Others by stefan @ 2014-01-30
The previous wireless gaming headset from Corsair has been reincarnated into a similar build but with a few enhancements like out-of-the-box Dolby Pro Logic IIx certification, a new color scheme but also reinforced hinges for extra durability. The software has been updated in order to support the latest Windows OS 8.1 .
At first I would like to thank Corsair for sending a sample of their Vengeance 2100 7.1 Headset for testing and reviewing.
Meeting Performance Computing Demands since 1994
"Corsair is a global company bringing innovative, high-performance components to the PC gaming market. Specializing in very high performance memory, ultra-efficient power supplies, and other key system components, our products are the choice of overclockers, enthusiasts, and gamers everywhere.
Founded as Corsair Microsystems in 1994, Corsair originally developed Level 2 cache modules for OEMs. After Intel incorporated the L2 cache in the processor with the release of its Pentium Pro processor family, Corsair changed its focus to DRAM modules, primarily in the server market. In 2002, Corsair began shipping DRAM modules that were specifically designed to appeal to computer overclocking enthusiasts. From its roots in high-performance memory, Corsair has expanded its award-winning product portfolio to include ultra-efficient power supplies, builder-friendly cases, ground-breaking CPU coolers, blazing-fast solid-state drives, and other key system components.
Corsair has developed a global operations infrastructure with extensive marketing and distribution channel relationships. Corsair’s products are sold to end users in over sixty countries worldwide, primarily through leading distributors and retailers."
Wireless freedom with uncompromised 7.1 audio quality and comfort
Enjoy high-performance gaming audio without worrying about wires. With a battery life of up to 10 hours and a range of up to 40 feet, you won't miss out on any of the action.
Don’t just play the game… become part of it.
Of course it matters whether you win or lose. But it matters just as much how you play the game. The right headset is essential. The Vengeance 2100 combines high-fidelity, multi-channel Dolby audio, and superior comfort and wearability for an amazing audio experience that will help you play better, and have more fun doing it.
Don’t tie yourself up in knots.
You don’t want to miss out on any of the action. With a battery life of up to ten hours and a range of up to 40 feet, you’ll enjoy cable-free, high-performance gaming audio where you want, as long as you want.
What you can’t see will hurt them.
Experience the reality of Dolby 7.1 surround sound. The extremely accurate rendering of 5.1 channel and 7.1 channel gaming audio gives you a sheer tactical advantage and lets you pinpoint your opponent’s position even when you can’t see them.
The sound will astound.
The large 50mm drivers deliver detailed audio that envelops you in its realism. Voices are crisp, effects sound the way the audio designer intended, and with its tight bass response, Vengeance 2100 lets you experience deep, satisfying lows without overload or distortion.
Give as good as you get.
The unidirectional, noise-cancelling microphone ensures that your words will be heard. Whether you’re calling out DPS targets or just chatting between matches, your voice remains loud and clear. Flip the adjustable, rotating boom out of the way when you don’t need it, and flip it back into place when you’re ready for action.
Play for hours.
The Vengeance 2100 has been designed from the ground up for maximum comfort and durability. Microfiber-covered memory foam earpads and the padded headband help keep it in place, while the 10-hour battery capacity means you can play from sundown to sunrise – and if you want to go even longer, just attach the USB charge cable and keep playing.
Corsair has recently refreshed their Vengeance series of gaming headsets and one of the new members is the 2100; the headset comes packed inside a cardboard enclosure with a large plastic window so potential customers will know how the product does look like before making a decision:
On one of the box sides, we will find the Technical Specifications listed in multiple languages:
The product Features are also listed nearby:
The box is sealed for additional security:
As with the Star Wars headset from Razer, the rest of the bundle can be found in a separate cardboard enclosure:
Corsair includes the dongle, USB dock for using the dongle, an USB charging cable, but also documentation inside a separate plastic bag:
The USB cable is color-coded and it is the same model as we have seen with the Vengeance 2000:
The USB Wi-Fi dongle resembles a Flash Drive and on its back we will find code name and power rating:
The dongle also features a blue LED which blinks when the headset is not connected and stays solid lit otherwise:
The new Corsair Vengeance 2100 headset sports 50mm drivers, reworked software which includes Dolby surround sound along with 16-bit/48 KHz playback. Compared to the 2000 version, we now have a slightly changed color scheme along with a Dolby Pro Logic IIx certification. Because of the plastic construction (which is very sturdy and high quality, by the way), the headset may appear large but it is quite light (375 grams):
On the left cup we have the microphone along with the Power On/Off button, which is accompanied by a blue LED; while the lower frame looks metallic, it is basically high quality paint which imitates brushed aluminum:
The right cup has a similar shape but no buttons are present this time:
The thick padding of the earcups is made of fabric; we can remove these for cleaning purposes:
The included microphone can be adjusted for a perfect fit and is of good quality as we have seen when testing it with Skype; when the headset is charging though, a small buzz may be heard (same issue we have found with the previous 2000 model:
The volume wheel is very handy for adjusting during intensive gaming sessions:
We have the same design at the USB charging port which is surrounded by a semi-transparent plastic frame with a LED which shows the status (flashing red means that the headset needs charging, flashing orange appears when the headset is charging and continuous green appears when the headset has finished charging):
On the top side of the headset we have a pretty thick and comfortable leather cushion:
The top frame is adjustable for any head size:
On the inside of the frame we will be able to see the markings of the Left and Right channels, while on the exterior we have the Corsair logo:
The documentation is composed from four leaflets and also the Quick Start Guide:
Inside the written guide, the manufacturer shows us the main product components and how to get everything going:
We would like to mention that the headset works alright without special drivers, but in order to activate the additional functions, we have to run the Corsair Headset Software:
The GUI looks pretty much the same as the one seen with the Vengeance 2000 and offers us control over the Headset Volume, Microphone Volume, the Surround sound feature depending on the Source Type we select, but we can also work with the Equalizer:
The Dolby feature can be enabled at will:
As the Input source we can select 2.0 Stereo, 5.1 Surround or 7.1 Surround:
The software comes packed with multiple preset options for the Equalizer like Audiophile 1, Audiophile 1+ and many more. Custom settings can be also saved:
By clicking on the small “i” sign located in the top right corner, we will be able to find more information regarding the Software Version, Audio Driver Version, but also regarding the Audio Controller:
The newest revision of the wireless Vengeance Gaming Headset was built on the 2000 platform and sports some enhancements like Dolby certification right out of the box, a slightly modified color scheme but also modified hinges for an even better durability. The large 50mm drivers are the same from the older version, but these produce a high quality in games, but they can be also used for watching movies or the latest TV shows.
Unlike some other manufacturers, the headset is paired with powerful software which allows us to work with the Dolby Pro Logic IIx feature, but also adjust the Equalizer to our liking. Speaking of the wireless feature coverage, the headset should work fine up to 10 meters without any walls in-between; if walls are involved then the distance would shrink a little and the first phenomenon when the signal is not optimal would be the fact that there will be small interruptions and afterwards the headset will go silent completely. Just after we get into the range again, the headset would automatically connect.
In order to conserve the battery life, we should always give attention to the signs Vengeance 2100 gives us regarding low charge: small beeps but also red LED blinks around the USB port. We have done so with the Vengeance 2000 and it still runs in top shape. The headset is fully usable while the battery is charging, but when in conference, the other users may hear a small buzz, something we have also seen with the previous revision.
Speaking of the V 2000, the Vengeance 2100 will replace it completely so people who were impressed by the previous revision should be able to pick the new one right away.
The Vengeance 2100 headset can be found online for about 141 Euros.
We would like to thank again to Corsair for making this review possible!