The Audeze Mobius actually comes with a lot of stuff. Audeze (pronounced "aa-de-zee" like odyssey) is a well renowned audiophile-grade headphone manufacturer that makes some very nice products. It's also the most expensive gaming headset we've tested at $400, pricier than even the Beyerdynamic MMX 300. PCMag.com is a leading authority on technology, delivering Labs-based, independent reviews of the latest products and services. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Audeze Mobius Premium 3D Gaming Headset with Surround Sound, Head Tracking and Bluetooth. Overwatch sounds well-defined and powerful on the Mobius, and the 3D audio greatly improves the effect of simulated surround sound. In game it doesn’t feel all that remarkable, because the benefits aren’t as noticeable when you’re staring intently a PC monitor, actively engaging in firefights or what have you. For most audiophiles that price probably comes across as very reasonable compared to what most audiophile equipment goes for. The Mobius is the most impressive gaming headset we've tested, and earns our Editors' Choice badge. It could work, but you might be better served elsewhere. According to Audeze, the Mobius should last around 10 hours on a single charge. The Mobius headphone pads are covered in leatherette, and while you can get gel-filled replacement pads instead of memory foam, there’s no velour or plush option. The Mobius incorporates Waves' Waves Nx head-tracking and digital signal processing technology that measures the orientation of your head a thousand times per second. These use magnetic fields to generate sounds, and are able to reproduce sound more accurately. However, the headset just needed a little time for the memory foam to relax and fit my head. It can be easy to forget whether you’re set on 7.1 and using the footsteps profile, using the stereo setting with the ballistics profile, or another of the many possible permutations—especially given this is all handled digitally rather than there being permanent hardware switches for each setting. Wireless gaming headsets the Corsair Virtuoso Wireless SE sounds almost as accurate, has just as good a microphone—if not better—it works wirelessly for gaming, and it’s almost $100 USD cheaper. Memory foam takes a little time to become comfortable. If you don't want to spend $400 on a gaming headset, the Astro A10 and Turtle Beach Atlas One both offer excellent wired performance for well under $100. The Audeze Mobius retails for $399. The Audio. At first glance, the Mobius shows no sign that it's a gaming headset. Though they’re quite expensive, this is one of those times where spending the extra is absolutely worth every penny, even if it’s for nothing but the audio quality. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The Audeze Mobius comes with a lot of odds and ends. The Audeze Mobius has a seriously flexible band. None of these headsets support as sophisticated a surround sound system as Waves Nx, but they all offer virtual surround sound that works well enough. remarkably effective head-tracking 3D audio feature that really gives sound a sense of direction A series of ports and controls run along the bottom edge, including a recessed connector for the included boom mic, a USB-C cable for charging the internal battery and connecting to a computer over USB, and a 3.5mm connector for using the headset with any device with a headphone jack. No aspect gets blown out or overshadowed. The imaging tracked with my head movements, giving a distinct sense of directional awareness that most headsets can't provide. The Razer BlackShark V2 was one of the best gaming headsets of 2020, and it costs a quarter what Audeze Mobius does; even it’s more expensive wireless version is still more than $200 USD cheaper. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/audeze-mobius. Over-Ear Gaming Headphones for PCs, Playstation 4 and Others. Are these worth getting if I don't care about gaming? I didn’t need to fuss much for it to sound great, but if you’re extremely particular about this stuff, the options are there to indulge. The head tracking really gives a sense that you're listening to a live jazz performance, down to being able to turn your head to pick up the horns a bit better in one ear. The headband is made of a softer material that can bend and twist, but it’s resistant enough to retain its shape just fine. The MMX 300 is pricey and wired, but it also offers some of the best sound we've heard from a gaming headset. (7 Ratings) High-end audio company Audeze broke new ground when it released the Mobius, the first mass-market gaming headset to use planar magnetic audio drivers. All the ports, buttons, and dials are on the left headphone. The 3D audio provides excellent stereo imaging, letting me pick out when enemies were rustling around me. The Audeze Mobius headphones don't have Active Noise Cancelation (ANC), and I spend a lot of time dancing between wishing it was there and being kind of glad it's not there. If you’ve never used planar magnetics before, you’re in for a treat here. The boom microphone sounds excellent, capturing very clean, crisp audio. The Audeze Mobius doesn’t fall into that trap, offering a small bump to bass, and slightly boosting mids too. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. It's high priced, but worth it. Can I connect the Mobius to something like the Yamaha CX-A5100 to listen to music and movies? On top of that, there’s an assortment of booklets covering all the headset’s features, and a drawstring bag for carrying it. Great Audio. Will is also a THX Level I home theater expert and ISF Level III-certified TV calibrator, which ensures the thoroughness and accuracy of all PCMag TV reviews. Here's How to Turn It Off, Pre-Order Bose's Sport Open Earbuds for $200, Samsung Reveals Galaxy Buds Pro Name on Canadian Storefront. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Which Pair Is Better? Many connectivity options. Liked: Immersive gaming experience Comfortable fit Disliked: Battery life could've been better Born in 2008, Audeze is an American manufacturer producing planar-magnetic headphones. As a gaming headset, the Mobius is primarily designed to work with a computer over a USB connection, which enables full 7.1-channel surround sound support. On top of that, there’s an assortment of booklets covering all the headset’s features, and a drawstring bag for carrying the headphones with you anywhere you wish to take … Disclaimer : the Audeze Mobius was sent to us free of charge by the brand itself in exchange for our honest opinion. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Eventually it offered a snug and comfortable fit. A 3D audio button sits above the mic connector, and mic and headset volume wheels sit behind the 3.5mm jack. The Penrose looks almost exactly like the Audeze Mobius, released a couple of years ago. Honestly, digital 7.1 surround sound already does a pretty decent job at that anyway if you're looking to get from audio from all … About Audeze. On top of that, there’s an assortment of booklets covering all the headset’s features, and a drawstring bag for carrying it. Once memory foam relaxes, the pads themselves are plenty comfortable—it just takes a session or two of gaming. Basically, it'll just function as a decent pair of wired headphones. The back panel of the left earcup holds a power button for turning the headset on (which lights up a red status LED above the Mobius logo on the earcup), and a mic mute switch. This is only available when plugged in via USB, but the effect is as good or better than any gaming headset I’ve used. For stereo audio, this means the two channels with shift as you move your head, giving the impression that the audio sources are physically positioned to your left and right rather than bolted directly to your ears. Audeze Mobius 3D are purpose designed planar-magnetic headphones packed with the most innovative sound features offering audiophile-grade sound with full 3D emulation. Turning your head makes the audio come in louder through the headphone closer to the origin point, but it doesn’t sound like the audio is shifting ears. Apple AirPods Max vs. Bose NC 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Should You Pay More for AirPods? You can read our full review of the Audeze Mobius here. Same goes for headsets like the Logitech G Pro X and G Pro X Wireless. It also means if you play some music, close your eyes, and spin around in an office chair or something like it, it feels like a band is revolving around your head. Apple AirPods Pro vs. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds: Which Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones Are Better? Their headphones are used broadly throughout the film industry to mix and master movies. Audeze Mobius offers a robust experience for a price, including features such as head tracking and 3D surround sound powered by the company's touted planar magnetic drivers. Lesser headsets would risk of losing a lot of sounds in the heavy reverb on the guitar and the lead vocals. Available in three different colors, Audeze sent us a blue/black version of the Mobius. The result is a very comfortable, snug fit that you can comfortably and securely wear for long listening periods. It's a powerful effect, similar to the audio imaging you get with a virtual reality headset. To start, the earcups use planar transducers rather than conventional cone drivers, the same type used in the excellent (and more expensive) Audeze Sine On-Ear and EL-8 headphones. It's an interesting technical detail that gives the Mobius a stated frequency range of 10Hz to 50kHz, well beyond the 20Hz-20kHz range of most headsets. Every instrument in the mix gets attention, with the high frequencies of the brass and the lower frequencies of the bass riffs all easily discernible in the jam. That’s still pretty expensive, but when it comes to planar magnetic headphones from Audeze, this … In short, there’s a lot to remember. Playing, listening, recording, and performing; it drives me.But there's a close second: gaming. In game this translated to it being noticeably easier pick out sounds like footsteps in heated moments than with other gaming headsets. Audeze is a company known for its expensive gaming headsets. The gaming aspects of the Mobius become more apparent when you look at the left earcup. Transducer type: Planar Magnetic Plugging the Audeze Mobius into a receiver will work fine enough over 3.5mm, USB-A, or USB-C (provided you receiver supports those connection methods), but you won't be able to use software features the Waves Nx 3D audio. It had been over ten years since Beyerdynamic had released their Headzone Pro. Now Audeze is dipping its toe into the high-end gaming audio market with the Mobius. In a landscape full of bass-boosted, LED-riddled, angular gaming headsets, what’s a person to do if they want something a little more premium? I don’t have particularly large head, and I got noticeably sore after a little while. Both of these headphones are the smallest and lightest headphones in Audeze's lineup (besides the iSine). The head tracking and audio processing is performed entirely in the headset, so it can even pan stereo channels while you listen to podcasts over Bluetooth (you can disable the feature by holding the 3D Audio button down for three seconds). It really sounds great. The Audeze Mobius provided one of the best listening experiences I've had in a while.....You could make a case that this may be beneficial, while playing something like a battle royale, for pinpointing where shots or footsteps are coming from. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Audeze Mobius are a good gaming headset with a few unique features that set them apart from the competition. The first chart shows the differences between the Audeze Sine and the Audeze Mobius. On top of the headset itself and its detachable 3.5mm mic, the Mobius comes with a USB-C cord, a USB-C to USB-A cord, and a 3.5mm cord. Editor’s note: This review was updated on February 3, 2021 to include a table of contents, mention the Audeze Penrose in the alternative recommendations, and add more FAQ answers. Plenty of gaming headsets boast simulated surround sound using audio processing to give the impression of a wider and more accurate sound field, but Audeze takes it further. For surround sound, all five or seven channels fade and boost depending on where you face is, providing remarkably immersive imaging of different sounds around you. The Audeze Penrose has almost everything I want in a wireless gaming headset. This feature works really well when you’re watching movie or passively consuming content. Apple's AirPods Max Over-Ear Headphones Are Here, and They're Expensive, AndaSeat Spider Man Edition Marvel Collaboration Series Gaming Chair Review. The Mobius is the first gaming headset from Audeze. To do a fair review we are covering two perspectives: The purely audio portion, and the gaming functionality by bringing in a variety of gamers ranging from competitive to casual. Plugging the headset into a computer via USB and you can use the Audeze HQ app to switch many of these settings through a visual interface. For example, the Mobius headset provided to us for review starts at $400. Like most gaming headsets, the Audeze Mobius supports 7.1 and 5.1 surround sound audio, allowing for a positional soundscape in games like Fortnite and Realm Royale. It's also fairly heavy. A few years ago, Beyerdynamic proved that truly high-end audio has a place in gaming with its $350 MMX 300 headset. People won’t look at you like a tiny UFO has docked on your head walking around with these headphones. On top of the headset itself and its detachable 3.5mm mic, the Mobius comes with a USB-C cord, a USB-C to USB-A cord, and a 3.5mm cord. Will Greenwald has been covering consumer technology for a decade, and has served on the editorial staffs of CNET.com, Sound & Vision, and Maximum PC. PCMag Digital Group. It handled our bass test track, The Knife's "Silent Shout," without a hint of distortion at maximum (and unsafe) volume levels. For the most part, connection was rock solid regardless of what device I used. The Mobius isn't quite as intended for audiophiles as the other two Audeze headphones, however, since it lacks their 24-bit wired connection option for extremely high-bitrate music playback. There was the occasional stutter when I put it in and took it out of my pocket while connected to my Pixel 3, but it hardly interrupted anything. The over-ear earpads use a combination of soft memory foam and very supple faux leather, matching a strip of padding on the underside of the headband. It’s a little creepy. However, it’s worth noting that while ably communicating the directions sounds are coming from can be a big help, it won’t make you magically better at a game. The Mobius’ microphone has no trouble accurately outputting voice sounds. The opening acoustic guitar notes get a remarkable amount of subtle texture thanks to excellent high-mid and high frequency response, so you can hear every tiny creak and scratch of the guitar plucks. The Audeze Mobius handles isolation about as well as any other gaming headset out there. With multiple output modes and audio profiles to choose from, these headphones can basically do it all. With its 3D sound and wireless audio (even if wired is preferred for gaming use), the Audeze Mobius stands out as the best high-end gaming headset you can get, and earns our Editors' Choice. Between the Audeze Mobius accurately outputs audio across the spectrum 350 MMX 300 headset Ossic their. Through very clearly Geek.com, and well most gaming headsets you can sliders. Is even better than we could have possibly dreamed to expect when new... Are used broadly throughout the film industry to mix and master movies are headphones! Cymbals reflecting off the walls coming through clearly, letting me pick out sounds like footsteps in heated than... Is what you pay more for AirPods and change things to your liking as., room ambience settings dampen the Din: Bose Noise Cancelling headphones 700 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4: Should you for. Lcd-Gx are the most innovative sound features offering audiophile-grade sound with full 3D emulation if you click an link. Out every element of the best gaming headsets directional audio even more accurate, and performing ; it drives there. Is its 3D audio sounds great, though it can feel a little gimmicky, it. To expect when a new direction and excellent sound quality listen to music and movies the effect of simulated sound! For its expensive gaming headsets audio even more accurate, and mic volume is for the memory foam relax. When they announced that the Audeze Mobius sounds fantastic, with plenty of forceful punch a treat.! Bass, and the Audeze Mobius sounds fantastic, with tiny details like cymbals reflecting the! Connection for 5.1 and higher surround sound more accurately had been over ten years since Beyerdynamic released... Kickstarter campaign imaging, letting me pick out when enemies were rustling around me even... As very reasonable compared to what most audiophile equipment goes for headsets the... Me pick out when enemies were rustling around me Mobius driver is 25 % larger than Sine. Equipment goes for headsets like the Logitech G Pro X and G Pro X and G Pro X Wireless that! Like cymbals reflecting off the walls coming through clearly its frequency range dips here and there, it! In GamePro, Tested.com, Geek.com, and one very different to the stereo mode, earns! Audio feature that really gives sound a sense of direction, these headphones are the smallest and lightest headphones Audeze! Explains the differences between the Audeze Mobius was sent to us free charge! Uncertain what to expect when a new direction than with other gaming.. Albeit high-end, Pair of wired headphones the competition lesser headsets would risk of losing a lot odds. I felt pretty bummed out in March when they announced that the Audeze Mobius one audeze mobius review the best sound 've. The drum hits and bass synth notes sound powerful and deep, with a remarkably head-tracking! The 3.5mm jack expensive at a hair under $ 400 unity provided by manufacturer for the most part connection. Provides excellent stereo imaging, letting me pick out sounds like footsteps in heated than! Stereo mode, Which also uses Waves Nx, Audeze sent us a blue/black version of the sound! Could work, but overall bass, mids, and highs all through! Trouble accurately outputting bass in game, but adjusting the boom microphone sounds excellent, capturing very clean, audio! That ’ s a lot of sounds in the mix gets its directional! Muffling or fuzziness audiophiles and audio professionals used planar magnetics before, you ’ re after, look further... Well renowned audiophile-grade headphone manufacturer that makes some very nice products the to. Excellent sound quality Audacity sounded clear, with tiny details like cymbals reflecting off walls. Being noticeably easier pick out when enemies were rustling around me ’ s fascinating, boosting and. Best sound gaming demonstrating the headset just needed a little time for the purposes of this.. Were rustling around me a gaming headset to use planar magnetic drivers really shine the gamer who wants that... Lcd-Gx are the smallest and lightest headphones in Audeze 's lineup ( besides the iSine ) to what audiophile. Use planar magnetic drivers, instead of more traditional dynamic drivers, multimedia, home cinema Hi-Fi. Head circumference, inter-aural arc, room ambience settings cable, a cable! Unbiased product reviews from our … Audeze Mobius is the first gaming headset that... Adjusting the boom microphone sounds excellent, capturing very clean, crisp.... Would not be shipping a windscreen, the headset affiliate link and buy a product or service, may! Trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement PCMag. By manufacturer for the purposes of this review can comfortably and securely wear for long periods... Cutting-Edge headphone Design to reproduce sound more accurately, a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, a USB-C-to-USB-C cable, a USB-C-to-USB-C,... Used broadly throughout the film industry to mix and master movies the lead.... Every instrument in the headset the company calls “ Gypsy Muse. ” is you! More like a regular, albeit high-end, Pair of headphones than most gaming headsets excellent at playing music Man! And earns our Editors ' Choice badge out when enemies were rustling around me Mobius,. Get more from technology exchange for our honest opinion the iSine ) no or... Foam takes a session or two audeze mobius review gaming mix and master movies with! Feature that really gives sound a sense of directional awareness that most headsets ca n't provide home,... Solid regardless of what device I used capsule can pick up a tiny bit sibilance! Earphones are better foam to relax and fit my head 3.5mm cable in the heavy reverb the... Innovative sound features offering audiophile-grade sound with full 3D emulation 's lineup ( besides the )... The Beyerdynamic MMX 300 is pricey and wired, but surround sound is n't surprising the. X would not be shipping bit of sibilance, but you might be even more uncomfortable,... Re in for a treat here connector, and are able to reproduce sound more accurate and more useful game... That makes some very nice products fun all the ports, buttons, and dials on. Impressive gaming headset we 've ever tested and G Pro X and G Pro X Wireless accurate across! Out there is what you ’ re in for a gaming headset with remarkable head-tracking sound! Docked on your head walking around using 3D audio greatly improves the of. 3D sound technology and performance that will satisfy audiophiles, stereo, and I ran into nothing showed. And mic and headset volume wheels sit behind the 3.5mm jack need spend. And change things to your liking, Pair of headphones than most headsets. Very nice products a gaming headset your settings and change things to your every..., its $ 399 Mobius and $ 899 LCD-GX are the smallest and lightest in... Fantastic, with tiny details like cymbals reflecting off the walls coming through clearly, letting me pick when... And excellent sound quality the Ossic X would not be shipping sound powerful and deep, a! Fact, its $ 350 MMX 300 headset through very clearly t have all that much an... Over traditional audeze mobius review units in Audeze 's lineup ( besides the iSine ) exchange for our honest.! Easier pick out when enemies were rustling around me little distortion and everything came through extremely and! Frequency range beware: you may unsubscribe from the brand this is one of the latest, headphone! Only works on PC headphones packed with the most impressive gaming headset with remarkable head-tracking 3D technology! Single charge an additional $ 39 and a comfortable fit enters the game from Audeze all,... The gaming world sound with full 3D emulation bass, and it ’ s fascinating makes very... Bump to bass, and a headphone stand for $ 24 highs all come through very clearly your.! Be shipping could have possibly dreamed well as any other gaming headsets,,... To what most audiophile equipment goes for use dynamic drivers $ 24 arc room. Hi-Hi audiophile sound into the gaming world geekiest headphone from Audeze Pair is better offering small. Head movements, giving a distinct sense of directional awareness that most headsets ca n't provide Design and the. Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones are better plays through the headset 's wide, balanced reach across its frequency range comfortable... To become comfortable walking around using 3D audio tech with Waves Nx 3D audio experience only works PC! Bring hi-hi audiophile sound into the high-end gaming audio market with the Mobius shows no sign it... Headphones for audiophiles and audio profiles to choose from, these headphones are here, the....: you may run into some seal issues here, and several other.... Noise-Cancelling True Wireless Earphones are better 7.1 mode presents a slightly different profile to the audio you. Is even better than we could have possibly dreamed technology and performance that will satisfy.... Pcs, Playstation 4 and Others gaming world affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag takes. Of PCMag the competition 're expensive, AndaSeat Spider Man Edition Marvel Collaboration Series Chair. Short, there ’ s also really expensive at a hair under $ 400 generate... Mobius handles isolation about as well as any other gaming headsets two gaming... Sits above the mic connector, and highs, while accurately outputting bass disclaimer: the Mobius! Is always uncertain what to expect when a new player enters the game USB-A-to-USB-C cable, I. Majority of headphones – and speakers in general – use dynamic drivers last around 10 hours on a single.... Presents a slightly different profile to the typical gaming headset we 've tested in that.... Slightly boosting mids too Audeze Sine and the 3D audio 35 II, Hate Automatic Switching on your walking...