Corsair Virtuoso Max Xbox / PC headset evaluation
Corsair is again with a premium headset providing for Xbox and PC customers in its Virtuoso Max.
Appropriately named, the Virtuoso Max is designed for the connoisseur of the Xbox and PC gaming audio world, full with a most emphasis on options.
Energetic noise cancelling joins Bluetooth 5.3 simultaneous audio. 50mm graphene drivers meet RGB ear cups. Wrapped in beneficiant reminiscence foam leather-based and a surprisingly broad quantity of adjustability, the Virtuoso Max is a equally shocking $329.99 to purchase new.
That is plenty of ‘bones per headset’, or ‘BPH’ as I will name it any longer. The final headset I reviewed from Corsair was the very succesful HS75 XB, which appeared to have a comparatively quick run regardless of being a incredible choice.
Xbox is kind of a aggressive area relating to headsets proper now, and Corsair finds itself with quite a lot of relatively robust rivals as we head into 2025.
Does the ratio of price-to-premium add up for the Corsair Virtuoso Max? Will it land on my finest Xbox headsets listing? Let’s evaluation collectively.
This evaluation was carried out with a Virtuoso Max headset unit offered by Corsair. The corporate didn’t view the contents of this text earlier than publication.
Corsair Virtuoso Max: Specs and value
The Virtuoso Max is a powerful product on paper, sporting lots of the central options many people have come to anticipate of the high-end. On the spec sheet, you may see a simultaneous 2.4 GHz wi-fi USB radio with Bluetooth 5.3. There are additionally 50mm graphene drivers that run as much as 40 kHz, which isn’t one thing you typically see in a gaming headset, and Corsair additionally consists of lively noise canceling (ANC) for good measure.
| Kind | Spec |
|---|---|
| Audio | Simultaneous 2.4 GHz wi-fi and Bluetooth 5.3. |
| Drivers | 50mm graphene drivers |
| Impedance | 32 Ohmz @ 1kHz |
| Freq. Response | 20 Hz to 40 kHz |
| Options | Twin wi-fi and Bluetooth sound mixing, Dolby Atmos license on-board, SoundID integration, leatherette cups, lively noise cancelling (ANC), mic monitoring, RGB lights by way of iCue software program, removable mic. |
| Compatibility | Xbox One, Sequence X|S, PlayStation, Nintendo Swap, Steam Deck, Home windows 10+ PC, and different Bluetooth gadgets. |
| Battery Life | ~60 hours (with RGB disabled). |
| Value | $329 at Amazon |
My pattern is the ‘Xbox model’ of this headset, which prices the identical as its non-Xbox counterpart, save for the very fact it additionally helps Xbox. The opposite model is equivalent however does not help Xbox, seemingly owing to some licensing necessities from Microsoft.
In any case, that is an ultra-multiplatform beast, supporting Nintendo Swap, PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Bluetooth gadgets in a single package deal — and finally, that is who it is for. The Corsair Virtuoso Max is for the gamer who needs a tool for actually each state of affairs the place you may want a headset.
The Corsair Virtuoso Max is accessible virtually in every single place, and wherever you may need to purchase a headset, though the Xbox model appears a bit of tougher to return by. The usual model is all you want for those who needn’t add Xbox into the combo, however they each price the identical both method. That price is $329.99 at Amazon, placing it up there with the likes of different premium choices just like the Astro A50 and the Audeze Maxwell.
Corsair Virtuoso Max: Options, design, and luxury
The final time I reviewed a Corsair headset, it was the spectacular HS75 XB designed for the Xbox One. Though that was a no-frills affair, it was an enormous perception into Corsair’s potential as a headset producer as somebody who hadn’t skilled their merchandise earlier than. Quick ahead just a few years, and Corsair has been constructing a powerful vary of headsets up and down the value spectrum, culminating on this: the all-singing, all-dancing Corsair Virtuoso Max.
This headset is finally designed for use in each possible state of affairs the place you’d want a headset, and that design intent might be seen all through the product at each angle.
Firstly, it appears incredible and is perhaps among the many best-looking headsets I’ve seen just lately. Clearly focusing on the fashion-conscious consumer, it has a really premium end with metallic accents and a razor-thin RGB mild ring working round every earcup. Certainly, coupled with lively noise canceling and Bluetooth playback capabilities, it is clear Corsair wished to ensure this headset would look proper at residence when taking part in Xbox from the couch or ambient-muting irritating airplane noise whereas gaming on a flight. The mic is removable to that finish, too, for those who’re going cell.
The headset has material ear cups, which I am not at all times an enormous fan of. Though I’ve delicate pores and skin, I typically desire both leatherette type or finer satin-style material on my ears. I additionally discover the coarser material to be a little bit of a warmth lure, though it is finally subjective to your preferences. The cushioning is thick and beneficiant in any case and may guarantee prolonged and really comfy gaming classes when paired with its ~60-hour battery life. I simply want they’d used the leather-based from the carrying case on the earcups as a substitute.
One other impressively beneficiant side is its adjustability. I’ve a fairly large head (figuratively and actually), so typically, I discover myself maxing out the sliders when reviewing headsets. Nonetheless, on this, I solely wanted to go midway earlier than it was slipping off my head. I believe even Andre the Large would really feel reassured by this product, which is a powerful plus for anybody in search of a headset particularly for that purpose.
The Corsair Virtuoso Max is recharged utilizing a USB-C braided cable included within the field, which additionally comes with a tough shell carry case for good measure. It connects to cell gadgets by way of Bluetooth 5.3 and to Xbox and PC with a USB dongle that robotically detects the machine it is plugged into. It has Dolby Atmos help on board, too, which is a pleasant bonus.
The on-ear controls on the Corsair Virtuoso Max are greater than ample. They sport giant dials for controlling quantity throughout gadgets by way of the USB dongle or Bluetooth and have particular inputs on the fitting aspect for controlling Spotify and related apps. The motion on the buttons is stable and reassuring, persevering with the “premium” theme working all through.
The suitable cup additionally has a customized button for biking between EQ pre-sets you possibly can arrange by way of Corsair’s iCUE app software program, along with a long-press for biking between lively noise canceling modes. It has an built-in voice that chimes up while you’re muting and unmuting the headset, nevertheless it’s oddly quiet while you’re biking by means of ANC modes, or EQ pre-sets, counting on tones as a substitute.
On paper, we now have a ton of nice options right here. We now have a surprising visible design, we now have a snug profile, and large battery life. How does it sound, although?
Corsair Virtuoso Max: Audio and mic expertise
I spent a number of hours listening to all forms of audio with this headset, maxed out high quality the place relevant, throughout each PC, cell, and Xbox Sequence X. There are points of the sound profile which are completely immaculate, however there are just a few frustrations that stop it from getting prime marks on this space.
The Corsair Virtuoso Max has 50mm graphene drivers that provide a compelling soundscape. The out-of-the-box “balanced” sound profile, I did not discover to be significantly awe-inspiring, however the bass enhance pre-set felt extra consultant of what this headset is able to. Heady bass that different headsets may battle with comes by means of heat and clean right here, shining in each cinematic motion video games and music alike.
The soundscape additionally lends itself extremely nicely to tactical play, with robust separation buoyed additional by Dolby Atmos. Valorant and Name of Responsibility will flood your ears and provides away enemy positions at will, though sadly, it will not show you how to with ability gaps instantly.
If there’s one criticism of the headset’s limitations that I felt instantly, it is that its max quantity is not very beneficiant. Possibly I am simply getting tougher of listening to as I grow old, nevertheless it was pretty noticeable even when in comparison with my growing older and battered Samsung Galaxy Buds. Nonetheless, I believe that, for most individuals, they’re going to in all probability be greater than positive. Nonetheless, there are some points of the soundscape I believe most individuals in all probability will not be positive with.
It is a headset that works throughout all gadgets on a regular basis, in every single place, , you understand, just like the film. To that finish, it comes with lively noise-canceling capabilities, which have change into in style lately for commuters and vacationers. I really like the ANC on my Samsung Galaxy Buds for lengthy flights and prepare rides, and I am unable to think about going with out it now.
Microphones on the headset file, analyze after which introduce a soundwave that cancels out the exterior noise. When it really works nicely, it is nice. Nonetheless, I believe Corsair wanted to make some tweaks right here. I discovered that when ANC was turned on, even in a comparatively quiet place, it launched distortion at occasions into the audio.
Admittedly, it’s important to actually hear for it, however I discovered it was fairly simple to breed just by turning my desk fan on and off, which is not perfect. I discovered that sure frequencies also can set off distortion and interference sounds, particularly within the high-mids.
I hope it is one thing that might be fastened with firmware as a result of the choice is a few type of electrical design flaw that enables for interference. At this level, it is exhausting to inform. I’ll say that it is fairly delicate and one thing you’d need to hear out for. I am somebody who listens to plenty of music and would search to make use of a product like this past its Xbox configuration.
Typically, the headset is performant all up and down the spectrum, however you is perhaps listening to a sure piece of music at a sure second and get hit with noticeable distortion as a result of the remainder of the soundscape presents so cleanly in any other case. It is nearly like the standard bar set by the complete vary is about so excessive that it finally ends up disproportionately let down by a few small inconsistencies on the low highs and higher mids.
Corsair describes its Virtuoso Max as having a broadcast-grade mic, however I am undecided I would essentially agree. It is not horrible, as you possibly can hear within the recording above, however the mid-range blows out the copy a bit of bit an excessive amount of. One other draw back is the sidetone right here, too. It’s miles too quiet, and this was a difficulty on the HS75 XB as nicely in years previous. You virtually need to have the microphone in your lips for the sidetone to supply any sound, even set to most quantity in iCUE, which is a disgrace for those who like sidetone. I do know not everyone needs it, although.
It is a disgrace that the Virtuoso Max misses out on prime marks for audio. Given the value ask, I had pretty excessive hopes for an immaculate sound expertise, and it comes very shut. When listening to audio that sidesteps the issue frequencies with ANC turned off, it is completely beautiful and feels like somebody shrank an IMAX cinema system and put it in your head.
However then, the distortion slams you within the aspect of the top like an thoughtless teenager throwing popcorn from the again of the room in that exact same theatre. Hopefully, it is one thing that may be solved with firmware updates, and I’ve observed the Virtuoso Max has already had a pair come by means of since I acquired my pattern unit.
Corsair Virtuoso Max: Competitors
This half is hard as a result of whereas admittedly the audio points I hit are fairly area of interest and delicate and, maybe, I am uniquely vulnerable for some organic purpose — I am right here to check and distinction to different merchandise I’ve reviewed. At this value level, there are plenty of very robust alternate options, however problematically, there are robust alternate options at a far cheaper price level, too.
The Turtle Seaside Stealth 700 (Gen 3) may not have ANC or a removable mic, and it additionally is not probably the most “fashion-conscious” headset in the marketplace for cell use. Nonetheless, it’s over $100 cheaper whereas having arguably comparable sound — and even perhaps higher sound if the distortion points are common.
The Astro A50, additionally from this 12 months, maybe does not sound fairly as spectacular because the Virtuoso Max, nevertheless it does include a recharge battery dock, though it lacks the flexibility of an “exterior” headset.
On this value vary, it is value mentioning the multi-functional SteelSeries Arctis Nova Professional as nicely, which does sport ANC, multi-platform capabilities, and has a desktop digital audio controller as nicely, though it maybe does not have as spectacular sound general.
Corsair Virtuoso Max: Do you have to purchase?
It’s kind of irritating as a result of the Corsair Virtuoso Max ought to be a straightforward win on the excessive finish for somebody who needs a very “every thing” headset, however the bits of fuzz that minimize by means of in sure conditions, albeit rare, undoubtedly detract from the package deal. If you’re providing a product that prices much more than an Xbox Sequence S, I do not assume it is unfair to anticipate as near perfection as doable.
The very fact the ANC introduces interference makes it troublesome to suggest that headline function, which has undoubtedly contributed to boosting the value. Additionally, the RGB lights, whereas enticing for individuals who are fascinated about them, do not actually serve a goal for the overwhelming majority of customers, since they’re extra for individuals you.
I am certain that is of worth to some individuals on the market, however I am unable to say I’ve ever seen somebody carrying a headset with RGB lights in public, and it is fairly uncommon on streams, too, truthfully. The kicker is finally the sound as a result of it is so near unbelievable and top-tier, however the areas the place it struggles might be neglected more often than not, and I really feel like I should not need to make that type of caveat with a $329.99 headset.
You should purchase this if …
✅ You need a headset that sounds and appears nice.
✅ You need to use it in each side of day-to-day life, past gaming.
✅ You may have a very giant head, because it has among the most beneficiant headset adjustability I’ve seen in a very long time.
You shouldn’t purchase this if …
❌ You do not want lively noise canceling or RGB lights.
❌ You need to get monetary savings; there are extra inexpensive choices.
❌ You’re delicate to electrical buzzing since this headset appears vulnerable in sure sound situations.
Most opinions I’ve seen for this headset are glowing basically, and it is true that the Corsair Virtuoso Max is a incredible product general. I believe it is doable that my ears are significantly delicate to the random bouts of fuzz I found throughout my time with it. It might even be doable that my evaluation unit has some sort of flaw or fault. I am cognizant of the truth that I’ve the luxurious of direct comparisons to different headsets — I am at the moment surrounded by among the finest Xbox headsets I have been reviewing as we head by means of 2025. So it is simple to check and distinction sound copy on the fly right here.
For probably the most half, the Corsair Virtuoso Max does completely every thing proper. It is let down by a few what may in any other case be comparatively minor points, maybe exaggerated by that fairly hefty sticker value. I believe if you’re somebody this headset is for — somebody who needs a single machine they’ll use for actually each shopper sound state of affairs possible — I believe most individuals will not be upset. When you’re struggling to justify spending $329.99 on a headset, although, you could need to look elsewhere.
In any other case, it is a completely grand headset that is maybe a bit of extra premium than it must be. The engineering on this headset to include options like RGB seemingly undermined the headset’s value competitiveness towards related, rather more inexpensive choices. Nonetheless, if you would like one thing that appears incredible with nice sound, that helps EVERY state of affairs you may want a headset, this can be a robust choice for you.
Corsair Virtuoso Max for Xbox
