INTRODUCTION

   Ever since i can remember myself i never actually used headsets while playing games and watching movies, not because i don't like using them (i do when i listen to music sometimes) but mainly due to the fact that regular complete surround speaker systems (5.1/6.1/7.1) sound a lot better especially if you don't have to care about annoying someone in the process (don't ever place your computer system in the bedroom). However from time to time there have been some quite unique headsets that have won me over with their crystal clear audio clarity and quality of materials just like the AX Pro Dolby 5.1 Surround Headset by TRITTON i had the chance to test just over a year ago and just now the F.R.E.Q.5 Stereo Gaming Headset by Cyborg.

   Mad Catz is a leading global provider of innovative products for the interactive entertainment industry. Mad Catz develops and markets accessories for videogame systems and PCs under its Mad Catz (casual gaming), Saitek (simulation), Cyborg (pro gaming), Eclipse (home and office) and TRITTON (gaming audio) brands. Mad Catz also operates e-commerce and content websites for videogame and PC products under its GameShark brand, develops, manufactures and markets proprietary earphones under its AirDrives brand and publishes and distributes video/PC games. Mad Catz distributes its products through most of the leading retailers offering interactive entertainment products and has offices in North America, Europe and Asia.

   Stereo or stereophonic speaker sets and headsets have been around for quite a few decades and so today you can find literally countless such solutions in the market from both known and unknown brands. Because however for the past couple of years we've witnessed the introduction of quite a few surround sound headsets it's only natural for most hardcore gamers to choose those over stereo ones. However having tested or at least used most surround sound headsets currently available in the market I’ve come across quite a few virtual surround ones that actually perform worse than some good stereo headsets so in the end the type of sound (surround/stereo) each company claims that their headset is capable of reproducing doesn't necessarily mean that the audio quality will be good. Now what really makes the Cyborg F.R.E.Q.5 stereo headset stand out from the crowd (since obviously the stereophonic audio does not) is its futuristic design and sturdy metal body which is quite unique for such a small headset. On top of that add an removable noise cancelling microphone along with an on the fly equalizer button and you got yourself one impressive gaming headset.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Most of the front is made by a clear plastic allowing you to see the unit before buying it.

A robotic bat is placed at the left side of the box (since F.R.E.Q obviously stands for frequency and bats are known for their ultrasounds i guess it makes sense).

The specifications of the F.R.E.Q.5 headset are written on a small sticker placed at the right side of the box.

The features of the unit are written in 5 different languages and showcased via several small pictures at the rear.

The bundle includes the F.R.E.Q.5 stereo headset, the detachable microphone (which was obviously left out from the picture due to my mistake), 2m USB cable, 1m 3.5" mini-jack cable, warranty information booklet, product guide and the user’s manual.

THE F.R.E.Q.5

As you can see the F.R.E.Q.5 is a medium sized headset with black and gold as its main color scheme. Appearances aside the headset features very high quality 50mm large drivers coupled with N38 grade Neodymium magnets (frequency response is 20Hz to 20,000Hz).

The Cyborg logo is placed on the outside of both earcups.

On the front of the left earcup we see the EQ (equalizer) button which allows you to switch on-the-fly between the 3 pre-configured settings (Gaming, Music and Chat).

Right beneath the EQ button we see the microphone mute button which when used turns on the red LED found on the microphone.

The microphone socket is also placed at the left earcup and as you can see is covered with a plastic tap.

To install the microphone you just need to remove the cover and plug it in.

The noise cancelling microphone itself is quite large and at the tip it has the Cyborg name along with a mute LED.

The microphone is also very flexible (even more than the ones used by SteelSeries).

The company name is also placed ontop of both earcups.

Moving to the right earcup we just see the PRO gaming audio classification and a large volume control knob.

Another convenient feature of the F.R.E.Q.5 is that both earcups can turn inwards a total of 90 degrees making them completely flat and ready for transport inside your LAN bag.

Both earcups are quite large (could be just a tad larger) and are padded with black leather which is quite comfortable even after long periods of time.

The headband also features nice black leather padding which is equally comfortable.

The headband as expected can be extended on both sides up to 20cm via a total of 25 increments.

The product name as usual is placed on the exterior of the headband.

At the end of the cable coming out from the headset you can either use the 2m USB cable (PC connection) or the 3.5mm mini audio jack (MP3 Players and smartphones).

SOFTWARE

   Unfortunately the F.R.E.Q.5 comes without any kind of software (only the build in windows settings are available) and although that was expected from a Stereo headset I’d really like to see a bundled control software which would allow the end user to tweak the 3 pre-set EQ settings and why not even add our own.

CONCLUSION

   I've been using the F.R.E.Q.5 stereo gaming headset for the past 2 weeks while mostly playing the 3 closed betas I’m currently in, Sleeping Dogs and also while watching various effects-rich Blu-ray movies like the Battleship and The Avengers. Right next to it i have my all-time favorite AX Pro Dolby 5.1 Surround Headset by TRITTON so as you can understand the competition is quite hard. Still the small size and design make the F.R.E.Q.5 more comfortable after long periods of play compared to the AX Pro. Granted in movies and most games the AX Pro is clearly better in terms of positioning audio, however that applies mostly for games that actually support surround sound and as you all are well aware there aren't that many in the market (in movies however real 5.1 surround headsets are a one way). The 3 equalizer presets also work quite well but i just wish there was an indicator for you to know which you are currently using. Quality wise the F.R.E.Q.5 is amongst the sturdiest headsets I’ve ever used (even though it's not entirely made out of metal) which is quite impressive once you take into account that i wore it for 5 hours straight without getting tired. Featuring an detachable microphone may actually disappoint some hardcore gamers but since the transmission quality was quite flawless i think that probably due to its size Cyborg (Mad Catz) was unable to make it retractable.

   As we speak the Cyborg F.R.E.Q.5 stereo gaming headset currently retails for USD149.99 inside the USA and 140Euros inside the EU and i really think that this is its sole drawback. I do understand where Mad Catz and Cyborg come from and this is a very good gaming headset in both audio clarity and build quality but with several virtual surround headsets out there at around the same price point it will be hard for gamers to choose a Stereo one even though it might reproduce better sound and have a better construction quality. Overall we are talking about a very good headset so if Mad Catz and Cyborg can cut down the price even by just a little then there's no reason why you shouldn't head right away and purchase it. Even now it really comes highly recommended by us but due to the somewhat high price tag and lack of a basic control panel it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Metal Body)
- Audio Clarity
- 3 EQ Presets
- Detachable Noise Cancelling Microphone
- Size
- Design
- Comfortable
- USB and 3.5" Cables

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- No Audio Control Panel