Helmet Test Roccat Syn Pro Air: A compelling solution, but who is struggling to stand out

Officially proposed at the rate of 149 euros, this SYN Pro Air does not clearly box in the same category as the Logitech G335. Roccat aims here to compete with higher-end products as evidenced by the integration of an RF 2.4 GHz wireless link intended to minimize latency so that the video game lover is not disabled in full part. The video game orientation does not have much doubt when we discover the promotional campaign of ROCCAT that insists on the wireless RF 2.4 GHz so, but also the 3D immersion offered by the transducers 50 mm signed Turtle Beach .

Beautiful finishes for successful design

As usual, Roccat markets its product in a box that does not really pay mine. The whole is mainly marked by the sobriety of design and this is found again once the helmet came out of its protective gangue. The syn air alternates from the outset the good and the least good. The least good because it is impossible not to be a little disappointed by the materials used on a product at this price level. Roccat is content with a "all plastic" helmet at the level of the atria or, more embarrassing, the main structure.

In fact, the central hoop seems less robust than competing models that, precisely, use a species of metal skeleton to bring some consistency. Fortunately, we have said, there are other patterns of satisfaction. Thus, the general aesthetics of this helmet is clearly one of its assets with a very elegant uniformly black dress and a drawing of the ardussion and the convincing bars to more than one title. We appreciate the large coating under the central arch so that the top of the skull is never embarrassed: the helmet remains very comfortable.

It is also the same coating, very ventilated, found on the atria. There, the balance sheet will be more contrasted. In the first place, we therefore appreciate this fabric coating that is pleasant to the touch and offers good breathability. On the other hand, one regrets that the pads are not simple to disassemble / interchang or that Roccat does not propose it in replacement. The atillettes have excellent rotary hinges that make it possible to adjust the headset position and by which it is possible to easily "put" on the shoulders when pausing.

Alas, we do not understand why Roccat has not accentuated the height adjustment of these earpieces: the margin of maneuver is here very limited and the "big" heads will probably have a little trouble leading something completely satisfactory. Question of tastes that said. It is also a question of tastes as soon as we approach the diameter of the atria. Rectangular shape, these are closer to the Supra-Aural than from circum-aural: result, they are based on the pavilions of the ears more than they encompass them.

By looking at closer, we see that it is like often the left atrium acting as "central branch". It has the connector for attaching the microphone pole which is flexible and folding up. It is also the left atrium which has the USB-C connector for charging (the cable is delivered), the power button, a diode to check the status and an adjustment knob of the volume. The right atrium is logically less rich with simply a second knob to adjust the microphone volume. Convenient.

A controlled audio rendering, but the 7.1 remains accessory

We said it, Roccat adopts here a wireless connection. The SYN Pro Air has all the necessary electronics and a small USB-A adapter acting as a transmitter / receiver. The system works well even if the connection is a little long to do. The real complaint, however, keeps more likely to operate the helmet in wired. Fortunately, the battery holds the shock and, in one charge, it has been possible for us to hold a little more than 24 hours at about 40% volume, illuminations disabled.

A good autonomy therefore accompanying a very suitable rendering quality, even if it will be clearly not the taste of all. The most demanding will notice a net hollow in the low-mediums and a weakness in front of the treble. These two weak points clearly color the sound that gives good results on bass and intermediate mediums. In fact, on a rendering "video game", we usually benefit from a very satisfying result with a good accentuation of the most muscular atmospheres and interactions between the characters.

On the other hand, the Syn Air AIR is suitable only very moderately at a listening more "subtle" or to particularly varied use. Let's say that in this kind of case, it will have trouble justifying its price and it is possible to find less expensive helmets more at ease in musical scenarios. Roccat therefore clearly put on video game to convince and it also counts on the presence of 3D audio technology developed by Turtle Beach. Recognize that we are not the best customers for these things, but there seems especially to be a UPMIX 7.1.

The result is clearly not up to the Roccat promotional campaign. There are certainly some cool effects in the provenance of the projectiles of a FPS / TPS for example, but that's about everything. On the contrary, one regrets that the UpMix tends to distort the sound and so we always have a clear preference for "native" 3D treatments of certain competitors. Fortunately, next to the 3D Audio mode, Roccat has the right taste of offering a game Spatializer game that is a kind of just medium less striking, but also more natural, more delicate.

Finally, let's finish with two small comments to complete this test. First, the microphone which, without being bad, is easily assured the essentials: to convey our voice correctly so that the gaming friends understand what they say. Can not consider professional use for streaming for example. On each headset, there is also a small illuminated space to give a fancy side to Syn Air. The effects of light are successful without being too tapped with the eye and the software makes it possible to adjust the things finely.

X | x | X | X | x --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | In summary | | | |

A compelling solution, but which is struggling to be demarcated

The Syn Pro Air is a model primarily for players, but mainly on PC: it will actually be the most able to exploit the wireless connectivity via a USB adapter and, especially, the configuration software whose interest software is obvious to better adjust the rendering of the helmet. It has a very good autonomy and is not likely to let go, but we regret that it is not possible to use it in wired mode, if only in troubleshooting. We also regret the rendering too colorful for more versatile use than the only video game. Faults far from catastrophic, but that make Roccat hardly stand out from the competition with this product. Remember still a rare elegance, great comfort for which appreciates supra-aural earpieces and interesting spatialization in Game Spatializer mode.

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• Very high level of finish, despite "all plastic" materials
• Earlets mounted on practical rotating hinges
• Detachable microphone pole, flexible and aesthetic
• Convincing audio restitution, especially in video game
• Comfortable autonomy of more than 20 hours

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• Does not work in wired
• No Bluetooth connection
• Micro perch not very flexible
• Commandable comfort of supra-aural

| | X | X | X | X | x --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Data sheet: | | | |

• Price : 150 euros about
• Compatible : PC (Windows 10), PS5 and Switch
• Weight : 390 grams about
• Login : Wireless RF 2.4 GHz, Dongle USB delivered
• Transducers : 50 mm with neodymium magnets
• Form of headphones : supra-aural
• Spatialization of sound : no
• Frequency response : 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz
• Microphone : Yes, flexible and folding perch Micro frequency response: 100 Hz - 10,000 Hz
• Where to buy? : Amazon

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