Corsair Virtuoso Pro Review | Best Headphone for Gaming

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro is Corsair’s inaugural venture into the realm of open-back gaming headsets, and it has made quite an entrance. As soon as you slip these headphones over your ears, you’re immediately greeted with a sonic experience that transcends expectations.

• High-Fidelity Audio: The hallmark of any remarkable gaming headset is its audio quality, and the Virtuoso Pro excels in this department. It boasts excellent highs that breathe life into your gaming experience, solid mids that ensure crystal-clear dialogue and sound effects, and bass that, while not super overpowering, maintains a powerful presence. The result? A detailed audio reproduction that allows you to immerse yourself in your favorite games like never before.
• Directional Sound: Gaming isn’t just about what you see on the screen; it’s about what you hear. The Virtuoso Pro offers fairly accurate directional sound, allowing you to pinpoint the source of every footstep, gunshot, or rustle in the virtual world. This level of precision can make all the difference in competitive gaming, giving you the edge youneed to outplay your opponents.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro Pros & Cons

Corsair Virtuoso Pro Specs

Audio Compatibility	PC, Mac, Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One*, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices
Headphone Frequency Response	20Hz-40kHz
Headphone Battery Life	N/A
Headphone Sensitivity	116dB (+/-3dB)
Headphone Wireless Range	N/A
Headphone Type	Wired
Headphone Drivers	50mm
Impedance	32 ohms @ 1kHz
Memory Type	3.5mm
Microphone Type	Omni-directional
Microphone Impedance	2.2k Ohms

Microphone Frequency Response	100Hz to 10kHz
Microphone Sensitivity	-42dB (+/-3dB)
Audio CUE Software	No
Surround Sound	No
Cable Length	1.8m
Detachable Microphone	Yes
Battery Type	N/A
Color	WHITE
Lighting	None
Weight	1.232

Corsair Virtuoso Pro Price and Availability

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro represents a decidedly extravagant investment. Priced at $199.99 in the United States, £169.99 in the United Kingdom, and AU$239 in Australia, it firmly establishes itself in the upper echelons of the market. This assertion remains especially true when one acknowledges that the headset is tethered to a wired connection. It becomes apparent that it carries a more substantial price tag compared to alternatives offered by Epos and Audio-Technica. Nevertheless, I can unequivocally affirm that the expenditure is justified, provided you possess the financial means to indulge in such luxury.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro Design

The first thing that catches your eye when you lay your gaze on the Virtuoso Pro is its design. Unlike its predecessors, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT and the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE, the Virtuoso Pro distinguishes itself with its open-back design. The large, circular earcups, measuring approximately 3.78 inches (96mm) in diameter and 0.85 inches (21.5mm) thick (excluding the ear pads), are adorned with metal speaker tags featuring a distinctive mesh triangle pattern. This unique design choice exposes the headset’s impressive 50mm drivers, resulting in the open-back look that’s bound to turn heads.

While the earcups continue the lineage of the Virtuoso series, the Virtuoso Pro introduces a redesign. Round aluminum forks securely cradle the earcups, creating a visually striking contrast, and a plastic-covered headband with fabric-covered padding provides a comfortable fit. It’s essential to note that, unlike its siblings, the Virtuoso Pro has a more plastic heavy construction, which, depending on your color choice, may give off a different vibe. The white color variant, which we had the privilege of reviewing, blends white plastic, silver aluminum, and light gray fabric. In contrast, the black colorway exudes a solid black appearance.

The Virtuoso Pro’s plastic-covered aluminum headband features a light gray fabric-covered Corsair logo plate at the top, accompanied by light gray fabric-covered memory foam padding beneath it. This same material extends to the earpads, resulting in an all encompassing fabric design. While this approach allows for user-replaceable parts, it does raise concerns about comfort and aesthetics. The gray fabric on white plastic creates a less luxurious appearance, akin to a subcompact vehicle sporting the base trim level. Even the matte silver finish on the aluminum components, though of high quality, somehow contributes to the headset’s affordable appearance.

However, it’s not all gloom and doom when it comes to the Virtuoso Pro’s design. The metal mesh speaker tags on the earcups provide a sturdy and visually appealing touch with their
slightly-pearlescent white finish. Additionally, their geometric cutout pattern reveals the finely crafted Corsair ship logo sitting atop the exposed drivers. It’s worth noting that this
intricate detail becomes evident when examined closely, as the Virtuoso Pro may not strike as an immediate visual spectacle at first glance.

Corsair Virtuoso Pro Comfort

While design is undoubtedly a critical factor in a gaming headset, comfort holds equal importance, if not more. The Virtuoso Pro manages to excel in this department, offering a level of comfort that belies its appearance. Weighing in at a mere 11.92 ounces (338g), it’s lighter than both the Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT (13.47oz / 382g) and the Virtuoso RGB Wireless SE (12.7oz / 360g). Even compared to the Audeze Maxwell, which boasts similarly-sized circular earcups, the Virtuoso Pro is significantly lighter (Audeze Maxwell weighs 17.28oz / 490g). This lightweight design ensures that you can enjoy extended gaming sessions without the burden of a heavy headset.

The Virtuoso Pro’s headband measures approximately 9.75 inches (247.65mm) in length, with 1.25-inch (31.75mm) notched extensions on either side. When fully extended, it reaches a total length of around 12.25 inches (311.15mm). The headset’s clamping force falls within a moderate range, allowing for several hours of continuous use without discomfort. However, the sensation of wearing the headset remains noticeable, as is the case with most headsets. It’s worth mentioning that individuals with larger head sizes might experience slightly more pressure due to the Virtuoso Pro’s clamping force.

The spacious interior of the large earcups, with an inner diameter of just under 2.5 inches (63.5mm), ensures a comfortable fit. The earpads, approximately one inch (25.4mm) thick, provide a soft cushion, perhaps a tad too soft. After a couple of hours of use, you might sense your ears lightly grazing the drivers. While this doesn’t result in discomfort, it does raise concerns about long-term durability. Colleagues who own Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT/SE headsets have noted that Corsair’s ear pads might not have the best longevity, and the fabric-covered nature of the Virtuoso Pro’s earpads doesn’t inspire confidence. Fortunately, these parts are user-replaceable, and it’s possible that premium third-party replacements will become available in the near future.

Accessories for Added Value

The Virtuoso Pro comes with a collection of accessories that further enhance its value. Included are two braided 6.5-foot (2m) 3.5mm-to-dual-3.5mm audio cables, one featuring an attached boom microphone and the other without. Additionally, a 9.5-inch (241mm) y-adapter is included for plugging into separate headphone and microphone jacks. One standout accessory is the rigid and sturdy zippered travel case, which can accommodate the folded-flat headset and all its accessories.

This travel case stands as one of the more impressive ones among gaming headsets. While it may not reach the level of a heavy-duty, locking case like that of the Audeze LCD-GX, it certainly competes with the travel case provided with the Razer Barracuda Pro. The inclusion of such a high-quality case adds to the overall package and ensures that your Virtuoso Pro remains protected during travels, a testament to Corsair’s commitment to delivering a premium experience.

Microphone of the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

Two Cables, One Goal: Crystal Clear Communication

The Virtuoso Pro comes equipped with not one, but two audio cables, taking a page out of the Audeze LCD-GX’s book. This thoughtful approach caters to gamers with varying preferences. One cable includes an integrated boom microphone, while the other cable is free from any microphone attachment. This versatility ensures that whether you’re engaged in intense gaming sessions or simply enjoying your favorite music, the Virtuoso Pro has you covered.

The Boom Microphone: A Flexible Marvel

The spotlight, however, falls on the attached boom microphone. This unidirectional microphone is a testament to precision engineering. With a frequency response spanning from 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz and a sensitivity of -41dB (±3dB), it’s designed to capture your voice in remarkable detail.
What sets this microphone apart is its flexible 5-inch (127mm) gooseneck arm. The flexibility of this arm allows you to position the microphone precisely where you need it, ensuring that it’s comfortably close to your mouth. This not only facilitates clear and direct communication but also adds an element of customization to your gaming experience.

Mute at Your Fingertips

The control and convenience of the Virtuoso Pro’s microphone don’t end with its flexible arm There’s also a manual mic mute switch cleverly positioned on the joint where the left audio cable and the mic arm connect, just below the left earcup. This placement ensures that muting or unmuting the microphone is as effortless as a quick touch, without having to fumble around or interrupt your gaming flow.

Broadcast-Quality Sound

One standout feature of the Virtuoso Pro’s microphone is its ability to deliver broadcast quality sound. In the realm of gaming headsets, this is a rare gem. The microphone captures your voice with remarkable clarity, allowing your teammates or friends to hear you as if you were in the same room.
The rich tonal quality, coupled with precise audio reproduction, ensures that your voice retains its natural character. It’s a far cry from the muffled or tinny sound that often plagues gaming headset microphones. The Virtuoso Pro elevates your voice to a level of audio excellence rarely seen in the gaming world.

Adjustment for the Perfect Pitch

While the microphone performance is exceptional, some users might encounter an initial challenge in getting the microphone to capture the desired volume. This issue was noted by a few users who found that their voice sounded quieter than expected in video chats. However, it’s crucial to remember that microphone performance can be highly subjective and depends on various factors, including voice volume and proximity to the microphone. If you find that your voice isn’t as loud as you’d like, don’t fret. The Virtuoso Pro’s microphone is highly responsive to software adjustments. By using gain-increasing software, you can easily fine tune the microphone’s sensitivity to match your speaking volume. This simple adjustment can make a world of difference, ensuring that your voice comes through loud and clear in all your gaming and communication endeavors.

Background Noise and Unidirectional Magic

One notable advantage of the Virtuoso Pro’s microphone is its unidirectional design. This means that the microphone primarily captures sound from one direction, which is typically the direction it’s pointing. As a result, it excels at isolating your voice and reducing unwanted background noise.
During our testing, we found that the microphone did an excellent job of blocking out PC fan noise and other ambient sounds. This is a boon for gamers who want their voice to be the focal point of communication. The last thing you want is your teammates hearing your noisy PC fans in the background. With the Virtuoso Pro, that concern becomes a thing of the past.

Audio Performance of the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

A Sound Spectrum Beyond the Ordinary

The Virtuoso Pro boasts 50mm dynamic drivers with a frequency response that sets it apart in the gaming headset landscape. With a range of 20 Hz to a staggering 40,000 Hz, it pushes the boundaries of what you’d typically find in gaming headsets. Most gaming headsets stick to the conventional 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz range, which caters to the human hearing spectrum. However, recent trends have shown premium gaming headsets expanding their frequency ranges.
For instance, SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pro Wireless offers a range of 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz, while its wired counterpart extends it to 10 Hz – 40,000 Hz. Audeze’s wired LCD-GX and wireless Maxwell headsets even go further, hitting 10 Hz – 50,000 Hz. Even Razer’s BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) presents a wider-than-average 12 Hz – 28,000 Hz frequency response. While the Virtuoso Pro’s frequency response is no longer unique, it’s a testament to its audio prowess.

The Power of Graphene Drivers

One of the key elements that make the Virtuoso Pro’s audio quality exceptional is its graphene drivers. These drivers, constructed with lightweight and incredibly rigid graphene material, translate to less distortion and precise sound reproduction. To put it simply, they outshine drivers made of materials like titanium, offering a more refined and clear audio
experience.
During testing, the Virtuoso Pro proved its mettle by delivering accurate and detailed sound reproduction, particularly in complex tracks like Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The high frequencies were exceptionally crisp, to the point of being almost too detailed. While the bass in heavy tracks like Kaskade’s “POW POW POW” and Hans Zimmer’s “Time” wasn’t overpowering, it was present.

Neutral Sound Profile

The Virtuoso Pro excels in maintaining a relatively neutral sound profile for a gaming headset. It shines in the high and upper midrange frequencies, making it ideal for gaming. However, it falls a bit short in the lower midrange, which might make the lower frequencies seem somewhat compressed. The bass lacks the extra punch that some gamers prefer. The silver lining is that in gaming scenarios, the importance of high and upper midrange frequencies becomes evident. Games sound spectacular on the Virtuoso Pro, with its detailed highs and upper mids enhancing the gaming experience, especially in noisy environments.

Precise Directional Sound

One of the standout features of the Virtuoso Pro is its ability to deliver directional sound effectively. Despite being an analog headset, it offers a sufficiently wide soundstage to pinpoint the direction of sounds accurately. During testing in games like Overwatch 2 and CS:GO, I could discern footsteps and gunshots without the need for software-based virtual surround sound.
The Virtuoso Pro’s detailed highs and upper mids also shine in more complex, noisy games. In Baldur’s Gate 3, renowned for its intricate soundscapes, this headset excelled in reproducing the layered sounds of various environments, from footsteps and animal noises to the rustling of fabric, creaking buildings, and even the rolling of dice.

A Peek Into the Open-Back Design

The Virtuoso Pro is an open-back headset, a design that allows the back of the earcups to remain open, exposing the drivers. However, despite this design, it manages to provide an audio experience that feels somewhat enclosed. The soundstage, while sufficiently wide for directional sound, imparts an intimate and isolated quality to the audio.
This intimacy in soundstage is beneficial for specific types of games that rely heavily on directional cues. However, for those who prefer the open and airy ambience typically associated with open-back headsets, the Virtuoso Pro might seem a bit too contained. The design tends to create an audio environment that feels more akin to closed-back headsets.

Final Virdicts

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro is undoubtedly a gaming headset worth your consideration, especially if you’re seeking a neutral sound profile that doesn’t overwhelm with bass. At its $200 price point, it offers a remarkable audio experience that surpasses many higher-priced competitors. However, your choice should be aligned with your specific gaming needs.

• For Audiophiles: If you’re an audiophile seeking a gaming headset that marries exceptional sound quality with a minimalist design, the Virtuoso Pro is a strong contender.
• For Competitive Gamers: On the other hand, if you’re a competitive gamer, you might want to explore alternatives like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023). It’s in the same price range, wireless, supremely comfortable, and packed with gaming-centric features that can give you a competitive edge.
• No Controls on the Headset: If you appreciate a clutter-free gaming experience, the Virtuoso Pro is your ideal companion. It’s clean and devoid of any buttons or controls on
  the headset itself, allowing you to focus solely on your gameplay.
• Analog Elegance: This headset’s analog design brings back the beauty of simplicity. It’s about connecting and immersing yourself in the gaming world without the fuss of
  complex controls. While some may prefer a more feature-packed approach, the Virtuoso Pro’s elegance lies in its simplicity.
• Volume Control: One aspect to consider is the absence of a volume wheel on the headset. While this minimalist approach has its charm, it might be a small drawback for those who prefer on-the-fly volume adjustments

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