Razer Chimaera 5.1 Headset Review

[theNasirCorporation]

Hey, arCtiCvBi, what if we were to set the volume for the mic to the lowest volume? Would it still be insanely sensitive as you say? Thanks!

[RoyalTutorial]

Does anyone know how to use the audio in for ipod option thanks guys

[xjeffxhardyx4]

I want another pair of X31 Turtlebeach cuz my old pair broke i got it wireless at Vest Buy for $100 lasted me 1 1/2 years

[rayinz101]

what are the batteries for? since its rechargeable?

[LoLiTzOmg]

@rayinz101

In case you run over the allotted play time after charging, you can switch out the batters with normal batters for longer periods of play.

[macknbeezy10]

nice review, so i want 2 knw ur opinion, i recently bought the tritton axpro, wud u say that the razer is a better headset?

[TortugaNiner]

Guys to fix the microphone sensitivity, you could purchase a foam cover which WILL fix the problem. (Has been tested) You also could use the foam cover from a Turtle Beach Headset but i would recomend and thicker cover. They both work fine though.

[MrWheelzify]

I got this headset for a few month but when I want to speak with somebody in Skype they hear a lot of noise do you know the problem I plugged him into my Logitech gaming keyboard g510 I have a macbook pro with Mac os x lion 10.1

[omryhaim]

are they really that big? will they fall from my head if lie down?

[PhilDiPoce]

Question: Just bought the Razor Chimaera 5.1, and i wanted to fine tune my sound, and in the video i was told that i could do this by pressing on the EQ button to switch inbetween bass and treble. I dont understand how to turn them up or down. How do you change the bass and treble after having the mode lit up?

[cjayj1]

anyone know if its possible to connect this to both the xbox and tv?

[BrogansHERO]

great review man. I was so close to buying these until you mentioned the mic problem! I've got a decent amount of background noise at my place ha. do you know if the Astros have any problems like that?

[matthew38]

Love these.

[MOYFAMLY]

waiting for the Warhead!!!

[BUMDRIP]

Just bought these headphones and are charging at this very moment. After watching ure review (thanku for a honest review btw) i spent half an hour looking at the master guide and it says on page 8 "Hold MODE for 3 seconds to toggle between incoming and outgoing microphone volume", i dont know if this will remedy the problem but at least the option is there.

[arCtiCvBi]

@BUMDRIP yeah it lowers the output volume but doesn't change that it picks up background noise. The microphone itself is just too sensitive.

[TheEntitySeven]

I'd have to buy daily batteries for these.

[protossproberush]

QUESTION.i just got the razer chimeara 5.1 and am having a problem, here it is.

i can't hear people talk when i switch they setting to "play though headset"

i can hear people when i put it to "play though speakers"

this it bugging me because the chat increase and decrease will not work when i have the setting on "play though speakers"

is it the 2.5mm cable that it came with that is broken

i can still talk to people in xbox live

[DemonicOBE]

hey i have a problem with my razer : chimaera headset , its not the 5.1 its the first one .

euhm i hear my game and tv sound but i can't hear my xbox-live party .

what could it be ? grts and thx

[WhosYaVans]

QUESTION---> ! I'm about to get a new headset for my xbox 360. I do play a lot and I've been thinking of Chimaera 5.1 after watching this vid I had a few doubts. I'd like to know which headset you think I should go for. Chimaera5.1 or something else? Just cant figure out what to pick :/

[flyinsquash2]

Sorry I ment problems :D

[flyinsquash2]

The chat volume control controls in & out meaning when u put it up it will make your voice louder along with the chat volume... Good video though and I hope I have solved some answers :)

[TheEvilbanana1]

are u playing with that headset now? if not why isn´t u?

[XxSteelMatexX]

Is It Possible To Lower The Sound On The Headset Or In Windows? Plz I Have A Really Hard Time To Choose A Good Headset That Fits Xbox Live Chat And Skype Conversations!!!

[xkingnuthingx]

just bought them....ohhh and good review btw, i just hope tha mic isnt as bad as you say =( if so i got the receipt haha

[SimonDalziel]

Very comprehensive and thorough review, few and far between on YouTube!

[arCtiCvBi]

@SimonDalziel thanks :)

[fullmetaldeath88]

I don't care about size. I have a big head and don't plan on wearing this out in public. This is perfect for me

[TheRasmi15]

quality to price which one would you buy? is there a HUGE sound difference in the 2 different headsets?

[TBoGTGTA]

If the 3.5 to 2.5 mm cable breaks that plugs into your Xbox controller, can you buy a replacement one from turtle beach?

[Morlince]

These are currently on sale through Best Buy .com for $140 dollars! Just bought a pair yesterday. Cant wait for them to get here, i have the X41's and don't like how bad the 2.4 ghz works in a heavily saturated wireless environment.

[igetHEAT]

I just got these in the day before thanksgiving and they're great except for one thing....the chat volume. I've got my chat volume all the way up and it's still difficult to hear my teammates in gears. I've also turned the voice all the way up and game all the way down through preferences via the xbox guide button with no luck. Anyone else having this problem and/or have a fix?

[TBoGTGTA]

Try putting a mic foam cover over the mic to see if it will help cancel out some noise. ( the thing that turtle beaches have on the end of their mics.)

[gaminkalv]

Can't you change the mic output volume?

[TBoGTGTA]

Also, on the opposite side of the mic side, is that to change game volume???

[TBoGTGTA]

Can you hear sounds from all directions or just left and right???

[TBoGTGTA]

Whenever you put the headset on the stand thing, does it charge it?

[TBoGTGTA]

Please make a quality test about the mic!!

[SpadeAce90]

to me the best valued gaming headset would be razer carcharias

the only problem is that the headset leak sounds like crazy

[ProElit3x]

Do these work for xbox 360?

[arCtiCvBi]

@ProElit3x yeah they are Xbox 360 wireless headsets...did you watch the video?

[ProElit3x]

@arCtiCvBi hmm ok will watch the video again and listen this time sorry

[dmac48299x]

i was about to get thises but after this vid.... i dont think so. sigh :/

[Gamer2145]

first video i have watched of your and i have to say you gave one of the best reviews iv ever seen and i watch a lot of reviews.

[FLbobecu]

What headset are you using now? 

[arCtiCvBi]

@FLbobecu i'm currently using the 2011 Astro A40s

[TheNaz01]

Nice revew bud :D

[arCtiCvBi]

@TheNaz01 thanks :)

[xpun1sherx007]

@arCtiCvBi can this work with an ipod and is this better than the turtle beach x41 in terms of bass and overall sound quality?

[arCtiCvBi]

@xpun1sherx007 this cannot work with an iPod

[Morlince]

@xpun1sherx007 YES they can work with an ipod, they have a 3.5mm input and output.

[M3vinOfficial]

Thanks for the review! Im also a competetive gamer and Im looking for a new headset. I now know not to buy this one.

[haico2510]

@arCtiCvBi is this the headset for my look my text message under this one :D?

[haico2510]

@arCtiCvBi oke so it's a realy good headset but i have some questions

- im a snd trickshotter and i play some dual Competitions on GB

- i have a room for myself where nothing is to hear no water no screaming sisters or something,,,

- and i like sound hoaring

Is this the headset for my for around 200 bucks

ps I only want 5.1 or higher....

[TrentVenture]

I really like them.Will be getting a set for myself.

I borrowed my friends set to test them out.

Found them to be clear & crisp" sound wise.

Dolby digital 5.1 sounds amazing on them for movies & ingame.

Don't have a problem with the mike on PC.

U just turn the sensitivity down or up as per your “preferences”.

Used them with Teamspeak3 & Ventrillo without a hitch.

Can't talk about the Xbox thou.I didn't try them on any console.

[arCtiCvBi]

@TheTrickShotter13669 Wired headphones/headsets.

[iUniqueWords]

No offense but umm trittons r better except for all the wiress

[jezbong]

Thanks for this review Arcytyc, this helped me decide on whether or not to fork out for the Chimaera's.

The Mic is indeed a deal breaker for me. I understand the feeling of over-sensitive mic's. Unfortunately the Astro A40's are way too expensive for my needs as I have a G930 setup for my PC already. Great vid.

[fyrogenesis]

can we put add some makeshift cloth or foam to reduce the mic sensitivity?

[LovableBeats]

Arctic please reply!

I was wondering if i should get the astro a40's but they are crazy expensive so i was thinking of getting these, can you give me your opinion between the two of them? like a comparison, it'd make my life a lot easier and i'd appriciate it a lot

[HearTBreaKiD023]

will you review the x12s?

[DavePeeler]

I already have the Astro A40's (not wireless) and I just purchased these. I have kids and dogs that are always walking in my way had to cut the wires. I don't do alot of chat so hopefully they will be a win for me. Hope to be selling the barely used A40's on ebay soon.

[HearTBreaKiD023]

@DavePeeler how much are you selling it for?

[rbpowah]

arctyc nigga, gj!

[SewperNova]

usually I've been realizing that more wireless headsets have a more sensitive mic.... I got the wired ax 720s an there perfectly fine with sound quality and with mic sensitivity. 

[Greyfox2020]

@arCtiCvBi....I am looking to purchase these headsets to replace my tritton AX pros which i am going to sell to my freind next week. I play alone in my room so there is no chance of background noise but i do chat alot in party chats to my fellow social clan members on BC 2, Reach, gears, and most recently Warhammer 40k space marine. Are these headphones worth the purchase or should i fork out a bit more money and get the Astro A40 2011's. which headset is better mainly for sound quality? thanks

[bbyland22]

In my opinion of owning the a40's and now the chimaera 5.1's hands down I would choose the razers any day over the astros

[CarlosFanDangoIII]

I love ur reviews!! U need to check ur manual for chimaera 5.1 if u hold one of the buttons on the headset then u can control the outgoing volume of the mic. Hope this changes ur opinion of the awesome headset!!

[delleriumtremens]

astro a40 or razer Chimaera? tnx answer

[1xDonnie1X]

astros or razer?



[Disawat]

I just ordered one just wondering if u can connect the Chimaera 5.1 with an ipod by any chance ? thx

[DavePeeler]

@Disawat Yes I read online that they do work with iPod's and other MP3 players.

[eyros2k]

Excellent videos on this headset man. I just unpacked mine this morning before work but didn't have time to actually plug it in and test em, but here's hoping everything works out well. Also, quite interested in hearing your updating thoughts on the mic volume control.

[milex84]

Hey Arctic, I would like to know something about the stock batteries of the 5.1. Can you tell me how much mAh they have? That would be very interesting for me, in case of low performance batteries I could improve the the running time of the headset with just buying better ones.

Thanks in Advance from Germany.

[mhfuplayer]

which is better this or turtle beach x41s?

[pvtspongebob]

To do the 'Hidden Mode' you

• Hold mode for 3 seconds to toggle between incoming and outgoing microphone volume. This only functions in Xbox LIVE mode. When the

headset is turned on, incoming microphone volume is the default setting.

i hop this is useful.

[TheDonkeyFLOPPER]

where would you put this headset compared to all other gaming headsets? is there another 360 headset you feel is more worthy of the money compared to this one?

[BananaGoCrazy]

This or Tritton ax720? please reply. Ty.

[MrMexicanZombie]

great no nonsense review.

[oDevilx]

u can volume down the mic right ? its on the side

[arCtiCvBi]

@oDevilx you actually have to enter a hidden mode, which isn't listed anywhere to turn down the mic volume on your voice. I've had mixed results with it, but I plan to update with a short video showing how to do it.

[oDevilx]

@arCtiCvBi thank u so much .. please do that video cuz im thinkin about buying these cuz i cant afford the A40 astro :-l

[NextLevelGameplay]

@arCtiCvBi i was about to post that about it, i got mine today after your review, seeing many other amazing reviews, if you hold Mode for 3 Seconds, you can adjust your voice volume

[oDevilx]

@arCtiCvBi what happened ? i might buy the headset today !

[FLbobecu]

@arCtiCvBi Did you get around to the short video in regards to turning down the mic volume or sensitivity? Maybe I missed it, but I attempted to look for it..

It appears this headset has a lot going for it, considering they can be had for $165 shipped, currently. And the "mostly" wireless setup is pretty neat. I'd rather not spend a whole lot more - if the mic sensitivity or volume can't be changed, what else would you recommend in this price range, preferably "wireless"?

[arCtiCvBi]

@FLbobecu Unfortunately I did not get around to it

[pvtspongebob]

@oDevilx To do the 'Hidden Mode' you

• Hold mode for 3 seconds to toggle between incoming and outgoing microphone volume. This only functions in Xbox LIVE mode. When the

headset is turned on, incoming microphone volume is the default setting.

i hope this is useful. Hopefully you will still do the video version as well.

[JamezPsyborg]

An honest & indepth review of a high priced razer product. Thats a new one for youtube.

[arCtiCvBi]

@JamezPsyborg integrity above all else :)

[TheDeadOctopus]

@arCtiCvBi I got the headset about a week ago and the mic hasn't picked up anything outside of roughly a 2 foot radius. They may have changed it since release.

[WoWashikabi]

@arCtiCvBi So what Headset do you use now?

[IJUSTENDEDU]

Could you please put out reviews like this closer to the products release date. Alot of people may not have bought a razer headset if they were to watch this video...Or is that the idea?

[arCtiCvBi]

@IJUSTENDEDU Unfortunately I can't always get reviews done in a timely manner. Especially considering how thorough I usually in with reviews. I prefer quality reviews with honest opinions versus what others do on YouTube.

[ProXgenesis]

Can you review the Sharkoon X-Tatic 5.1?

[arCtiCvBi]

@ProXgenesis I will look into them

[Zacagaweah]

That was great. Might get the $130 one soon since I just can't justify spending 200 just to upgrade from an already okay headset that I have.

[xUPNCOMINGx]

With the mic issues could you put some sort of cover on it to make it not pick up everything like some sort of foam cover?

[arCtiCvBi]

@xUPNCOMINGx a windscreen might work out, but I haven't tried it yet.

[Dannykiid0311]

who the fuck would spend that much money on a headset???

[Zacagaweah]

@Dannykiid0311 These are actually cheap dude

[Dannykiid0311]

do u shite money or somthing thats expensive for a headset

[Zacagaweah]

@Dannykiid0311 No but high end headsets are fucking expensive...especially wireless ones

[DMulisha13]

@Dannykiid0311 well hes from Team razer just like Swifty XD

[airsoftkid2022]

iFreshwulf is a complete dumbass

[PoonSlurper]

Great review. I like that you gave your honest opinion instead of trying to sell us a product like everyone else does.

[bbyland22]

In your opinion what are better astro a40 or the razer? I have a40's now but they make a weird buzzing noise on low bass tones

[AfrooChe]

Nice shirt.

[arCtiCvBi]

@AfrooChe thank you. Flak sent it to me :)

[TILINwho]

This was a great unbiased review! I have never played with a headset, but have thought on maybe purchasing, even though in gears I don't think they are needed much since I can almost always hear the footsteps loud and clear through my TV. Maybe someone can recommend an average priced headset under $100 that will give a good surroudn sound. Thanks

[xDaVyNx]

@TILINwho x11s for 60 or steelseries 4xb or 5xb 60-90 or the stereo version of these for a lil over 100

[arCtiCvBi]

@TILINwho I personally enjoyed the Steelseries 5xb

[jdog65698]

Great video. You should do more reviews and setup vidoes. Thanks again.

[arCtiCvBi]

@jdog65698 thanks, I plan on doing more reviews and setup videos in the future. Glad you liked this one.

[IHighLikePlane]

Call me oldschool but I rock the Sennheisers with my own mic and an astro mixamp.

[arCtiCvBi]

@IHighLikePlane Sennheisers 595s are still one of my favorite headsets.

[DaveDude571]

Great review.

[arCtiCvBi]

@DaveDude571 thanks for watching :)

[Bryzon82]

I'm shopping around for a new headset since my Turtlebeach X1's are starting to fade. I've been on the fence about the Chimera for awhile, and even though they're not perfect, they seem to be one of the better wireless sets out there. Great review.

[TwistedWhit]

I only had them for about 2week before the mic issue occurred so didn;t get to test the equalizer. What I wanted to test was if the equalize was just different presets for bass and trebble or if after pressing the equalizer you can then use the volume buttons on the headset to adjust the bass and trebble? Did you try this or know? Overall I enjoy the headset. I think they could have done somethings a little better such as not have the buttons do multiple things. mode = live/local&mic in/out

[TwistedWhit]

I have the 5.1's. I like it. I had people complaining about the mic at first also. However, I fixed it though the settings. The user manual is not very informative. If you hold down the mode button you can switch between adjusting the outgoing mic volume and the incoming mic button. This allows you to reduce the background noise. It also allows you completely customize incoming voice and game vol. Not just a dial like on the astro mix amp. Mine has been returned due to defective mic.

[aquablue619]

Looks like a top notch headset, too bad i don't have that kind of cash for something like this, will stick with my turtlebeach x11 :D

[TehWalkingDead]

great stuff

[Tsublaki]

Much appreciated review, I was looking at these but the mic issue is surely a deal breaker. I cannot thank you enough for the honest review.

[iThunz]

I really want this headset to my Onza !

In the giveaway , please send it to me ! :D

[Gavin12345678910]

another great review! Still sticking with my astro a40s though xD

[drunkfux1]

hey arctic, did you ever do a review of the razer onza? i can't find it

[arCtiCvBi]

@drunkfux1 yes I did, you can find it most easily by searching "Razer Onza Review" in youtube search, it's the number #1 result.

[drunkfux1]

@arCtiCvBi thanks arctic

[TaylonBr]

It was the best product review you have ever made. Just awesome. We don't have any other good review of the Chimaeras on YouTube and actually, you did a more than good.

Gratz, and keep doing the very good work, your channel is very cool =)

[ThakingT]

This was a great review and I would really like you to make a kind of ranking video for headsets. Basically telling all of us from the major headsets you have tried what are the top 5 out now in your opinion. Personally I use the new turtle beach PX 5's and I love them.

[arCtiCvBi]

@ThakingT Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I'll see if I can get around to doing a ranking video. 

[MLGSteggy]

One suggestion I'd make to sort of salvage the microphone, try slipping on a windscreen, see if that would help.

[arCtiCvBi]

@MLGSteggy Yeah I'll try it out, Razer informed me of a 'hidden' feature function that may help with the problem, but a windscreen is probably the best route.

[Rajiv4125]

I have the same problem with my A40 2011 mic + razer TE controller. The mic is SUPER sensitive.... People ask me to stop shouting into the mic when I'm speaking at my normal tone/volume. Really annoying.

[fobio2101]

you better be reviewing the new xbox tritton co branded headsets that come out in November.

[arCtiCvBi]

@fobio2101 I'll see if I can get my mitts on them.

[OhWhereIsTheeNite]

Excellent review! Very professional in the way it was presented.

[arCtiCvBi]

@OhWhereIsTheeNite Thanks, I'm hoping to cut down on the review time, but this was my first review with this new format.

[LIllf2015]

Just a question do you buy all these headsets urself? im assuming not but just wondering?

[arCtiCvBi]

@LIllf2015 No I do not, I typically receive them from the specific company I am reviewing.

[LIllf2015]

@arCtiCvBi ok and can you maybe try to do a review of a turtle beach p11 or a kindof cheap headset that more people like casual gamers would buy? like the under 100$ range?

[rainyjason55555]

comparing this to tritton ax pros and this headset which is better in your opinon

[arCtiCvBi]

@rainyjason55555 The AX Pros are wired, so I wouldnt really compare them. I have a few issues with the AX Pros as well, but they're about on par with each other. I actually prefer the Chimaera's to the AX 720 and the AX Pros.

[iM0L3]

I'll stick to my Astro A40's, loving them so far.

[arCtiCvBi]

@iM0L3 nothing wrong with that :) I have my 5.8 setup video and review coming in the upcoming weeks.

[tinytoon688]

Its just a no no lol

[ncgatorbait]

Nice thorough review...thanks arctic!

[arCtiCvBi]

@ncgatorbait thanks for watching and commenting -- always appreciated!

[ncgatorbait]

@arCtiCvBi No problem...got you boxed on my small channel...Have you seen the new Tritton Gears of War Headsets?

[KingNefiiria]

So did you buy 4 seperate headsets so you could displaythem like that, or were you able to borrow from friends or just ask the store to display 4 of them? :O Just curious.

If it's the 1st choice, send one my way ;D jk jk

[ThakingT]

@KingNefiiria He works for razr so they probably send him things for free all the time

[KingNefiiria]

@ThakingT Ah I see. I was going to say "You spent $600 just to do a display? That's dedicated, man." :P

[arCtiCvBi]

@ThakingT Actually, I don't work for Razer, but if you've caught some of my Razer Onza giveaway videos, I told my subscribers I'd be getting in two Chimaera's to giveaway. Those two unopened boxes were it :D

[ThakingT]

@arCtiCvBi Do they sponsor you or your team? I see you doing things razer related all the time. You demo products at events and you always seem to have a lot of inside info on what razer is planning. Just kind of assumed you worked for them.

[k0d14k1]

Good to see you are critical of their products, even tho they hook you up and you represented them at E3. Remain unbiased.

[Alphakbc]

Have you done a review on the latest in turtle beach headsets. I believe the latest headset they have are the Ear Force Px5's and are "wireless." They are a tad bit pricing so I do not know whether you are able to get your hands on one of these for review purposes. Meaning I do not know if they are worth your expense to do a review on.

[arCtiCvBi]

@Alphakbc Yeah I got to play around with the PX5's at CES. I'll try to get them in for review -- I briefly mentioned them in my video. I have the SteelSeries 7XB Wireless Headset and the Astro 2011 with the 5.8 wireless mixamp coming up next.

[megalo]

The hum and background noise was giving me a headache

[arCtiCvBi]

@megalo yeah I'll be working on that. It's from my camera mic which was only in the first 1:00 of the video

[lFreshWulf]

not to be mean but only gamefreaks will spend 200$ on a dumbass mic

[arCtiCvBi]

@lFreshWulf Your certainly not insulting me. A lot of the high end gaming headsets are at or around 200

[OryKid]

@lFreshWulf You are either ignorant or jealous; I cant tell which.

[sportyguy714]

@lFreshWulf why are you watching the video then?

[breadpops]

@lFreshWulf Fancy way of saying you cant aford shit lol (uf you want it you will buy it if you dont want it shutup)

[NickyDells573]

@lFreshWulf it's a dumbass mic because you have never used something like it before. If your gonna comment with something negative dont say it at all

[lFreshWulf]

@NickyDells573 i have two astros n turtle beaches n ur arCtiC zYn Dick Rider so stfu n get off his sack n its kids like u that make him famous so idgaf wut u say i was givin a opinion so fuck you n have a nice day

[NickyDells573]

@lFreshWulf why would you pay for 3+ headsets if you think that they are stupid? Either you payed for them and wasted all of your money because you think they are stupid, your mom bought you them because you are a little spoiled white boy, or you are lying to me. i'm guessing your mom bought you them

[OreoGamez]

@lFreshWulf LOL, its for people have some money to spend. they arnt dumb either, your just too poor to afford. wishing you could get your hands on one.