The Shock 3D 7.1 has surprisingly good audio and comes in competitively in the virtual 7.1 market segment which may improve with time as the price may drop a little from the RRP. The interesting virtual surround approach is subtle and worth using, though may not live up to the expectations for those looking for a wide sounding directional awareness.



It becomes hard to summarise a product like this because generally speaking there is little to really pick up on as it will deliver an excellent gaming experience.

Though to represent our experience objectively, we need to mention the various little oversights we discovered. These include the rigid plastic frame which makes it feel like that YOU need to plug your head into IT, rather than the headset accommodating your head. Then there is the stiff braided cable; though it is 2M long I had it plugged into my front USB port, situated around 1M to my right, and the cable hovered directly in front of my chest impeding my hand movements. This could be easily remedied with a more supple cable and maybe an additional amount of length (2M seems too short 3M seems too long, but this is a situation of better to be with than without). The plastic volume dial seems like a terrible fashion mistake though unlike the supporting software, serves a purpose. All of these build to a sense that you either have to shut up and just put the damn thing on or you will end up having a fight with this headset.

The Shock 3D 7.1 is a great headset, while it could do with a little refinement to its form, that won't stop it providing gamers with the features needed for immersive gaming and entertaining music playback.




Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.