Razer Blackshark V2 Pro: good headset, very good microphone
8.7.2023
Translation: machine translated
We love the Blackshark V2 Pro from Razer for its comfort, intuitive controls and first-class microphone.
Headset microphones are designed to be clear. After all, the aim is to understand each other well. Often, efforts to be faithful to the original result in flat sound and a voice that lacks volume. With the Blackshark V2 Pro's microphone, Razer manages to combine good sound volume without losing intelligibility, and this with an otherwise already convincing product.
Contents and design
Opening the box reveals the headset itself, accompanied by the removable microphone, a dongle for the 2.4 GHz connection, a charging cable and an extension lead.
In contrast to previous versions, the 2023 version of the Blackshark V2 Pro has no audio cable. It is therefore not possible to connect it to the Xbox. You can connect it to the PlayStation via a dongle, to the PC via dongle or Bluetooth 5.2 and to mobile devices via Bluetooth. Bluetooth and dongle connections are possible simultaneously, but the headset will be active on one device at a time. So you won't have the audio stream from your PC game and your mobile phone in your ears at the same time. You have to select the device you want each time.
The Blackshark V2 Pro charges via the USB-C port on the left earcup. On a full charge, battery life is around 70 hours.
Source: Kevin Hofer
As far as the design is concerned, Razer is staying true to the Blackshark. The small metal hoops that connect the headband to the earcups are the visual element that stands out the most. This gives it an airy, less bulky feel than other headsets on the market. It doesn't feel like it's trying to crush my head. That's a good thing.
Ergonomics and finish: super comfortable
The height of the ear cups is infinitely adjustable on both sides. However, this system has the flaw of slipping very slightly, forcing me to readjust it from time to time. The ear cushions don't swivel, but as the headband is flexible, they should suit all head shapes. The helmet does not fold. If you plan to travel with it, allow plenty of room.
The padding in the headband and ear pads is quite thick. This means the headphones don't exert any pressure, even after several hours of use. If I hardly feel it, it's also because it's one of the featherweights at 320 grams and counting on the scales with the microphone. One small negative point: my ears touch the diaphragm. Fortunately, this is also covered by a thin layer of padding. At least it's a bit soft. Despite the high summer temperatures, the headphones didn't make me sweat much. Overall, the Blackshark V2 Pro is very comfortable and well finished.
Source: Kevin Hofer
The control elements are located, with one exception, on the left earpiece. The microphone plugs in next to the charging port. The mute button mutes your microphone if needed, and the on/off button is also used to access multimedia functions. You can adjust the volume using a continuously variable knob. An indicator light shows the status of the headset.
The Smart Switch is located on the right earpiece. It is used to switch from one equalizer (EQ) profile to another. It is also used to pair Bluetooth devices and to switch from Bluetooth to wireless connection.
All the buttons are easily accessible and operation is intuitive. A bonus point for the peace of mind the volume dial gives me.
Microphone quality
The microphone is the strong point of the Blackshark V2 Pro. I've never had a gaming headset with a microphone this good. My voice has significantly more volume with this item than with other gaming headsets. Nevertheless, it's not distorted. Usually, gaming headsets keep their volume relatively low to avoid distortion and make the sound as clear as possible. Set to Broadcast, the headset performs almost as well as the microphone I use to produce podcasts. There's nothing like seeing for yourself. In the video below, I go through the preset EQ configurations.
Iris quality
The headset is fitted with 50mm diaphragms. More and more manufacturers are banking on this size. Until now, 40 millimetre diaphragms have been the norm. The larger surface area is supposed to improve bass reproduction. Razer indicates a frequency range of 12 to 28,000 Hz. The device supports THX Spatial Audio. For Bluetooth codecs, it's AAC and SBC.
On first listen, I notice that the Blackshark V2 Pro's pleasantly neutral sound. Unfortunately, many other gaming headsets on the market offer an unbalanced sound due to bass overload.
Source: Kevin Hofer
In-game, the standard EQ is slightly lacking in punch. This is the first time in my life I've turned on bass boost on gaming headphones. At the medium level, the bass is fine for me for video games. Other than that, the sound in the games is detailed, clear and immersive. Explosive battles accompanied by Masayoshi Soken's epic music and sound effects from Final Fantasy XVI are a marvel. In shooting games, I locate my opponents more easily by ear. This is where e-sport EQ profiles become particularly interesting. So far, they're available for Apex Legends, Call of Duty, CS:GO, Fortnite and Valorant. More profiles are expected to be added over time.
Source: Capture d’écran : Kevin Hofer
When it comes to spatial sound and clarity, the more expensive Turtle Beach'sStealth Pro is even better. But overall, sound quality in-game is very good.
The default neutral sound suits me perfectly for listening to music. I really like the balanced sound of the headphones. I only boost the treble slightly in a personal sound profile.
Configuration in Razer Synapse
On the software side, you control the Blackshark V2 Pro with the Razer Synapse software. There you can configure on sound, amplification, microphone and power saving.
Under Sound, you choose between stereo and THX Spatial Audio and change EQ settings, game profiles or volume. Four EQ profiles are available: Game, Movie, Music or Individual. The ten frequency bands allow you to customise each one. You can choose to activate bass boost or block incoming calls to stay in your bubble.
Source: Capture d’écran : Kevin Hofer
The microphone also has similar settings. It's possible to boost clarity and adjust noise reduction, or even turn it off as desired.
In the power options, you can only choose the length of inactivity after which the headset switches off. Overall, the settings leave nothing to be desired. Synapse may not be the clearest software, but with a little practice, everyone should be able to get the hang of it. It's worth noting that the programme is more stable than in the past. It doesn't crash as often as it used to.
Overview: a good headset with a quality microphone
With the 2023 version of the Blackshark V2 Pro, Razer offers a good headset in the upper mid-range segment. It's comfortable, offers all the conveniences I'd expect from a headset and the sound is good. It's worth pointing out that the removable microphone offers near USB podcast microphone quality.
I found only a few negative points. For example, the fact that the Bluetooth connection and the wireless connection can't be used simultaneously. Or that I have to readjust the earpieces from time to time because they slip. For people who play with an Xbox, it's a shame that the headset can't be connected via an audio cable.
Personally, I'm sticking with my hi-fi headphones plugged into an amp and podcast microphone combo, as far as the PC is concerned. On the other hand, this novelty will be my first choice for PlayStation 5 gaming, as it's perfectly suited to it. If you're looking for a headset in the 200 Swiss francs / euros price bracket with a first-class microphone, I highly recommend the Blackshark V2 Pro.
Header photo: Kevin Hofer
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
