My headphone cup runneth over

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Sound studio: The Sandberg headset’s Xear 3D software transports the listener to another world

In this article we review two headset models from Sandberg of Denmark. I’m not normally a fan of cup-type headphones. They quickly overheat the ears until, like a claustrophobic submariner, I want to tear off the headset and surface for fresh air.

However, I confess I’ve become converted from this aural agnosticism after listening to Sandberg’s USB Surround Sound Headset 5.1.

My starting point was one of scepticism. After all, how can a pair of cans clamped over the ears possibly replicate the three-dimensional auditory experience of a concert hall? Well, with Sandberg they really do, thanks to the Xear 3D software on the accompanying installation CD.

To trial this headset, I chose a CD of African vocals. If anything could test the Sandberg headset’s ability, it was this collection of human voices unadulterated by backing vocals or instruments, apart from the occasional metallic tinkling of a traditional mbira – also known as a thumb piano, though it sounds nothing like a piano.

This CD, one of my favourite albums, never fails to evoke memories of years spent in equatorial Africa, where one of the wonders of our wilderness forays was to hear the way Africans were able to project their sing-song voices across mountain valleys and seemingly conduct conversations with others very far away. No mobile phones in those days!

Clamping on the Sandberg headphones, I was magically transported back to Africa, finding myself awash in vibrant sound that offered a depth and clarity that I had never previously discovered in this particular album (called African Voices, from Narada Music).

The three-dimensional sound effects result from the Xear 3D software (included on the installation CD) and from the fact that the headset contains built-in front, rear and central ‘speakers’ as well as a subwoofer – just like a speaker-based surround sound system.

A virtual audio studio lets the user choose their preferred listening environment via an on-screen control panel. You want to experience the effects of listening in a cave? Just click. Or in a full size auditorium? No problem. Other effects include mountains, a stone corridor, an aircraft hangar, a sewer pipe and a padded cell, among several options. Some of these aural distorions are very effective; others less inspiring.

In addition, there’s an equaliser with sliding levers above a panel of 12 pre-sets to cater for a variety of music styles ranging from classic to rap. Click a preset button to match your choice of music, then fine-tune the equaliser using ten sliders.

There’s also a karaoke setup, which is where the Sandberg headset’s inbuilt microphone comes into play. The mic’s flexible mini-boom can be flipped up or down when not in use.

The mic’s On-Off toggle switch is located on a control unit on the headset’s cable connecting the cans to any available USB port on your PC. The same in-line control box houses volume sliders for front, rear and central ‘speakers’ and for the subwoofer.

Yet more on-screen controls allow the user to select between the number of sound channels – maybe just two if you’re playing MP3s, or up to eight audio channels for gaming enthusiasts. Note, however, that this channel-selection function is available only with Windows 7 and Windows Vista, though those still clinging to Windows XP can enjoy all the other benefits of the Xear 3D software. Note that this model does not support MacOS, though the other model reviewed here does (see below).

There’s also an on-screen mic control panel for setting up various weird and wonderful voice effects. Gimmicks apart – though some fans might crucify me for suggesting karaoke is anything less than a religion – this headset and its software make for a most desirable piece of kit.

Setup requires just seconds, once a pop-up window reminds that you need to plug in the headphones before running the installation CD. All the control panels and slider-switches are intuitive, even to someone who has never set foot in an audio studio.

Even if the special effects leave you cold, you still get an impressive-sounding headset for a recommended retail price of €65.28 ex VAT. Both models comes with a user guide and five-year warranty. Sounds good to me!

IF BELLS and whistles aren’t your cup of tea, you might prefer the Danish manufacturer’s other new model, the Sandberg USB Play Headset, which retails at €43.79 ex VAT.

Specifications for both models are very similar (see Sandberg’s website) though this headset offers a marginally lower frequency response and a tad less sensitivity. Whether such tiny aural differences are detectable by the human ear is a moot point. Remember, however, that the Play model does not offer the special effects provided by the Surround Sound Headset’s Xear 3D software.

There are also some minor physical differences. I found the Play Headset more comfortable to wear for extended periods, but preferred the in-line control unit of the Surround Sound Headset. On the Play model, the mic’s flexible mini-boom retracts inside one of the headphone cups, providing a sexier solution than an arm that flips out of the way. A red LED on the microphone’s tip glows when the mic is live – an innovation which doubtless will appeal to many while perhaps irritating others.

With these differences in mind, you may want to visit your nearest Sandberg dealer and see both models in the flesh. Either way, after this audio feast I will not be so quick to trash cans.

Cliff Hutton