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Review Summary
The XPG Precog Studio headset delivers high-quality audio at a budget-friendly price with its 50mm drivers and balanced design. It features a comfortable fit with an auto-adjustable headband and ergonomic ear cups suitable for long sessions. The ESS USB-C DAC ensures compatibility with various platforms, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. However, the non-removable microphone and plastic build may put off some users.
Hours Tested: 1.5 Weeks
Overall
-
Build Quality - 7.5/10
7.5/10
-
Design - 8/10
8/10
-
Comfort - 8/10
8/10
-
Performance - 8.5/10
8.5/10
-
Value - 8.5/10
8.5/10
Pros
- High-Quality Audio
- Multi-Platform Compatibility
- Comfortable Fit
- Convenient Controls
- Affordable
Cons
- Non-Adjustable Microphone
- Plastic Build
- Sensitive Microphone
The newest headset by XPG has caught my attention. Just a few weeks ago, XPG released its Precog studio headset. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also deliver adequate features at a reasonable price. Their target market consists of budget-conscious gamers needing a high-quality, comfortable, and inexpensive audio solution for their gaming needs. Even though the new XPG Precog studio is less flashy and more reasonably priced, it has the potential to be amazing for its price if it can replicate even a fraction of the performance of its predecessor.
Key Takeaways
- The XPG Precog Studio headset offers impressive sound quality with its 50mm drivers and balanced design. Its versatile compatibility, comfortable fit, and budget-friendly price are ideal for those seeking high-quality audio across multiple platforms without breaking the bank.
- You should buy the XPG Precog Studio Headset if you seek a high-quality audio experience on a budget, need a versatile headset for multiple platforms, and value comfort for long gaming sessions.
- You should not buy the XPG Precog Studio Headset if you need a removable or retractable microphone, prefer wireless connectivity, and want premium build quality.
Here are the specifications:
| Length | 216mm / 8.5inch |
| Width | 192mm / 7.5inch |
| Height | 91mm / 3.6inch |
| Weight | 300g |
| Driver Unit | 50mm |
| Frequency Response | 20~20,000Hz |
| Sensitivity | 101dB±3dB |
| Mic Directivity | Omnidirectional |
| Certifications | CE / FCC / BSMI / VCCI |
| DAC |
|
| Warranty | 2 Years |
How Is The XPG Precog Studio Different?
When compared to its predecessors and competing models, the XPG Precog Studio headset offers several refinements and additional features. The 4.4mm connection and balanced design are two of its most notable qualities. With a built-in ESS USB-C DAC, the Precog Studio can work with various gaming platforms, such as PCs, consoles, and smartphones. Moreover, the ESS chipset helps improve audio quality on all these devices.
Design
While this new XPG headset is more affordable than their previous Precog variant, which catered to enthusiasts, it still looks great. With a relatively reasonable price tag, they are ensuring high-quality hardware. Regarding the aesthetics, XPG went with an over-the-ear helicopter headset style with simple embellishments, such as a logo on the headband and ear cups.
The ski band’s flexible material enhances its already stylish appearance. The outer band’s modest clamping force also helps the ear cups stay securely in place. With their closed-back build, the ear cups suppress noise from the outside and keep the sound locked.
Comfort
The headset’s generally outstanding ergonomics are contributed to by its aesthetically pleasing close fit and slim profile surrounding the ear cups. In addition to the headband’s ability to adjust, the cups can rotate and tilt to provide a more customized fit over your ears. You can still wear the headset more comfortably around your neck even when you’re not playing.
The combination of its self-adjusting feature and its user-friendliness makes for a secure yet comfortable fit. It also eliminates the need to adjust the length from one user to another. The one real concern is that the fabric padding isn’t stiff, unlike memory foam. Nonetheless, the headband is stretchy, and the general fit remained unchanged after many hours.
Build Quality
Certainly, in terms of quality, it seems to be currently holding up. There are no apparent manufacturing or design flaws, and the headset feels well-made in my hand. It was a pleasant experience to wear it even during those lengthy late-night gaming sessions because it is light, approximately 300 grams.
When it comes to overall weight, most users will find the headset’s weight to fall into a sweet spot where it is neither overly apparent nor difficult for them to feel. XPG finds it simple to comprehend how they can offer this lightweight build. The materials are mostly plastic, and the headband is quite thin to keep costs down and showcase the feel of a budget-conscious headset.
As expected, the ear cups hold 50mm drivers ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This is rather typical fare these days, but it’s nice to see that the drivers are of adequate quality and should provide a solid listening experience. The headset’s volume and microphone mute options are a nice touch despite the lack of built-in processing or amplification. You can connect it to your mobile phone, Nintendo Switch, any console controller, or PC since it has dual 3.5mm and 4.4mm inputs. The cord is hardwired to the left ear cup.
Headset Settings
As a wired analog 3.5 and 4.4mm headset, the XPG Precog Studio lacks official software support. Any changes you want to make are up to the system or third-party applications. This isn’t an issue on the console since the controls for the chat, microphone, mixes, and virtual surround sound are all conveniently located and simple to adjust.
On the other hand, Windows provides virtual surround sound through Windows Sonic for Headphones and access to other software such as Dolby Atmos and DTS. Even though Sonic’s performance with surround handling and imaging is inconsistent, it works well here. In comparison, the premium version of the Dolby Atmos Headphone application for Windows performed much better during my usage.
If you want to try it, you can download the trial version for free. Windows Sonic is free and does a respectable job, but the XPG Precog Studio pulled out with the Dolby Atmos processing in my headphones. In any case, the headset was fantastic. I had pinpointed the exact direction of my enemy’s footstep, which eventually led to my death while playing many games of Valorant.
Performance
Typically, headset hardware equipment greatly influences the performance and quality of the sound. In their default setting, the 50mm speakers of the XPG Precog Studio Headset provide detailed bass and a wide frequency spectrum. They give a satisfying punch, and the sound quality is decent. Therefore, the necessary adjustments to make things sound excellent are not dependent on software. However, my desire for a softer, more subtle sound made me reduce the high-end sharpness a little.
The default audio is excellent, but your device’s amplification can make a huge difference. Although I won’t suggest a top-tier desktop amplifier, you should at least use high-quality onboard audio and make sure the output is set to the correct format in the sound settings or the soundcard/motherboard software package. Still, I can’t emphasize enough how the amplification is much better.
They sound acceptable with the onboard audio on my ASRock B650E motherboard, but they really felt different when paired with my Creative Sound Blaster AE-9. While the Xbox and PlayStation have acceptable audio, my PC produces much superior sound with its more robust DAC and AMP setup. Furthermore, having a device that can produce virtual surround sound further enhances the headset’s performance.
Everything is clear, the high end is undistorted, and the dynamics hold up well even at low volumes.
While the amplifier controls the maximum level, this headset packs a mighty punch. Not to mention the convenience of having the volume control on board. Without making it sound too dull, a small boost to the mid-range of the equalizer gives the sound a pleasant warmth. Notably, the stereo picture is respectable, and the clarity is great, making it a great option for watching movies and playing games.
Microphone
The microphone isn’t removable or retractable, but it’s adequately flexible and can be placed at almost any point for online chatting, which is wonderful for an inexpensive entry. XPG doesn’t put much effort into voice chat since they maintain the speakers’ 50mm drivers well-tuned and great-sounding. The microphone’s speech quality is adequate due to its narrow frequency range of 100 to 8000 Hz. This XPG Precog Studio Headset aspect is stripped down since the voice detail isn’t crystal clear and can’t catch many finer details.
The quality is more akin to that of a cheap headset. The microphone has a strong pickup, which is good, but it also has a drawback in that ambient noise and breath may become audible. I would advise you to put it apart from your keyboard and mouse, or at the very least, use the push-to-talk feature. Even so, there aren’t any major issues or major shocks, either, since it’s essentially the same microphone found on hundreds of other headsets priced similarly.
Should You Buy it?
Buy it if
✅ You seek a high-quality audio experience on a budget: The XPG Precog Studio offers excellent sound quality with its 50mm drivers and balanced design, providing a clear and immersive gaming experience at a reasonable price.
✅ You need a versatile headset for multiple platforms: This headset is compatible with PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, thanks to its ESS USB-C DAC and 4.4mm connector, making it a flexible choice for gamers who use various devices.
✅ You value comfort for long gaming sessions: With its auto-adjustable ski band headband and ergonomic ear cups, the Precog Studio ensures a comfortable fit, allowing for extended use without discomfort.
Don’t Buy it if
❌ You need a removable or retractable microphone: The Precog Studio’s microphone is neither removable nor retractable. It might be inconvenient if you prefer to put it away when not in use.
❌ You prefer wireless connectivity: This headset relies on wired connections, so if you prefer the freedom of wireless headsets, the Precog Studio might not meet your needs.
❌ You are looking for premium build quality: While the Precog Studio offers good performance for its price, its plastic build and fixed microphone reflect its budget-friendly nature, which might not satisfy those seeking a more premium feel.
Final Verdict
In the high-end gaming PCs and peripherals market, XPG is a massive brand with an impressive range of gaming products. The new XPG Precog Studio isn’t their greatest creation, but it exceeds my skeptical expectations regarding its sound quality. Compared to its predecessor, it is much more reasonably priced. Even though most gaming headsets nowadays come with either USB or wireless connections, it was refreshing to see a 3.5mm and 4.4mm variant arrive at the workplace.
Generally speaking, the headset is very competent. Although wireless and USB headsets have their own benefits, a passively driven 3.5mm and 4.4mm headset is very user-friendly due to its simplicity. Such devices include mobile phones, portable gaming consoles like Switch, and most console controllers.
On the downside, the headset’s features, such as the fixed microphone and hardwired cord, reflect its cheap build quality. But other than that, everything else is adequate. If you want a headset with plush memory foam, fabric ear cushions, sleek ergonomics, and an incredibly lightweight but sturdy design, it ticks all the boxes.
Coming Next: Corsair HS80 Max Review
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[Hardware Reviewer]
After many years of exploiting various pieces of hardware, Abdul Hannan now serves as an editor at Tech4Gamers. He’s been in the PC hardware reviewing industry for almost a decade, and his staff of passionate geeks and reviewers is second to none.
Abdul Hannan is constantly seeking new methods, you will always see him running into New Computer Courses to improve the performance of his computer components since he is an ardent overclocker. He is well-known for providing the most extensive and unbiased analysis of the newest and greatest hardware for PC gaming, including everything from GPUs to PSUs.
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