The Pulse Elite headphones have arrived in Colombia and other Latin American countries. These headphones, already successful in other regions, arrive in our country with expectations not only for PlayStation players, but also for PC players or even non-gamers due to their multi-device features that we have loved.
PlayStation has sent us a unit to get to know these devices first-hand and see where the brand is aiming with this update or improvement of its headphones for PS5.
Family-friendly design with necessary updates
At first glance, the Pulse Elite show their identity as Pulse headphones. The design is continuous but the aesthetics and curves evolve. Personally, I didn’t really like the design of the Pulse 3D that arrived in 2020, especially when worn. The Elite noticeably improve their style, they have more aesthetic and somewhat aggressive curves, less rounded and thinner pads, and their new design gives them a somewhat more futuristic tone that is cohesive with the curves of the PlayStation 5.
Wearing them, the Pulse Elite stands out for its ergonomic design and, despite weighing 340 grams – 50 grams more than the original Pulse 3D – it feels light. The memory foam ear cushions conform to the shape of the ears, allowing for long sessions of use without discomfort. In our tests, We have used them for up to eight hours without feeling the expected hearing fatigue that tends to happen traditionally with hearing aids.Another useful detail is that, like the Pulse 3D, the ear cushions are breathable and prevent the sensation of heat when keeping them on for long sessions. The design and expansion for different head types is comfortable, although, like the Pulse, the way they open (or widen) for large heads makes them look a bit strange.
Additionally, the finish and material give a feeling of durability and the breathable ear cushions prevent heat and sweat build-up, even during intense sessions, something inherited from the previous model. In addition, the adjustable design adapts to different sizes and shapes of head, providing a comfortable experience for all users.
The big innovation in design is the retractable microphone that allows the Pulse Elite to better adapt to the position of our mouth. Also noteworthy is the location and number of buttons, which are more comfortable and intuitive.
Pulse Elite Sound Quality
As a Sony product, the sound quality is expected to be good and these headphones do not disappoint.Equipped with high-fidelity drivers, the Pulse Elite deliver clear, immersive sound. Although they are not noise-cancelling headphones, the design of the ear cushions does provide some isolation, and at high volume levels it will be difficult to ignore what is going on around you.
When playing, the level of detail in the sound stands out, especially in shooters like Call of Duty Black Ops 3 o Helldivers 2; for example, footsteps, explosions or gunshots in the distance have been clear and sharp. Also in very different games such as Final Fantasy XVIthe vocal quality and music sound great. Sony says the headphones feature planar magnetic drivers designed to let you hear games “just as the developers intended.” Additionally, they are compatible with 3D audio, technology that the PS5 is already equipped with.
When listening to music, the headphones do justice to their parent brand and feature deep bass and clear highs, characteristic of Sony. The overall listening experience is satisfactory for headphones aimed at the gamer market.
What makes the Pulse Elite’s connectivity amazing, or rather special, is its parallel Bluetooth and PS Link connection feature.
The retractable microphone does have noise cancellation and is a feature appreciated by those gamers who have spaces where silence cannot be guaranteed. There is nothing more annoying than a microphone with background noise.
At the software level, the Pulse Elite has a customizable equalizer from the PS5, allowing the bass, mid and treble levels to be adjusted according to the user’s preferences. This feature is useful for gamers looking for an audio configuration adapted to different types of games and we have been able to notice it among the PS5’s functionalities.
Connectivity can be the strong point
Like the Pulse 3D, these are compatible with a wide range of devices thanks to their wireless connection and the included USB adapter that uses the PlayStation Link interface, designed to have lower sound latency since the Bluetooth connection is not suitable for gaming. With this adapter, you can connect not only PlayStation consoles, but also PCs, Macs, smartphones and even the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the headphones have a 3.5mm connector to connect via cable to devices that require it.
What makes the Pulse Elite’s connectivity amazing, or rather special, is its parallel Bluetooth and PS Link connection feature.. Some hearing aids on the market, such as the Razer Barracuda PRO
This feature is even useful for making combinations with two PCs, or PC and cell phone, or console and PC. If you are a streamer, it can also help a lot. However, the limitation is that the audio volume cannot be controlled for each connection, only for the PS Link connection, so for Bluetooth it must be controlled from the connected device itself.
It should be noted that these headphoness had been heavily criticized on forums like Reddit for problems with sudden connection drops. In our experience we did not experience any drops and it seems that these problems were solved in the latest firmware update.
Experience using them with the console
Using the Pulse Elite with the PlayStation 5 is as expected. The console automatically recognizes them and its firmware includes a specialized equalizer. These are optimized to offer an immersive audio experience taking advantage of the console’s 3D audio capabilities.
The buttons have visual feedback on the console interface. That is, when the audio is muted, the console notifies you, and the same goes for turning up the volume or enabling voice chat. There are some commands with the console buttons that will be explained when you first install the headset and that with continued use become “natural.”
Connecting with the included USB adapter is quick and easy, however, updating the firmware was a bit odd, not to say complicated. To do this, you must have the headphones and the USB adapter connected to the PS5. The problem? Because they are both USB A connections (the USB cable provided has a type A connection on one side and a C connection to the headphones). One of the two must be connected to the rear ports of the console, which, in setups where it is mounted or stored, as in my case, becomes somewhat complicated. In addition to this, the explanation of the steps was not that clear either, so you have to guess how and when to connect them.
PC, Mac and mobile compatibility
The Pulse Elite features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, making it perfectly functional with Mac and mobile devices. Pairing it with a MacBook, iPhone, Android, or other mobile device is quick and easy. The stable connection we experienced ensures an uninterrupted audio experience, ideal for video conferencing, listening to music, or watching videos. The retractable noise-cancelling microphone does its job on video calls, and when it comes to PC gaming, the plug-and-play with the USB adapter makes it very convenient to move between the console and PC.
Everyday use and some curiosities
We really liked the 30 hours of battery life these headphones provide versus the 12 hours offered by the Pulse 3D. It really makes them a device for everyday use. Additionally, Sony has integrated a very convenient stand for offline charging. Once installed, you just need to hang them on this stand and they will charge right there.
The buttons on the headphones are a bit fiddly and not very clear to use while you get used to them, and they only work with the PlayStation Link connection. Bluetooth connectivity cannot be controlled in any way from the headphones, i.e. turning up the volume, answering and ending calls, changing tracks or muting them – typical Bluetooth headphone functions cannot be used from these headphones.
The headphones that have arrived in Colombia also come with a box and instructions localized for the region, which makes it interesting to see that Sony is betting on gamers buying these headphones in the country with a price just over a million pesos.
Are the Pulse Elite headphones worth buying?
We think the Pulse Elite is a solid choice for gamers and people who need multiple connectivity. Their versatility and sound quality for both gaming and music listening and conferencing make them a solid multitasking alternative, even versus headphones that aren’t designed for gamers. While the price is a bit high for the Colombian market, their comfortable design, sound quality, and additional features like noise reduction and battery life make their price point worthwhile. If you don’t have a gaming headset or want to upgrade from an entry-level model, these can be a good alternative if your primary platform is PC or PlayStation.
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