Even Being A “Gaming” Headset It Is So High Quality And Sounds Like A Studio Headset, The Surround Sound Is Realistic And Helps You Get into A Game Very Quickly, Strange That The Box Both Said Stereo And Surround Sound But The Construction Feels Great And Its Easy To Use But If The Audio Doesn’t Work First Try Check If The Surround Sound Adapter Is Fully Plugged In, But Overall Amazing Product

I work from home and I have had this headset for over 2 years now and they still are like new! I love them and Corsair earned a forever customer!

The Corsair HS45 Surround – Stereo Gaming Headset with 7.1 Surround Sound is a well-designed headset that is not only useful for gaming applications, but it is also just as useful for more serious needs such as web conferencing, or any other use for a headset. This adds to the value that this headset provides; especially with the budget-friendly $49.99 price tag. This review will be done in 3 parts – features, usage impressions, and pros/cons. Features: The features of this entry-level gaming headset are well thought out and useful. This wired headset provides multiple ways of listening to audio on your devices (PC- either directly or using the USB external sound card), cell phone, tablet, or game controller). The headset comes with a USB external sound card for use with the PC, a detachable boom mic, and user documentation. This headset is made of quality plastic and metal materials that help it to be used for long usage periods of gaming. This headset is an over the ear design allowing one to concentrate on the task at hand - be it a teleconference, listening to music, watching a moving, or a gaming session. The earpieces do provide some level of noise reduction due to the padded design. The headset uses Corsair's iCUE software to aid one in adjusting the settings especially when using the device with the included 7.1 Surround Sound USB adapter for PC. The software provides for 5 EQ presets – Pure Direct, Movie Theater, FPS Competition, Clear Chat, and Bass Boost – to aid you in your listening enjoyment and the activity you are using the headset to enjoy. You can also create and save your own presets to further customize your listening. You can also turn the 7.1 surround sound on or off as desired in the software. The ICUE software appears to have many uses across the Corsair product line and can different things for different devices. Usage Impressions: The headset is a nice addition to one’s setup, especially for those just starting to use a headset for their gaming. The price point especially allows one to begin using a headset for a relatively inexpensive manner and have the benefits of 7.1 surround sound while gaming. I tested the headset using multiple tracks that were recommended for testing audio systems to test them across the sound spectrum form deep base to soaring highs. The tracks allow testing spatial separation of sounds and the dynamic ranges of the piece being played. From all of these tracks, the sounds were very good. While they may not have been as good as other headsets I have tested and reviewed, they were still very good. This headset might be a little bit “tinnier” than these other headsets; but not enough to be a large distraction. The 7.1 surround sound adapter and the detachable boom mic are nice additions. For audio and video conferencing functionality, this headset works well. The headset and accessories are portable enough that one can travel with the headset and take advantage of it for a quality audio experience for this use case. The mute function via the button on the back of the left earcup is well-positioned. The volume control is also on the headset and works well but does not actually adjust the systems volume level as you raise or lower the volume on the headset. I also testing this headset via a wired connection to my cell phone and the audio qualities extended to that use case as well. Pros: Price/value, Audio quality, versatility via the iCUE software Cons: Not as portable as it could be

In Box: Headset with attached cord 7.1 surround sound USB adapter Microphone Instruction User Guide Features: 7.1 surround sound for your PC. The noise-cancelling unidirectional microphone (adjustable and detachable). Comfortable mesh and memory foam ear pads. On-ear volume & mute button. Headband adjustable for comfort. Download – Conair iCUE software. This headset is not just for gaming. The surround sound is perfect for gaming in multiplayer battles (quick and clear response to hear what is around the corner for you to confront), yet great for listening to music and not missing a beat. The Corsair surround sound wired gaming headset includes a 7.1 surround sound USB adapter for your PC, otherwise it is in stereo mode. IMPORTANT NOTE: The 7.1 surround sound USB adapter requires a high power port (USB 2.0 or better). Good to know just in case you have a really old PC. Without the iCUE software download, some features will not be enabled. You will probably want this to use the equalizer to get the exact sounds you enjoy on your headset. With the software, you can adjust the microphone volume, change your equalizer settings and turn your surround sound on or off. Recommendation: The price is very reasonable. Quality is great for novice game players. I even found listening to music enjoyable with this headset. For the price of this, you can’t go wrong.

The Corsair HS45 Surround is a budget headset, with good sound and good all around comfort. It offers a noise cancelling mic, and surround sound on PCs using the provided USB dongle, or standard stereo with it's 3.5 mm plug. It's soft ear pieces come with plenty of headband support, and it's light weight should allow you to wear this for many hours without issue. The microphone mute button and volume wheel are on the left hand side of the HS45 Surround, keeping the controls in easy reach. The microphone is detachable, but it's a fixed mount, and adjusting the mic is done with its flexible boom. Its sound quality is much better than you might expect to find at this price. Build quality seems solid, and the sound quality is on par with headsets in this price range, which is very good and not that much below those of the premium headsets. It does us 50mm drivers rather than the more common 40mm drivers found in this price range, which does improve the sound a bit. The HS45 Surround is a very affordable headset with solid sound, decent features and offers excellent comfort.