Kicking It Off
LucidSound is relatively new to the game compared to the likes of companies like TurtleBeach or Logitech. They are quickly establishing themselves as a major competitor however, with high quality headsets, smart designs, and aggressive pricing. In this review, we are focusing on the LS35X, but it’s important to note where this fits in LucidSound’s expanding model lineup:
LucidSound Xbox Lineup From Top-End to Entry-Level:
LS150/50 – MSRP – TBD
LS50X Snoop Dogg Edition – MSRP $299
This Review: LS35X (black or white with rose gold) – MSRP $179.99
LS25 Esports (black w/red)- MSRP $79.99
LS10X (black) – MSRP $59.99
LS1X (black) – MSRP $24.99
Be sure to watch the video below for the full review!
Good Where It Matters
I’ll start off by saying I have never reviewed a better wireless headset under $200 before. It performs great where it matters most: sound quality and comfort. Oh hey, it comes in white with rose gold too! Gamers rejoice.
Most people looking for feminine colors are stuck with black headsets with RGB lighting in which they select pink or purple to customize it. Razer makes a pink headset (the Kraken) but it’s wired only, and not specifically designed for Xbox. The LS35X is the only wireless headset for Xbox with this color scheme, and it’s executed perfectly. It has a lot of white with rose gold accents, contrasting text, quilted stitching on the headband, and more. If purchased in black, the headset is almost entirely black on black, which still looks great and fits the aesthetic well. With an Xbox Wireless Adapter for Windows 10, you can use this as a fully wireless PC headset as well.
I found the performance to be phenomenal. Not a single time did I have to reset or power cycle the headset. I had no audio drops caused by wireless interference (something that can’t be said about most headsets). There are no EQ presets available to cycle through, nor is there any way to customize your sound. On a positive note, the default sound EQ is excellent with great bass, vocal clarity, and bright sound without being harsh on the ears. This is usually the type of sound you tune a headphone for, so I’m glad it comes this way out of the box.
I found the battery to hit close to the advertised 15 hour claim, with only a second charge needed to get me through a week’s worth of late-night gaming. You can also charge while you play but you will need a longer micro-USB cable than what’s included in the box. There are also no dongles or bases to worry about with the LS35X. It pairs directly to your Xbox just like a controller and can even turn the Xbox One when you power it up.
The comfort of this headset is exceptional thanks to the robust padding on the head band and ear cups. The memory foam ear cups use a leatherette material which greatly enhances sound but can make your ears a bit warm over long gaming sessions. LucidSound offers a memory foam with gel cooling option for $20 on their site (here). Overall I found the heat to not be much of an issue as long as you pull the ear cups off your ears once in a while.
The volume controls are very easy to use, although not too tactile. There is no center notch point for game chat mix to give you a reference of 50/50 audio split. This can make getting your audio dialed in take a few extra moments to sort out. If you don’t need the flexible microphone boom, you can detach it. There’s even a second, built-in microphone if you’re in a bind and don’t have the boom on you. The boom mic sounds much better so I recommend using it unless you have a particular reason why you can’t. Be sure to check out the video review to hear how good the mic quality is.
Performance:
With regards to features and performance, it’s a solid 8 out of 10. Here’s why:
Pros:
- Superior sound – This is arguably the most important feature on a gaming headset and it delivers big time. The power handling and overall clarity rivals $250+ headsets
- Comfort – Great padding on head band and ear cups. Strong seal around ears allows you to play at more tolerable volumes, reducing ear fatigue
- Stability – The LS35X crushes competitors here. No connection issues or power cycling (cough, SteelSeries 9X), no static or distortion on PC (Plantronics RIG800). It works perfectly every time.
Cons:
- No customization. This is the only reason why it’s an 8 and not a 10. You can’t adjust mic monitoring, EQ presets, or anything else. What you get is what you get. SteelSeries offers this in this price range so it can certainly be done.
Specs
- 50mm drivers
- 20-20khz frequency response
- Up to 15 hour battery life per charge
- Micro-usb charge port
- Mic monitoring (non adjustable)
- Quick swap ear pads
- Weighs 396g or 14oz
- Supports 3.5mm direct connection
- Game volume + chat mix dial controls
- Press to mute (red LED mute indicator)
- Characteristic SPL of 97 db (+/- 3db)
- Wireless Range of 30′
- Supports Windows 10 wireless audio with Xbox Wireless Adapter or PC with Xbox Wireless support built in
Final Thoughts:
If you just want a high quality headset that works without issue, and you hate tinkering with things or don’t have the time, the LS35X is as good as it gets. It’s comfortable, looks good, and sounds amazing. If you’re okay with some bugs and performance issues and would rather have more control over your headset, I would consider alternatives. I would prefer the stability and performance of this headset over being able to customize a buggy one, so take that for what you will.
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