PlayStation Pulse Elite Review: Great sound and good autonomy
Sony has been steadily expanding its lineup of accessories for PlayStation enthusiasts, and among the latest offerings are the PlayStation Pulse Explore headphones and the PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless headset. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the Pulse Elite wireless headset, a premium option designed for use with the PS5 and various other devices.
Priced at $150, the Pulse Elite wireless headset promises a high-quality audio experience, thanks to its low-distortion planar magnetic drivers. These drivers, typically found in high-end audiophile headphones, deliver exceptional sound quality with minimal distortion, ensuring an immersive gaming experience with clear and detailed audio.
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Video Review
What’s in the box
Included in the package are essential accessories such as the PlayStation Link USB adapter, charging hook, mounting plate, USB Type-C cable, safety guide, and charging hanger instructions. It’s worth noting that screws to secure the charging hanger are not included, but this doesn’t detract from the overall convenience and functionality of the Pulse Elite Wireless Headset.
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Design
The PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless headset features a design inspired by the PlayStation 5 aesthetic, combining style and performance for an immersive gaming experience.
At first glance, the Pulse Elite’s white and black color scheme echoes the design language of the PlayStation 5, offering a streamlined and stylish form factor. Its silhouette bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor, the PULSE 3D Wireless Headset, with a headband strap positioned at the top for a secure and comfortable fit.
However, upon closer inspection, the Pulse Elite distinguishes itself with several notable improvements. One standout feature is the retractable boom microphone, seamlessly integrated into the left band of the headset. Pulling it out extends the microphone to the corner of your mouth, and its position can be fine-tuned with a slight bend, ensuring clear communication during intense gaming sessions.
The placement of buttons has undergone a significant redesign, now located on the bottom of the headband and near the microphone area for easy access. Power/pairing, mute, and volume adjustment controls are strategically positioned for intuitive operation. Additionally, a PlayStation Link button facilitates seamless connectivity and device management.
Convenience is further enhanced with the inclusion of a USB Type-C terminal and audio input terminal for versatile connectivity options. A status lamp at the tip of the band provides at-a-glance information on connection status and remaining battery power, keeping you informed during gameplay.
One of the features of the Pulse Elite is its charging mechanism. Equipped with a charging terminal at the top of the headband and a charging hanger, it offers a hassle-free solution for charging and storage. Simply hang the headset on the charging hanger, and it will charge automatically, eliminating the need for additional cables or clutter.
Comfort
The PlayStation Pulse Elite wireless headset offers exceptional comfort, solving common problems such as side pressure and discomfort during long gaming sessions.
For users like myself, with a head circumference of 58 cm, the headset provides a snug yet comfortable fit. While the headband strap cradle the top of the head, it doesn’t exert excessive pressure, ensuring a secure fit without feeling overly tight. Even after hours of continuous gameplay and voice chatting, I experienced no discomfort or pain, a testament to the headset’s ergonomic design.
One common issue with over-ear headphones is the feeling of stuffiness over time, due to the sealed design. The Pulse Elite addresses this with its breathable ear pads, although made of synthetic leather, they provide a comfortable cushioning that minimizes discomfort. The oval-shaped holes in the ear pads offer ample room for ears, measuring approximately 6 cm in height and 5 cm in width. Those with ears that fit comfortably within this size range are likely to find the headset exceptionally comfortable, with minimal risk of ear pain or fatigue.
Connection
The PlayStation Pulse Elite Wireless Headset offers seamless connectivity options, ensuring versatility and convenience for gamers across different platforms.
The included PlayStation Link USB adapter simplifies the setup process, as it comes pre-paired with the headset. Connecting to a PS5 or PC is as easy as plugging the adapter into the desired device and turning on the headset. For PS5 users, adjusting the 3D audio output in the sound settings screen completes the initial setup, making the process incredibly straightforward and hassle-free.
Furthermore, the headset supports Bluetooth connectivity, enabling pairing with PCs or smartphones without the need for an adapter. While this offers flexibility, it’s important to note that the ultra-low latency lossless audio, a key feature of the Pulse Elite, is only fully realized when connected via PlayStation Link. Bluetooth connectivity, while convenient for other devices, may not fully demonstrate the headset’s true potential in terms of audio quality and latency.
One standout feature of the Pulse Elite is its support for dual device connection, allowing simultaneous audio playback from both PlayStation Link and Bluetooth-connected devices. This means users can enjoy PS5 game sounds while taking phone calls or listening to audio from a smartphone or PC, all through a single headset. This functionality proves especially useful in scenarios where cross-platform gameplay or voice chat via Discord is common, providing gamers with the flexibility they need to stay connected across different platforms.
Sound quality
The PlayStation Pulse Elite Wireless Headset offers an immersive audio experience, thanks to its impressive 3D audio technology and ultra-low latency lossless audio capabilities.
Playing games like “HELLDIVERS 2” with the Pulse Elite as my audio companion was a revelation. The 3D audio feature beautifully rendered sound information in a three-dimensional space, enhancing the sense of immersion in the game. Every sound, from the footsteps of approaching aliens to the whirring of drones flying nearby and the thunderous explosions of bombing runs, distinct and directional. The clarity and precision of the audio allowed me to fully immerse myself in the battlefield, experiencing every moment with heightened realism. The Pulse Elite truly excels in delivering an immersive gaming experience, elevating gameplay to new heights.
Moreover, the ultra-low latency lossless audio feature, while its impact may not be immediately apparent during gameplay, has proven to be highly effective in minimizing any perceptible delay. Even during rigorous delay tests, the headset performed admirably, with virtually no noticeable lag.
One of the strengths of the Pulse Elite is its ability to filter out everyday sounds, further enhancing the gaming experience by minimizing distractions. During testing, I found it challenging to pick up ambient noises such as air conditioner sounds, breathing noises, or even the sound of chewing snacks. This noise rejection function effectively filters out unnecessary background sounds, allowing gamers to stay focused and immersed in their gameplay.
However, it’s essential to note that while the Pulse Elite excels in filtering out everyday sounds, it may not completely block out the voices of people nearby. Loud voices from third parties may still be picked up by the headset, albeit to a lesser extent.
Autonomy
Sony rates the Pulse Elite at an impressive 30 hours of listening time at moderate volume levels. In real-world usage, the headset provides approximately 20 hours of battery life under nominal conditions, which is perfect for extended gaming sessions without the need for frequent recharging. Additionally, the quick-charge feature offers added convenience, providing two hours of battery life from just a 10-minute charge.
Charging the headset is a breeze, with two convenient options available. The first method involves plugging a USB-C cable into the headset’s USB-C port, allowing for direct charging from a power source such as a PC, console, or wall adapter.
For added convenience, Sony includes a charging hanger (dock) that can be mounted on a wall or any suitable surface. The underside of the headset features a second charging port that meshes perfectly with the charging dock. To charge the headset using the dock, simply plug the included USB-C cable into the dock and connect the other end to a PS5 console or an AC adapter. Then, hang the headset in the dock to initiate charging. This innovative charging solution not only eliminates the need for cables cluttering up your gaming setup but also provides a convenient storage solution for the headset when not in use.
PlayStation Pulse Elite: Conclusion
The PlayStation Pulse Elite Wireless Headset exceeds expectations in terms of comfort, performance, and convenience. As someone prone to discomfort when using headsets, I was pleasantly surprised by the comfort offered by the Pulse Elite. With its ergonomic design and adjustable fit, the headset provides a snug and secure feel without causing any pain or discomfort, even during extended gaming sessions. Additionally, being wireless adds to the convenience, allowing for easy handling and freedom of movement.
One of the standout features of the Pulse Elite is its PlayStation Link technology, which effectively eliminates transmission delay, a common drawback of wireless headsets. This ensures a seamless and immersive gaming experience, allowing gamers to fully immerse themselves in their gameplay without any lag or interruption. While the price and size of the headset may be considerations for some, those seeking a more immersive gaming experience may find the investment worthwhile.
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