headphones are cheap plastic duds. Not this one though. Again, thanks for allowing me to dodge that bullet. All the best!
For $270, along with some of the comfort concerns (without buying new pads) you'd better have great sound. Curious why this headset costs so much compared to the rest of the market. Great looking headset, unfortunate.
it's not that bad
So does this work with Xbox wireless or wired ?
How do these compare vs the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless? Gaming/music wise.
Sound wise this are certainly more flat sounding, whereas the Nova Pro Wireless has a lot of brightness up top. They both have okay bass response but are bass-light compared to the Stealh 700 Gen 2 Max and the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid. Soundstage wise I give the edge to the Nova Pro wireless, but the Virtuoso isn't terrible by any means. Virtuoso's have excellent driver matching which is nice.
The LCD-GX and JBL Quantum 800 are the only headsets better than the virtuoso xt. The JBL 800s have the same triple connections, and the Audeze have the best sound and build quality.
I am stuck between these and the Audeze Maxwell