INTRODUCTION

   Although it's a fact that wired connectivity is usually much more stable, secure and faster than wireless i think it's safe to say that we all hate cables and that's why manufacturers have even made it possible for us to recharge our mobile devices just by placing them on certain panels (Qi). Still when it comes to wireless devices most people i know (myself included) care mostly about Wi-Fi signal coverage (either at home or at the office) and Bluetooth connectivity (for headsets and speakers). For example as far back as i can recall wireless headsets which could connect to TV sets were always very popular something that hasn't changed much today since they are also considered essential peripherals by both PC and console owners. Today we'll be taking a look at one such headset and more specifically the F.R.E.Q.9 by our friends over at Mad Catz.

   Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT: MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming) and Tritton® (audio) brands. Mad Catz products cater to gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other smart devices. Mad Catz distributes its products through many leading retailers around the globe. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia.

   The F.R.E.Q.9 Wireless Surround Headset by Mad Catz was released in early 2015 (yes over two years ago) but thanks to its specifications and features it's still considered as one of the best wireless headsets currently available in the market. To be more specific the sturdy F.R.E.Q.9 houses two 50mm neodymium magnet drivers (20Hz-20KHz frequency response), omnidirectional microphone and a 950mAh rechargeable lithium-ion pack which can provide it with up to 20 hours of constant playback. When it comes to available features this is where the F.R.E.Q.9 shines since it comes ready with Bluetooth v4.0 connectivity and MultiSync (can be paired with up to two devices simultenously), aptX low latency audio codec (CD quality wireless audio), AM3D ZIRENE 3D surround sound (virtual surround sound technology initially developed for fighter planes) and active noise cancelling technology (Soundchips D-ANC) with Binaural Monitoring. Mad Catz also bundles an audio adapter box with the F.R.E.Q.9 which enables wireless connection with PC, MAC, Consoles (XBOX 360, Playstation 4 and Wii U - unfortunately XBOX One requires a separate adapter) and HDTV (via USB, optical and 3.5" ports). So let’s take a closer look and see what the already 2+ year old F.R.E.Q.9 wireless surround headset by Mad Catz has to offer.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

We received the F.R.E.Q.9 inside a rather large box that has a product picture at the front along with the company logo, two awards and the main product features printed in two languages.

The compatible operating systems are listed on the left side right over a basic specifications table this time in three languages.

Moving at the rear of the box we see in-depth description of the product features which in turn are printed in 7 languages.

Once you remove the exterior cover the Mad Catz logo will be there to greet you.

The headset is placed inside the storage case while the rest of the bundle sits inside a cardboard box placed in a formed piece of plastic (as is the audio adapter box).

Contained inside the box are the F.R.E.Q.9 wireless surround headset, audio adapter box, optical cable, 2 meter long USB to USB cable, 1 meter long 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, micro USB to USB cable, Xbox 360 chat lead, Xbox 360 digital adapter, sturdy travel/storage case, audio box travel/storage pouch, quick start guide and the user manual.

THE F.R.E.Q.9

Weighing at just under 370g (368g to be exact) the F.R.E.Q.9 wireless surround headset with its aluminum frame and parts is one of the sturdiest models we've used to date.

Compared to the compact REVO Wireless headset by Jabra the F.R.E.Q.9 seems quite large and to be honest it is.

The headset is quite bulky (not a bad thing especially since it's very comfortable) and that's one of the reasons it may not be ideal for use while on foot.

Mad Catz has placed their logo on the exterior of both earcups (the exterior of the right earcup is also the on/off power button).

On the lower end of the right earcup we also see a volume control wheel and the active noise cancellation on/off switch.

The company name is placed on the aluminum frame just over both earcups.

A 3.5mm port is placed just over the active noise cancellation on/off switch.

At the front of the right earcup we also see the AM3D on/off button, microphone mute button, next/previous track buttons and the two holes behind which lies the built-in omnidirectional microphone.

The battery status LED and the micro USB charging port are both placed on the exterior of the left earcup.

Potential buyers might be happy to know that the 950mAh rechargeable lithium-ion pack can be easily replaced (it's located in the left earcup behind a plastic cover).

Left and right markings are placed right over the interior of both earcups.

Mad Catz used large and comfortable earpads (the black and red color combination is very nice).

You can fold both earcups to reduce the size of the F.R.E.Q.9 making them easier to store and carry.

The headpad is also very comfortable.

Typically the product name is printed on the exterior of the headband.

One of the most important features of the F.R.E.Q.9 might be the audio box but i wish it was a bit better looking (or at least made out of aluminum and not plastic).

Printed at the front of the audio box are the main technologies supported by the headset.

The wireless connectivity status LED is placed on the right side.

Everything else is placed on the left side of the box including the on/off button, optical audio input, 3.5mm analog input and the USB input.

Worth mentioning is that the storage/carrying case is one of the sturdiest we've seen to date just like the headset. Unfortunately however it doesn't have room for the audio box and we think that it should.

CONCLUSION

   2+ years is a very long time in this industry for pretty much everything but audio so the F.R.E.Q.9 has nothing to be jealous of all the latest models in the market. On the contrary most models have many things to be envious of the F.R.E.Q.9 including its build quality, connectivity, technologies used, battery life and audio clarity. This may sound strange but the F.R.E.Q.9 is easily among the 5 best headsets to ever fall into our hands and that’s not an exaggeration. You will have a really hard time to find a Bluetooth wireless headset that can match the accuracy and clarity of its mids and highs and its and deep and quite powerful bass levels. Battery life is also excellent and although we never did manage to hit 20 hours of continuous playback we did surpass 17 and considering that we always use headsets at near maximum volume that’s pretty impressive. The AM3D surround sound feature does improve things quite a bit in games and sometimes even in movies but stereo clarity is so good that we didn’t use it while listening to music. We were also surprised to see that the microphone worked extremely well for a wireless headset since while using it with our smartphones and with online games since people on the other end reported very good reception. Of course the F.R.E.Q.9 is not really perfect and I’m of course referring to its size/design and weight. You see it’s great to use at home or while at the office but that’s just about it since although very comfortable (especially if you take into account its size) it’s bulky and that’s probably not something you’d like to wear outside (that however obviously comes down to personal preference). We also came across a small bug with the volume control wheel since it would occasionally “lock” thus not allowing us to turn the volume all the way to the max (safety feature?).

   The bad thing with the F.R.E.Q.9 Wireless Surround Headset when it was launched in January 2015 was its somewhat hefty price tag of around USD280 which didn’t change much during these past two years. Now the good news is that Mad Catz placed the F.R.E.Q.9 in EOL (end of life) status a couple of months ago so you can actually currently get one for just USD99.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 76Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) so if you’re looking for a great all-around wireless headset and you don’t plan on using it while on foot we do recommend getting one as stocks last. Bottom line build and audio quality are both there and ontop of that you’re getting optical, 3.5mm and USB connectivity for the audio box (which in turn connects wirelessly with the headset), great battery life (up to 20 hours), good microphone and some very nice technologies including AM3D and D-ANC. Add the quite honestly superb price tag and we all believe the F.R.E.Q.9 Wireless Surround Headset by Mad Catz is well worth of our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Audio Quality (Very Good Mids/Highs)
- Bass Levels
- AM3D Virtual Surround Sound
- Digital Active Noise Cancellation (D-ANC)
- Comfortable
- Omnidirectional Microphone
- Wired And Wireless Connectivity
- Audio Box (3.5mm/Optical/USB Connectivity)
- 12m Wireless Range
- Up To 20 Hours Battery Life
- Thick Storage/Carrying Case
- Android/iOS Battery Level Indicator
- Exceptional Price Tag

CONS

- End Of Life (Limited Support?)
- Size And Weight (Bulky)