I Was Surprised! HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 Review and Microphone Test

Above is the full in-depth video review

$40

$50 with 7.1 surround

In the box

• Headset

• 7.1 adapter (if you get that version)

• Instructions

Build Quality

The build quality is ok. It's an all plastic build which means it's light and feels quite robust, you can abuse it quite a bit and it won't feel like it's going to break.

Adjustability

It has a decent amount of extension on the earcups, the microphone can easily be bent into any position you need. The earcups have a small amount of swivel but not much, so they won't lie flat when you put them down or for traveling.

Controls

On the left earcup there is a volume scroll wheel, which I personally found annoying as it doesn't change the windows volume, it is independent. However, this means that it can be used with phones, consoles and other devices easily.

There are no other controls on the headset, such as track controls and pausing music. Muting the microphone is done by rotating it to the side of the headset.

Cable

The cable is a rubber cable, sadly it is non-detachable. It connects using a 3.5mm jack which means it can be used with most devices, although you'll need a dongle for most new phones. The 7.1 surround version comes with a dongle which converts the 3.5mm jack to a USB, which enables the 7.1 features.

Comfort

The ear cups are cloth and fairly deep and large so will easily go around most ears. Due to the plastic build it's very light which means that it can be worn for long periods without discomfort or pressure. The clamping force isn't too strong or light, it's in the sweet spot and keeps it on well without squishing you.

Sound Quality

It's really not that bad for the price, it's not exceptional and you can definitely tell the difference between higher end headsets or dedicated headphones. It was a good experience in games and acceptable for casual music listening.

The 7.1 is a bit of a grey area. It makes things feel echo-ie and distant, once you get used to it can be useful for having more directional sound in games, like footsteps in CSGO. Virtual 7.1 is used which is never going to be better than the real thing. If you know you don't like it then save your money, but if you have a bigger budget then it's definitely worth trying out.

Software

All you can do in the software is control the volume of the headset and microphone. You can also toggle the 7.1 surround sound. So not much to do here.

Microphone

A link to the microphone test is here.

It's not too bad and plenty for gaming, your mates will be able to hear you. It can also be adjusted easily to where you need it and rotating the microphone upwards to the side of the headset will automatically mute it.

Verdict

Overall, HyperX have done a great job with the Cloud Stinger Core. I think it's a great value for money. It's very comfortable, the sound quality is more than good enough and the mic was enough for chatting with your mates. You can't go wrong with it.

Buy the HyperX Cloud Stinger Core: Buy US: https://amzn.to/3eZN9Jn

Buy UK: https://amzn.to/2CpdNgz

Like HyperX and need a mouse? Check out the: Pulsefire Haste