Just a few weeks after the real wireless headphones were shipped, the EPOS brand offered us to test their wraparound gaming headset. On paper, the H3 is characterized by deep bass and what its organizers call acoustic clarity, which promotes clear conversations between the players. Judge by pieces.
If the name of the company EPOS doesn’t say much despite our test of the GTW 270 Hybrid, that’s not entirely surprising. Well established in the clay business, it was briefly associated with another particularly well-known company, Sennheiser. EPOS has since made the decision to fly solo and therefore brings several products to market under its own brand. Of course the GTW 270 Hybrids and the H3 that we are testing today.
A Russian design malgr a micro-encombrant
The H3 is the first headset that has been developed and marketed since the separation from Sennheiser. It is also interesting that the EPOS designers obviously wanted to take a break. The H3 is a headset that clearly doesn’t look like the Sennheiser models, and at first glance, one longs for something lighter, less massive. Available in two colors – completely black or black and white – it is significantly less heavy than the products of the GSP series: Weighing less than 280 grams, it is a helmet that we will without hesitation qualify as light and even after long gaming sessions. it doesn’t weigh on the top of the head.
It should be noted from the outset that lightness is not the only factor that must be considered for the convenience of a headset. When EPOS has decided on an environmental model, it does so with small earphones: problem for many users, there is therefore a risk that the atria will come to rest in whole or in part on the pavilions of our ears. There are players who don’t care and others who are annoying: you see! However, we are aware that EPOS took care of the coating and padding of the various parts of its helmet. Of course, after only three weeks of testing the product, we cannot guarantee its durability over time.
Nevertheless, at no point did we have an uncomfortable feeling with this synthetic leather upholstery and relatively thick foams. At this level, it is good to emphasize that the central arch rests on a structure that appears to be metallic. It gives the product good general stability but is never too stiff. In fact, we can easily slip / remove the helmet without forcing it, and at the same time we enjoy good support once the box is on the skull. Of course, EPOS opted for a system of rulers with 10 levels to adjust the height of the atria, where incorrectly rotating hinges are used.
Compatible console
Wrong because we can’t go as far as we can with real hinges, but those few degrees of flapping can be enough to adjust things to your morphology and this is the most important one: the condition that you are comfortable on the side of the ears is that EPOS H3 is a convincing model at this level, especially since robustness seems to be required. One disadvantage: EPOS opted for a volume wheel that is attached to the side of the right ear. Firstly, we are not necessarily very used to this placement, but above all we fear a certain fragility at this level, which would definitely affect the helmet in the event of a technical problem.
Finally, let’s underline the lack of discretion of the microphone. Easily foldable, it breaks the general elegance of the product. Nevertheless, the result of around 120 dollars is interesting, especially since EPOS has managed to offer broad compatibility with its model, which can be used on PC, Mac, but also on almost any console, PlayStation (4 or 5), Xbox (One or). can be connected series) and switch. Finally, it is possible to connect it to a smartphone. We can count on two cables as accessories: a 2-meter model with two jack connections to separate the microphone / headphones and a 1.5-meter cable with a 4-point socket. This is the only accessory included.
Exclusively stereo for a good cause
However, some will point out that this analog connection is a bit out of style and they will regret the lack of a USB cable: we can’t have it all. In any case, it should be pointed out that wireless is not on the menu and that the H3 is content with a simple strophony that 7.1 space is not foreseen in the fashionable 7.1 space of the video game world. Before we turn to the subject of reproduction, we need to address one more point: even if the dial is at least set, the sound will not be cut off. It is certainly very weak, but not completely inaudible. We don’t see the why and the how, but it seems important to us to point it out.
The EPOS H3 are headphones that can be characterized just like Sennheiser products and offer an overall balanced sound. In our first tests we were even a little surprised to see that the bass is not overrepresented, we keep a certain neutrality. The promoters of H3 haven’t lied on one point though, the bass itself is a huge hit: they’re deep and well defined. Since the aim is not to overwrite the rest of the spectrum, the media can express themselves well and the voices in particular are pleasantly reproduced. Some will suggest that the low mids may be a little behind.
Some mistakes
You will be correct, but we prefer to dwell on the real flaw of this EPOS H3: the elevation rendering. We’re making good progress, nothing catastrophic at this level, but we are clearly feeling hollow like a deficiency and these highs seem less natural. The rendering of certain instruments can be disappointing, especially for a musical hearing. On the other hand, there is nothing to report and we do not regret the lack of 7.1 for a second: We are satisfied with a strophony that really delivers the essentials and offers a beautiful picture. In short, a headset for video games, but without exaggeration and ultimately even suitable for listening to music.
Note, however, that the real strength of this product lies in the direction of the microphone. As we said earlier, this is not logistical as EPOS did not consider it appropriate to make the microphone detachable or rollable. It rests on a flexible rod that can easily be folded down. On the other hand, the quality of the recording is remarkable: our voice is natural, very clear and even clear. This remains a $ 120 headset, but other than a faulty internet connection, your friends will never complain about your voice. Small downside: a tendency to pick up on ambient noise too, especially those that would come off the keyboard while playing on the PC.
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A SPECIAL MICRO-CAPTATION! For a first headset since he separated from Sennheiser, EPOS offers more than the essentials. Despite some reservations about the design of the microphone and the inability to remove it, the H3 is a sleek and fairly well thought out product. Its comfort depends a lot on the size of your ears and whether or not you can wear the auricles resting on the horns. The headphones’ good compatibility is a clear plus, as is the balance suggested in audio playback, despite a small weakness in the highs. Finally, the quality of the microphone is undoubtedly what could tip the scales in favor of the H3 if it is a purchase that is primarily intended to change, to discuss in class or after games. |
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