EPOS H3 Hybrid Review

The EPOS H3 Hybrid Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset with Bluetooth, is a headset a Nintendo Switch owner should consider picking up, thanks to the latest update to the Nintendo Switch, which now allows for Bluetooth connectivity. Yet, it is not just Nintendo Switch owners that should consider this headset, console owners from Xbox to PlayStation and even PC gamers might also want to consider this headset as their next buy, find out why by reading on.

THE START IS GOOD

EPOS has been growing its collection of gaming headsets for some time now and I must admit I rather like them, so it was a no brainer when they announced the arrival of the EPOS H3 Hybrid Closed Acoustic Gaming Headset. The headset offers three types of connection 3.5mm, USB and Bluetooth, opening up endless connection opportunities.

CRAFTED TO LAST, DESIGNED TO EXCITE

EPOS go dark with their packaging this time using Dark Photography (Dark Photography refers to photos with dark colours and tones.) Showcasing the headset from a side perspective on the front of the box, while on the back of the box they show the whole headset with the microphone detached.

Key features which EPOS have chosen to use include

• Detachable Boom Mic
• Multiple-connection possibilities
• High-Quality Materials

Then we have the EPOS statements about the headset.

Created for those who insist on excellence from their audio devices, we craft solutions with high-quality materials that are built to last: providing the perfect balance between excellent audio and comfort. The real magic happens what users experience the purity of sound, the clarity of speech and the difference it makes to anything they set out to achieve. 

There is one thing console gamers will miss out on, EPOS 7.1 surround sound as this is only available on PC via a USB connection. This is not really an issue, as consoles use their own surround sound programs like Dolby Atmos etc.

CHECK THIS OUT

Packaged well, your new EPOS H3 Hybrid is going to arrive nice and safe, but what you will notice over anything else, is the all-new mic boom arm which attaches to the headset with a very strong magnet. This is no flimsy magnet that holds the boom mic in place, oh no, this magnet is so strong, you can hold the mic arm by itself and pick up your headset. If you are playing an intense game, that is making you angry, happy or just damn right crazy, you are not going to accidentally swipe this microphone off the headset. If you are like me, very rarely remove a microphone if playing on PC,  you can easily move the Boom Mic up and out of the way when not in use.

If for some reason, like me, you do not need to use the boom mic, say when you are using your Nintendo Switch or Mobile Phone, there is a small round cap inside the box the covers over the mic boom connection, which is also magnetized.

This is what the microphone sounds like using the EPOS sound suite on PC, testing OFF, WARM, CLEAR AND CUSTOM. You also have Gain, sidetone and Noise Gate to play with.

There does seem to be some popping on the microphone, this might be my mic only, but it is there for some reason.

LITTLE THINGS PLEASE LITTLE MINDS

The second thing I noticed was the volume wheel, not the normal wheel that requires you to use two fingers to turn it around, but a wheel that has notches all around it on the inside, which allows you to turn it with just one finder… MIND BLOWING.

LET’S GET CLOSER

Looking at the headset even closer, you will notice just two buttons, one for Bluetooth and one for power. Then we have the 3.5mm and USB Type C connection sockets. The headband has a leather underside and cloth as the outer material. On the side of the headband, you have the EPOS name, logo and the name of the headset. The majority of the headset is plastic, with plenty of flex, and they are adjustable using a metal band, approximately offering an extra 40mm on either side.

The earcups themselves can tilt in/ out / up and down, have Black leatherette cushions, with a soft material on the inside, something I prefer over all leatherette.

LET’S GET INTO GAMING

I got this headset for Nintendo Switch thanks to its latest update, but like a lot of us know Bluetooth connection is not always the greatest way to experience sound, this we all know is done much better with a 3.5mm connection. So how does the headset perform?

POWERFUL, AMAZING, SUBLIME – – A True Achievement in Gaming Audio, Design and Technology

Big words right? but it is true, sound in games came across pristine, quality is what you get when it came to vocals. Music, Bass, suttle footsteps, the sound of nature, you name it if a game wants to showcase its sound atmosphere this headset can pull it off. Listening to music from heavy bass to trance and good to old school dance tracks, my ears were treated.

Chucking this into my Xbox controller and listening to audio with Dolby Atmos and all its 3D glorious soundscape in games, just blew me away. Nothing is as good as a true Dolby Atmos setup, but headsets come rather close to providing your ears with a full surround sound experience.

When it comes to using the headset on a PC, you connect up VIA the USB connection and use the EPOS Sound Suite, but make sure to update the suite and firmware on the H3 Hybrid. Once updated, you get access to 7.1 and 2.0 sound modes along with your very own EQ custom made or pre-set EQs. You also get access to the Microphone suite, which allows you to set up your microphone how you like it.

Now personally I think this software should be available on more than just PC, this needs to be available on Console and Mobile so all gamers can take advantage of what EPOS offer within this suite.

HOW LONG WILL THIS HEADSET LAST? WELL, NOT DURABILITY BUT CHARGE TIME?

Well on average it should last up to 37hrs when using Bluetooth, based on the sound level, I got around 33.5hrs and I had the sound over halfway. When using the wired mode, you should get a whole day worth of game time out of the headset, and if for some reason you are using Bluetooth and wired you should get around 19hrs. Of course, all of these is totally down to the volume and mic use.

TO THE END, THE BEES KNEES 

So you get a GOOD mic, even if mine had popping sounds for some reason, but it was not always present as I found out. The sound of the H3 Hybrid will impress, the audio output is amazing, anything and everything you chuck at it, the EPOS H3 Hybrid will make the most out of it. I played Monster Hunter Rise, Ni no Kuni, Assassins Creed Valhalla, Back 4 Blood, Far Cry 6 and many other games while testing this headset and every time I had a smile on my face. This headset is light, comfortable, looks great, feels great and kicks butt.

You can purchase the H3 Hybrid here for around £160.00 or from any good retail outlet or online store.

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