Developer: Thrustmaster
Publisher: Thrustmaster
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC + Limited functionality on other platforms
Thrustmaster Y-350CPX 7.1 Powered – Hardware Review
We have featured many of Thrustmaster’s products on the site, and so far we have had a hard time finding faults in these devices, which is something not every company can achieve. This spotless track record has presented us with countless fun steering wheels, controllers, flight sticks and last but not least, headsets. We’ll be taking a look at the latter, Thrustmaster’s new headset, the Y-350CPX 7.1 Powered, which is pretty much the all round version of the previous powered editions, such as the DOOM and Ghost Recon versions. We noticed that the brand is giving special touches to their latest products, which give the company a new look and feel, while remaining very familiar.
Design
We feel like we’re repeating ourselves when talking about Thrustmaster’s headsets, but the design of this device is pretty much the same as the other ‘powered’ devices, be it with different color tones, no limited edition design and a slightly different braided cable, the latter being a fun and flashy touch. When we took a look at the GP XID PRO, Thrustmaster’s newest PC controller, we saw a lot of orange color tones, which is something we now see on the Y-350CPX 7.1 Powered, but also Thrustmaster’s twin pack of flight sticks. It’s clear that the new product line is being plastered with the dark orange tones, which look spiffy, fun and it all comes together well, especially if you want to have several of Thrustmaster’s products in your gaming set-up.
The color tones and the orange/black braided cable aside, the ear pieces remain the same, with a subtle design on the outside, making this design feel just as familiar as the first headset we reviewed years ago. The ‘pilot’ headset remains intact, and we still love it after all these years, and despite the small touches hither and thither, the design is fairly simple, a bit bulky, but all in all the device is a pretty looking thing.
There’s a small control box, which serves as the extension of the headset’s cable, which also has the same orange tones, which make it one decent whole. The control box’ cable also has an orange braided cable, but the splitter itself has a simple black plastic cable.
Comfort
Comfort-wise not much has changed either, as the cushy headset is a very comfortable device, thanks to the thick padding in the ear pieces, as well as the headband. The leathery fabric shows stains easily, but it’s easy to wipe off the ‘grime’ and dirt to keep it clean as if it just came out of the box.
The Y-350CPX 7.1 Powered doesn’t grip your head too tightly, which is a plus, seeing the headset is quite bulky, thus you’ll properly notice it on your head. Nonetheless, the device isn’t too heavy, and still feels very comfortable on your head after a long gaming session.
Specs
- 7.1 virtual surround sound
- 60 mm drivers
- Multi-platform
Overview
You can have limited functionality when you use the standard 3.5mm plug, without attaching the control box. You’ll have sound, but the mic won’t be recognized on some devices. If you want the full package, you’ll have to add the control box and the extension cable, making it easy to plug the device in your favorite console’s controller (you’ll need an add-on if you’re using an old Xbox One controller). If you want to use it for your PC, you’ll also have a splitter, allowing you to plug in the audio and mic ports.
The control box is simple to use and is straightforward, as it has a mic, voice and 7.1 button and a bass and master volume switch. Overall this works as it should, and it’s easy to have, as buttons on the headset itself aren’t always as practical, or having none at all is bothersome when you have to regulate everything in the volume settings of your PC.
With the 60mm drivers and 7.1 surround sound you’ll be treated to crisp audio, which is to be expected from this somewhat more expensive headset. We can only give props to Thrustmaster as they always manage to pay attention to the bass settings of the device, which is something that is often overlooked by other brands, which is a damn shame.
Conclusion
Thrustmaster’s Y-350CPX 7.1 Powered might be a bit more expensive than the company’s old line of headsets, but the design, sturdiness and the sound quality make up for the few extra bucks. You’ll be treated with a durable device, that works on nearly all of your next-gen gaming devices, making sure you’ll be good to go for a long time to come. If you’re looking for a new headset, Thrustmaster has been a great go-to brand over the last few years, and even now, they are providing more and more quality to make sure their devices are worth every little penny.
Thrustmaster Y-350CPX 7.1 Powered - Hardware Review,
No Comments