Product test
Sony Inzone H9 II: a high-end headset with WH-1000XM6 DNA
by Kevin Hofer
The Atlas Air is seriously comfortable
23-6-2024
Translation: Katherine Martin
It may have been too big for my head, but I’ve still never worn a headset as comfy as the Atlas Air. Manufacturer Turtle Beach has worked its magic on the drivers, creating glorious sound. The software, on the other hand, is a nightmare.
Open-back gaming headsets are a rarity, but the Atlas Air is the exception that proves the rule. It also has unique features you wouldn’t notice at first glance. Each ear cup is connected to the headband with three rubber bands. They «float» on the headband, making the headset super comfortable. Not only that, but the Atlas Air offers good sound. However, the software for configuration and processing is unimpressive.
Driver sound quality: benefits from open-back ear cups
The Turtle Beach Signature Sound equaliser profile is activated by default. I leave it that way throughout my review. Personally, I’m of the view that headsets should sound good out of the box, without making adjustments in the equaliser. And the Atlas Air does exactly that. As is typical for open-back headphones, they have a natural, clear sound.
The open design helps the headphones reproduce sound more naturally and with a better spatial effect than closed headphones. For instance, the hum of the fluorescent lighting in Autopsy Simulator sounds like the real thing – not the muffled imitation you typically hear when using closed headphones. In Ghost of Tsushima, I can hear which direction arrows are coming from. Plus, the score accompanying Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes sounds outstanding.
Of course, the headset’s open-back design has its downsides too. Namely, that the ear cups don’t protect against ambient noise. Still, at least I can hear my sons when they try to sneak up behind me to give me a fright.
One negative point struck me regarding the volume control. Anything below 50 per cent of the maximum volume is barely audible. I can only hear the sound from 50 per cent volume and above, and I notice the most significant changes between 70 and 100 per cent. I’d like to see a more refined, more even breakdown.
I’m not exactly enamoured with the microphone’s audio quality, but it’s fine for Teams calls and meetings. Here’s a quick audio sample:
Box contents and ergonomics: too big, but still comfortable
The Atlas Air comes with a carry case, a USB-C and a 3.5-mm cable and a USB transmitter for wireless connection. As well as this 2.4 GHz connection, the headset also features Bluetooth. You can’t use both of these modes simultaneously. As a result, you can pair the headset with any device you can think of. If you want to connect it to an Xbox, however, you’ll only be able to do so with the 3.5-millimetre cable.
You adjust the headset using the Velcro fasteners mentioned above. This works pretty well. It’s not the headband that rests on your head, it’s the elastic band used to adjust the size. I barely feel it. After a few hours of wearing it, I even forget it’s there.
The ear cups are really comfortable too. Thanks to the fastening mechanism with the rubber bands, they adapt to the shape of my head well. However, you can’t fold them away or rotate them, which makes the headset less portable. The fabric ear pads feel comfortable and don’t make me sweat much. My ears don’t touch the drivers, which adds to my sense of comfort. I don’t even feel any pinching when I have my glasses on.
Turtle Beach has used fabric and plastic as materials. While this may look cheap at first glance, the plastic especially is high quality. I can rotate the headset in any conceivable direction without breaking it. I’m more concerned about the Velcro fasteners and the mesh stretched over the elastic band and headband. Those are probably the parts of the headset that’ll wear out quickest.
Features and functions: oh lordy, the software
The Atlas Air is reduced to the bare necessities. There are three buttons on the headset itself: the on button, a button for switching between wireless modes and the Bluetooth pairing button. You adjust the volume using a large dial on the outside of the ear cup. This is located on the left, as are the other controls, microphone and ports.
In a nutshell
A good headset with few to no competitors
The Atlas Air has won me over with its comfort and sound. Thanks to its wide range of connectivity options, it can be used with any device you can think of. With a battery life of around 40 hours, there’s nothing standing in the way of marathon gaming sessions. What’s not quite so good is the microphone, and the software still looks like a beta version. I’m not a fan of the Velcro size adjusters or the mesh around the headband either – I’m concerned they’ll break soon.
Personally, I’d rather go for a combination of open-back headphones such as the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro and a podcast microphone. While that involves going without wireless connectivity, the sound quality is in a league of its own. As for wireless alternatives, there aren’t any in this price range. The only one I can think of is the Audeze Maxwell PS, but it’s considerably more expensive than the Atlas Air.
Pro
- seriously comfortable
- good sound
- plenty of connectivity options
- long battery life
Contra
- finish
- Microphone
- Software
Header image: Kevin Hofer
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
