Corsair Virtuoso Pro

"CAPTIVATING CLARITY: Revolutionary new graphene driver technology eliminates distortion and reproduces incredibly clear, accurate audio, revealing every detail in your games and media."

The clarity and imaging are excellent for a gaming headset, directional audio is a strength. These are not reference headphones though and do benefit from EQ.

"RADICALLY CLEAR VOCALS: Broadcast yourself brilliantly on the uni-directional microphone, or easily detach to use your own XLR or USB microphone."

The included microphone performs well for gaming and streaming, and the detachable design is a great touch for those using standalone mics or if you have another dual 3.5mm headphone that you want to use the mic on.

"COOL AND LIGHT LISTENING: Soft cloth ear pads are cushioned with memory foam, and the airy open back ear cups take pressure off your ears during long streams and playthroughs."

The ear pads are comfortable and breathable, but the fabric feels less premium than expected.

"AMAZING TRUE-TO-LIFE AUDIO: Open back ear cups create a natural expansive sound stage and improve driver performance, for unparalleled studio-grade audio... Hear yourself and the environment around you, so you can talk and interact in a way that sounds natural."

The open-back design allows for ambient awareness, a wider soundstage, and a more natural sound. However, this benefit is not specific to the Virtuoso Pro, rather it's simply the nature of open-back designs and is the reason many prefer them.

"READY FOR A CLOSE-UP: Lightweight aluminum-reinforced design creates a striking style that looks great on camera."

The sleek design and aluminum accents do look great on camera, adding a touch of professionalism to any setup.

Comfort and Build

Design is a highlight of the Virtuoso Pro. These are one of the better looking headsets on the market today. The lightweight design and adjustable headband distribute weight well, minimizing fatigue and leaving it comfortable for long gaming sessions. The mix of plastic and metal in the build feels solid and durable, with the plastic used strategically to reduce weight without creating weak points. Unfortunately, the fabric on the ear cups and headband cushion feels cheap and is prone to staining. Overall, it’s a good balance of comfort and sturdiness at this price point.

Sound

The Virtuoso Pro delivers a v-shaped sound signature with an emphasis on clarity and detail from the elevated treble. Its performance has some notable strengths and weaknesses. The bass is punchy but lacks depth and extension, which may disappoint those looking for a more robust and rumbly low-end. It also feels muddy at times, detracting from overall clarity due to the upper bass hump. The mids are smooth and fairly well balanced, making vocals and dialogue sound natural, but they feel slightly recessed in the upper-mids detracting from the shine and clarity of vocals. The highs are detailed but a little piercing in the upper range, while the low-mid treble region is dark, taking more energy out of vocals and instruments.

Despite these shortcomings, the Virtuoso Pro responds very well to EQ adjustments. While I wouldn't strive to achieve a reference or studio sound, these are very easy headphones to fine-tune to your preference for any media.

Soundstage, Imaging, and Gaming

The soundstage is wide and airy, making the Virtuoso Pro well-suited for open-world games and atmospheric soundtracks. Imaging is particularly impressive for a gaming headset, allowing precise placement of in-game sounds, accurate directional audio, making these also a good choice for competitive games. While the lack of noise isolation due to the open-back design won't be ideal for everyone, these are no worse than any other open headphone.

Overall Impressions

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro stands out as a premium open-back gaming headset that offers a good build quality, a comfortable fit and a natural, expansive soundstage. It’s a strong choice for gamers and casual listeners who value comfort and spacious sound, provided they’re in a quiet setting.

Yes.

The Corsair Virtuoso Pro is a solid option for its price, just be sure to buy it on sale or open-box and be prepared to use EQ to get the best out of them.