Multi channel gaming headphones on a budget

Gamers come in two flavours, those who prefer audiophile quality stereo headphones, and those who would rather invest in multi-channel headphones. Each type of headphones has their own pros and cons, but they do share one thing in common – they cost a small fortune.

If you’re not ready to fork out over R1,000 but really want the multi-channel audio “feel” you’re in luck – the following are available locally for gamers on a budget:

Thermaltake Shock Virtual 5.1

The first thing you notice about the Thermaltake Shock Virtual 5.1 headphones is the price; at around R400 locally they’re far cheaper than any other 5.1 headset on the market.

The second thing you notice is the word “virtual”, which means that rather than 5.1 channel audio from multiple speakers, the 5.1 channel audio is actually virtual, and played over a standard stereo headset setup.

This may sound like a cheap marketing gimmick, but the emulated 5.1 channel audio effect comes surprisingly close to the real deal at a significantly lower cost. It’s not perfect, but for the price will you really complain?

Specifications include 40mm drivers with a 32 ohm impedance, 20Hz to 20KHz frequency response, 3m cable and a USB connector for audio.

Thermaltake Shock One

Zalman ZM-RS6F+M 5.1

Like the above-mentioned Thermaltake headphones, the Zalman ZM-RS6F+M headphones are very cheap, retailing locally for around R550. The Zalman set are stereo headphones that offer emulated 5.1 channel audio.

The Zalman cans are foldable for easy carrying to LANs and the like, and connect via 3 x 3.5mm audio jacks (similar to how a standard 5.1 sound speaker system would connect to a PC). They feature 16 ohm drivers with a frequency response of 50Hz to 20KHz, and come with a 3m cable.

Zalman ZM-RS6F

CoolerMaster Storm Sirus S 5.1

The first of the true 5.1 speaker headsets in this feature, the CoolerMaster Storm Sirus S cans retail locally for around R800, and feature 4 speakers per side. Each cup features a front, rear, centre and subwoofer speaker which handle’s its own audio stream for better directional audio.

The Sirus S headset features 32 ohm speakers (with the exception of the subwoofers which are rated at 16 ohm) with a frequency response of 10Hz to 20KHz.

30mm drivers are used for the front, rear and centre channel speakers while the subs use larger 40mm cones. The headset also requires a USB port to light up the built in headset LEDs.

Cooler Master Storm Sirus S

Corsair Vengeance 1500 7.1

Corsair’s R800 offering is the Vengeance 1500 7.1 series headphones which, like the Zalman and Thermaltake headphones above, rely on software emulation to produce 7.1 surround sound. This is done through the provided headphone software which allows you to upscale any 2, 2.1, or 5.1 audio to 7.1 channels via Dolby software.

The headphones feature 50mm speakers with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20KHz. An in-line volume control, built-in microphone, and ear cups with memory foam padding round off the package.

Corsair Vengeance 1500

Razer Tiamat 2.2 gaming headset

Razer’s offering is on the border of the R1,000 price limit, and rather than offering traditional 5.1 or 7.1 multi-channel audio, it offer 2.2 channel audio, with each cup featuring its own dedicated subwoofer speaker and standard audio speaker for mid and high signals.

The headset feature 40mm speaker drivers, a 60 ohm impedence, 20Hz to 20KHz frequency response and “leatherette” ear cushions for ~~sweaty~~ comfortable gaming sessions.