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Written by Matt Herrin | December 19, 2006 |
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Rating Overview
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Overall Rating
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Design: 9.5 of 10
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Comfort: 8 of 10
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Reliability: 9 of 10
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Sound Quality: 9.5 of 10
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Value for Price: 9 of 10
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Reviewer Comments
The Good: Great control features in driver control panel. Passive EMI Shield on the AC-1 makes for added protection inside the tower. All the connections you could ever need, for plugging in any sound device. The HP-1 looks fantastic along with multiple functions on the handheld control switch. Razer HD-DAI input makes for a fast, maneuverable, and clear connection. 720 degree perception makes for an amazing gaming experience. The HP-1's unidirectional microphone is great for gamers who want the microphone out of the way, while picking up clear, crisp sound.
The Bad: The AC-1 driver control panel pops up repeatedly when computer is started with original driver version. The HP-1 is heavy on the ears after extended periods of use, and will cause discomfort after just a few hours of gaming. Surrounding 2.4 GHz items such as cordless phones can cause interference with the HP-1. Cord length from tip of headset to the control switch is too short causing a tugging action when movement occurs. No mute microphone feature?
(UPDATE: Problem with driver control panel is fixed with driver version 1.10)
Conclusion: The Razer Barracuda AC-1 is by far the best sound card I have ever used. For the technology that is put into both the AC-1 and the HP-1, your opponents won't stand a chance. Both are great for not only gaming but listening to music in the utmost quality. Anyone who appreciates high quality sound will appreciate all the customizable features within the driver control panel. Finally, with the Razer Barracuda IAS is a bit on the pricey side but you can bet you are getting what you pay for. Sound is so good I could have sworn I got shot.
Full specifications
for Razer Barracuda IAS
| Model |
| Brand |
Razer |
| Series |
Barracuda |
| Model |
AC-1 |
| Type |
Sound Card |
| Audio core |
| Channels |
7.1 |
| Sample Rate |
192KHz |
| Digital Audio |
24-bit |
| SNR |
117dB |
| Ports |
| SPDIF In |
Yes |
| SPDIF Out |
Yes |
| CD/Aux In |
Yes |
| Spec |
| Interface |
PCI |
| Features |
| Features |
Gaming-specific positional audio, Powered by Razer Fidelity, allows gamers to take advantage of an expanded dynamic soundstage for gaming tuned frequencies with Razer ESP (Enhanced Sonic Perception). The in-built audio chip processes and optimizes audio signals from games to provide the ultimate positional gaming audio experience through the Razer 3D (720°) Positional Gaming Audio Engine.
The Passive EMI shield minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) by preventing unwanted interference from graphics cards and other electrical devices that may affect the gaming audio performance.
The Razer Barracuda AC-1 Gaming Audio Card also features optimized proprietary software drivers to provide for the prioritization of enhanced gaming audio signals while leaving as small a memory footprint as possible.
Razer HD-DAI (High Definition Dedicated Audio Interface) further optimizes the Razer Barracuda IAS gaming audio experience by allowing for a proprietary connection for optimized signal transmission when used with the Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones. |
| Model |
| Brand |
Razer |
| Series |
Barracuda |
| Model |
HP-1 |
| Type |
Headset |
| General SPEC |
| Frequency Response |
1.50 Hz ~ 20KHz |
| Input Impedance |
Front Speaker: 64ohm, Rear Speaker: 32ohm, Centre Speaker:64ohm, Sub-Woofer: 8ohm |
| Connector |
Razer HD-DAI(High Definition-Dedicated Audio Interface) |
| Ear Coupling |
Circumaural |
| Cord Length |
6 feet |
| Features |
| Features |
With some of the best components selected for the ultra-sensitive speaker drivers, the Razer Barracuda HP-1 Gaming Headphones delivers pinpoint positional accuracy essential for gaming.
The Razer Barracuda HP-1s built-in microphone is designed specifically for in-game communications featuring a short shaft for enhanced comfort and audio pickup, the microphone also features advanced noise cancellation capabilities ideal for frenzied in-game correspondence.
Powered with Razer Fidelity, the Razer Barracuda HP-1 may be used with all soundcards; however, using it with the Razer Barracuda AC-1 gaming soundcard is strongly recommended as it delivers the best gaming audio experience in the world today. |
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