Razer - BlackShark V2

Sound quality is decent on the BlackShark V2, but I have to warn that the cable's quality is abysmal. I've only had one for about 6 months and I've had to tape 4 different parts of the cord where it was naturally tearing on its own. This is in contrast to my HyperX Cloud II that I used for about 4+ years with no issues.

For me, the only thing that really matters in headphones, is a good [frequency response](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tests/sound-quality/raw-frequency-response). I have [Blackshark V2](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2) (got it with 30% discount), and overall its good for that price. However, this THX thing sounds horrible and I turned it off immediately after testing it in "*THX-certified*" games. And Razer software tends to get worse and worse over time, here is the volume control issue from the latest driver version: [https://insider.razer.com/razer-support-45/windows-app-volume-control-not-working-after-synapse-update-58009](https://insider.razer.com/razer-support-45/windows-app-volume-control-not-working-after-synapse-update-58009) Microphone is okay, but definitely not great. As for Blackshark V2 X, it's sound quality looks considerably worse compared to normal V2: [https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2-x](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2-x)

I've noticed that sometimes the microphone starts to run with default configuration rather than with settings I've configured in Razer Synapse. After I re-import and apply my settings profile, microphone is back to normal. Raw mic sound quality sucks without software enhancements.

For me, the only thing that really matters in headphones, is a good [frequency response](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/tests/sound-quality/raw-frequency-response). I have [Blackshark V2](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2) (got it with 30% discount), and overall its good for that price. However, this THX thing sounds horrible and I turned it off immediately after testing it in "*THX-certified*" games. And Razer software tends to get worse and worse over time, here is the volume control issue from the latest driver version: [https://insider.razer.com/razer-support-45/windows-app-volume-control-not-working-after-synapse-update-58009](https://insider.razer.com/razer-support-45/windows-app-volume-control-not-working-after-synapse-update-58009) Microphone is okay, but definitely not great. As for Blackshark V2 X, it's sound quality looks considerably worse compared to normal V2: [https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2-x](https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/razer/blackshark-v2-x)

Always try to go for the xbox wireless first. I couldn't get one because they were all sold out so I got a Razer Blackshark V2 and has worked perfectly.

Personally, I stopped using "gaming headsets" a while ago. Over the years, I've tried various ones (Razer BlackShark V2, HyperX Cloud (can't remember the exact model), SteelSeries Arctis 7) and concluded that they all have terrible sound quality and are uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. Pretty much the only time I used them was when I needed the mic for voice communication. Outside of that, I've been using an AKG K7xx and Sennheiser HD6xx, both from Massdrop, with an external USB DAC and amplifier - in my case, an O2+ODAC and an SDAC - also both from Massdrop. Both of these work fine both in Linux and Windows. A year ago or so, I got a desk microphone (Elgato Wave:3) for voice communications so I wouldn't have to use the horrible gaming headsets at all anymore. Currently using the Elgato Wave:3 as well as a Fifine AM8 (in two different locations), and both work fine with Linux as well. If I was to personally recommend something, it would be to get a decent headphone, such as Sennheiser HD6xx (or HD650, which is almost the same but probably easier to get if Massdrop isn't currently selling HD6xx) and DAC+amplifier, and a desk microphone for voice communication if needed. It'll be a bit more expensive than a gaming headset, and not wireless, but the difference in comfort and audio quality is massive.

Razer BlackShark V2 is affordable and pretty decent. Sound quality is good, but not as good as Bose QuietComforts, which are not as good as more expensive audiophile-ish headphones I have. The mic on the BlackShark V2 is easily removable if you are not using it, which might be a good feature for you if you don't use it often. It was a former Wirecutter pick. They still recommend it but now prefer the newer "HyperX Cloud Stinger 2" or "HyperX Cloud III Wireless". https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-gaming-headset/ Remember that wireless headphones are not BIFL because they have internal batteries that will die someday. However, if a headphone is popular enough (like Bose) there will be plenty of replacement guides and 3rd-party batteries.

I quite like my Razer Blackshark v2. No silly gamery branding or green razor colors on it, good detachable and bendable mic, and comfortable to wear for a long time. The Razor software sucks so much ass though.

I prefer the wiree razar black shark v2 they are sooo amazing and the sound quality is by far the best out of the 10 headsets I tried and returned..

I really like the black shark V2

Razor black shark v2, cheap reliable and has Spatial Audio

Just came here after mine broke. Was literally just taking it off and it shattered into 10 pieces. Only had it 11 months. Never had another headset do this.

don't recommend Razer BlackShark V2 to anyone. It broke within the first 3 months. Plastic is really cheap and has low quality, literally breaking into pieces like a loaf of dried bread. I treat my stuff very gently and carefully, I never dropped or twisted it, but it broke. As somepne with razer keyboard, mouse and even mouse pad I'm telling you, Don't buy Razer products ever again!

I expected the Razer Blackshark V2 to be much higher. I've got that one and the sound is pretty awesome. It's even a bit better than Hyperx Cloud 2, which my GF owns (has been mine before)

The Razer BlackShark V2 is horrendous mic quality, no one can hear me in games or on discord. Updated drivers, altering settings, nothing made that microphone pickup voice.

I really like the Razer Blackshark V2, on sale on Amazon for @ $90 right now. Great sound and lightweight

I don't know anything about the headphones you mentioned, but I do know for roughly $30 more than the Corsairs, there's the Razer Blackshark V2's. My favorite feature of them is the volume knob on the side, so you can always adjust volume on the fly. The convenience of that alone feels worth it to me. I've had my set for nearly 2 years, and they are holding up great and still sound phenomenal. I'm also a musician, so I will concur with the other commentor that using an audio interface setup with just a set of studio music headphones and a separate microphone is the best way to go. But that's your choice, and that can be just as expensive if not more in my opinion if you're wanting the mic and playing with others and/or streaming. One thing you'll want to be sure and do, though, even with your current set of headphones, is that on your PC, and this is for Windows 11, you should go to Settings > System > Sound > All Sound Devices, and find your set of headphones. Click on the headphones, and it should bring up many different options. Make sure the format is a 2 channel option at 24 bit (Studio Quality). I just checked mine and I've had it on 96000 Hz and it's been great, but I bumped it up to 192000 Hz and that should be even better. This paired with the Dolby Atmos spacial sound setting (what I have, but any other might suffice as well) at the bottom of the same page, and I've had the best sound I've ever had across all games. You have to make a one-time purchase of Dolby Atmos (I think I paid around $10), but if that fixes your sound and you don't even need a new set of headphones, that might be the way to go for you. Also, in your Quake Champions audio settings, my speaker configuration is set to 7.1 surround, which sounds great for me, and I would imagine if you do the other things I suggest and make sure that setting is on too, you should be ready to rock and roll. I can definitely hear people strafe jumping from quite a far distance through walls and stuff. I have been very happy with my footstep audio in every game with this setup. For something like PUBG, for instance, I can tell exactly where a bullet is shot from and flick right to that direction. I was never able to accomplish this without changing that format hz rate setting in my headphones properties, and enabling spacial sound. But alas, I'm rambling far too much. Sorry for the length of this, but I hope you read it and try it out and it helps!! :)

I'm happy to hear someone else thinks so lol I had a pair of Hyper X's Cloud 2's before, and they were alright... but nothing compared to the blacksharks. It's honestly the only actual gaming headset I've truly loved and would buy again

Also, the mic sounds really good according to everyone else I game with on the V2's. You might have to adjust some settings there as well for microphone output depending on the application you are running. Lemme know if you have any issues there and I'm more than happy to look into it and help :)

Have you tried the Razer BlackShark V2 Gaming Headset... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PKMZ1Q I have the wired version and I plug them directly into my controller. They feel pretty roomy in the ear cups to me.

Went from a blackshark v2 to a pcx38 and wow the blackshark was absolutely sbit for the 100$ I paid yrs back tho this one set me back 275$ cad usa prices it's like 170. But for a sennheiserheadset it's insane it is a open back tho

All I know is that my ~$100 Razer Blacksharks are about as shitty as my mates ~$200 Logitech. Both sets are fine for gaming, but not an inch more. 

Blackshark V2 is the one you want. The Kraken fits quite snug. Also, ignore the morons. Razer headphones have been decent ever since they introduced the triforce drivers. They're not mind-blowing, but they're definitely serviceable with a lot of gaming convenience (built in mic, volume control, mic mute button etc). I have a Sennheiser setup specifically for music consumption. For gaming, nothing beats a good pair of gaming headphones.

Basement dwellers looking for validation and a nice dose of cheap dopamine hit. I'm an engineer myself (not audio tho, but I do know a bit), tried so many headphones I lost count, co-designed and built my own home theater. So I actually do know a little bit about Audio. The main issue with Razer headphones nowadays is the built quality. Make sure you buy locally that will handle RMA process for you. I myself had 3 Razer headphones, and none of them broke prematurely. But I've seen complaints going around. My friend just got a pair of Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed and he is extremely happy with it.

on my main gaming setup i have hd560s, but on the simrig i use my old blackshark v2 just because those are the only other headphones i have that dont completely suck (never managed to sell them so it kinda worked out lol). Would obviously prefer something more high end but dont wanna spend money on it yet.

Blackshark v2

Well, what you also need to consider is not many people care about all that. And yes, for most solutions you do need an amp/dac. Sure there are 80 ohm headsets that can be run straight from the onboard sound, but if you really want to experience the sound Sennheiser/Beyerdymamic/AT, etc. are known for you’re going to need a dac/amp because most require 120+ ohms which a motherboard just cannot push. Personally I agree with going the non-gaming route, because after these two headers I’m gonna invest in a pair of DT770’s, and still researching amp/dac, and I’m not going to bother with a mic since I don’t chat with people online. But for most folks who want plug and play, gaming headsets, namely ones like the HyperX Cloud 3, Razer Blackshark, or other solutions $120 are the best value for their needs. There’s them the more expensive solutions that are tuned specifically for what people need from a gaming headset. Sure, they’re not going to match the overall quality HD600’s, or DT770/990’s, but they’re also not just RGB plastic junk either.

Get a used/refurbished (Or new, but refurbished will be the same for cheaper) BLACKSHARK V2 (NOT X) It lasts forever! I have had mine for over 2 years and it still is practically brand new and I got it for ~$35 at the time. If you get it used look up how to remove the earpads and clean them well.

I have seen some suggestions in the comments like Astro A50X, Nova Pro, Maxwells, etc. Currently, I have a 2020 blackshark, and personally I'm looking to get a pair of 6xx for music and single player titles, but they are not available in Europe. For wireless at the moment, the single "Cheap" ones that it took my eyes are the Turtle Beach Atlas Air, but I will have to look more in to them. Maybe for wireless you can try Turtle beach stealth pro or Master & Dynamic MG20 or Logitech G PRO X 2 Light speed wireless. I had the maxwells in the past and I went true 3 pairs of them from 10th May 2024 until 23 July 2024 (Yeah 74 days) tow of them Diaphragm damage and one of them factory defect (At least after the 3rd pair I got my money back) to be honest they are incredible at sound, I loved them, but the quality on the Drivers are bad, and I have seen a lot of people complaining about them.

I am on this thread because I own blackshark v2s. I have had two pairs of these and it only takes a couple months for the cord to become terrible. I do not recommend these, you eventually start only being able to hear out of one ear and you have to jimmy the cord around until it sounds ok.

Razer Black Shark v2 (wired) user here. Been using them for like 6 years daily, still looking new. The sound quality is great and low weight.

koss 30ikph for music, drop PC38x for gaming and most of the time for office work razer blackshark wired for the comfort and excellent microphone

i’ve had mine since 2022 and zero issues. i don’t abuse my headset, but ive dropped it probably 5+ times per year

I'm kinda happy with my razer blackshark V2, most comfortable headset I've ever owned and I like the audio features it has in some games, playing like counter strike I can even estimate the distance of other players based on the sound as I use like a THX environmental mode profile, it's spatial so I hear if someone is also above me or under me.

I bought the razer v2 but I didn’t like the fit and it sounds worse than my xm4 and now I’m just waiting for the cloud 2 but if they sound the same as razer then I will just buy a vmoda mic for my xm4

HyperX Cloud II, Logitech G Pro X, Razer Blackshark any of them, there are some higher quality ones listed in this thread but those are my personal picks

Omg, i got the headset a few days ago and I have been so dissapointed with the sound, like you mentioning the bass is absolutely to strong and the sound quality is garbage, cant wait to try this tutorial out, thanks! I was just about to go and return it and go back to a Razer blackshark which I had prior to getting this!

Razer blackshark

I love it

Disconnection? Never had that problem.

For razer I was thinking more about the Blackshark headsets otherwise I tend to agree with you... I'm using an HyperX right now and I'm very happy but for the too long cable 🤣 I'm searching for a wireless headset

Will you be on camera or no? If you're not on camera, gaming headsets are the best bang for your buck. If you are, I think it looks a touch unprofessional and might opt for something else. I use a Razer Blackshark for my gaming headset and it is great if you don't mind the look of the mic boom.

Razer Blackshark is very comfortable.