LucidSound LS31 wireless headset: Great gaming audio for $100

The LucidSound LS31 Wireless is a high-quality headset for video games, though it may take some time to adjust to its controls. In addition to being comfortable for extended gaming periods, it also has decent audio reproduction. As a bonus, it employs a dual-microphone setup to capture and transmit your voice with remarkable clarity. The headset is better suited for quiet environments due to its loose fit and inability to create an airtight seal, both of which are necessary for isolating ambient noise. The USB dongle helps keep the lag to a minimum, so you won’t have to worry about spoiling your gaming experience by sitting too far away from the screen.

The sound quality of the LS31 has improved thanks to updated drivers released by LucidSound. The difference between this and my previous LS30 is night and day. The LS30 occasionally experienced audio hiccups during gameplay. However, the LS31 has not been experiencing this for the past few weeks. There was never a lull in either the signal or the audio.

Like a bulky flash drive, the previous USB transmitter was rigid. This meant rearranging would be necessary to fit it into a USB port on an already crowded computer or game console. The large brick is now connected to a relatively short USB cable with the new USB transmitter. This modification offers significantly more manoeuvrability in confined areas.

While other headsets may provide temporary relief, they eventually become uncomfortable. You may find that your gaming experience suffers if the ear cups are too heavy or the headband is too restrictive. As for that, LucidSound has it covered. The LS31 improves upon the LS30’s reported level of comfort. The earcups on the LS31 have been updated. As a result of their ovular shape, they are better suited for long gaming periods. A new, more adaptable headband is another unique feature. Visually, this shift is entirely undetectable.

Build and Design

The LucidSound LS31 Wireless have a metal frame, which adds a sense of durability and premium quality to the headphones. The LS31 has dimensions of 7.9 x 3.9 x 7.9 inches when the headband is fully compressed. As you move the ear cups down from the headband, you can increase the overall height. They have a contemporary, fashionable, and slightly upscale appearance.

They look pretty classy for being made out of ordinary materials. The LS31’s 50mm drivers are nearly 20% larger than those used by many other full-size headphones. And those bigger drivers affect the LS31’s soundscape in almost every way possible.

These drivers prioritise clean tonal separation in their design. And that is the single most important feature of a gaming headset in terms of performance. The 50mm drivers also help with various other audio characteristics. Notable improvements include a slightly louder volume and emphasised bass tones.

High-Quality Sound

The LS31 works with Windows 10 and Xbox One to support the Windows Sonic Surround format. Only the LS41 supports its unique surround sound features, so that it won’t work with other platforms. However, virtual surround sound within these platforms allows for more accurate target localization. It also means you have a better chance of understanding someone even if they murmur into a poor microphone.

The LS31’s over-ear, closed-back design is ideal for gamers because it blocks ambient noise. It aids in blocking out background noise so you can concentrate on the game and prevents you from annoying those around you with bleed from your headphones. Having some space to yourself is helpful when focusing in a busy or noisy setting and also benefits those around you. It’s not the best way to hear music, but if there’s no other way, this is your best bet.

Sound Quality Recorded From A Microphone

Mic quality is another area where the LS31 excels. A pair of high-tech microphones are used. The fully extended microphone, which hangs in front of the headset from a bendable boom, is the one that stands out the most. The LS31 is a more conventional Bluetooth microphone; its second mic is discreetly housed on its chassis. It’s about the size of a pinhole and is subtly perched an inch above the boom mic.

The most noticeable benefit of this setup is the reduction of background noise. If your headset has two microphones, it can use that information to filter out background noise as you switch between activities. Beyond that, however, including multiple microphone monitoring is sure to be greatly appreciated by most players.

The LucidSound LS31 Wireless has a function that lets you listen to your voice over the air. It can be used as a tool for evaluating one’s voice quality. When using multiple microphones to monitor volume, you can quickly and easily determine whether your voice is audible.

In addition, the LS31 performs admirably when tasked with streaming video games. You won’t ever have to yell into your phone again, and the microphone levels can be easily adjusted across different VOIP clients.

The LS31’s mic is nearly good enough to be used by stockbrokers shouting in a noisy room. In reality, most gamers don’t need the best microphones in the world because they rarely play their games in a noisy public space like an airport. Where they are is either relatively quiet or has only mild activity, making consumer-grade microphones perfectly adequate. Consequently, it is important to consider how much emphasis you place on each feature.

Battery Capacity

The LS31 features a rechargeable battery with a high capacity that can power the device for around 20 hours. Many factors affect how realistically 20 hours can be achieved. Variables include how often you use the microphone to how loudly you speak. However, the LucidSound LS31 comes close to the 20-hour mark with regular use.

The battery’s total capacity may be closer to 18 hours if you use a loud volume and an open microphone. What’s important is that you won’t have to stop playing because the battery died. There shouldn’t be any battery issues unless you suddenly begin using it wholly and excessively and forget to recharge it.

Connectivity and Usability

Concerning usability, the LS31 is equipped with a few buttons conveniently located near the device’s face. You can easily switch between music and phone calls with dedicated buttons, eliminating the need for extra controls or interfaces. That’s handy whether or not you’re into video games.

The LucidSound LS31 is unlike most modern headsets because it doesn’t rely on Bluetooth. Instead, it employs a universal wireless design to transmit data over a regular USB cable. The result is seamless, uncompressed audio. And the audio quality is far better than you can get with Bluetooth. But don’t count on making Bluetooth connections, as support needs to be improved.

Sporting Relaxation

Comfort that lasts is essential for gamers. You don’t want to quit playing your new favourite game because your headset is bothering you. Also, the LS31 scores a high nine out of ten for ease of use. What are its redeeming qualities?

The over-ear construction is a relatively simple but crucial feature. Most gamers are in the market for a pair of over-ear headphones due to their superior comfort and durability. The LucidSound LS31 uses incredibly soft, oval over-ear cups. They’re comfortable to wear for extended periods thanks to the memory foam construction.

The headband is robust and exceptionally thick. Two rows of stitching helps keep the padding in place, allowing the headband to bend and withstand pressure. The LS31 is remarkably comfortable thanks to its smooth, easy-to-clean skin that encases memory foam.

However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to the LS31. The first is the removal of excess heat. The plastic-like fabric used to shield the LS31 isn’t great at dissipating heat, while memory foam is excellent at absorbing it. Wearing the LucidSound LS31 Wireless for six hours in a hot room will cause you to sweat. The second problem is excess fat.

There is room for improvement.

Also, the ear cups can’t be rotated to the side because of the metal build. This rigid construction makes the LS31 more susceptible to damage when handled roughly, thrown in a suitcase, or crushed under other objects. The over-ear design of these headphones makes the lack of swivel less of a deal breaker, but it’s still something to think about when it comes to longevity.

Weight, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. Check out any headphones that cost more than a thousand dollars. Practically all of them appear to be made out of low-quality plastics. Those companies have devoted considerable resources to studying how different headphone weights affect listeners’ comfort levels.

You should aim for a weight of about half a pound. That’s weighty enough that they’ll make your head feel like it has something on it, but not so much that taking them off will feel like a weight has been lifted. Despite its lack of swivel, the LS31’s metal construction looks great and sturdy. However, as they approach exactly one pound in weight, these headphones become something many people want to wear for up to six hours.

Most people have no trouble listening with headphones of this weight, though some may be more or less sensitive to slight variations in mass. However, this is something to consider if you intend to wear the LS31 nonstop for eight hours. You’ll want to rest them on your shoulders between listening sessions.

The LS31’s interchangeable ear cups are another feature that is simple to like. Since a clean headset is essential to its longevity, this also makes cleaning them a breeze. Because of its universal transmission design can be used with PCs and game consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation. The LS31 can be purchased with or without an EVA carrying case.