HyperX
HyperX Cloud Mix: the two-in-one gaming headset
Aprox. 149€ - see price -
After many models of gaming headsets, HyperX arrives with the Cloud Mix: a wired / Bluetooth hybrid product seeking to satisfy players looking for a single headset suitable for both gaming and mobile listening.
Our review
Presentation
Launched at € 200, the Cloud Mix is the first headset from the manufacturer to integrate wireless connection via Bluetooth. It promises to be both efficient in play and in portable listening. It is not the first gaming product to boast of such a feat since it was preceded by the RIG 600, completely wired, or more recently by the Audeze Mobius, in a completely different price range. We also think of the Arctis 3 Bluetooth, which combines the two connections, but which is thought above all to be used with the Nintendo Switch.
Ergonomics
HyperX has not broken its head to conceive a whole new design with this Cloud Mix. This one is very close to other Clouds. That said, the manufacturer has made sure to maximize discretion while maintaining a certain quality of manufacture. The outer surface of the circumaural shells seems a little flatter. It is covered with a metal surface combined with another in soft-touch plastic (the one that goes around all the hulls). They do not particularly retain fingerprints, which is significant.
We still find the metal hoop, some plastic parts, the visible cables and the leatherette pads. The assembly marks are relatively invisible and the manufacturing is neat. The weight is relatively contained (about 266 grams) and the helmet withstands a few twists without flinching. A flexible fabric carrying pouch is provided.
The Cloud Mix is up to the challenge in terms of comfort, without being extraordinary. Let's say that it is placed at the top of the basket of gaming headsets and in the average high of mobile headsets. Overall, it is comfortable to wear. It is placed naturally and easily on the head. Deployment of the roll bar is sufficient for the majority of head sizes to be a minimum comfortable (approximately 33 to 43 cm when measuring from ear to ear, passing through the top of the head), even if, to really quibble, one or two additional centimeters would not have been too much for larger people. There is no exaggerated clamp effect.
The pads offer a soft contact and a good insulation / ventilation ratio for the game. The pressure points are well distributed at the level of the headband, a little less for the ear cups. The memory foam is certainly thick and it hugs the shapes of the skull, but we still feel a little too much pressure points, again if you have a large head. There is also a very small lack of space to house its pavilions, nothing unacceptable, however. Note that a few weeks of intensive use soften the imitation leather, thereby significantly improving comfort. To quickly return to passive isolation, do not expect to cut yourself off from surrounding noise, especially in the case of listening on the move in a noisy environment. With a generous, but nevertheless reasonable, listening volume, you can still hear some engine noises and bits of conversation nearby.
In terms of use and functionality, the Cloud Mix does not make a fuss. It is connected wirelessly via Bluetooth 4.2 (aptX and SBC codecs supported, no multipoint connection) and wired via cable and 3.5 mm mini-jack input. Pairing is done quickly and easily, even without an NFC chip. Numerous voice aids (in English only) and a led are integrated to guide the user as well as possible. One of them also gives an indication of the remaining battery level each time the power is turned on. All basic commands are accessible via the 4 buttons scattered over the headphones: music playback, calls and navigation between tracks are managed via the multifunction button on the left, listening volume management, Pairing and switching on / off is done using the three buttons on the right. The controls are responsive and easily accessible with the thumb of each hand. No software is provided with the Cloud Mix. In short, simple and effective.
In wired use, and therefore passive (the headphones turn off when you plug in the cable or the microphone), the available commands are especially thought for gaming. No multifunction button therefore, only a volume control wheel and a switch to activate / deactivate the microphone. The main cable ends with a 3.5 mm 4-pin mini-jack connector for connection to a game controller, a laptop or a Nintendo Switch, for example. A relatively long 3.5mm mini-jack Y adapter (2m, for a total of 3.5m with the base cable) is provided for connection to a computer. The autonomy promised in wireless is 20 hours, a value that we were able to verify many times during our test period. We have even occasionally exceeded it by an hour.
The Cloud Mix is very strong when it comes to managing communication latency via Bluetooth (only around 35 ms delay). This feat, which we most certainly owe to aptX LL, offers real comfort of use on compatible devices. The offset remains sufficiently contained on other devices to comfortably view videos.
Audio
The acoustic design of the Cloud Mix takes up the idea of the Cloud Alpha, namely the use of two isolated acoustic chambers placed behind each speaker (one for low frequencies and another for mid / treble). One would therefore have thought that the listening experience would be very close between the two models. This is not really the case.
Measurement of the frequency response of the Cloud MIX in wired use (left) and in wireless use (right). There is a slight difference in sound rendering between the two connection means, especially on the second part of the spectrum. The feeling of presence even further back in wire.
The sound performance of the Cloud Mix is good, but unfortunately not as much as that of its cousin, the Cloud Alpha. The difference in size of the speakers must certainly play a significant role (40 mm for the Mix, 50 mm for the Alpha). We find a sound signature closer to that of the first Cloud of the name in the first part of the spectrum. The bass is well defined and balanced, although a little soft (the attacks are well marked, but the membranes take a little time before being properly replaced). The seat is good, the timbres are well respected, we feel the impact and the depth of the bass, even if we have known more impressive on this last point. This impression is especially valid in a relatively quiet place. Otherwise, some surrounding noise (engine sounds, traffic and other sounds loaded in the low frequencies) will come to mask gently, but surely the sound rendering because of the somewhat fair insulation of the headphones. The only solution will be to increase the listening volume if you want to be properly immersed; be careful to stay reasonable.
The reproduction of the mids is after all correct, but still less balanced and precise than what the headphones offer in the low frequencies. It is especially at the level of the high mids that the shoe pinches. The Cloud Mix is not immune to the disease of gaming headsets and suffers from a significant deficiency in this area. The result is always the same, that is, the sound is as soft as it is dull. The sound presence is clearly behind. Difficulty under these conditions to locate and instantly distinguish sources in the foreground from those a little more distant. Fortunately, the voices are still very intelligible. There is not much to say about the reproduction of the treble, however. The Cloud Mix does honor to its counterparts by displaying a beautiful extension in the highest frequencies. The treble is full and homogeneous. No whistling or sibilance disturbs the listening. If one encounters some difficulties to analyze the scene precisely on the plane of the depth (in particular on the very foreground because of the problem mentioned above), it is not nothing in width.
Harmonic Distortion Rate Measurement: wired on the left, Bluetooth on the right
Nothing to say about the distortion, which remains perfectly calm over the entire spectrum in wired use. It goes back very subtly in wireless use via Bluetooth while remaining below a perfectly acceptable threshold. Finally, note that thanks to its very good sensitivity, the Cloud Mix can be powered without any concern by the vast majority of reading devices (it requires 93 mVrms to reach 94 dB SPL).
Microphone
Because of its initial promise, the Cloud Mix is supplied with two microphones: a detachable gooseneck microphone, more suitable for gaming, and a microphone housed in the cable remote control, suitable above all for mobile listening. It is however possible to use the first on the move and the second for the game.
The micro swan neck fulfills its contract with flying colors. It is very easy to place and delivers an excellent quality of capture. The signal is very clean and sufficiently strong, no need to give an additional boost. The timbre of the voice is very well respected, its intelligibility is ensured in all circumstances. The microphone is not particularly sensitive to plosives ("p" sounds) and sibilants ("s" or "f 'sounds). The icing on the cake: the particularly tight directivity of the microphone very well isolates the voice from surrounding noises; enough to communicate in excellent conditions.
The microphone on board the helmet obviously does not shine as much as its swan neck buddy. However, it does the job in the vast majority of cases, if not perhaps in the noisiest places (public transport, street with very heavy traffic ...) or when there is a lot of wind. In these cases, it is better to switch to the smartphone so that the voice is a minimum intelligible.
Conclusion
HyperX has gone to the basics to adapt its Cloud to mobile wireless listening. The Cloud Mix fulfills its mission very well in both types of use, no more no less. Users eager for functionality or better sound performance will have to opt for two different models (one for each use), because there is, for the moment, no real alternative below the 200 € mark. If you have no budget limit, you will certainly opt for the Mobius.
Reviews
Loved the original Hyperx cloud, wish I could love these.
I loved these. They sound fantastic, more bass than I would have expected, but that's fine. The Bluetooth works well for listening to music on your phone, beyond that I didn't test them
The ear cups are a little on the small size, they might not fit bigger ears, mine are average and they are borderline. The rest pads are nice and cushy.
So why would I give these a one star review? I bought these for one specific reason, the reason anyone would buy a gaming headset for instead of buying good headphones and a separate mic; they have a built in mic. The mic, which sounds fine, has cross talk with the drivers. What does that mean? It means people I game with hear what's coming through the headphones. They can hear the music I'm playing, the explosions in Battlefield, the chimes from Windows alerts. That just is not acceptable in a mic. And this was true of two headsets, I returned the first, got a second pair, same issue. And it's not the mic itself, it's an internal problem with the headset, I say this because I can unplug the mic from the headset and the issue persists.
Sorry HyperX, but this is the last purchase I make of your headsets. I say that because reading reviews of your other headsets, such as the cloud alpha, and I've seen similar complaints.
One pair to rule them all.
This is my first set of wireless headphones, and I bought them with some trepidation. The optional wire helped me hedge my bets. The advertised frequency response was the broadest of any headset I looked at. I'm coming from a pair of HyperX Cloud II that lasted a solid three years. I've only had them for a few days, but they feel like good quality. My previous experience with HyperX headphones has been good. $ 200 is pretty steep, but I bought them to use for everything: gaming, music, listening to podcasts, phone and video calls, and traveling.
Pros:
* Excellent sound
* Feels like good quality
* Light for this quality and features
* Easy controls
* Easy Bluetooth setup
* Good wireless range
* Good battery life
* Built in microphone
* Detachable boom microphone
* Detachable wire
* Not compact, but can be stripped down for travel
* Good for everything
* Comfortable to wear for hours
* USB charging
Cons:
* $ 200 price
* No Bluetooth disconnect on the headphones
Opinion
* More closed than I'd like
* A little tight
* USB-C charging would be preferred
Sound quality is extremely important to me, and the sound is excellent. Better than my previous HyperX Cloud II. Very crisp. Good bass. As advertised, the frequency response is very wide. While they're more closed than I'd like, I can pick up on more nuance. The closed sound also blocks outside noise making it easier to listen while doing chores or in noisy environments.
I find them a little tight on my head, but they're quite comfortable for wearing all day. They sit well on the head and around the neck. Padding is good. While they're by no means light, for their quality and feature set they're light.
The optional wire is an attractive feature. Nearly every pair of headphones I've ever had has failed at the headphone jack, being able to replace the wire should increase the life of the headphones. My gaming PC does not have Bluetooth, so I can use the wire and not worry about delay while playing games. It comes with both a 3.5 "headphone jack, and a splitter for PCs.
Bluetooth wireless was easy to setup on my Android phone and Macbook. The wireless freedom has been excellent, I can set music or podcasts going on my phone and forget about it. No wires to get in the way. Good range means I can go to adjacent rooms and still listen. There's a handful of controls on the headphones: volume, power, and a do-everything button. The volume and do-everything buttons are decently textured and easy to find by touch. The power button is recessed to avoid accidentally pushing it, but easy to use when you intend to. The do-everything button is straightforward. It can pause and unpause, skip to the previous or next track, answer or hangup on calls, and bring up a voice assistant. My only complaint is there's no way to disconnect from a device on the headphones, I must do it from the device; this makes switching between a phone and a computer a little more involved.
Charging is easy, micro-USB. USB-C would be a nice feature, everything else I have is moving to USB-C. Battery life has been excellent so far, I use them all day with no concerns.
While they're by no means compact, they can be stripped down for traveling by removing the wire and boom mic. The built in microphone works fine while traveling. USB charging and long battery life means it needs no special cables. It comes with a nice bag to protect them.
There's a very small LED to show status. Blue for normal. Red for charging. It blinks occasionally. In normal light this is fine, but I woke up one night to find my bedroom crazily lit by blue flashes wondering if the police were outside. It was the status LED. You might want to put some tape over it.
Good audio, mic not so much.
This headset is good for audio. That's it. Out of $ 200 because the mic decides to pick up game chat (mostly when my xbox party is talking) through the head phones, creating an echo. This is even when volume is substantially low, and mic sensitivity is on 1 out of 10 on Xbox. Only way ot doesnt echo, is with no game volume on at all, and master volume on like 25%.
Please be mindful, I have ALREADY warrantied the original pair from Amazon from hyper x. Even with the new pair, it still does it. Tired of this headset, frustrated, more than likely will not buy another hyper x product.
Long Charge, Comfort Fit, Quality Base.
I upgraded from the Cloud 2 to the Mix.
Pros:
- Great charge. I listen 8+ hours a day, can go multiple days without charging.
- Fit is just like the Cloud 2.
- Lightweight and durable.
- Built in Microphone has a surprisingly good quality. (Even better than detachable on IMO)
Cons:
- Physically plugged in has slightly better sound quality.
- $ 100 more for Bluetooth capabilities and built in Mic compared to the Cloud 2.
Summary:
I would highly recommend the Mix if you are willing to spend the extra cash.
However, it's hard to justify the price point for some.
Wait for this to be on sale
Pros:
Both bluetooth and boom mic sound great
Warm sound signature with perfect amount of bass (I prefer this over cans with flat sound signature)
Cons:
Price - DON'T pay full price for these, wait for them to go on sale
Built-in bluetooth mic only works when in bluetooth mode
Cups don't fold inward for hanging around your neck
Periodic static sound when using for phone calls in bluetooth mode
Dropped one star due to the inflated MSRP and periodic static issue in bluetooth mode when making calls. Not sure if it's just a bad set that I received as I saw no mention of any static issues in the several reviews I looked at before buying these. I use these for work and take a lot of calls, so maybe the reviewers didn't notice in the limited testing with actual phone calls. Some calls sound fine while others are crackly. No issues in wired mode though. I really wish the ear cups folded inward, but I knew they didn't before buying.
Bad surrounding
I bought hyperx revolver s long time ago i thought this will be better than that but ibtried it in pubg mobile on my asus rog ..worst surround experience ever the revolver s way way way better and cheaper ...