Relay NZXT The headset itself is unremarkable. It is stable gaming headset with respectable sound high quality, snug headphones and discreet design. However NZXT has crossed the brink by coming into the world of audio. When mixed with NZXT’s SwitchMix accent, the Relay headset turns into way more attention-grabbing.
NZXT Relay Headset ($100) And NZXT SwitchMix ($130) offered individually however supposed for use collectively (with Relay audio system NZXT And Subwoofer). The headset connects to SwitchMix, which connects to your laptop, and you need to use SwitchMix to regulate quantity with an enormous, trendy knob, or steadiness between recreation audio and voice chat with a easy slider.
However the star of the present is the headset hangar. It has a built-in push swap that tells the SwitchMix to change gadgets between the headset and exterior audio system. No extra twiddling with gadget settings in Home windows, forgetting to swap outputs, and by chance waking up your associate with the sport. Merely take away the headset from the hangar and your laptop will swap to it. Flip the headset again on and audio will begin taking part in from the audio system. It is a dream come true when it really works.
One easy swap
The SwitchMix accent isn’t included with the relay headset and prices a bit greater than the headset itself, however it appears acceptable. It is fairly distinctive. It consists of two elements: a mixer and a headphone stand.
The mixer is a sturdy but modern brick with a big, trendy deal with and slider on the suitable facet. The underside of the mixer has 4 spherical rubber prongs that match neatly into the grid of holes within the base of the stand. It is a good little design contact that lets you rotate the mixer to finest place it in your desk. The knob and slider are massive and clear, making them simple to regulate with out wanting, which might make all of the distinction whenever you’re attempting to regulate the sound in a recreation.
Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
The stand swap is maybe probably the most enticing a part of this setup, and it does this get together trick in a low-tech approach that’s each a boon and a detriment. A small 3.5mm jack runs from the bottom of the stand to a port on the again of the mixer. The USB-C port on the again of the mixer connects to your laptop, whereas two extra 3.5mm ports connect with your speaker and (wired) headset.
This setup sadly signifies that the hangar swap solely works with wired headsets and might solely connect with exterior audio system by way of one 3.5mm port. This limits the quantity of kit this setup will work with. However when is it does work, that is wonderful. I choose to look at movies on my desktop utilizing my audio system however for now put in your headphones I am taking part in Overwatch 2 with my pals. Lifting the headset off the stand, the sound switched earlier than I even put the headphones on my head. The phrase “seamless” was coined to explain such experiences.
SwitchMix additionally features as stand-alone digital-to-analog converter (DAC), though in my expertise this isn’t a very noteworthy profit. The SwitchMix helps 24-bit/96kHz audio output, however I did not discover a big distinction in sound in comparison with connecting the headset on to the pc.
One rugged headset
The Relay is a stable first from NZXT. The earcups have a easy matte floor in black or white. I examined the white model and it regarded particularly trendy. The froth contained in the earcups is mushy and comfy, and the headset is light-weight sufficient to be worn for hours with out discomfort.
Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft