CONCLUSION

   For the past 6 days we used the latest F.R.E.Q.7 with a wide range of game titles including Planetside 2, Crysis 3, Aliens Colonial Marines, Warframe Beta and Tomb Raider to see just how much of a difference the Dolby Pro Logic IIx virtual surround mode makes compared to the regular stereo version (F.R.E.Q.5). The good thing is that right from the get go you are getting the same rich and warm bass, crisp and clear mid/highs and plenty of volume as the F.R.E.Q.5 so that's certainly a plus. Regarding the Dolby Pro Logic IIx 5.1/7.1 virtual surround mode however things get somewhat complicated since it worked extremely well with surround sound compatible game titles but with the ones that lack support the virtual surround mode made things worse and it was a lot better with it turned off. Even in some Blu-ray movies the virtual surround mode didn't work that well and gave a rather fake 3D like result. Of course that's not happening only with the F.R.E.Q.7 but with every Virtual Surround Sound headset out there (and in some cases even with "real" 5.1/7.1 surround headsets) so in the end you need to weigh the pros and cons of each unit. As for the detachable microphone although we've seen it twice in the past we did test it once again with Planetside 2 and Skype only to find out what we already knew and that's that it works as it should with good clarity and noise-cancelling (and i would still like it more had it been a retractable one).

   When i heard that Mad Catz was about to launch the F.R.E.Q.7 i knew that the price would be set somewhat high (naturally judging by the price of the F.R.E.Q.5) and i was right since the recommended price tag by Mad Catz is currently set at USD199.99 inside the USA and 170Euros inside the EU. Of course you are getting one of the highest quality 7.1 virtual surround headsets in the market as we speak (also comes in 4 different colors) that offers crystal clear audio with deep/rich bass, plenty of volume, very good positioning audio when used with games that support it, dual connectivity and a nice looking desktop stand so in a way the price is justified (although a small price cut is in order). Still although the F.R.E.Q.7 is indeed a step above the already great F.R.E.Q.5 the Dolby Pro Logic IIx virtual surround sound is far from perfect which is partially why we are giving it our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Metal Body)
- 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound (Dolby Pro Logic IIx)
- Audio Clarity (Clear & Accurate Mids/Highs - Deep Bass)
- Volume Level
- 3 EQ Presets
- Detachable Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Size
- Design
- Comfortable
- USB and 3.5" Cables
- Included Desktop Stand
- Control Software 

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- No EQ On-The-Fly Selection Button
- Virtual Surround Sound (Not Perfect With Every Game/Usage)