Page 5: Software, Testing
Software
We tested the P531 on Linux and Windows XP. Under both operating systems, the P531 was recognized without issue without any drivers. Linux saw the 6 channel sound support and Windows provided basic 2 channel support. With some configuration, Windows could do the 6 channels, but didn't support some extended features. The installation of the driver on Windows provided this extended support. Still, it is nice to be able to use devices without having to load drivers.
The video review has an overview of the software and we welcome you to watch it. It is attached in a later section.
Testing
Testing the Arctic Sound P531 included listening to music and playing games as well as other related audio tasks. The video review was partly done with the microphone used with the P531. Please watch that for more views of the P531 and to hear how the microphone sounds. Playing music with heavy bass is indeed something to enjoy with this headset. There is a real kick with the lows, but the highs remain clear. There was no hissing or popping present. As this is a sound device, the testing is all subjective. I will also state that loudness is not something I can test since I prefer the low end of the volume. Even at the lowest OS volume level, the headset was fairly loud. It was loud enough that I had to lower the volume on the control unit at some points. If you already lost hearing and like REALLY loud headsets, these are them.
While listening to music was okay, gaming is where this headset was designed for. Starcraft 2 was played for a few hours (or more) to see how well the speakers hold up. One thing you notice is the weight of the headset. Some people may not be destined to wear headsets and I may be one of them. Still, the headset was comfortable when adjusted properly. Positional audio was handled very well. In Starcraft 2, positional audio is used to give audio cues on where things are happening on the map. You can really tell that a shout from a marine was coming from the top left with this headset.
Voice chat is important in games. With Starcraft 2, USB microphones are wonky. They work and then they don't work. Blizzard seems to be dragging their feet on this one. This is not a problem with the P531, but with Starcraft 2. When the P531 did work, it sounded fine. The voice was clear enough so others could understand. Some microphones aren't good quality and many times you'll hear a whine or hissing. Listen to the video review to hear samples of audio recorded through the mic.
These aren't noise canceling headphones. While the cans do block out some ambient noise, they are not tight enough to render you oblivious to outside audio. This might be due to my sensitive hearing, though.
It would be nice if there was a way to use the headset with 3.5mm audio devices, but most gaming headsets are geared to PC gaming and USB is the way to go. Maybe devices will start using USB sound to drive speakers instead of analog audio. We doubt it, though.
We tested the P531 on Linux and Windows XP. Under both operating systems, the P531 was recognized without issue without any drivers. Linux saw the 6 channel sound support and Windows provided basic 2 channel support. With some configuration, Windows could do the 6 channels, but didn't support some extended features. The installation of the driver on Windows provided this extended support. Still, it is nice to be able to use devices without having to load drivers.
The video review has an overview of the software and we welcome you to watch it. It is attached in a later section.
Testing
Testing the Arctic Sound P531 included listening to music and playing games as well as other related audio tasks. The video review was partly done with the microphone used with the P531. Please watch that for more views of the P531 and to hear how the microphone sounds. Playing music with heavy bass is indeed something to enjoy with this headset. There is a real kick with the lows, but the highs remain clear. There was no hissing or popping present. As this is a sound device, the testing is all subjective. I will also state that loudness is not something I can test since I prefer the low end of the volume. Even at the lowest OS volume level, the headset was fairly loud. It was loud enough that I had to lower the volume on the control unit at some points. If you already lost hearing and like REALLY loud headsets, these are them.
While listening to music was okay, gaming is where this headset was designed for. Starcraft 2 was played for a few hours (or more) to see how well the speakers hold up. One thing you notice is the weight of the headset. Some people may not be destined to wear headsets and I may be one of them. Still, the headset was comfortable when adjusted properly. Positional audio was handled very well. In Starcraft 2, positional audio is used to give audio cues on where things are happening on the map. You can really tell that a shout from a marine was coming from the top left with this headset.
Voice chat is important in games. With Starcraft 2, USB microphones are wonky. They work and then they don't work. Blizzard seems to be dragging their feet on this one. This is not a problem with the P531, but with Starcraft 2. When the P531 did work, it sounded fine. The voice was clear enough so others could understand. Some microphones aren't good quality and many times you'll hear a whine or hissing. Listen to the video review to hear samples of audio recorded through the mic.
These aren't noise canceling headphones. While the cans do block out some ambient noise, they are not tight enough to render you oblivious to outside audio. This might be due to my sensitive hearing, though.
It would be nice if there was a way to use the headset with 3.5mm audio devices, but most gaming headsets are geared to PC gaming and USB is the way to go. Maybe devices will start using USB sound to drive speakers instead of analog audio. We doubt it, though.