Written by Profi | 16 November 2013
Posted in Articles - Reviews

After reviewing MECH keyboard and Reaper mouse, there is a final stop in Aluminum Gaming Series from CM Storm which is headset Pulse-R.

Let’s check what the gaming division of Cooler Master has prepared for us this time.

 

Headset Specifications:

• Acoustic Principle: closed
• Driver: 42mm
• Frequency: 20Hz-20KHz
• Impedance: 50?
• Connector: 3.5mm
• Cable: 3m detachable

 

Microphone Specifications:

• Pick-up Pattern: Omni Directional
• Frequency: 100Hz-10000Hz
• Sensitivity: -42±3dB
• Signal to Noise Ratio: 60dB or more
• Microphone: removable
• Control: In-line volume control and mic mute

 

The Box

CM Storm Pulse-R comes in box which has same style as MECH keyboard and Reaper mouse. It‘s obvious that manufacturer did that for noticing that all three items are from one gaming set. As usual, in front of the box there is a big picture of headset plus brief description of the main features.More detailed information about advantages of this headset can be found on backside. Per CM Storm’s tradition – translations on many languages are included.

There is no rocket science required for unboxing. Just remove the cover and open the box.

Headset is packed very well and you shouldn’t worry about it during the transportation. There is no too much staff inside the box though: headset itself and Quick User’s Guide.

 

Design and Construction

Let’s start from the small parts. Microphone is detachable and has a rectangular forms. The middle is rubberred and due to this it’s flexible.

There are 3 connectors: two 3.5mm jacks and one USB. Good idea from engineers to make USB cable slightly longer, because it’s obvious that USB ports on some motherboards little bit far from audio-ports. All cables are braided.

In-line controller has two switches. One is for turning off/on the mic and another for controlling the level of sound.

Pulse-R headset is looking solid and attractive. Designers have done a decent job.

The ear cups are big but not laying over the ears. Material of the cups is very cushioned and soft.


Front side of the cups has aluminum plates which adds “common” element of design with MECH keyboard and Reaper mouse. All three have such aluminum plates and covers. The ear cups are flexible on X and Y axis.

On bottom side of left ear cup there are two connectors for attaching microphone (optional) and main cable.

Internal part of the headband has the same cushioned material as for ear cups. Material is very soft and reducing the pressure to the head significantly.


The “height” of CM Storm Pulse-R is adjustable up to 5cm. There is a row of small sections for easier adjustment and solid fixation of headset.

Another great decision from designers is to make outer part of extenders in the same aluminum style as for headband itself. This made the design holistic.



Attaching the microphone is an easy trick. Just find correct angle for fitting to holes and press till click. No need to rotate it during the plug. 

As mentioned earlier, microphone has a rubber part and due to this it’s flexible. You can’t adjust it in all desired angle.

Aluminum plates are removable, but opposite to keyboard CM Storm MECH, the tool for removing the screws is not included. Also, tool which is comes with keyboard does not fit to headset’s screws. I think could be better to have equal screws for the entire set. Probably manufacturer decided that removing the plates for headset is not so important as for keyboard, because in case of keyboard – it’s way easier to clean it up by removing the aluminum cover. Meanwhile removing plates for headset will be required only if you have decided to perform some custom color modding job. Anyway, I had a standard 5-star screwdriver and removed the shells within 10 seconds.

Overall, headset CM Storm Pulse-R looks very stylish and built very well. Now it’s time to connect it to PC and check it out in practice.

 

In Usage and Conclusions

Opposite to keyboard MECH and mouse Reaper for Pulse-R headset software or driver is not required. It’s pure plug-and-play.

I can’t claim myself as music professional or audiophile in any term, but I have tested a lot of headsets and can say that sound from this headset is really excellent. It has clear highs and impressive bass. Actually this headset oriented to gamers, but I can recommend it to any user. Sound is perfect in games, music and movies.

Despite to aluminum materials in the headset and closed acoustic principle, the weight of Pulse-R is not too heavy. Also, very soft material which is used for ear cups and headband makes sure that you shouldn't get tired even after several hours of non-stop usage.

As mentioned in Design and Construction section of this review, headset CM Storm Pulse-R has two 3.5mm connectors and one USB. This USB connector is responsible for backlight of headset. There are four areas with backlight: two ear cups, mic and in-line controller. If you don’t like the lights – just don’t plug the USB and you’re fine. Actually, I’m not fan of backlights, but Pulse-R as well as MECH and Reaper have a very “warm” light which does not hurt eyes in any term. Also light on mic could be useful, because it’s off when the mic is muted.

Cable is detachable and it’s just amazing. I wonder why some manufacturers keep making headsets with non-detachable cables. It’s so easy to damage the connector by sudden pull. With detachable cable you’re fine with all such troubles – in case of sudden snatch, connector will just disconnect from its nest without any damage. And yes, it’s also easier for cable management, organize all your cables, fix it, and connect to headset in the end.

Quality of microphone is more than enough for chatting and casting. It’s noise-cancelling system working fine.

Microphone is detachable as well. If you’re not using microphone a lot – just unplug and it will not disturb you anymore. You can easily plug it back when it will be necessary.

In-line controller is responsible for microphone’s mute status and sound level. I found it very big and respectively heavy. In my opinion it’s because of additional USB cable for backlights.

Overall, sound quality and build materials are excellent. Some handy features such as detachable mic and cable are included, but what makes the headset different? The design! CM Storm Pulse-R in terms of design looks way better than many gaming headsets around. The designers put a huge effort for making the design holistic, especially if all devices of Gaming Aluminum Set are on your table.

Pros:

• Awesome design and excellent build materials
• Great sound quality
• Detachable microphone and cable
• Removable aluminum plates for custom mod
• Warm “backlight” with possibility to turn it off
• Braided cable
• 2 years warranty

Cons:

• Not foldable
• In-line controller is big and quite heavy