Others by stefan @ 2024-01-28
ALNAIR is another headset we are testing without dedicated software, so it is actually plug-and-play without the need of extra adjustments; the majority of people will be happy with the sound quality of this particular set, as we have noted in different games such as Alan Wake, New World, Synced and Escape Simulator.
At first, we would like to thank AQIRYS for offering us a sample of their ALNAIR Wireless ANC Gaming Headset for testing and reviewing.
“AQIRYS is about IT products and hardware dedicated to gaming.
Our solutions are developed and perfected by a passionate team with over 15 years of expertise in the IT & gaming industry, heavily focused on variety, quality, and affordability.
We all are avid gamers, some of us even reaching pro levels. Top that with the excitement for PC modding and overclocking that was well established through our parent company about 13 years ago (the first company in our country to receive the NVIDIA SLI certification).
The whole experience we amassed from gaming and crafting super high-end PC’s is now put to work in developing the AQIRYS products.
Our final goal is to deliver these products in a cool, dynamic way to people who are keen or enthusiastic about PC gaming and modding, making them feel more satisfied than before.
Welcome to AQIRYS! The galaxy of gaming tools that will lead you to victory!
Fun fact
Our logo resembles the image of a galaxy, the AQIRYS galaxy, which revolves in the universe of gaming and technology. That is why most of our products will borrow their names from actual stars, planets or other celestial bodies. We invite you to check out the fun facts on each product page and discover some cool stuff about the actual Universe!”
Active Noise Cancelling
Enjoy a truly immersive 3D Stereo audio experience with realistic 3D positioning effects reflecting the playback scene and the sound source, heavily augmented by using Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation technology, which blocks out distractions and background noise. ALNAIR's selectable ANC transparency modes let you seamlessly switch between fully immersive gaming and staying aware of your surroundings. Whether you need to communicate with teammates or hear real-world cues, these modes ensure you never miss a beat while enjoying uninterrupted gaming sessions.
TeamSpeak Certified Mic Performance
ALNAIR has passed the TeamSpeak certification process, the number one choice VoIP communication system for Online Gaming, and the de facto voice of esport! You are guaranteed to use natural, crystal clear, e-sport grade sound to communicate with your teammates for flawless coordination!
Furthermore, you can unplug the external microphone from the earcup and make ALNAIR your daily commuting companion, heading out with an urban and relaxed look while managing your phone calls on the go using the secondary microphone.
Two Wireless Modes + 3.5mm Connectivity
2.4G Wireless, BT, and wired (3-pin and 4-pin 3.5 mm) connectivity are offered out-of-the-box, meaning ALNAIR can be connected virtually to any device. In addition, the sleek USB-C 2.4G Wireless dongle ensures a lag-free gaming experience on your PC, Mac, or console (XBX is not supported), and it is also your plug-and-play key to exceptional mobile gaming. Unlike traditional Bluetooth, the 2.4G connection delivers superior stability, minimizing delays for a responsive and immersive gaming session on your mobile device. Stay connected with this compact, versatile dongle whether you're at your desktop, console or on the go.
The built-in 800 mAh high-capacity battery can last up to 50 hours of gaming*, and the USB Type-C connector lets you game and charge simultaneously.
Beautiful Ergonomics
ALNAIR features leatherette ear pads filled with memory foam, a textile headband, and pivoting cups to ensure excellent fit and comfort while gaming or even when taking a short brake.
In addition, all headset functions are quickly and directly accessible via on-ear controls or in-line remote when wired.
The Meow Factor
Boost your no-holds-barred gaming looks and gain the meow factor by attaching the complimentary kitty ears included with ALNAIR. Together with the dynamic RGB backlight, you're all set to catch all the attention.
Sound: 3D Stereo
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 KHz
Sensitivity: 103 ± 3 dB
Impedance: 32 Ω
Audio driver size: 40 mm
Backlight: Yes (Dynamic RGB)
Microphone pattern: Omnidirectional
Microphone type: Triple, removable + built-in, remote built-in
Microphone frequency response: 100 Hz - 10 KHz
Microphone sensitivity: -42 ± 3 dB
Microphone impedance: ? 2200 Ω
Active noise cancelling: Yes (Off, On, Passthrough)
Microphone size: 155 x 10 mm
Headphone type: Over-ear
In-line remote: Yes (with microphone built-in)
Connection type: Dual wireless + Wired
Dual wireless: Wireless ultra-low-latency via USB Type-C receiver, Bluetooth 5.0
Wireless receiver: Plug & play USB Type-C (with USB 2.0 to USB Type-C adapter for PC)
Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, SMP, HFP
Wireless range: Up to 10m
Battery: 800mA / max charging time: 3h
Play time: 50h* max. *(with volume at 50% backlight off and ANC off)
Connectors: 1x TRRS 3.5 mm jack with remote built-in, 2x TRS 3.5 mm jack, USB Type-C receiver
Cable length: 1.5 m (audio cable) + 0.6 m (break-away) + 1.5 m (USB Type-C charging cable) + 0.135 m (USB 2.0 to USB Type-C adapter cable)
Compatibility: PC, Mac, Mobile, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox (wired only)
Color: Black
Weight: 300 g
AQIRYS has added to their product line a new headset, for all-around usage, be it inside our outside. It can be connected on analog but also digitally in wireless mode (2.4G wireless and BT). It carries the ALNAIR code name, a name after the brightest star in the constellation Grus and one of its main highlights is also the Active Noise Cancelling capabilities!
The product is shipped inside a medium-sized cardboard enclosure, which shows the product design, but also some of the main features, represented as icons. We will surely note here the 50-hour battery life rating with a small asterisk, meaning that this is the value measured with ANC off and RGB lighting off. It is nice to also see the TeamSpeak certification for the microphone and compatibility with a large range of devices:
On the side, AQIRYS has made a small list of product features available, in multiple languages, but here we will also observe the complete list of product specifications:
ALNAIR does also have 3D surround sound enabled by default, in non-analog mode; the product is also equipped with a secondary microphone which can be used while outside to take phone calls:
The full list of inside contents can be also found nearby, along with the product serial number. Some QR codes will point out to online resources:
The main product components are explained on the back, AQIRYS explaining that a separate cable with an In-Line remote is present in the box, including a dedicated microphone, which will be used when on-the-go, via analog interface (such as 3.5mm jack plug on our smarphone, if we decide not to go with the dedicated wireless modes):
After lifting the top cover, we will note the User’s Manual, a small leaflet introducing us to the world of AQIRYS, but we will also receive a nice sticker set:
The manual is filled with useful information in order to be aware of the installation procedure on any audio source:
On the back side of the previously-mentioned leaflet we will get a small schematic which shows the connectivity options:
The sticker set should fit all customer preferences, being made with different backgrounds:
In order to aid people which are frequently on-the-go and also for keeping the headset in top shape, AQIRYS is also offering a branded carry bag:
The hardware accessories are available in a separate box:
Each of the accessories are packed in separate semi-transparent plastic bags, the only one exception being the kitty ears:
The said ears are made of silicone and can be easily attached to the headband; these look quite cute if the wearer is a female:
The removable microphone does come with a flexible body and follows the black color scheme of the ALNAIR headset; it comes with a frequency response between 100 Hz and 10 KHz, with a sensitivity of -42 +/- 3 dB, while the impedance is <= 2200 Ohm:
After removing the small windscreen, we will get to see how the actual mic chassis does look like:
The microphone body ends up with a jack plug:
Next, we will note the USB-A to USB-C adapter for offering a better compatibility when using the wireless dongle (0.135m), while an analog cable extender is also offered (0.6m), which splits the signal with two different 3.5mm TRS jack plugs (headphones, microphone):
The 1.5m USB-A to USB-C charging cable is long enough for connecting to different power sources:
The 1.5m audio cable does feature an in-line remote:
The remote allows for modifying the volume level, but also comes with a smaller, multifunctional button; using the headset in analog mode does temporarily disable the wireless features of the product:
The USB-C wireless dongle is similar in shape with others we have noted when checking out models from Razer and SteelSeries:
On its opposite side of the plastic chassis, AQIRYS has included the product logo, but also the charging specs of the headset itself; this helps with identification when owning multiple headsets with similar dongles:
The supplied adapter can be easily installed to it; this process does also help with moving the dongle away from the computer/console, for minimizing the interference:
ALNAIR does sport a large, over-ear earcup design and a sturdy metallic headband, so it will last for a long period of time:
The outside of the earcups (covers) do come with an interesting, Cyberpunk-like design; the sides have RGB LED bands, with effects which can be changed via the dedicated button; a small opening on top is available for the ANC microphone:
The left earcup does come with the Volume control wheel, but also the ANC button; Active Noise Cancellation does allow two modes, the regular one which removes the outside noise by using the integrated earcup microphone but also transparency mode, which amplifies the noise/voices outside so you can be aware of your surroundings when outside and you can clearly understand people around without lifting the cups from your ears:
Next, we do have the Microphone mute button, along with the analog input jack:
The removable microphone jack does incorporate a notch, for helping with the installation position and we do also note the smaller hole for the incorporated mic:
The opposite cup does come with the Power button; if the headset is not used for 10 minutes, it will enter standby mode automatically; after 5 more minutes these will turn off completely in order to save battery life; the status LED does help with knowing the current operating mode, but also the charging status of the battery:
Moving on, we will note the RGB button which allows switching between different modes but also can turn of the lighting completely; the USB-C port will be used strictly for charging the headset:
The large earcups do feature thick leatherette pads on the inside, in order to help with comfort levels; ALNAIR does house 40mm drivers, with a frequency response between 20 Hz and 20 KHz, a sensitivity between 103 +/- 3 dB and an impedance of 32 Ohm. The specs are similar to the ones we have seen with other mainstream gaming headsets:
The headband can be easily adjusted and we can also note here the steel layer for reinforcement:
On the inside, AQIRYS has placed the L/R indicators, so we would always place the product correctly on our heads:
A steel AQIRYS logo is also present on the padded headband area:
On the inside, ALNAIR does have medium-sized padding, comfortable enough for wear during prolonged gaming sessions:
The installation of the kitty ears can be done in just a few seconds!
Same goes for the removable microphone:
ALNAIR is another headset we are testing without dedicated software, so it is actually plug-and-play without the need of extra adjustments; the majority of people will be happy with the sound quality of this particular set, as we have noted in different games such as Alan Wake, New World, Synced and Escape Simulator. The sound output is balanced, with clear highs, well-represented mids and not over-the-top lows, making it good for listening to music or watching podcasts as well. The microphone will record your voice clearly in conferences and we were quite surprised of ANC capabilities, which completely eliminated the fan noise of the case from our test system!
In order to fit with the latest trends, ALNAIR is also equipped with RGB lighting which can be turned of completely to save battery live when not needed, while the in-line remote with volume control and dedicated microphone is a nice touch when we need to use a mobile device, Bluetooth is not our cup of tea since it introduces a bit of latency (SBC codec) and the product we are using does not have OTG enabled either in order to use the dedicated dongle. The Bluetooth 5.0 capabilities are alright if we would like to use the audio output for something other than playing games on our smartphone, where minimal latency is a must, but for the best quality we would recommend going with the dedicated dongle instead.
The all-around ALNAIR headset can be purchased online from AQIRYS Web Shop for about 110 Euros!
We would like to thank again to AQIRYS for making this review possible!