Wednesday, July 08, 2020
Xbox has a new headset king. It's the LS50X.
I've long been a fan of LucidSound headsets, although it wasn't until recently the company really started to nail every aspect of its offerings. I've previously named the tremendous LS35X as one of the best Xbox headsets money can buy. I recommend it religiously to almost everybody looking for a high-quality wireless headset that not only looks great but also sounds and feels great too.
Digging even deeper, LucidSound has put together a true flagship headset in the form of the LucidSound LS50X, which boasts many of the same features as the LS35X, with the addition of Bluetooth mixing for true versatility.
This is an all-in-one headphone solution that should be of interest to both Xbox gamers and music fans who want to attach a phone and go mobile.
The best all-round Xbox headset
LucidSound LS50X
Bottom line: The LucidSound LS50X is a truly exemplary headset that comes as close to perfect as humanly possible. One of the most outstanding gaming headsets we've ever laid ears on.
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort
- Gorgeous audio
- Great features and accessories
- Impressive battery life
- Subtle and attractive design
Cons:
- Not cheap
- No configuration software
What you'll love about the LucidSound LS50X
LucidSound nails another headset, hot on the heels of the excellent LS35X. The LS50X combines the proprietary Xbox Wireless signal with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to mix audio signals from both systems into a single headset. It can be a little confusing at first learning what each and every on-ear control does, to that end, but the on-board voice assistive dialogue aids with navigation a great deal.
| Category | Spec |
|---|---|
| Speaker Size | 50mm |
| Sound type | Stereo |
| EQ modes | Signature Sound, Bass Boost, Movie Mode, Music Mode, Flat EQ |
| Frequency Response | 20 - 20,000 Hz |
| Weight | 408g / 14.4oz |
| Price | $250 |
Pairing is easy and straightforward. It's already paired with the included USB dongle, which is compatible with both the Xbox One consoles and the next-gen Xbox Series X. You can use it on PC, too, using the dongle, 3.5mm, or the Bluetooth connection.
The Xbox Wireless signal is, as usual, rock-solid, and produces genuinely stunning audio that's up there with the best Xbox headsets money can buy. The EQ modes help tailor the soundscape to your taste. However, the Signature Processing offers a balanced experience that does accentuate highs for that tactical experience but doesn't neglect frequencies commonly used for a more immersive experience. When it comes to sound, you simply won't be disappointed.
The LS50X also comes with a hard-shell carrying case, as well as USB-C to USB-A charging, a 3.5mm cable, and the USB dongle used for connecting up your Xbox. The whole package just feels premium all around, including the materials used on the headset itself. Metal in all the correct places, strengthening the build, with that familiar subtle design LucidSound has been using for a fair while now. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
The headset configuration remains one of the more comfortable I've used in this category. Thick, high-quality silky earcups stuffed with memory foam and coolant gel, making it easy on the ears in the warm summer months. The microphone quality is also great as usual, with an LED light that lets you know when you're muted.
The headset I found exceeds the listed 20 hours of battery life when using it with the Xbox Wireless signal, and can apparently go even further if you're using it with Bluetooth only. Are there any downsides, though?
What you might dislike about the LucidSound LS50X
Honestly, there's little to actively dislike about this headset, but perhaps there are a couple of things worth being aware of.
As a content creator, being able to mix Xbox sound with PC sound for comms is often a holy grail I actively pursue when it comes to higher-end headsets. Right now, the best solution for that is the Astro A50, which lets you merge audio from SPDIF from your Xbox with USB from your PC, and then transmitted via Astro's wireless signal.
I had wondered if I could achieve similar using the Bluetooth signal on this headset. Still, I found that for longer sessions, the Bluetooth signal is often too susceptible to interference, which isn't what you want if you're live streaming or podcasting.
When you're using the Bluetooth signal by itself for music with your phone or just to take a quick call, it's more than adequate, but I'm not sure how well the Bluetooth signal is shielded from interference from the Xbox signal when they're being used in tandem.
Additionally, I was a bit disappointed to see there's no configuration software for this bad boy. I was hoping to be able to increase the volume of the built-in mic monitoring (sidetone), but alas, what you hear is that you get. It's not a big deal, but something worth being aware of.
Should you buy the LucidSound LS50X?
If you don't need a headset that can go out on the road with you, then the LucidSound LS35X is a far more economical option. However, if you do like the idea of having a headset you can use both with your Xbox and your phone, this is by a mile the best headset with those combined features I've used so far.
LucidSound's signature audio excellence coalesces with a range of great features and additional accessories, making this flagship headset a truly great purchase. It's for sure a little on the pricier side, but for those who want real quality, LucidSound's LS50X delivers.
Flagship versatility
LucidSound LS50X
The most versatile Xbox headset.
The LucidSound LS50X is a stunning product that is ideal for someone who wants to use the same headset gaming on the Xbox or out and about with Bluetooth connectivity.
0 comments:
Post a Comment