Latest news with #THXSpatialAudio
Gizmodo
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Review: The Sweatiest Gamers Will Love This Headset
'The best' of anything is already a misnomer, but throw 'pro' into the mix, as so many gamer peripherals tend to, and we're staring down the barrel of hyperbole. Which brings us to the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro, a gaming headset that Razer claims epitomizes low-latency sound for high-performance gaming, where hearing a footstep or missing your teammate's callout is the difference between triumph and rage-inducing defeat. So when I say Razer's BlackShark is 'the best' of its class, you have to remember this may not be the best for every game you may play. The $250 BlackShark V3 Pro is the company's latest in its long line of esports-focused wireless headsets. It's a purpose-built machine made for players so hardcore they need to pick out the tones of enemy footfalls amid the chaos of battle. The Call of Duty or Counter-Strike crowds—both pros and wannabes—have every reason to listen deep for every hint of an advantage, but what about everyone else who simply wants a device to be their one and only gaming headset for every situation? It's now $50 more than the Blackshark V2 was at launch, but with THX Spatial Audio, a relatively comfortable band, and the inclusion of active noise cancellation, the Blackshark V3 Pro makes a compelling case for itself. Consider its cost; having a headset designed for pros first means you won't receive the kind of 'oomph' you should demand for the most compelling single-player titles. Razer BlackShark V3 Pro The BlackShark V3 Pro is the premium headset for multiplayer games. Just know going "pro" means losing out on the best sound for some single-player titles. Pros Cons The BlackShark V3 Pro uses Razer's bio-cellulose 50mm drivers. Bio-cellulose normally offers smooth midtones—which helps it hone in on those small audio details like footsteps. Along with Razer's software suite, the headset hits the ears with a punch for every gunshot, a rattle for every reload, and the whining sound of your teammate complaining, 'Dude, where's my team at?' The closest approximation to that sound is the whine of a mosquito flicking near your ear. The headset is tuned for competitive games where sound is often more important than what you're seeing on screen. This means the audio is built not to be distracting nor—dare I say it—immersive. The drivers and audio software are tuned so you know where the bullets are coming from, rather than how punchy they are. I switched headsets during several games of Counter-Strike 2 and Halo Infinite. I noticed I would actually play better listening through the BlackShark V3 Pro compared to other expensive headsets like the Alienware Pro Wireless, the HyperX Cloud III S, or Razer's own Kraken V4 Pro (it's normally a $180 headset, but it costs $400 if you get it with the Control Hub and Razer Sensa haptics). The experience in games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 wasn't at all terrible, but it lacked the bass that helped the games' deep, dark soundscape come alive. In those games, I enjoyed a more dynamic sound from cheaper headsets. For $250, the BlackShark V3 Pro isn't the headset you want for every scenario. Razer has made some improvements over the BlackShark V3 Pro, most notably the huge 12mm detachable mic with its 48 kHz sampling rate. The higher-than-normal sampling rate means the gaming headset can recognize a wider range of frequencies, which helps your voice sound more like yourself or at least come through clearer to your friends or frenemies, depending on how well you're doing each match. The actual difference between the BlackShark V3 Pro and other headsets is minor, but still noticeably clearer through the golf ball-sized pop filter. Razer put a heavy emphasis on the gaming headset's low latency capabilities, so you can't blame your hardware for any time you choke in a match. The BlackShark V3 Pro uses Razer's own 2.4GHz 'HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2' wireless codec, which requires an extra dongle wired to the PC so you can have it as close to you as possible. It has a stated 10ms connection latency, which is some of the lowest available, offering virtually no lag between your wireless headset and the game. For comparison, the high-end HyperX Cloud Alpha has a stated 15ms latency through its 2.4GHz dongle. Most modern headsets have below 40ms latency. You would only be able to tell the difference if you had expert ears. What the HyperSpeed dongle really means in a practical sense is you'll have one more wire clogging up your pristine desk space. The BlackShark V3 Pro has a level of customizability through the Razer Synapse software (as with all Razer products, Synapse is unavoidable) that competitors are still lacking. You can create your own EQ—or equalization—to make your favorite games sound as good as possible. Razer promoted that it has 12 games, including popular shooters like Valorant, Fortnite, and Apex Legends, with EQ profiles tuned by several esports stars. I wish it had access to something like SteelSeries' massive library of EQ options through its Arctis app, though what's available are perfect for each respective game. Users can store up to nine of their own profiles directly on the headset in case they need to take it with them. See BlackShark V3 Pro at Amazon The BlackShark V3 Pro is more physically customizable than Razer's previous gaming headsets as well. Taking a page from HP's HyperX lineup of headsets, the BlackShark V3 Pro lets you attach new plastic pads to the left and right earcups. Currently, Razer is only selling special caps that sport logos from various esports teams. If, like me, you're not religiously following the Los Angeles Thieves, you're wondering if you can get other customized pads. Razer told me it may consider releasing STL files for users to 3D print their own custom panels, but we don't doubt regular users will craft their own without Razer's help. At the same time, the BlackShark V3 Pro isn't very road friendly. The pads don't fold flat, and that massive 12mm detachable boom mic means it's going to take up way too much room in your bag or luggage. You won't really care what you look like when these are wrapped around your noggin. I have plenty of problems with some gaming headsets rubbing my naked, bald head raw, but the BlackShark fit around my ears with just enough pressure that I wasn't stuck listening to my own staccato heartbeat. I could wear them for hours without an issue, though I feel the headset would feel slightly more comfortable with slightly firmer memory foam around the top band and softer cups. The BlackShark V3 Pro also lacks swappable cups that may have alleviated any small pain points. Being a 'pro'-level gaming headset also implies more than the ability to survive several rounds of gamer sweats. The wireframe holding the cups to the main body has some give, but not enough that they stayed bent as I gave them a strong twist in my hands. So is this the headset built for the huddled desktop denizens who don't want to leave the comforts of their gamer hole? Razer's own $180 Kraken V4 is filled with glowing RGB lights and THX spatial sound. That pair of headphones does not include noise cancellation, but the pleather earcups do a better job of dampening sound without the addition of the active noise cancellation (ANC) software. With ANC turned on, it manages to hinder background chatter and the sound of my office's HVAC on a sweltering New York summer day, but I could still pick up on the sounds of deskmates typing and sniffling. That's still good enough for when you're deep into a gaming session, but it may not replace your high-quality ANC headphones for pure listening bliss. The headset gets a stated 70 hours of battery life—which is expected for this price—but ANC will deplete that faster. That doesn't matter much considering how in the several days and multiple play sessions testing the device, I never saw it dip below 80%. There are few gaming headsets that can go toe-to-toe with the BlackShark V3 Pro. It's a lithe, lone aquatic killing machine swimming in a pond full of pretty, glowing fish destined for some rich man's aquarium. It's a more expensive headset than the last go-around, though those who want the best gaming headset for multiplayer won't find much better. If you want something that will be your one and only headset for every game under the sun, you should look for more well-rounded alternatives. See BlackShark V3 Pro at Amazon
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Skullcandy Revives A Classic With The Launch Of The New Aviator 900 ANC With THX Spatial Audio
The new Aviator 900 ANC from Skullcandy come with THX Spatial Audio with head tracking. The sound of ... More the headphones can be personalized using Mimi. Skullcandy isn't a headphone brand I usually feature, mainly because its customers have a specific demographic adn I think they are way too cool to be reading someone like me. The brand is as much a lifestyle icon as an audio name and Skullcandy has been striking chords with younger consumers for many years now. Known for its Aviator franchise, Skullcandy has decided to revive a classic design by launching the new Aviator 900 ANC. These are the most ambitious headphones Skullcandy has ever released. When the original Skullcandy Aviator line was launched back in 2010, it was embraced by a worldwide audience of tastemakers and celebrities who loved the form, the look and the audio experience it delivered. The new Aviator 900 ANC headphones build on the classic and retro look of the original Aviator headphones, but also use new materials and technologies for consumers who want a stylish pair of headphones but don't want to skimp on audio quality just to get ab edgy look. The latest and relaunched version of Skullcandy Aviator headphones include a Personalized Sound ... More feature from Mimi. Now With THX Spatial Audio With the new Aviator 900 ANC headphones, Skullcandy has collaborated with THX, the audio company founded by George Lucas of Star Wars fame. The idea behind the partnership was to bring immersion and emotional depth to the headphones by incorporating THX's Spatial Audio with Head Tracking technology. THX Spatial Audio recreates an effect that places the listener in a concert hall. The soundstage changes as the listener moves their head, creating a real-world spatial effect with the widest sound where individual instruments are placed in three dimensions. The Aviator 900 ANC have an adaptive array of six microphones that are used top monitor ambient sounds which are then subtracted from the audio signal using adaptive active noise cancelation. The headphones also include Mimi Personalized Sound that enables the listener to customoze the sound of the headphones to suit their hearing. 'THX Spatial Audio with head tracking on the new Aviator is a historic moment for both companies,' says Tuyen Pham, chief executive officer of THX Ltd. 'This collaboration merges THX's long-standing mission to bring the best audio technology to consumers of entertainment with the popularity of the Skullcandy brand. With THX Spatial Audio on board the Aviator 900 ANC, Skullcandy is truly empowering their customers to hear movies, music, and games the way the creator intended the content to be enjoyed with emotional connection, depth, and immersion.' The new Aviator 900 ANC are the flagship headphones from the Skullcandy stable. The headphones have ... More physical controls that can be customized, plus there is an LED panel. As you might expect from a brand that's rooted in youth lifestyle and fashion, the Aviator 900 ANC use a bold mix of materials, including vintage-inspired hardware with suede and polished finishes. The headphones also sport design elements like a knurled thumbwheel, joystick and retro-inspired multi-function LCD. Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC With Multipoint Pairing A full charge of the Aviator 900 ANC battery can power the headphones for up to 60 hours of continuous listening time. The Aviator 900 ANC have essential features like rapid charge, Bluetooth 5.3, wear detect and Multipoint pairing so two devices can be connected at the same time. The headphones have a collapsible, travel-ready design and come with a cross-body travel bag for stowing them away. There are customizable controls which can be altered with the Skullcandy app. An adjustable 'Stay-Aware' mode helps users be aware of their surroundings, plus there are custom EQ settings and button remapping for the headphone's controls so they can be fully customized for seamless and intuitive to use. 'This marks Skullcandy's bold entry into the premium headphone space,' says Justin Regan, vice president of marketing at Skullcandy. 'It's a fearless move for a brand known for doing things differently – and proof that great sound and standout design can live in the same package.' The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC headphones have a collapsible design and come with a cross body ... More storage bag. The Skullcandy Aviator 900 ANC headphones – including THX Spatial Audio with Head Tracking – are available now from as well as select global retailers. The price is $299.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
THX Announces THX Spatial Audio+, a New Feature-Rich Immersive Audio Platform for Laptops, Headphones, Soundbars
THX Spatial Audio+: Hear the world SAN FRANCISCO, May 21, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--THX, Ltd., a world-class high-fidelity audio and video tuning, certification, and technology company, and producer of the iconic THX Deep Note Trailers, has announced today the expansion of its THX Spatial Audio technology. Innovating for enjoyment of gaming, movies and music while listening on consumer electronics and mobile devices such as laptops, headphones, earbuds and soundbars, THX today announced a feature-rich new immersive audio architecture, THX Spatial Audio+. To ensure that gamers and audio- and videophiles alike can enjoy the pinpoint audio accuracy and true-to-life realism of immersive entertainment like never before comes THX Spatial Audio+. THX Spatial Audio+ improves the core spatial experience with an enhanced and flexible architecture designed to support continued innovation, including such unique features as adding height channels to the immersion and camera-based AI head tracking, depending upon the demands of the device. "The market is moving to integrated immersive audio for the enjoyment of all entertainment. Our research indicates consumers want to enjoy entertainment that has accurate and lifelike audio with emotional depth and realism," said Tuyen Pham, chief executive officer, THX Ltd. "THX continues our mission to bring entertainment to life with immersion and fidelity. THX Spatial Audio+ is our step toward this with its first set of new features. Look to THX for even more such advanced features to come." THX SPATIAL AUDIO+ Core Technology Enhancements With THX Spatial Audio+, the listener will gain an enhanced realistic and immersive entertainment experience founded on physics-based room simulation, due to behind-the-scenes development to the core THX Spatial Audio technology topology. These include a flexible, future-proof spatial engine that is designed for over-the-air updates to add new features and support for emerging and future audio formats. The THX renderer can be configured for any number of channels ensuring support for any future format, even beyond 7.1.4 for true, 360-degree surround sound! Also, THX's exclusive high-performance general Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) with timbral compensation is built based on the analysis of 400 spatial points and applied seamlessly to all filters, avoiding the timbral distortion of similar solutions leading to a more neutral HRTF for unmatched audio quality with no tonal distortion. Plus, for consumer electronics devices that have speakers, such as laptops, the THX Spatial Audio+ transaural speaker optimization with advanced central vocal image processing ensures a best of class accurate and lifelike spatial experience, delivering binaural, three-dimensional sound field over stereo speakers. THX SPATIAL AUDIO+: Hear the world. Beyond this core modern technology architecture, THX Spatial Audio+ also makes any consumer electronics product more dynamic and future-proof with its robust suite of innovative new features that maximize the immersive experience. Consumer electronics products boasting the THX Spatial Audio+ brand will come with at least one of these leading-edge features at launch or with over-the-air updates; while additional THX Spatial Audio+ features can also be added over time, extending the life and feature rich-ness of the product. Such features are: 7.1.4 (for games on Windows 11 that support height channels) - Allows users to fully experience the growing list of content that provides audio cues from above without an expensive speaker set-up through virtual height speakers that are adjustable to fine tune for the intended environment. AI Head Tracking - Using a built-in or third party attached webcam or six degrees of freedom Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU sensor), users will experience even greater realism when their head moves, as the environment remains fixed in response to low-latency adaptive spatial audio cues that faithfully recreate the real-world experience of human movement within the virtual environment. Parametric EQ - Highly professional studio-grade 7-band parametric EQ for fine tuning critical sound cues. Includes adjustable high and low shelf, visual response curve of parameters and ability for users to load, save and share with others. Intelligent Audio Optimization - AI-based detection maximizes settings based on content type and audio format and notifies the user when optimal settings are selected or modified. THX also has a further robust list of THX Spatial Audio+ features rolling out in Q4 2025 and into 2026! THX Spatial Audio+ on key THX partner brands will be available in the summer of 2025. To learn more about THX Spatial Audio+ please visit To find products and brands that have THX onboard, please visit And to talk to THX today about partnering to bring THX Spatial Audio+ to your product, please reach out to info@ Media and marketing inquiries can be sent to pr@ About THX Ltd. Founded in 1983 by filmmaker George Lucas, THX Ltd. today continues to excel at empowering great entertainment experiences. The company provides innovative modern technologies and the assurance of superior audio and visual fidelity that truthfully delivers the artist's vision. THX offerings go beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, automotive systems, and live entertainment. Its THX® Spatial Audio and patent-rich THX AAA™ audio technologies, and world-class THX® Certification standards, help THX partners bring premium entertainment enjoyment to market in the cinema, home, and mobile lifestyle electronics. For more information, visit find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. THX, THX Spatial Audio, and the THX Logo are the property of THX Ltd., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. View source version on Contacts Jody Privette YoungJody@ (415) 328-4700 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
21-05-2025
- Business Wire
THX Announces THX Spatial Audio+, a New Feature-Rich Immersive Audio Platform for Laptops, Headphones, Soundbars
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- THX, Ltd., a world-class high-fidelity audio and video tuning, certification, and technology company, and producer of the iconic THX Deep Note Trailers, has announced today the expansion of its THX Spatial Audio technology. Innovating for enjoyment of gaming, movies and music while listening on consumer electronics and mobile devices such as laptops, headphones, earbuds and soundbars, THX today announced a feature-rich new immersive audio architecture, THX Spatial Audio+. THX Spatial Audio+ is a new innovative immersive audio technology from THX for headphones, laptops and soundbars Share To ensure that gamers and audio- and videophiles alike can enjoy the pinpoint audio accuracy and true-to-life realism of immersive entertainment like never before comes THX Spatial Audio+. THX Spatial Audio+ improves the core spatial experience with an enhanced and flexible architecture designed to support continued innovation, including such unique features as adding height channels to the immersion and camera-based AI head tracking, depending upon the demands of the device. 'The market is moving to integrated immersive audio for the enjoyment of all entertainment. Our research indicates consumers want to enjoy entertainment that has accurate and lifelike audio with emotional depth and realism,' said Tuyen Pham, chief executive officer, THX Ltd. 'THX continues our mission to bring entertainment to life with immersion and fidelity. THX Spatial Audio+ is our step toward this with its first set of new features. Look to THX for even more such advanced features to come.' THX SPATIAL AUDIO+ Core Technology Enhancements With THX Spatial Audio+, the listener will gain an enhanced realistic and immersive entertainment experience founded on physics-based room simulation, due to behind-the-scenes development to the core THX Spatial Audio technology topology. These include a flexible, future-proof spatial engine that is designed for over-the-air updates to add new features and support for emerging and future audio formats. The THX renderer can be configured for any number of channels ensuring support for any future format, even beyond 7.1.4 for true, 360-degree surround sound! Also, THX's exclusive high-performance general Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) with timbral compensation is built based on the analysis of 400 spatial points and applied seamlessly to all filters, avoiding the timbral distortion of similar solutions leading to a more neutral HRTF for unmatched audio quality with no tonal distortion. Plus, for consumer electronics devices that have speakers, such as laptops, the THX Spatial Audio+ transaural speaker optimization with advanced central vocal image processing ensures a best of class accurate and lifelike spatial experience, delivering binaural, three-dimensional sound field over stereo speakers. THX SPATIAL AUDIO+: Hear the world. Beyond this core modern technology architecture, THX Spatial Audio+ also makes any consumer electronics product more dynamic and future-proof with its robust suite of innovative new features that maximize the immersive experience. Consumer electronics products boasting the THX Spatial Audio+ brand will come with at least one of these leading-edge features at launch or with over-the-air updates; while additional THX Spatial Audio+ features can also be added over time, extending the life and feature rich-ness of the product. Such features are: 7.1.4 (for games on Windows 11 that support height channels) - Allows users to fully experience the growing list of content that provides audio cues from above without an expensive speaker set-up through virtual height speakers that are adjustable to fine tune for the intended environment. AI Head Tracking - Using a built-in or third party attached webcam or six degrees of freedom Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU sensor), users will experience even greater realism when their head moves, as the environment remains fixed in response to low-latency adaptive spatial audio cues that faithfully recreate the real-world experience of human movement within the virtual environment. Parametric EQ - Highly professional studio-grade 7-band parametric EQ for fine tuning critical sound cues. Includes adjustable high and low shelf, visual response curve of parameters and ability for users to load, save and share with others. Intelligent Audio Optimization - AI-based detection maximizes settings based on content type and audio format and notifies the user when optimal settings are selected or modified. THX also has a further robust list of THX Spatial Audio+ features rolling out in Q4 2025 and into 2026! THX Spatial Audio+ on key THX partner brands will be available in the summer of 2025. To learn more about THX Spatial Audio+ please visit To find products and brands that have THX onboard, please visit And to talk to THX today about partnering to bring THX Spatial Audio+ to your product, please reach out to info@ Media and marketing inquiries can be sent to pr@ About THX Ltd. Founded in 1983 by filmmaker George Lucas, THX Ltd. today continues to excel at empowering great entertainment experiences. The company provides innovative modern technologies and the assurance of superior audio and visual fidelity that truthfully delivers the artist's vision. THX offerings go beyond studios and cinemas to consumer electronics, content, automotive systems, and live entertainment. Its THX ® Spatial Audio and patent-rich THX AAA™ audio technologies, and world-class THX ® Certification standards, help THX partners bring premium entertainment enjoyment to market in the cinema, home, and mobile lifestyle electronics. For more information, visit find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. THX, THX Spatial Audio, and the THX Logo are the property of THX Ltd., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.
Business Mayor
09-05-2025
- Business Mayor
Razer's Clio is a $230 surround sound head cushion
Powered by a 5,400mAh battery that Razer says is good for up to 14 hours of use, the Clio uses adjustable straps to attach to 'most high-back gaming and office chairs' so that it's positioned directly behind your head. Inside each of the cushion's angled wings is a near-field speaker that uses a 43-millimeter driver paired with a passive radiator that work together to deliver 'crisp, clear trebles and deep, punchy bass you can hear and feel.' The Clio speaker wirelessly connects to Bluetooth-compatible devices like smartphones, tablets, and handheld consoles, but is also compatible with Razer's HyperSpeed Wireless protocol for a low-latency connection to a gaming PC. Support for THX Spatial Audio creates a more immersive listening experience when using the Clio on its own, but it can be paired with additional desktop speakers and used as a dedicated rear channel as part of a larger 7.1 surround sound setup. The Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse weighs in at 76 grams and 'boasts a compact, ergonomic design' designed to slip into pockets or squeeze into a laptop sleeve along with a computer. It supports wired, Bluetooth, or a low-latency Razer HyperSpeed Wireless connection to PCs with up to 105 hours of battery life with the latter, or up to 150 hours with Bluetooth. The mouse includes a four-way tilting scroll wheel with two scrolling modes: free-spin for more speed or tactile cycling for more precision. There's a Razer Focus X optical sensor with up to 18,000dpi of sensitivity on the underside, while the mouse's primary buttons use Razer's Gen-3 optical switches boasting a 90 million click lifecycle. Read More Slitterhead, a gory new horror title, launches on November 8 The Razer Joro ultra-portable wireless gaming keyboard uses a compact 75 percent layout and measures in at 16.5-millimeters thick and 374 grams in weight. As with most Razer products, it features RGB lighting that can be animated with various effects while still offering an impressive battery life of up to 1,800 hours when using its power saving mode. The Joro connects to devices with a USB-C cable or over Bluetooth and is not only compatible with both Windows and Apple devices including iPadOS and iOS, it also features secondary keys with macOS labels and a dedicated Microsoft Copilot Key. Laser-etched ABS keycaps help ensure longevity, and in addition to the keyboard being customizable, it can also store up to five different profiles locally, and switch between them as needed. READ SOURCE
