HyperX Cloud Revolver S review: Huge sound in a comfortable package

Gaming headphones come in all shapes and sizes. From wired to wireless, understated to more gaudy, brightly lit designs, you can find nearly any type of design you’d like. One thing that not all gaming headphones have is great sound, which is something that you’d think should be at the top of any list. The HyperX Cloud Revolver S gaming headphones have some fantastic sound to go along with a good design, and you can read more about this gaming headset in this full review.

Specifications

The HyperX Cloud Revolver S headphones include the following features and specifications:

• Headphone
  • Driver: Dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets
  • Type: Circumaural, Closed back
  • Frequency response: 12Hz–28,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 30 Ω
  • Sound pressure level: 104.5dBSPL/mW at 1kHz
  • T.H.D.: < 2%
  • Input power: Rated 30mW, Maximum 500mW
  • Weight: 360g
  • Weight with mic: 376g
  • Cable length and type: Headset (1m) + Audio Control Box (2m)
  • Connection: Headset — 3.5mm plug (4 pole) + Audio Control Box — 3.5mm stereo and mic plugs
• Microphone
  • Element: Electret condenser microphone
  • Polar pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-cancelling
  • Frequency response: 50Hz–18,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -40dBV (0dB=1V/Pa,1kHz)
• Studio-grade sound stage
• Signature HyperX memory foam with premium leatherette
• Durable steel frame
• Detachable noise-cancellation microphone.Weight with mic:376g
• Next-generation directional 50mm drivers
• Compatible with PC/PS4/MAC/Xbox One (Xbox One Stereo Adapter may be required, not included)

What’s in the Box

• HyperX Cloud Revolver S
• USB Audio Control Box/Cable
• Removable, adjustable noise cancelling mic
• 3.5mm extension cable
• Quick Start Guide

Design

The HyperX Cloud Revolver S gaming headphones are an over-ear design, with very large ear cups. Starting at the top, the headband is comprised of two separate sections. First up is the solid steel outer shell, which holds everything together. It is split with a large open area on top to reduce weight. A decorative plastic bit sits at the edge of the open top area, and underneath that another plastic insert notes the R/L indication, while also doubling as an anchor for the rest of the headband, which I’ll come back to shortly. The metal portion of the headband ends in a large circular shape which is cut out in the middle. The ear cups attach here via a plastic circle featuring the HyperX logo as well as white cut out ornamentation. That holds onto the headband via an X-shaped mount extending from the circular ear cup holder.

The other part of the headband is the adjustable soft padded headband. This part anchors at the aforementioned middle area of the metal outer headband. By default there’s a little over an inch of space between the top of the padding and the bottom of the headband. The padding is spring-loaded on the mounting areas and will stretch to accommodate various head sizes. I had no problem at all fitting the Revolver S onto my head, and it fit very comfortably even with long gaming sessions. This padding is covered with a soft leatherette material, and the HyperX name mark is embossed into the top of the padded section. A thin wire connects each earcup to this portion of the headband.

The earcups will absolutely encompass your entire ear, providing decent noise isolation. The cups are covered in the same soft leatherette wrapped around a custom memory foam cushion, while the back of the cup is a hard lightly textured plastic. A shiny black plastic ring separates the two areas from one another. The ear cups pivot slightly where they attach to the headband. The left earcup also includes the detachable and bendable boom mic input as well as the thick braided cable ending at a gold plated 3.5mm plug.

The plug attached directly to the headphones is relatively short at just over three feet. This is part of the modular cable system that allows for use on multiple systems. This cable is perfect for use with a mobile phone, or an Xbox One controller with a 3.5mm jack. Also included is a much longer 3.5mm cable with split 3.5mm plugs for PC use in case you don’t have a compatible plug to handle both mic and audio control, and no free USB ports for the main method of connection.

For PC as well as PlayStation 4 use, the short cable from the headphones attaches to the USB control box. The control box has two large buttons on front with the Dolby Surround Sound button on top, the microphone mute button underneath, and the HyperX name mark at the bottom. On the right side there are two dials for headphone volume and mic volume. The left side has an equalizer button that cycles through three presets: Vocals EQ, Flat EQ, and Bass Boost EQ. Each level is noted on the front via a white LED, which denote Vocals, Flat, and Bass Boost from top to bottom. These EQ settings will be disabled if Dolby Surround is activated. The back of the control box has a large clip with the HyperX name mark embossed to attach to your shirt, or onto the top part of the cable to keep the controls close at hand. A long braided cable comes out from the bottom, ending in a USB plug.

The headphones overall have a very modern design, but they’re not super flashy or over the top. They might not be a pair of headphones that you’ll take too far away from your computer or game room, but the design really isn’t gaudy in any way. They have a solid construction and are very comfortable to wear. HyperX branding is found on quite a few parts of the headphones, but by and large it’s very understated and doesn’t detract at all from the overall design.

Sound

I put any headphones that I review through a set playlist of songs. I have a pretty diverse set of music in that setlist, with everything from pop to heavy metal, jazz, dubstep, EDM, punk, and more, each with specific things that I want to listen for. This allows me to have a consistent point of comparison with which to listen. This allows me to also compare the experience on the same set of headphones from one song to the next.

Now, not all gaming headphones are really tuned for non-gaming audio, but you won’t have any problems with the Revolver S. Even without any of the three available EQ settings, you’re getting an all-encompassing sound because of the large earcups and large 50mm drivers. The tuning for music is pretty even, with clear highs and mids, and a stable but not overpowering bass. The three included EQ settings will tweak that sound slightly, and the results should be pretty obvious based on the names. Bass Boost pushes the low end slightly (but not in an obnoxious or exaggerated way), Flat levels out the EQ completely, while Vocals props up the high mid/low high areas where vocals normally live.

Gaming sound is just as good, with the large drivers and HyperX’s self described studio-grade soundstage. This helps you to hear sounds that are coming from farther away more clearly. This is particularly helpful in FPS or other fast-paced games where an audio cue can make a major difference. I did find that I could hear approaching enemy footsteps very clearly in Overwatch, and even in games where situational or positional audio wasn’t quite as important, the large drivers provided a very “big” listening area with very clear audio.

The on-board controls allow for enhanced listening without any software to install. At most, you may need to point your computer or PS4 to use the Revolver S for its audio and microphone via settings, but there’s no other install necessary. The Dolby button opens everything up, from music to game to movies. It’s a simulated 7.1 surround obviously, but it provides a quality experience in headphone form.

Microphone/Voice Quality

The removable mic does bend relatively well, allowing you to position it as needed to best pick up your voice. I recorded a bit of test audio using the Revolver S and my voice sounded pretty fantastic, though that’s in a local setting and not exactly the headset’s intended purpose. I’m happy to say that results while gaming were also positive. My regular Overwatch crew told me that my voice was coming through loud and clear. You can easily mute the microphone via the large button on the USB Control Box, as well as adjust the mic volume using the dial on that same USB Control Box. Muting via keyboard or mouse shortcuts works just as well too though.

Price/Value

You can pick up the HyperX Cloud Revolver S gaming headset for $149.99 from most outlets. For the price you’re getting a very comfortable pair of over-ear headphones that provide huge sound for both gaming and non-gaming applications. The Dolby Surround Sound built in as well as the versatility of these headphones to work on multiple platforms definitely adds value as well.

Wrap Up

If you’re looking for a new pair of gaming headphones that don’t slouch outside of gaming, the HyperX Cloud Revolver S should be on your list. They’re comfortable, versatile, and put out a huge sound at a good price.

*We were sent a review sample of the HyperX Cloud Revolver S headphones for the purposes of this review.

Last Updated on November 19, 2017.