Endorfy has unveiled the Solum 2 series, a new generation of USB microphones for recording, streaming, and daily voice communication.

This new lineup includes four distinct models – the Solum 2 Core, Solum 2, Solum 2 Boom Arm, and the flagship Solum 2 Pro. Each microphone features a high-quality condenser capsule, a hidden shock mount, and a detachable metal pop filter. To reduce unwanted noise, Endorfy utilises multi-layer sound damping that isolates the capsule from desk vibrations.

The Solum 2 Core serves as the baseline model for everyday calls, while the standard Solum 2 adds a physical sensitivity control knob. Opting for the Solum 2 Boom Arm bundles the standard Solum 2 microphone with an adjustable desk arm. For advanced recording needs, the Solum 2 Pro supports studio-grade 24bit/192kHz audio resolution alongside integrated live monitoring capabilities. Every model in the series connects via USB-C and works natively out of the box with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and even PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles.

All models are available starting this month, priced at €59.90 for the Core version, €70.15 for the standard Solum 2, and €81.88 for the Solum 2 with Boom Arm bundle. Lastly, the Solum 2 Pro costs €81.88 on its own.

KitGuru says: Are you looking to upgrade from a headset microphone to a proper condenser mic? 

Edifier has launched its latest studio monitor speakers, the MR4.5, expanding its MR Series lineup. Available now, the new active speakers aim to bridge the gap between the entry‑level MR4 and the flagship MR5 models, offering a mid‑range solution for content creation, video editing, and music production.

The MR4.5 has a bi‑amplified design and Hi‑Res Audio certification for accurate sound reproduction. To adapt to different desktop environments, the speakers include built‑in acoustic tuning alongside desktop compensation controls. These options let users adjust performance based on room placement and proximity to walls.

There are both wired and wireless connectivity options here too, so you get the best of both worlds. You can use Bluetooth 6.0 to stream music to the speakers from any device, and multipoint connectivity means you can easily switch between audio sources and have multiple paired at once. For wired connectivity, you get XLR and TRS inputs, so they can hook right into an audio interface, mixer or PC.

To manage the speakers, users can use the Edifier ConneX App to make EQ adjustments, switch between preset modes, and access advanced acoustic controls. The MR4.5 speakers are now available in black or white for $249.99.

KitGuru says: Are you looking to upgrade your desktop audio setup with a pair of compact studio monitors? 

Asus has announced the ROG Gjallar, a premium gaming soundbar designed to deliver 2.1.2 Dolby Atmos surround sound. The new audio system features a 5GHz wireless subwoofer, a multi-function control hub with integrated microphones, and HDMI 2.1 connectivity with 4K@120Hz pass-through support.

Asus built the GJallar soundbar with left and right full-range speakers, dedicated tweeters, and upward-firing channels. A slim 6.5-inch, 65W wireless subwoofer handles low-end frequencies, using a 5GHz connection to ensure low latency. According to the company, this setup establishes a 3D soundstage intended to help players pinpoint enemy locations.

An all-in-one control hub provides a physical interface via a built-in LCD screen. Users can toggle input sources, adjust EQ settings, and manage the integrated ASUS Aura RGB lighting. This hub also houses Acoustic Echo Cancellation microphones that use an AI beamforming algorithm to suppress ambient sounds.

Physical inputs include USB-C, HDMI 2.1 with eARC, optical, and AUX, alongside Bluetooth 5.3 compatibility. The unit supports 4K@120Hz pass-through to prevent resolution compromises when connecting consoles or PCs. On the side, two USB Type-A ports serve as a hub for wireless dongles and other peripherals. Finally, the web-based Gear Link tool or accompanying mobile app allows customisation of lighting, microphone presets, and audio profiles.

KItGuru says: Would you like one of these for your setup, or do you prefer standard speakers? 

The SOUNDPEATS C30 arrives in a highly competitive market where affordable wireless earbuds are packed with more features than ever before. With support for LDAC audio, hybrid noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.4, and a design built for everyday comfort, the SOUNDPEATS C30 aims to deliver a premium experience without the premium price tag.

Budget earbuds often look impressive on a specification sheet, but real-world performance is what truly matters. Sound quality, comfort, battery life, call clarity, and noise cancellation all play an important role in daily use. The SOUNDPEATS C30 promises to cover all of these areas while remaining accessible to users who do not want to spend a fortune on wireless audio.

In this review, we take a closer look at the SOUNDPEATS C30 to see how it performs beyond the marketing claims. From design and build quality to audio performance, battery life, and overall user experience, every aspect will be tested to find out whether the SOUNDPEATS C30 can stand out in the crowded budget earbuds market.

Unboxing

The SOUNDPEATS C30 comes in a small white box with a clean design. On the front, there is a large image of the earbuds. The SOUNDPEATS logo is placed in the top-left corner. You can also see the Hi-Res Audio Wireless and LDAC logos, which highlight the audio features of the earbuds. The C30 model name is printed at the bottom-right corner. A VGP 2026 award badge is also visible on the front of the box.

The back of the box contains the main specifications. It lists Bluetooth 6.0 support, a 20Hz–40kHz frequency range, up to 10 hours of playback, and up to 52 hours of total battery life with the charging case. Battery capacity details and certification logos are also printed here. There is also a small image showing the earbuds inside the charging case.

Opening the box reveals a neat layout. The earbuds and charging case sit securely inside the tray, while the accessories and documents are stored underneath.

Box Contents

Inside the package, you get:

• SOUNDPEATS C30 earbuds
• Charging case
• USB Type-C charging cable
• User guide
• PeatsAudio app card
• Warranty information
• SOUNDPEATS sticker sheet
• Extra ear tips

The unboxing experience is simple and tidy. Everything is packed well, and the box includes all the essentials needed to start using the SOUNDPEATS C30.

SOUNDPEATS C30 specifications

SOUNDPEATS C30 pricing

A Closer Look

The SOUNDPEATS C30 has a simple and practical design. It is made for comfort and daily use. The earbuds are available in Black, White, Off-White, and Purple color options. For this review, we are testing the Black version. It has a clean look that is simple, stylish, and suitable for everyday use.

Charging Case Design

The charging case has a compact oval shape that easily fits into a pocket. It uses a textured finish that resembles leather, giving it a premium feel while also helping to hide fingerprints and small scratches. The SOUNDPEATS logo is engraved on the lid, keeping the overall look clean and minimal.

A small LED indicator on the front shows charging and battery status at a glance. The USB Type-C charging port is located on the side for easy access. Opening the lid reveals the earbuds neatly seated inside the case. Strong magnets hold them securely in place and ensure reliable charging every time they are returned to the case.

Despite its small size, the case feels sturdy and well built. It is lightweight enough to carry all day without adding extra bulk.

Earbuds Design

The SOUNDPEATS C30 uses a stem-style in-ear design with a glossy finish. The earbuds are lightweight and sit comfortably in the ears. Their shape provides a secure fit, making them suitable for daily use, commuting, and light workouts.

Soft silicone ear tips help create a good seal while remaining comfortable during long listening sessions. Even after several hours of use, the earbuds do not create excessive pressure or discomfort.

Build quality is solid for the price. The earbuds feel durable and well assembled, while the left and right markings are easy to identify. They also carry an IP54 rating, providing protection against dust and light water splashes.

Overall, the SOUNDPEATS C30 offers a practical design that prioritizes comfort, portability, and ease of use. The compact charging case, secure fit, and lightweight construction make them a strong choice for everyday listening.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The SOUNDPEATS C30 offers a smooth and reliable wireless experience thanks to Bluetooth 6.0 support. Pairing is quick and straightforward, taking only a few seconds during the initial setup. Once paired, the earbuds automatically reconnect to the last connected device whenever the charging case is opened, making daily use effortless.

The earbuds also support dual-device connectivity, allowing you to stay connected to two devices at the same time. This is useful if you regularly switch between a smartphone and a laptop. During testing, the connection remained stable with no unexpected dropouts, and switching between devices worked as expected. Users should note that dual-device mode cannot be used together with LDAC, so a choice must be made between higher audio quality and multi-device convenience.

Touch controls are responsive and easy to use. Playback, volume adjustment, call handling, voice assistant access, and ANC mode switching can all be managed directly from the earbuds. The controls quickly become familiar and help reduce the need to reach for your phone throughout the day.

Battery life is another strong point of the SOUNDPEATS C30. The earbuds are rated for up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, which is enough to comfortably handle a full workday of listening. Combined with the charging case, total battery life reaches up to 52 hours, allowing several days of regular use before needing to recharge the case.

Fast charging support adds extra convenience. A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 3 hours of playback, making it easy to get back to listening when time is limited. The LED indicator system on the charging case also makes it easy to monitor battery levels at a glance, using simple color indicators to show the remaining charge of both the case and the earbuds.

Overall, the SOUNDPEATS C30 delivers dependable connectivity and impressive battery performance, making it well suited for commuting, work, travel, and everyday listening.

SOUNDPEATS App

The SOUNDPEATS app adds a lot of useful features to the C30 and is highly recommended after the initial setup. The app has a clean layout and is easy to navigate, even for first-time users. On the home screen, you can view the battery status of both earbuds and the charging case, switch between ANC, Transparency, and Normal modes, and access all major settings from one place.

One of the standout features is the ability to fully customize the touch controls. Users can remap single-tap, double-tap, triple-tap, and long-press gestures for each earbud. Functions such as volume control, playback, voice assistant activation, track skipping, Game Mode, and noise control can all be assigned according to personal preference. This level of customization is rarely seen at this price point.

The app also includes a built-in equalizer with multiple presets and a personalized Adaptive EQ test. During the test, the app checks your hearing response and creates a custom sound profile based on the results. This allows users to fine-tune the listening experience to better match their hearing preferences.

For gaming and media consumption, the SOUNDPEATS app offers dedicated Game Mode and Movie Mode options. Game Mode reduces audio latency for a more responsive gaming experience, while Movie Mode helps improve audio synchronization when watching videos. There is also an option to disable touch controls completely, which can be useful during workouts or when wearing a hat.

Additional tools further improve the user experience. The Fit Test feature checks whether the ear tips are creating a proper seal for the best sound quality and ANC performance. Find Earbuds helps locate misplaced earbuds by playing a sound through them. The app also includes a drainage function, which can help clear moisture from the drivers after exposure to sweat or light water.

Firmware management is handled directly through the application. Users can check for updates, install the latest firmware, and view device information, including the current software version and Bluetooth details. During testing, the update process was straightforward and worked without issues.

The Explore section adds extra functionality with relaxing ambient sounds, white noise tracks, and audio content designed for focus or relaxation. While not an essential feature, it is a nice addition that expands the overall value of the app.

Overall, the SOUNDPEATS app is well designed and genuinely useful. It goes beyond basic controls by offering touch customization, personalized audio tuning, firmware updates, fit testing, gaming features, and ANC management, making it an important part of the overall SOUNDPEATS C30 experience.

User Experience

I have been using the SOUNDPEATS C30 for around two weeks as my daily earbuds, including work, gaming, music streaming, video watching, and phone calls. Throughout the testing period, the earbuds delivered a reliable and hassle-free experience.

Comfort is one of the strongest aspects of the C30. The lightweight design and soft silicone ear tips create a secure fit without putting too much pressure on the ears. Even after several hours of continuous use, I did not experience noticeable discomfort or ear fatigue. The earbuds also stayed firmly in place while walking and during light workouts.

The hybrid ANC performs surprisingly well for earbuds in this price range. It effectively reduces background sounds such as fans, air conditioners, traffic noise, and office chatter. While it cannot completely eliminate every sound, it creates a much quieter environment for listening to music or watching videos. Transparency Mode is equally useful, allowing outside sounds to come through naturally when needed.

Call quality was consistently good during testing. The six-microphone setup does a solid job of isolating your voice and reducing background noise. During outdoor calls, voices remained clear even in moderately windy conditions.

Sound quality is balanced and enjoyable. The 12mm dynamic driver delivers punchy bass, clear vocals, and clean treble. The bass has enough depth for modern music without overwhelming the mids. Vocals remain detailed, while instruments are easy to distinguish. Enabling LDAC provides a noticeable improvement in detail and overall audio quality on supported Android devices.

Bluetooth performance was excellent throughout the review period. Pairing is fast, connections remain stable, and the earbuds reconnect automatically when removed from the case. Multi-device support worked well when switching between a smartphone and laptop, making the C30 convenient for both work and entertainment.

The SOUNDPEATS app adds a lot of value to the overall experience. Features such as customizable touch controls, EQ settings, Adaptive EQ testing, ANC adjustments, Game Mode, Fit Test, and firmware updates are all easy to access. The app feels polished and significantly improves usability.

Battery life also met expectations. I was able to use the earbuds for multiple days without worrying about charging. Fast charging proved useful on several occasions, providing enough battery for hours of listening after only a short charging session.

After two weeks of use, the SOUNDPEATS C30 feels like a well-rounded pair of everyday earbuds. The combination of comfortable fit, effective ANC, good sound quality, stable connectivity, useful app features, and long battery life makes them easy to recommend for users looking for affordable wireless earbuds.

Also read: SoundPEATS Clip1 open-ear clip-on earphones review – light, powerful sound, smart features

Final Verdict

The SOUNDPEATS C30 proves that you do not need to spend a lot of money to get a capable pair of wireless earbuds. Throughout testing, the earbuds delivered a comfortable fit, reliable connectivity, effective ANC, and surprisingly good sound quality for their price range. The 12mm dynamic drivers produce a balanced sound signature with strong bass, clear vocals, and plenty of detail, especially when using LDAC on compatible devices.

Battery life is one of the biggest strengths of the SOUNDPEATS C30. With up to 10 hours of playback from the earbuds and up to 52 hours combined with the charging case, it easily handles several days of regular use. Fast charging, Bluetooth 6.0, multi-device connectivity, and a feature-rich companion app further enhance the overall experience.

The SOUNDPEATS app adds significant value with customizable touch controls, Adaptive EQ, Fit Test, firmware updates, Game Mode, Movie Mode, and multiple ANC settings. Combined with the comfortable design and IP54 protection, the C30 is well suited for commuting, work, travel, workouts, and everyday listening.

For its affordable price, the SOUNDPEATS C30 delivers an impressive balance of sound quality, battery life, comfort, and features. It successfully offers many premium features without the premium price tag, making it one of the most compelling budget earbuds currently available.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Balanced and enjoyable sound quality
• LDAC and Hi-Res Audio Wireless support
• Effective hybrid ANC
• Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
• Up to 52 hours of total battery life
• Fast charging support
• Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity
• Multi-device connection support
• Feature-rich SOUNDPEATS app
• IP54 dust and water resistance

The SOUNDPEATS C30 receives our Recommended Award for offering premium features, strong audio performance, excellent battery life, and a polished user experience at a budget-friendly price. It is an easy recommendation for anyone looking for affordable true wireless earbuds without major compromises.

Razer has announced the Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed wireless gaming earbuds for Xbox and PlayStation. The new multi-platform earbuds combine 2.4GHz HyperSpeed wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.3 to deliver low-latency audio across consoles, PC, handhelds, and mobile devices.

Razer builds the earbuds around its HyperSpeed Case, which functions as both a 2.4GHz wireless receiver and a portable charging dock. This, alongside Razer SmartSwitch Dual Wireless, allows players to switch between the 2.4GHz connection and Bluetooth 5.3 without interrupting any gaming sessions.

According to the manufacturer, the earbuds deliver up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with the bundled case providing an additional 25 hours for a total of 35 hours of battery life. Razer also integrates platform-specific spatial audio support, offering Windows Sonic on Xbox, 3D Audio on PlayStation, and THX Spatial Audio on PC. Physical features include built-in touch controls and an IPX4 water-resistant rating.

The first retail listings for the new Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed variants suggest the Xbox variant will be slightly cheaper, priced around €100. As for the PlayStation variant, this one can be found for £100/€110.

KitGuru says: Offering dedicated console variants with dual-wireless switching makes the Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed a versatile choice for players moving between console, PC, and mobile gaming.

You know you have plenty of empty PCIe slots in your system, and if you occasionally run into grounding issues with your microphone or the onboard audio doesn't do surround properly then…

Edifier has launched the Hecate G5 Max wireless gaming headset, bringing professional-grade audio features and massive battery life to the market. Now available, the new mid-range headset is designed for PC gamers, streamers, and audio enthusiasts.

The Hecate G5 Max headset features 53mm titanium-coated drivers with PEN titanium diaphragm technology, which Edifier claims keeps distortion levels below 1%. Triple Hi-Res Audio certifications back the hardware alongside integration for THX Spatial Audio+. This technology provides 7.1.4 virtual surround sound to enhance positional tracking in supported Windows 11 titles. Users can adjust these audio profiles directly via controls for EQ, Bass Boost, Vocal Clarity, and Volume Normalization.

For communication, the design pairs dual ENC microphones with a detachable 9.75mm unidirectional microphone. This setup leverages AI noise cancellation to filter out background noise during competitive matches or streaming sessions. Wireless connectivity is handled via either Bluetooth 6.0, supporting SBC and LHDC 5.0 codecs, or a dedicated 2.4G wireless mode.

Edifier has fitted the chassis with a 2000mAh battery that delivers up to 305 hours of playback on a single charge. This high capacity aims to minimise charging interruptions during long deployment spans or travel. The Hecate G5 Max is now available for $149.99.

KitGuru says: A 305-hour battery specification is an incredibly high figure for a wireless gaming headset, easily outpacing most premium competitors on the market if it holds up in real-world testing.

Creative has announced the launch of the Creative XF1, a 2.0 desktop speaker system designed for high-end audio. Rolling out across select markets, the compact speakers pair a clean exterior with a 72W RMS power output, dual Hi-Res Audio certification, and wireless connectivity.

The XF1 features a fully active two-way bookshelf layout using digital signal processing (DSP) control and dedicated bi-amplification for each driver. The internals consist of two 3-inch woofers (26W RMS each) engineered using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), along with a pair of 3/4-inch tweeters (10W RMS each), for a combined system output of 72W RMS. Creative specs the frequency response across a 55-40,000Hz range.

Regarding connectivity, the XF1 is among the first desktop monitor solutions to support Bluetooth 6.0 and LDAC codec (alongside SBC and AAC). Physical connections include a USB-C input supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz digital playback and a 3.5mm analogue line-in. The rear panel also houses a dedicated subwoofer output with automatic mode switching, allowing users to expand into a 2.1 setup. Available in black or white finishes, each set comes with detachable acoustic cork stands that reduce desk vibrations and resonance while angling the drivers toward the listener.

Customisation is handled via the companion Creative Nexus app, which includes a 10-band parametric equaliser and more than 120 specialised EQ presets. The Creative XF1 is scheduled to hit retail starting August 6th, with an MSRP of €159.99.

KitGuru says: Interested in a pair of speakers for your setup? Will you consider the new Creative XF1?

MSI has announced the launch of the Maestro 500 Wireless headset, a multi-mode audio solution designed for productivity, entertainment, and gaming. The new headset features active noise cancellation, high-resolution drivers, and extensive battery life, targeting multi-platform compatibility across PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

The Maestro 50 Wireless headset comes equipped with 40mm drivers that support a frequency response up to 40kHz. To handle noisy environments, MSI includes Active Noise Cancellation alongside a Transparency mode for situational awareness. Voice capture relies on a hidden microphone system featuring beamforming and Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) to isolate speech from background noise. Users can control the microphone with a flip-to-mute design that mutes audio when the mic is raised and unmutes it when lowered.

Connectivity options span low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.4, and a 3.5mm wired connection. This allows the device to function seamlessly across PC, Mac, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile platforms. Power is supplied by a 1000mAh battery, delivering up to 90 hours of playback time. Furthermore, fast charging provides roughly 6 hours of use from a 5-minute charge.

The design features swivelling earcups that fold inward, and the audio experience is enhanced by Nahimic for Headset software, which enables 3D sound technology and custom tuning. MSI states the headset will be available soon.

KitGuru says: Offering a combination of ANC, triple-mode connectivity, and a massive 90 hours of battery life, the Maestro 500 Wireless looks like a highly practical choice for everyday listening and gaming.

Edifier has built a strong reputation for offering impressive audio hardware at prices that often undercut more traditional studio-focused brands. With the MR5, the company is taking things a step further by offering a tri-amped powered studio monitor system designed for music production, video editing, desktop listening, and general entertainment. With a 3-way driver setup, balanced inputs, Bluetooth 6.0, LDAC support, room compensation controls, and 110W RMS output, the MR5 looks like a very capable all-in-one speaker system on paper. The real question is, will it live up to the hype? Let’s find out!

Specifications

Closer Look

Accessories in the box are quite minimal; you get only what you need to use the MR% studio monitors, as well as a quick start guide.

Included are a mains power cable, RCA to 3.5mm, 3.5mm to 3.5mm, and a cable to connect the left speaker to the right. Of course, there are other connections you can use if you have the need, but these will get you set up straight out of the box.

They come in both black and white, and both colors come with rose gold accenting. The accenting can be seen on the power/volume knob and both of the speakers as well. Edifier seems to enjoy the rose gold color as they feature it on many of their products.

The right speaker has the power/volume knob and also has a headphone jack and an auxiliary port.

Both the left and right studio monitors have air ports on both sides at the bottom of the speaker. While you can’t see it, there is a 5″ long-throw woofer in the bottom of each speaker. The woofer is not at all visible, even from the bottom, and is fully enclosed inside the speaker.

Both speakers also have another air port on the rear at the top. The left speaker, as pictured below, also has a single connection, so you can connect it to the right speaker.

The backside of the right speaker is where things start to get fun. For inputs, there are RCA, TRS and XLR. Just below the RCA inputs is the bluetooth button so you can use the MR5 Studio Monitor Speakers with your phone or other Bluetoothe devices. Just below that are the control knobs so you can get your highs and lows to your specific liking.

What is nice to see is that there is a guideline to use for the APP as well, letting you know some of the settings that are in use.

Also Read: Quntis Monitor Light Bar Glow Review – EnosTech.com

Connectivity, Setup, and Controls

Connectivity is one of the biggest strengths of the MR5. The inclusion of balanced XLR and TRS inputs gives it a more professional edge, especially for users connecting to an audio interface or mixer. At the same time, RCA, AUX, and Bluetooth make the speakers easy to use with PCs, laptops, phones, turntables with preamps, and other everyday devices.

Being able to adjust the highs and lows from the rear of the speaker, as well as access further options through the Edifier ConneX app, makes the MR5 more flexible than a basic plug-and-play speaker system.

Sound Quality

The MR5 delivers a clean sound that feels more mature than a typical desktop speaker setup. The dedicated mid-range driver helps vocals and instruments stand apart from the bass, while the tweeter provides enough detail without becoming overly harsh. Bass performance is strong for the size, reaching lower than many smaller desktop monitors, though it still doesn’t beat a dedicated subwoofer.

Gaming, Music, and more

For gaming, the MR5 offers a much cleaner and more spacious sound than most gaming-branded speakers. Positional cues such as footsteps and gun fights are easy to pick out, and dialogue remains clear even when music and effects are happening at the same time. It does not have the artificial boom of many gaming speakers, but that works in its favour if you prefer a more accurate presentation.

For creators, the MR5 makes a strong case as an affordable monitoring solution. The sound is more neutral than typical consumer speakers, and the balanced inputs make it easy to pair with an audio interface. While professional studios may want something more on the higher end of things, the MR5 should be more than capable for video editing, podcast work, streaming setups, and casual music production.

Conclusion

The Edifier MR5 is a great option for those who want something a bit more than your standard speakers, without the pricetag of high-end studio equipment. It offers a strong 3-way driver design with multiple ways of connectivity including Bluetooth with LDAC and can be controlled via the ConneX App. The larger size of the speakers i what allows it to offer such an immersive sound but at the same time, may make them a bit larger than what some users are prepared for.

For creators, musicians, gamers or anyone who wants a decent set of studio monitors without going to crazy, the MR5 can be picked up on Amazon UK for £279.99 at the time of review. The Edifier MR5 really need to be heard to be fully appreciated and with all of its customization options, you are sure to find the sound you are looking for.

Pros

• Strong 110W RMS output
• 3-way driver design
• Balanced XLR and TRS inputs
• Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC support
• Room compensation options
• Edifier ConneX app support
• Good fit for creators and everyday users

Cons

• Rear controls may be awkward if placed close to a wall
• Larger than basic desktop speakers
• No dedicated subwoofer output

Razer has announced the Seiren V3 Pro, a new dynamic microphone featuring dual USB-C and XLR connectivity, as well as 32-bit float recording. Designed for streamers and broadcasters, the microphone integrates an internal audio DSP to process sound independent of the host computer.

The Seiren V3 Pro microphone supports 32-bit float recording when configured through Razer Synapse on Windows, which Razer states captures a wider dynamic range. Internal processing relies on a built-in DSP that handles audio directly on the hardware. This includes an onboard AI noise remover, compressor, limiter, and expander to clean up the signal before it reaches the destination.

Razer equips the peripheral with a 30mm dynamic capsule using a cardioid polar pattern, covering a rated frequency range from 50Hz to 16kHz. Its hybrid design supports both plug-and-play USB-C connections and traditional XLR setups for external audio interfaces.

Physical controls include a top-mounted touch mute button with an LED indicator and a gain dial. A built-in Razer Chroma RGB lighting ring provides visual feedback for gain levels, mute, and peak status, with full customisation managed through Razer Synapse. The device ships with a vibration-dampened adjustable arm mount and is now available for £249.99/$249.99/€289.99.

KitGuru says: Looking to upgrade your microphone? The Seiren V3 Pro might be a good option.

OXS audio products have impressed me in the past, particularly the OXS Storm, which turned out to be an excellent headset for gaming. Even though the company doesn't have as many products in the headphones category, its speakers catalog is filled with a variety of options. The OXS Thunder Duo lineup is particularly famous for offering that rich 5.1 surround sound, but it's divided into four editions, offering a different set of speakers and woofer configuration, suiting individual needs. Even though I love deep Bass, I think the OXS Thunder Duo X has changed my perspective on whether one should […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/review/oxs-thunder-duo-x-review/

Creative has introduced its latest soundcard, the Sound Blaster AE-X. This new PCIe 3.0 x1 desktop sound card is configured for high-resolution audio processing and dedicated headphone amplification. 

According to ITHome (via Guru3D), the sound card is built around the ESS ES9039Q2M dual-channel DAC, which utilises the HyperStream IV architecture. Also, the hardware supports playback up to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside a 130dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and direct DSD256 decoding. Headphone amplification is handled via Creative's X-amp discrete architecture, which is rated to drive high-impedance headphones up to 600ohms.

Image credit: ITHome

Physical connectivity on the card includes left and right analogue RCA phono outputs, two 3.5mm audio jacks, a digital coaxial output, and optical S/PDIF input and output terminals. For professional or low-latency applications, the device provides native compatibility with the ASIO 2.3 driver API. Software features include Scout Mode for enhanced in-game positional cues, AutoEQ headphone calibration presets, and customisable sound profiles managed through the Creative Nexus application.

The Sound Blaster AE-X has launched across several global regions, with retail pricing slightly below the 200€ mark in Europe.

KitGuru says: Would you consider getting a PCIe sound card today? Would the Sound Blaster AE-X be one you would consider?

SteelSeries has announced the Arctis Nova Pro Omni, a new wireless headset featuring a multi-source mixing dock, support for the LC3+ codec over Bluetooth, and a refined base station that can mix up to 4 audio sources simultaneously.

The dock included with the Nova Pro Omni features three USB Type-C ports and two 3.5mm jack inputs/outputs, allowing users to blend audio from multiple devices, such as consoles, PCs, and mobile phones. The headset carries dual Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications, supporting both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections for compatibility across PC, consoles, VR, and mobile platforms.

Power is managed via a removable battery system, providing what SteelSeries describes as unlimited use through a hot-swappable secondary battery that recharges within the dock. A 15-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback, while a full charge offers 30 hours of battery life on the 2.4GHz connection with ANC disabled.

The headset weighs 339g and utilises 40mm drivers with a frequency response of 10~40000Hz and 38Ω impedance. It features a retractable omnidirectional microphone and memory foam earcups. Integrated controls include a microphone mute switch, a volume/ChatMix dial, Bluetooth multimedia buttons, and a dedicated dial for adjusting dock settings directly from the earcups. The SteelSeries Nova Pro Omni is now available for £349.99/€399.99/$399.99.

KitGuru says: Set between the standard Nova Pro and the flagship Nova Elite, the Nova Pro Omni brings some of the features introduced in the latter to a lower price point.