Sony pulse 3d wireless gaming headset review around the same time as the PS5 console’s release in late 2020, Sony also released the Pulse 3D wireless gaming headset. The mid-range headset quickly became a best-seller because it promised compatibility with Sony’s new Tempest 3D spatial audio format and ease of networking. Its aesthetic perfection in relation to the design of the PS5 only served to increase its success.
The Sony Pulse 3d Wireless Gaming Headset is still the top pick among wireless headphones for the majority of PlayStation gamers several years later. More games than ever support the PS5’s 3D audio technology, and Sony has released upgrades that expand the device’s usefulness. However, during that time, a number of other headsets at comparable prices have appeared on the market with features that seem to surpass those of the Pulse 3D. Some of these rivals provide multi-platform connectivity and better battery life. Gamers may then naturally ponder what makes Sony’s headset a better purchase than these other gadgets.
Sony Pulse 3d Wireless Gaming Headset Review
It stands to reason that gamers would want exclusive content created for PlayStation as the company maintains its exclusivity. With the Pulse 3D gaming headset, Sony responds to the demand for a strong device that works flawlessly with both the PS4 and the PS5.
Utilizing 3D Audio on the PS4 and PS5 is made possible by the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. Moving sound layers that shift positions in response to player movement are encountered by gamers in games. The Pulse 3D is offered in a variety of colors to match every gamer’s personal taste.
| Brand | PlayStation |
| Model Name | PULSE 3D |
| Color | White, Black |
| Form Factor | Over Ear |
| Product Dimensions | 8.66 x 5.12 x 8.86 inches |
It won’t take customers very long to discover what’s inside the Sony Pulse 3D’s quite small blue and white box. Owners will find the headset itself, a USB-C charging cable, a wireless receiver, a 3.5 mm analog audio cable, and a quick start instructions in the straightforward package that Sony uses.
Both style and comfort
There are three different color options for the Pulse 3D, including the Midnight Black seen above, White, and Gray Camouflage. The all-black model is ideal for blending in with other PC gaming accessories, but the white model best captures the PS5 console’s minimalist look. It is not surprising that the Pulse 3D is primarily made of plastic given its affordable price. The Pulse 3D weighs only 292 grams, or 10.3 ounces, but more expensive headsets, such the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro, include a steel frame or headband.
The more rounded-than-oval Pulse 3D earpads don’t provide the most sumptuous padding for your ears, but they are still cozy enough for moderately long gaming sessions. My earlobes occasionally started to rebel after wearing them for longer than 2-3 hours, necessitating the need for me to adjust the headset. There aren’t many ways for an owner to customize the headset’s fit; instead, a flexible rubber headband handles most of the job. Fortunately, Sony’s one-size-fits-all strategy appears to be effective because even customers with larger heads report no significant comfort difficulties with the Pulse 3D.
It’s astonishing that the Pulse 3D can accommodate such a vast audience considering that the earcups don’t even swivel remotely. The Pulse 3D has two internal noise-cancelling microphones in place of an external boom microphone. The wireless headset’s more streamlined appearance is a result of this design decision, but the absence of rotating earcups makes it more difficult to store or transport.
Despite how easy the Pulse 3D is to wear, there are a lot of controls on the left earcup that a beginner may find confusing. I didn’t find it particularly convenient to use the power switch while wearing the headset, which is located on the bottom of the earcup. At the very least, it is sufficiently apart from the other buttons to make it nearly hard to unintentionally turn off the device when playing a game.
An analog audio connector is located higher on the earcup and enables a wired connection to sources, something that the official Microsoft Wireless Xbox headset does not. The Pulse 3D may be recharged via a USB-C port located above this one, which also enables a USB audio connection to the PS5. A microphone mute button is located next to it. The chat/game mix controls on the top of the earcup can be mistaken for the rocker switch that controls the headset volume, at least at first. The monitor option, which enables users to hear their own voices as they are being captured by the mics, is the last feature.
Configuration and Setup
The Pulse 3D doesn’t require any complicated software to configure settings because it is a wireless headset made for a console. It is quite easy to use the device for the first time after inserting in the USB wifi adapter. The PS5 should switch sound devices to the Pulse 3D automatically after turning on the headset, so players don’t have to do anything to make this happen. The headset’s battery level is displayed at the bottom of the screen when the PS button on the controller is pressed. Otherwise, pressing the physical chat and volume-down buttons simultaneously will cause a sequence of beeps and an LED indication to let users know how much battery is left in the headset.
Sony does offer some fine-tuning for the 3D audio effects because not everyone has ears that are the same shape or perceive sounds in the same way. The PS5’s sound settings allow users to select from 5 different height levels that change where the spatial sounds are located. I did not spend a lot of time considering changing the height because I thought the default setting sounded the most accurate. In case the spatial audio sounds too unusual to utilize while gaming, Sony now provides listeners with the option to compare sound effects with Tempest 3D Audio turned on or off.
The headset appears in the sound settings of a Windows PC when the Pulse 3D and its USB dongle are connected. Although the Pulse 3D won’t offer real surround sound, users can actually enable Windows Sonic or Atmos if the app is acquired from Dolby if you look into the device’s options.
Sony provided some more precise EQ settings for the headset in a PS5 update after the Pulse 3D was released. Listeners may now choose from a variety of profiles that are tailored to specific game genres, such as shooters, or options that let them alter the bass and treble sliders while viewing movies or listening to music.
Sound Performance and Quality
I was pleased with the audio in every game I tested using the Pulse 3D, which is a simple plug-and-play headset for PlayStation consoles at a mid-range price. The wireless headset’s compatibility for Tempest 3D audio is without a doubt its biggest selling feature. Other headsets, like the similarly priced Razer Barracuda X, can benefit from this spatial audio as well. However, the Pulse 3D is obviously designed to make the most of the technology with little hassle right out of the box.
I immediately pulled my preferred vehicle out of the garage in Gran Turismo 7 and headed to the track to explore what Tempest 3D could do to enhance the gameplay experience. My hopes were naturally high because earlier this year, Sony released an update that improved the game’s 3D audio and turned on VR functionality. I was able to distinguish the differences in surfaces when racing alone, especially when my errant driving landed me onto grass and mud. Gran Turismo 7’s audio performance especially shines when the player is surrounded by other vehicles. It is undoubtedly a good bonus to be able to determine the precise placement of competing racers without switching screens.
After using the Sony Pulse 3D for several months, I can say that it basically achieves its major objectives of being simple to use and optimizing Tempest 3D audio. Gamers can easily pair the headset to a PlayStation console without making the compromises associated with using other multi-platform devices, despite having to deal with yet another wireless dongle. The software that comes with the Pulse 3D for consoles makes it simple to change positional audio settings and choose from fine-tuned EQ presets.
While not the most comfortable headset available, the Pulse 3D is incredibly light and adapts to a variety of head sizes and shapes. Despite being made of plastic, the headset exhibits little damage even after frequent use. On the other hand, the headset’s small design has several downsides, including twin internal mics that cannot replace external noise-isolating mics. Additionally, the 292-gram weight is most likely only made possible by the device’s 12 hour battery life, which is below average.
Although the Pulse 3D isn’t the ideal wireless gaming headset, players won’t find a better visual match for their PlayStation console and preferred accessories. The accessory offers a reasonably priced and hassle-free solution to enjoy the PS5’s spatial audio while playing an ever-increasing number of 3D audio-compatible games.
Sony Pulse 3d Wireless Gaming Headset
- It stands to reason that gamers would want exclusive content created for PlayStation as the company maintains its exclusivity. With the Pulse 3D gaming headset, Sony responds to the demand for a strong device that works flawlessly with both the PS4 and the PS5.
- Utilizing 3D Audio on the PS4 and PS5 is made possible by the Sony Pulse 3D Wireless Headset. Moving sound layers that shift positions in response to player movement are encountered by gamers in games. The Pulse 3D is offered in a variety of colours to match every gamer’s personal taste.