The Razor Tiamat 7.1 pushes your ear buds to next level [Review]

Razer has another piece of beauty available for gamers -- just to cope with their gaming needs and visualize the next Gaming Requirements to enjoy the game at the extreme level. The Tiamat 7.1 is released as a gaming headset, which claims to be a true 7.1 surround sound speaker headset.

Yes, you heard it right -- Tiamat 7.1 contains actual individual drivers to produce true 7.1 surround sound experience -- Razer Tiamat 7.1 deploys ten individual drivers in its headphone unit that are configured to create what is meant to be a multi-positional sound experience. There are two sub-woofer drivers, two front drivers, two center drivers, two side surround and two back surround drivers.

Design & Comfort

The headset has a peer through optional feature -- which allows it's owner to show up their actual drivers which produce the sound in their speaker. The outer cover of the ear cups is see-through so you can peer at the drivers in plain view. There are removable ear cup covers that clip on with magnetic connectors, restoring the coolness factor for those who don't want their drivers hanging out for all to see. Accommodating the extra drivers pushes the size of the headphones' housing to largish proportions.

There is a fully retractable microphone that pops out with ease from the left ear cup. It also has a flexible tip to position the mic more strategically during game-play so you can gauge the ideal distance for your input (screaming, yelling, imprecations, cursing) during intense bouts of game-play in the darkness of the man-cave.

The Tiamat has a leatherette padded band anchored in each end of the structural headband which cradles your head and holds the ear cups in place. I certainly appreciate this feature, as I have a largish head that remains the challenge of gaming headsets everywhere. The padded anchoring strap holds the unit firmly on my head without pinching or squeezing, and allows a measure of breathable comfort during long gaming sessions. The ear-pads have substantial padding that manages to surround your ears without the claustrophobic hugging that is the bane of gamers everywhere when ear-pads stick to your ears during moments of intense gaming bliss. The ear-pads have the roominess of other high-end headphones.

Features

Full Audio Customization

Easily and accurately fine-tune the level of each audio channel, position, and bass depth to your exact enjoyment using the supplied control unit.

The volume control unit is sturdily made and appropriately weighted for use. Its size fits comfortably in your hand. There is a volume knob, a volume toggle switch, and three buttons: one for muting the microphone, a second for toggling between speakers and the headset, and one for switching between 7.1 and 2.0 output modes.

The volume knob is a solid stainless steel knob, which you can also press to mute any audio coming through. The toggle switch is another useful, innovative feature I like. You can use it to quickly switch between the headset’s individual speakers (front, center, side, sub, rear), plus manipulate the main volume and the mic volume, adjusting each of these volume levels independently.

There is an illuminated gauge around the volume knob with green tickers that light up per level, indicating each level’s particular volume setting.

Maximum comfort, maximum durability

The Razer Tiamat 7.1's sturdy construction and padded leatherette ear cups ensure extended headset life and ultimate comfort so you can keep going during those hardcore marathon gaming sessions.

Retractable, noise-filtering unidirectional mic

Speak and be heard with complete clarity. Stores away easily and quickly when not in use.

Conclusion and consequences

What I will unequivocally say is that for those of you with sound cards that do currently support the 7.1 audio standard, this is a gaming headset that I would recommend. The Razer Tiamat 7.1 outputs clear, pristine audio, and wields several options for multiple-feature volume control, external speaker connectivity and a useful mute function. Most importantly for gaming, it affords the gamer a measure of ear comfort that is perhaps the biggest concern when faced with the boss battle, the raging PVP battle of the evening or just putting the finishing touches on a Minecraft dream house. We want features that augment the elements of what makes gaming such a great experience, and sound is one of them.

At $179.99, I can't say that the Razer Tiamat 7.1 gaming headset is cheap. But its feature set and performance isn't paltry either.

If you want to go for the cheaper headset which fits best with your pocket needs -- you can try Razer Tiamat 2.1 headset which works on the same principle as Razer Tiamat 7.1 headsets. Of course! except for the fact that you will miss 7.1 surround sound crispy experience. Check out the table above. Currently both the headset are out of stock and not available through their website. But, if you actually want to buy it directly from them, you can add them to your watch list. You'll get the notification whenever the gadget is available for purchase.

Requirements:

PC with built-in 3.5mm audio jacks & 1 USB port

7.1 Surround Sound-enabled Sound Card (for 7.1 Mode)

[Image courtesy: Razerone website]