Performance
Setup & Installation
Using the headset was as easy as connecting a single cable. Since this headset runs off standard 3.5mm jack plugs there was zero mucking about with software, drivers or anything like that, ensuring maximum compatibility with most any device that supports 3.5mm audio jacks. Or of course if you’re setting it up for mobile use, then you just swap out the cable for the 4-pole 3.5mm cable, this allows the use of the microphone when making calls from your mobile device.
Audio Performance
After running through 3 full album I think it’s safe to say that I’m blown away by the drivers in the Level 10M, but for certain reasons I’m about to explain, you might not be. As a musician I love headsets that give a flat response, an accurate representation of the sound without distortion, that’s exactly what you get here. The issue is, a lot of people don’t like this sound quality, they like that “WOW” factor that many headsets give, thick, deep, bone shaking bass and screaming highs that make everything feel like it’s turned up to 11, and that’s fine, it’s a lot of fun for that cinematic experience, but it doesn’t make it right.
Instead of booming bass you get a pretty flat bass to be honest, but it’s full of rich detail that you often don’t get in a headset. All the while the mid and high notes are crystal clear to the point I’m stunned there are only two speakers surrounding my head. Stereo separation on music alone is really impressive and it’s nice to hear a headset that offers a room filling sound without sounding like the drivers are right next to your ears.
The well balanced sound really benefits gaming as much as it does music, while hearing the boom of shotgun fire ripping through the air as you’re shot in the back is one thing for immersion, hearing the footsteps of the guy who’s about to do it, then being able to turn the tables on him is even better. If you want to hear the boom, get a different headset, if you want to hear your enemies breathing down your neck and their footsteps, get this headset.
There isn’t a game that sounds bad with this headset, short of people shouting at me for failing on Battlefield 3 at least. Which brings me onto the next thing, vocal tracks. Movies sound stellar here and dialogue has a really nice forward sound to it while maintaining a good stereo sound for effects, something that really shined though in action scenes on The Hobbit blu-ray where there’s often many speaking characters on screen.
The in-line controller is handy to have, but for some reason it only turns the volume down to a whisper, not off. I would say 1% of the sound remains faintly, not really a big deal but worth mentioning.
Mobile & Chat Performance
I generally have a lot of calls to make on a daily basis, so having my hands free is often important while I’m working. Quality wasn’t quite as good as it was when connected to my PC, having a slightly hollow sound when making calls, however this can easily be attributed to my phone (HTC One X+) because audio performance improved greatly when in use with an iPod.
Skype works really well and voice does sound nice and natural, the microphone didn’t blow me away, but the noise cancelling technology will keep your friends happy by cutting down on the amount of background noise it transmits.
I guess it’s looks will grow on you, then again so do warts but some people will buy them just for the looks alone.
ARE YOU GIVING ANY AWAY I WILL TAKE ONE
The first collaboration between ThermalTake and BMW was the Level 10 Chassis in 2009. THEN the level 10 M Mouse in 2012.
Just leaf it mate… 😉