PlayStation is creating one of the most impressive hardware ecosystems in recent generations. From devices like the PlayStation Portal to a good selection of audio devices. In this last segment, the company acquired one of the most acclaimed sound manufacturers on the market in 2023: Audeze. And finally we have the result: the new PlayStation Pulse Elite, headphones that, as we already told you, are the best available today for the PlayStation. And for what it is not PlayStation.
Although officially the PlayStation Pulse Elite do not have anywhere that they are the result of the purchase of Audeze, the truth is that just knowing that they have Planar drivers already gives us clues as to where the shots are going. Until the arrival of the Elite, the truth is that the best gaming headphones one could buy, and the absolute reference for this task was the Audeze Maxwel.
Pulse Elite
Enjoy a quality connection thanks to the ultra-low wireless latency of PlayStation Link for your PS5 console, PC, Mac and PlayStation Portal remote gaming device
The only “problem” is that the price of the latter doubles that of the Elite, which is why the launch of the PlayStation headphones represents a blow to the gaming table. Today, there are only a few headphones that surpass them in terms of comfort and audio quality in depending on situations, the Logitech Astro G A50X and the aforementioned Maxwell. Both far exceed 300 dollars, and only the first is compatible with the PS5 game/chat mix.
For $150, the PlayStation Pulse Elite features some of Audeze’s best technology, incredible audio quality, and impeccable PlayStation integration. Although they bear the seal of the new PlayStation Link technology to connect them directly to Portal, They are fully compatible with PC, Mac or even the Switch using the included adapter. And the fundamental part of these PlayStation Pulse Elite lies in that adapter: it offers ultra-fast connection with the headphones, and most importantly: it transmits audio without loss. In addition, they are Bluetooth, and this is simultaneous: you can connect it to the mobile phone and the PS5 at the same time and listen to audio simultaneously, even voice calls.
Outstanding audio quality for gaming
The audio quality is excellent, although a warning to boaters: the Pulse Elite, like the Maxwel and the Planar magnetic driver headphones, offer a much less dark sound than other types of headphones: the bass and bass are less pronounced, and The treble stands out quite a bit, so if you are coming from headphones with powerful bass, you will need some time to adapt.
Making this clear, in the Pulse Elite it stands out especially the detail in almost all its frequencies, which means that they offer a lot of clarity in positional and 3D audio, which makes them ideal for video games. And it is especially noticeable in shooting games, like Warzone or Apex, which despite the fact that their audio engines are nothing special, they allow you to guess the positioning of enemies quite accurately.
However, they need a little equalization touch-up. This is a very personal section, but if you don’t know where to start, try raising the bass a couple of dB and lowering the treble a couple of points. If you use the PS5, you can do it from the built-in EQ, which by the way records the EQ in the headphones and is maintained in other devices. If you are going to use them on PC and you don’t have a PS5 to do the EQ, you will have to resort to solutions like APO EQ or apps like Sonar.
Pulse Elite: excellent value for money
Another important point is that the Pulse Elite do not have ANC, however, but the size and thickness of the earpads are more than enough to isolate environmental noise. However, its design, and more specifically, its materials, despite being especially comfortable, make noise when you move your head, especially if they are “big” for you. so some users will not like it. They are completely made of plastic, and although they seem quite durable and will hold up well over time, the truth is that sometimes the rubbing of their materials gives the impression that they are less premium than they seem. This is a very personal opinion, but the truth is that it does not happen to the same level with headphones. cheap de PlayStation, los Pulse 3D.
Where it does have noise cancellation is the microphone, which by the way is retractable and works both folded and hidden and integrates the power button. mute. It works automatically, and does an impressive job of canceling ambient noise that can sneak through the microphone. It has quite a bit of quality, much more so if you use it near your mouth than stored away, and it is more than enough for any day of gaming with friends.
And a few more buttons. In addition to the microphone mute, the Pulse Elite also includes volume control and a button that functions as on/off, PS Link, synchronization, Bluetooth or even quick access to PS5 audio settings with triple click
Regarding its autonomy, it promises 30 hours of battery life, but it will depend a lot on whether you have it connected to Bluetooth, and the volume you use it. In our tests, the duration has been quite uneven, but always closer to the promised autonomy than to a lower one. Anyway, it’s not a problem: The Pulse Elite have fast charging, and with a 10-minute charge we will have another 2 hours of autonomy.
PlayStation Pulse Elite, are they worth it?
In terms of quality and price, the PlayStation Pulse Elite They are the best headphones you can buy if you have a PS5 or you use them exclusively for gaming.
The audio quality is spectacular for gaming, they are tremendously comfortable and the simultaneous audio with Bluetooth is tremendously useful. Its battery is excellent, fast charging, a brutal addition and the detail of including a hanger with wireless charging in the box does not go unnoticed.
The only drawback we can point out is the absence of dedicated buttons for the chat/game mix and the design, which is very different from what we are used to in this segment.
As of today, it doesn’t occur to us to recommend headphones other than the Pulse Elite if you are going to use them for PS5. At 150 dollars/dollars, they rival headphones that double or triple the price in audio quality, comfort and functionality.
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