INTRODUCTION

   As I've pointed out many times in past reviews i may not be an avid fan of gaming headsets (primarily because i live alone most of the time) but at the end of the day that matters not, what matters is that most of you out there do in fact use them and that alone is enough for me to try and test every single model that i can get my hands on. Of course, wireless gaming headsets have recently become more popular than their wired counterparts and even though signal strength, battery life and even audio clarity in certain cases are still issues that render them not quite on par with wired models it's understandable that wire-free solutions are far more convenient for many people. The Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 is the latest 2.4GHz wireless model released by HyperX (HHSS1C-BA-BK/G) and as expected it's also what today's review is all about.

   HyperX is the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent memory manufacturer, with the goal of providing gamers, PC builders, PC, console and mobile power users with high-performance components. For 16 years, the HyperX mission has been to develop gaming products for all types of gamers – high-speed memory, solid state drives, headsets, keyboards, mice, charging accessories for console players, USB flash drives, and mousepads – to the gaming community and beyond. The award-winning HyperX brand is known for consistently delivering products that deliver superior comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. HyperX gear is the choice of celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and over-clockers worldwide because it meets the most stringent product specifications and is built with best-in-class components. HyperX has shipped over 70 million memory modules, 10 million gaming headsets and one million keyboards worldwide.

   Just like most models of its type the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 by HyperX is based on two 40mm neodymium dynamic drivers (frequency response of 20Hz-20KHz with 16Ohms impedance and 103dB sensitivity) which thanks to the addition of a built-in USB sound card can produce 7.1 virtual surround audio. It also features a flexible unidirectional noise-cancelling drop-down boom microphone (frequency response of 50Hz-18KHz and -40dB sensitivity), lightweight design for optimal comfort, 2.4GHz wireless connectivity with up to 20 meters range, Synaptics Audiosmart voice DSP and a built-in battery pack which can provide the headset with up to 17 hours of audio playback. Yes, since the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 belongs in the budget-friendly "Core" line of products by HyperX it does lack some of the extras found in their more feature-rich models but still it does sound interesting so time to check it out.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The front of the box in which the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 gets shipped in is taken by a product picture, the main product features and of course the company logo.

You can find the bundle contents and the system requirements for the HyperX NGenuity software on the left side of the box.

At the rear of the box we find yet another product picture used to showcase the main product features printed in 9 languages.

Along with the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 inside the box you will also find the 2.4GHz USB dongle, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, support paper, warranty information paper and the user manual.

THE CLOUD STINGER CORE WIRELESS+ 7.1

The Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 is made primarily by plastic, steel and plastic and weighs just 244g.

In terms of size we're clearly talking about a medium sized model.

HyperX has printed their logo on the exterior of both earcups.

The noise-cancelling unidirectional microphone is not only flexible but can be muted just by pulling it upwards.

At the base of the left earcup we find the USB-C charging port, volume control roller, on/off button and an activity LED.

As usual left and right markings are located on the interior just over the earpads.

HyperX has used synthetic fabric to dress the large earpads and the same of course applies for the headpad.

Once again, the company name/logo is engraved on the exterior of the headband.

Each side of the headband can extend up to roughly 35mm (70mm total) via 12 increments (8 visible ones).

The 2.4GHz USB dongle (probably also the 7.1 surround sound card) is the size of a large flash drive and just has an activity LED at the top.

NGENUITY SOFTWARE

The beta version of the NGENUITY software is only available via the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 so you will need to download it from there.

Once you download and launch the software it will detect compatible HyperX products and list them on the left side.

From the main tab you can adjust the volume levels of the speakers and the microphone and of course enable/disable the 7.1 virtual surround sound feature.

The current battery level along with the 3 available presets can be accessed from the right upper corner.

Everything related to the app itself (RGB memory support was just also added) is placed inside the settings tab.

CONCLUSION

   Even though i originally had planned to test the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 for a total of 3 days i ended up using it for 12 (with PC games like World of Warships, HALO 3 ODST from the master chief collection, Battlefield V and Metro Exodus Gold Edition) mainly because i got mixed impressions about it. For example, even though lows and mids are quite accurate and crisp (bass levels are better than expected to be honest) the headset doesn't do well in highs and that's very easy to notice at times (yes even in games). The same applies with its positioning/surround audio since even though it proved to be good in games when it comes to watching movies well you just might be better turning it off entirely. Likewise, when it comes to comfort levels the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 is so lightweight and well designed (this includes the breathable ear cushions) that sometimes you may even forget you're wearing it, yes even after several hours of use. However, this too is a double edged sword since being lightweight means it's made out of light materials and that makes it feel very flimsy. Unfortunately, with just 12 days of testing i can't really comment on its durability, still it's far from the sturdiest models I’ve reviewed to date. As for 2.4GHz signal strength and battery life no problems here since on one hand i was able to use it from 6 meters away with a concrete wall in between and on the other i recorded a maximum of just over 13 hours on a single charge. Yes, this is nowhere near the 17 hours reported by HyperX but they clearly state that their tests are performed at 50% headphone volume whereas i always set it at least 80% for my own.

   As I type these lines the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 by HyperX (HHSS1C-BA-BK/G) retails for just USD79.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 106.10Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) a price tag which although indeed balanced on the other side of the Atlantic, over here it does need some work. With that out of the way once again it all comes down to what your needs are and how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re willing to go higher there are much better choices out there, including a couple by HyperX but If you’re looking for a good and budget-friendly 7.1 virtual surround wireless headset then the Cloud Stinger Core Wireless+ 7.1 should be more than enough and that’s why it gets recommended.

PROS

- Good Bass Levels
- Accurate & Crisp Mids
- Good Positioning Audio Accuracy (7.1)
- Very Comfortable
- Good Battery Life & Range (17 Hours / 20 Meters)
- Price (USA)

CONS

- Highs
- Build Quality / Durability (?)
- Price (EU)