The HyperX Cloud Alpha S, priced at $129.99*, emerges as a nominee in the gaming headset arena, promising an enriched audio experience through its 7.1-channel USB sound card and bass customization features. This review delves into its design, connectivity, and audio performance, dissecting the headset’s strengths and potential areas for improvement. Whether you’re a dedicated gamer or an audio enthusiast, the Cloud Alpha S aims to carve its niche in the competitive landscape of gaming peripherals. Let’s unravel the intricacies of this gaming headset to help you make an informed decision on your next gaming audio companion.
What will you see here?
Overall Summary
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S, priced at $129.99*, aims to promote the gaming experience with a 7.1-channel USB sound card and bass-boosting switches. The design maintains the signature Y-shaped metal arms, providing comfort with memory foam padding and faux leather. The three-way sliding switches on each earcup offer control over bass levels, enhancing the overall gaming immersion.
Connectivity is a unique feature, with the wired Cloud Alpha S supporting various consoles through a fabric-wrapped cable. The real appeal, however, lies in the included USB external surround sound card, which delivers simulated 7.1-channel surround sound. The controls on the card, including master volume and game/voice mix, ensure a customizable audio experience. The microphone performs well, capturing clear voice recordings, though users should be mindful of maintaining an optimal distance to avoid slight sibilance.
In terms of audio performance, the bass switches provide a satisfying sub-bass response, particularly evident in gaming scenarios like Doom (2016). However, the headset maintains a mids-focused sound signature, lacking the finesse in highs and power in lows that some users may seek. Alternatives on the market, such as the Logitech G Pro X and Razer Kraken Tournament Edition, offer better high-end finesse for a similar price.
Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Driver | Custom dynamic, 50mm with neodymium magnets |
| Form Factor | Over ear, circumaural, closed back |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-23kHz |
| Sensitivity | 99dBSPL/mW at 1kHz |
| Frame Type | Aluminum |
| Ear Cushions | Memory foam and premium leatherette, Additional cloth ear cushions |
| Element | Electret condenser microphone |
| Polar Pattern | Bi-directional, Noise-cancelling |
| USB Specification | USB 2.0 |
| Bit-Depth | 16 bit |
| Audio Controls | Over-ear, circumaural, closed back |
| Weight | 0.68lb |
| Cable Length (imperial) | 3.2ft detachable headset cable |
Price and Availability
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is priced at $129.99* and readily available for purchase. This competitive pricing positions it in the mid-range segment of gaming headsets, offering a blend of features without breaking the bank. The headset can be found on various online retail platforms and gaming accessory stores, ensuring accessibility for interested buyers. As the gaming headset market continues to evolve, the Cloud Alpha S remains a viable option for those seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
Design
The design of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is both stylish and functional, maintaining the brand’s signature aesthetic while integrating thoughtful features for a comfortable gaming experience. The headset shares similarities with other HyperX models, showcasing large Y-shaped metal arms connecting oval earcups to a sturdy headband. Users have the choice between a black variant with blue accents and stitching on the headband or an all-black option.
Comfort is prioritized, with memory foam padding enveloped in faux leather on the earcups, ensuring a plush feel during extended gaming sessions. The inclusion of an alternate set of fabric-covered earpads provides users with options, balancing sound isolation and breathability. The notched headband design, coupled with a solid, snug fit, contributes to an overall comfortable gaming experience.
The standout feature of the Cloud Alpha S’s design is the three-way sliding switch on each earcup, allowing users to customize bass levels. This tactile addition adds a layer of personalization to the audio experience, catering to individual preferences.
Microphone
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S has a detachable boom microphone that delivers commendable performance, meeting the basic needs of voice chat and calls. The mic’s clean sound quality shines through, offering a reliable means of conveying your voice to teammates. However, it’s worth noting that keeping the microphone too close to your mouth may result in slight sibilance, even with the wind filter in place. This minor consideration aside, the microphone performs well for everyday gaming communication needs.
While the Cloud Alpha S’s microphone functionality is suitable for standard voice chat and casual gaming interactions, users with more demanding requirements for recording or streaming may find that a dedicated USB microphone provides additional customization options and potentially higher audio quality.
Comfort
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S prioritizes user comfort with its thoughtfully designed features. The memory foam padding on both the earcups and headband. Enveloped in faux leather, ensures a plush and comfortable feel during extended gaming sessions. The headset’s ergonomic design includes a notched headband for easy adjustment. Contributes to a solid and snug fit without excessive clamping pressure. For added flexibility. The inclusion of an alternate set of fabric-covered earpads offers breathability options, allowing users to tailor their comfort preferences. Whether engaging in intense gaming marathons or casual sessions. The Cloud Alpha S provides a comfortable and immersive experience, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking both performance and long-term wearability.
Performance
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S offers a stylish design with a comfortable fit. It excels in gaming performance, delivering immersive sound for various genres. While the music performance may lack bass depth, the headset’s customizable features and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice for gamers seeking a versatile audio solution.
Gaming Performance
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S offers a satisfying experience, delivering quality audio that complements various gaming genres. The headset excels at providing immersive sound, ensuring gamers can discern crucial in-game cues, such as footsteps and gunfire.
Playing titles like Doom (2016) showcases the Cloud Alpha S’s ability to render powerful in-game elements, such as guns, rockets, and demon snarls, with appropriate intensity and low-mid presence. While the headset may not delve deep into sub-bass territory for a truly thunderous experience, it offers a full and loud audio profile with ample midrange detail.
Moreover, The simulated 7.1-channel surround sound, facilitated by the USB sound card, enhances the gaming experience by creating a large sound field. However, the headset’s balance lacks a significant presence at higher frequencies, impacting directional imaging. Although sounds like demons and explosions come through clearly with solid left-right panning. The tactical benefits of the surround sound may not be as pronounced.
The Last of Us Remastered on PS4 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Switch. The Cloud Alpha S demonstrates its versatility. While excelling in delivering a sense of dread in horror games. It provides a more relaxed and enjoyable audio experience for casual titles with soothing background music.
Music Performance
While the HyperX Cloud Alpha S shines in gaming performance, its music performance may not reach the same heights, reflecting a more nuanced audio profile that may not suit all musical preferences. The headset’s 3.5mm connection and sleek design make it feasible for on-the-go music listening during commutes or daily activities. However, its treble-heavy soundscape and relatively restrained bass may impact the overall music experience, especially for listeners who prioritize a more balanced audio profile.
In music genres like dance-pop or orchestral compositions, the Cloud Alpha S provides a clear and detailed representation of the audio, allowing listeners to appreciate the orchestrations and lyrics. However, the lack of pronounced bass may be noticeable, affecting the depth and richness of certain tracks. The bass adjustment sliders, which allow users to select different levels of bass for each ear, offer a degree of customization. However, the unbalanced nature of the headset, particularly in the lower frequencies, might pose a challenge for those seeking a more immersive and bass-driven music experience.
Features
The standout features of the HyperX Cloud Alpha S contribute to its appeal as a versatile gaming headset.
7.1-Channel Surround Sound
The Cloud Alpha S comes equipped with a USB external sound card, offering simulated 7.1-channel surround sound. This feature enhances the gaming experience by creating a more immersive audio environment. The sound card is mounted on a 6.6-foot fabric-wrapped cable. It provides users with the ability to toggle between surround sound and stereo modes with a simple button press.
Bass Customization
One distinctive aspect of the Cloud Alpha S is its bass customization feature. The three-way sliding switches on each earcup allow users to adjust the bass levels to their preference. This customization enables a more tailored audio experience. Ensuring that users can enjoy a powerful sub-bass response without compromising on clarity or introducing distortion.
Dual Chamber Drivers
Each earcup of the headset incorporates dual chamber drivers, separating bass notes from mid- and high-range sounds. This design enhances audio distinction, allowing for a more immersive and detailed gaming experience. The bass adjustment sliders further contribute to the headset’s adaptability, catering to different user preferences.
Detachable Microphone
The Cloud Alpha S features a detachable microphone with bi-directional pickup and noise-canceling technology. The microphone delivers clear voice communication during gaming sessions and can be easily removed for solo use or when listening to music. While suitable for most gaming scenarios, users engaged in professional recording or streaming may find value in dedicated USB microphones.
Compatibility and connectivity
Designed for versatility, the wired Cloud Alpha S is compatible with various gaming consoles through its three-foot headset cable. The inclusion of a USB sound card facilitates its connection to a PC, offering additional audio processing capabilities. Further, The 3.5mm audio jack allows for quick detachment and use with mobile devices or other gaming platforms.
Connectivity
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S boasts versatile connectivity, supporting various modern game consoles through a three-foot fabric-wrapped cable. The inclusion of a USB external surround sound card. Featuring controls for master volume and game/voice mix, elevates the gaming experience. However, The headset’s compatibility and multiple connection options make it a flexible choice for gamers.
Wired Connectivity
The headset comes with a fabric-wrapped, three-foot headset cable, allowing it to work with any modern game console. This wired connection ensures compatibility across different gaming devices, providing a straightforward and reliable setup.
USB external surround sound card
The standout feature of the Cloud Alpha S is the included USB external surround sound card. This card, mounted on a 6.6-foot fabric-wrapped cable, delivers simulated 7.1-channel surround sound to the headset. The USB plug on one end connects to your gaming device. While the small rectangular remote on the other end holds audio processing electronics. This remote features a large button that lights up with 7.1 when the surround sound is enabled. Additionally, four buttons around the surround control adjust the master volume and game/voice mix. The sound card also includes a shirt clip on the back for convenient attachment while gaming.
Compatibility
The wired Cloud Alpha S can work seamlessly with any modern game console through its headset cable. However, it’s worth noting that using the headset in this manner doesn’t significantly differ from the less expensive Cloud Alpha. Showcasing flexibility in connectivity without compromising performance.
USB Mixer Amp
The USB mixer amp enhances the headset’s connectivity, allowing users to adjust game/chat balance, control volume, and toggle surround sound. The 7.1-channel virtual surround sound mixer, built into the connection lines, provides a deep, rich audio experience. Enhancing gameplay by pinpointing sound cues like footsteps and gunfire. The USB mixer requires a USB connection and a 3.5mm audio jack to power the headset when used with a PC or Xbox One X.
How does the 7.1 surround sound work on the HyperX Cloud Alpha S?
The HyperX Cloud Alpha S uses 7.1 surround sound by employing multiple audio channels to create a more immersive audio experience. It simulates directional audio, making it seem like sounds are coming from specific directions around you. This enhances gaming and multimedia by providing a realistic and spatial audio environment, improving overall audio perception for a more enjoyable and immersive experience.
Is it possible to use the HyperX Cloud Alpha S on multiple platforms?
Yes, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is versatile and compatible with multiple platforms. You can use it with PCs, gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, and even mobile devices. Its 3.5mm audio jack makes it easy to connect to a variety of devices, offering a seamless and immersive audio experience across different platforms.
How to adjust the bass on the HyperX Cloud Alpha S?
To adjust the bass on the HyperX Cloud Alpha S, locate the control box on the headset cable. Rotate the bass adjustment wheel towards the “+” to increase bass or towards the “-” to decrease it. This simple process enhances or reduces the bass according to your preference for an optimal audio experience.
Conclusion
The HyperX Cloud Alpha offers gamers a versatile and comfortable headset with features like 7.1-channel surround sound, bass customization, and a detachable microphone. While delivering a powerful and immersive gaming experience, its mids-focused audio signature may not appeal to those seeking nuanced highs and thunderous lows. Competing in a crowded market, alternatives like the Logitech G Pro X and Razer Kraken Tournament Edition provide better high-end finesse at a similar price point. The Cloud Alpha S, though commendable, faces stiff competition, making it a choice for users valuing durability and balanced audio across various platforms.
Read More:
HyperX Cloud Alpha S next 7.1-channel USB sound companion!
-
Performance
-
Design
-
Microphone
-
Compatablity
Summary
Priced at $129.99, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S offers versatile connectivity through a three-foot cable, ensuring compatibility with various game consoles. The standout feature is the included USB external surround sound card, providing simulated 7.1-channel audio with convenient controls. While the headset excels in design and microphone performance, its mids-focused sound signature may not appeal to users seeking a more balanced audio experience. Comparisons with alternatives like the Logitech G Pro X and Razer Kraken Tournament Edition are recommended.
