Cooler Master CM Storm Sonuz review

Although this is only a stereo headset with neither real nor virtual surround sound, we were impressed with the clarity of stereo sound in games. However, we were surprised to find that, despite their bulk, the earpieces do very little to block out background noise – we could hear conversations as well as the background hum of our computers and air conditioning. This is largely down to their open driver design. The advantage of open drivers is that the greater air movement provides a better sense of space and more natural reproduction of low notes, at the cost of minimal blocking of outside sound. For similar reasons, anyone sitting next to you can hear whatever you’re listening to, as well.

Like most gaming audio equipment, the Sonuz headset has significant bass, giving plenty of oomph to explosions, drumbeats and NPCs with baritone voices. Unfortunately, complex music with an emphatic bassline often loses detail in the mid-range as it’s overwhelmed by lower notes. High notes are more clearly defined but can sound somewhat brittle and forced. This isn’t really a major issue if your main use for the headset is for film and gaming audio. It’s not an ideal all-round headset, but nor is it sold as such, and most music still sounds dynamic and fun, even if the details aren’t quite right.

This is a good gaming headset – it’s loud in all the right ways, has impressive stereo separation and is comfortable enough to keep on for a few hours on the trot. However, at £55, it’s expensive for a headset that doesn’t come with useful extras such as a USB sound card or virtual surround sound.