Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Razer Megalodon Review

[b]The Razer Megalodon (ver. No Stand)[/b]

Right, first up: The Box

[url=http://img190.imageshack.us/i/img1336i.jpg/][img]http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/4909/img1336i.jpg[/img][/url]

When i first set my eyes on it, i was quite taken aback by the size of it. :shock: (W x B x H: 24cm x 13.5cm x 26cm)

What's inside?

[url=http://img197.imageshack.us/i/img1337auh.jpg/][img]http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/9438/img1337auh.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Upon sliding off the jacket, you'll find the Megalodon's catchphrase: "Put sound in its place"

Opening the black box, you will find:

[url=http://img32.imageshack.us/i/img1340j.jpg/][img]http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/9370/img1340j.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Cool, huh? See the sick, acid-green color underneath the jacket? So, in the black box you'll find a square, black envelope on the flap, and the Megalodon's case. (hard case, mind u.. hoho)

[url=http://img188.imageshack.us/i/img1341k.jpg/][img]http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/2233/img1341k.th.jpg[/img][/url]

The Megalodon's hard case

So, let's open the case ya?

[url=http://img6.imageshack.us/i/img1353d.jpg/][img]http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3804/img1353d.jpg[/img][/url]

This is what the Megalodon looks like inside the case. Of course, the lights are off. When this pic was taken it was already plugged into my pc.

So, before i show you the headphone, let me show you what's inside the black envelope.

This is the envelope...

[url=http://img29.imageshack.us/i/img1364e.jpg/][img]http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/7459/img1364e.th.jpg[/img][/url]

And this is what's inside it. From top left, clockwise: The COA (Cert. of Authenticity), Quick Start Guide, Product Catalog, 2 Razer stickers and a Master Guide.

[url=http://img253.imageshack.us/i/img1363.jpg/][img]http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/695/img1363.jpg[/img][/url]

And, this is it... The RAZER MEGALODON Headphone!

[url=http://img21.imageshack.us/i/img1360w.jpg/][img]http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9498/img1360w.jpg[/img][/url]

Out of the box, the first thing you might notice is the glossy frame and Razer logo, the wire mesh and the braided wire which is to prevent tangles (nice job, Razer!)

And this is the APU (Audio Processing Unit)

[url=http://img204.imageshack.us/i/img1357k.jpg/][img]http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/8098/img1357k.jpg[/img][/url]

I simply love the lights. And the gloss. Now it is in 7.1 mode, you can toggle between 7.1 and 2.0 simply by pressing the "Maelstrom" button next to the 7.1 light. I find this feature very convenient.

Right, so now i'll explain what happens when you plug it into your PC.

Using the Megalodon is very simple. With no drivers, all you have to do is plug in the gold-plated USB to a USB port, and that's it!

[b]Gaming with the Megalodon[/b]
Last night, i tried it with CS:S LAN play de_dust2, cs_office and de_chateau, and this is what i found out.

With the 7.1 Maelstrom Engine on, i was immersed in an array of sounds coming from all directions. It took some time to get used to, since my 5H v2 didn't produce sounds like the Megalodon did. Start walking around and you'll hear, with PRECISION, the location of your teammates.

When an enemy is moving towards you, you'll hear their footsteps clearly, and you'll be able to determine where they'll be coming from. Face that direction; wait for it... and... BAM!!! Headshots, baby... I must say, i am very impressed. With the Megalodon, i definitely have the advantage against my enemies. In gaming, the audio is very detailed. Crisp trebles (not those sharp, ear-piercing ones), and deep, rumbling basses (these are my absolute musts when i buy a headphone). The mic is great, no static whatsoever; even cranking the Mic Level and Mic Sensitivity at the APU doesn't pick up too much background noise. But when i'm playing, i just shout across to my friends... :P

Here is one feature that is quite useful: The ability to individually increase/decrease each channel's volume. You can do this by pressing the Razer logo on the APU, and turning the dial (I-Pod style) until you reach your preferred volume. So, u can emphasize which channel that you want! But now, i'm leaving this setting in default. I'm still exploring the settings now.

[b]Next: Music, movies and gen-purpose listening[/b]

Note: For this you'll have to turn off the Maelstrom Engine. If you don't, you'll hear echoes everywhere, which spoils the sound. But, for DVDs/ BR movies that have surround sound, this is where it shines. (this is a part which i haven't tested yet, but i read it off a review in the net)

In this mode, the sound is.. Also AMAZING. As with the 7.1 mode, the trebles are very crisp and detailed, the basses is deep, and rumbling. Not like the BAM BAM, empty cans sound you'll experience with cap ayam headphones. It's more like BOO~M, BOO~M... This is the kind of bass i really adore and love, before the Megalodon, i only experienced it with my Creative HQ 1900, Phillips SHE 9501 and an old Koss (forgot what it was).

[b]Ergonomics[/b]

Long hours of playing is no issue for the Megalodon, after 5 hrs of CS:S it feels comfortable and it doesn't hurt my ears. Specs users no need to worry, i am one myself and my ZeroX is not heavily pressed against my head, thus i am not in pain.

I wish the wire connecting the APU and headphone could be a little more longer. The Megalodon's (about) 1m wire seems insufficient; you'll have to take the headphone off before you can jump in euphoria after scoring a kill/victory.

[b]Summing it up:[/b]

The Megalodon, for me has the PERFECT BALANCE between bass and treble. 3D positional audio is accurate, it definitely gives you an edge over your enemies in gaming. So, i do not have any regrets buying this one helluva headphone. I'd highly recommend the Megalodon to anyone searching for an awesome headphone

Of course, the $$ is another thing... If you have the means, go ahead!

I'm loving it, bros... :peace:

You might want to read other reviews, Everdying made a very nice one :thumbs: ; also try reading up reviews from the net.

Here's [url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/100/1001781p1.html]one[/url]

Again, sorry if my review sounded so... General. I'm just telling it as i have heard... With my own ears. :D

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