Features of the Razer Barracuda HP-1 Headphones
Family Resemblance?
At first glance anyone who has used the Turtle Beach EarForce HPA headphones can't miss the resemblance between the Barracuda and the EarForce models. The specs are even very close to the same. Not that this is bad, the EarForce HPA were an excellent set of headphones, as are the Barracuda HP-1's.
Head Strap
I really like the design of the head strap the Barracuda uses. It requires no clicking to adjust to fit your head, you simply pull them on and go. Wearing the headphones for an extended period of time is very easy and not a problem at all.
Ear Cups
One of the biggest complaints that I had during my time with the EarForce HPA was the poorly padded ear cups that caused my ears to contact the inside of the headphones where the speakers were. I could barely wear the EarForce HPA for an hour before my ears hurt from the pressure. I am very happy to say that the Barracuda HP-1 ear cups are very well padded with a breathable cloth cover. They stay cool and keep the ears from receiving any uncomfortable pressure during extended use.
Mic Boom
The mic boom Razer added to the HP-1 is removable. It attaches to the headset with a standard headphone plug. While it is a short reach mic boom, it still provides great audio quality in games like BF2.
USB Amp
One of the things that makes the HP-1 easier to use than the EarForce HPA headphones is the USB powered amp. While USB ports are at a premium on my computer, they are easier to come by that AC outlets. This also allows notebook users to use the HP-1 while on the go, provided they have a compatible sound card.
Razer HD-DAI
Razer designed the Barracuda HP-1 from the ground up to work with the Barracuda AC-1 sound card. To facilitate better sound quality, Razer is using a new and unique connection between the Barracuda HP-1 and the AC-1. The connection looks like a standard DVI plug you would find on a graphics card. However, rather than carry video signals, this one caries audio. Razer also includes a dongle to convert the HD-DAI to standard USB and component jacks for a normal sound card, such as my test machines Creative X-Fi.
Razer Barracuda HP-1 Headphones in Use
I played several games while using the Barracuda HP-1. One of my current favorite titles is Oblivion. In some of the caves that are filled with zombies and other creeps, I found frequently that I would get snuck up on from behind because I could not determine if they threat was in front of me or behind me when using my Sennheiser PC 150 Gaming Headphones. However, with the Barracuda HP-1 I could easily tell which direction the ghouls were coming from, making me much more effective in game. I have said it before, if you're not gaming in surround sound, you don't know what you are missing.
The HP-1 headphones are some of the most comfortable headphones I have used for long duration gaming. I have used them as long as 5 hours at a stretch without feeling like I need to take them off for a bit. Sound quality with the HP-1 is excellent, though I could go for more bass personally. I like deep sounds from my speakers and headphones, and bass was the lacking place for me in the sound range, mids and highs were good.
The USB powered amp has adjustments for each channel front, rear and center as well as a control for overall volume. One cool touch that Razer added was a glowing Razer logo on each ear cup. If you prefer total darkness while you game, the glowing logos can be turned off as well.
I can't wait to test these headphones again when the Barracuda AC-1 launches in the near future. I am very keen to hear the difference in performance between Razer's DVI based connections and the standard connections we are all familiar with.
Final thoughts on the Razer Barracuda HP-1 Headphones
Can I recommend the Barracuda HP-1? Abso-freaking-lutley! The HP-1 headset, even with its slightly weak bass output are still one of the best headsets I have ever used for gaming. If you don't have the space for full surround sound, or have roommates or a spouse that complains if you play the sound too high, you need to go out right now and buy yourself a set of Razer's Barracuda HP-1 headphones. I will revisit these headphones again after the AC-1 sound card companion launches. Overall, I was very happy with the HP-1 headphones.
