Hyper X Cloud Alpha. Review of the HyperX Cloud Alpha gaming headset with dual-chamber speakers. Delivery and configuration

HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset Review | Introduction

The name HyperX Cloud Alpha suits it perfectly: it's arguably the best gaming headset in HyperX's extensive lineup. For $99 (from 8,990 rubles in Russia) you get all the benefits of the Cloud II plus a durable and attractive aluminum construction, very comfortable ear pads filled with memory foam material, and a number of additional features that make the headset especially convenient for travel. Despite minor shortcomings, the Cloud Alpha can easily be called the best headset currently available that costs less than $100.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset Review | Design

The HyperX Cloud Alpha looks like the most premium gaming headset on the market today. The basis of its design is borrowed from, but the new product has bright red perforated aluminum forks that hold the cups, as well as a polished metal finish on the cups themselves. It may be a hundred dollar headset, but it definitely looks more expensive.

You can remove the microphone while listening to music or playing single-player games. In addition, during transportation you can remove the cable with the 3.5 mm connector. I also wish the earcups folded into a flatter design, like the SteelSeries Arctis 5 or Turtle Beach XO Three, to make the headset easier to stow in luggage. Luckily, the HyperX Cloud Alpha comes with a soft protective case, and after using it for a few weeks, we didn't notice any signs of wear and tear.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset Review | Comfort

We expected world-class comfort from the HyperX Cloud Alpha, and we were not disappointed. Feather-light, proprietary memory foam ear pads are surprisingly soft and comfortable, and the frame, weighing just 298g, is virtually weightless. During all the time we used it during work and games, we almost never had the desire to remove this headset.

However, we also have a few minor comments. Despite the lightness of the headband and the simplicity of manual adjustments, the suspension of the cups, which automatically adapt to the shape of the skull in combination with super-soft ear pads, sometimes makes you feel increased pressure. The cups fit so tightly on the head that sometimes my ears sweat.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset Review | Sound in games

HyperX Cloud Alpha's new dual-chamber driver technology is designed to separate bass drivers from mids and highs, resulting in more transparent sound with less distortion. The result is overall superb gaming audio, making it easy to locate virtual enemies while enjoying large, low-frequency explosions and crisp background effects.

HyperX Cloud Alpha excels at reproducing the soundscape of Injustice 2, emphasizing the low-frequency sounds of impacts and explosions and the high-frequency sounds of gunfire and piercing sword strikes. The slightest background noise is perfectly discernible, for example, the subtle rustling of tree branches in the windswept expanses of Arkham Asylum.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha headset is also perfect for shooters, in which almost everything depends on the accuracy of determining the location of the enemy. Alpha is great for hearing enemies in Overwatch, and in Destiny 2 it has a wonderfully balanced mix of gunshots, explosions and a background orchestral soundtrack.

Switching to more atmospheric gameplay in Resident Evil Revelations, we had no trouble identifying where each spine-chilling roar came from. And having launched the Forza Horizon 3 races, we were not only able to evaluate the sound of the engines, but also the slightest changes in tire noise when the road surface changed, driving on mud and sand.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset Review | Microphone and cables

The nearly 1.3-meter 3.5mm cable provides plenty of comfort for any game controller or Nintendo Switch, while it has a convenient in-line remote for volume control and instant mute. Additionally, unlike previous HyperX headsets, this cable is removable, making it easy to transport.

The package also includes a two-meter extension cable for connecting to a PC with separate connectors for a microphone and headphones, which allows you to comfortably use HyperX Cloud Alpha with almost any desktop gaming systems.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha microphone provides fairly clear sound when recording and streaming voices, but for a device that claims noise reduction, it transmits quite a lot of ambient noise. Its capabilities are sufficient for communicating with friends or quickly broadcasting a stream, but it is not suitable for high-quality podcasts.

HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset Review | conclusions

The HyperX Cloud Alpha feels incredibly premium for a $99 headset, delivering great sound and an exceptionally comfortable fit along with an attractive and durable design. And although the microphone quality could be higher, overall, the HyperX Cloud Alpha can be called one of the best headsets on the market under $100.

However, it also has serious competitors. A tempting alternative is the SteelSeries Arctis 5: for the same $99, you get RGB lighting, a supportive headband, and a rugged design ideal for on-the-go use. If you can get by without RGB lighting, check out the Arctis 3, which has almost the same features for $79. However, the HyperX Cloud Alpha delivers bigger, more expansive sound than SteelSeries headsets, making it a great choice for those who want the most immersive audio experience in an attractive, comfortable design.

Advantages:

• Chic premium design
• Soft and light cups
• Impressive sound quality
• Universal cable set

Flaws:

• Someone will feel too much pressure from the cups
• The microphone picks up extraneous noise

Next generation gaming headset HyperX Cloud Alpha from the specialized “gaming” division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., was in Russia for the first time at the IgroMir 2017 festival. As the manufacturer emphasizes, the new model has adopted the signature generic features and design features of the “Cloud” family from its predecessors, but at the same time stands out with its advanced sound performance and greater thoughtfulness in detail. Well, let's see if the new product is worthy of the title of a real alpha.

Specifications

• Headset: HyperX Cloud Alpha (HX-HSCA-RD/EE)
• Headphones
• Dynamic drivers: proprietary 50 mm, neodymium magnets, dual chamber speakers
• Type: full-size, closed type
• Hinge type: aluminum
• Ear pad type: leatherette
• Frequency characteristics: 13–27,000 Hz
• Resistance: 65 ohm
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): 98 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
• Harmonic distortion factor:< 1%
• Cable length and type: detachable (1.3 m) + PC extension cable (2 m)
• Connection type: detachable cable - 4-pin 3.5 mm plug; extension cable for PC - 3.5 mm plugs for microphone and stereo jack
• Cable type: braided
• Sound control: built-in
• Microphone
• Electret element: condenser microphone (2 pieces included)
• Directional pattern: noise canceling
• Frequency response: 50–18,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 43 dBV (0 dB = 1V/Pa at 1 kHz)
• General
• Mobile use: detachable cable, detachable microphone and travel bag
• Color: main - black with red inserts and elements
• Weight: 298 g
• Weight with microphone and cable: 336 g
• Delivery set: headphones, removable cable + extension cable for PC, 2 microphones, beanbag
• Price (at the time of review): 8,990 rubles

Equipment

The Cloud Alpha headset is packaged in an elegant and representative black box made of thick matte cardboard. On top there is a glossy “cover”, under which there is a more ascetic design - the HyperX logo simply written in white.

We open the lid, there is a transparent plastic tray where the headphones and microphone are beautifully laid out. Underneath is a black box with wires, a spare microphone and a fabric pouch for storing the headset and accessories.

Appearance and ergonomics

The headphones are made in traditional red and black colors. The wide, padded aluminum headband is covered in leatherette with an embossed manufacturer logo and eye-catching red stitching.

The cups are two-component: a cover made of black matte plastic with a red logo and a frame made of rubberized softtouch plastic, pleasant to the touch. There are five round holes on the top of each cup. They are needed to balance the pressure inside. The scarlet aluminum arches that attach the cups to the headband were carved in the new model, apparently to make the design lighter.

At the bottom of the right cup there are 2 connectors - for the wire and for the microphone. It’s convenient that you can attach the microphone at will: Cloud Alpha also looks good as simple headphones that can be used even outdoors. They will be especially good in the cold season.

The arches are attached to the cups using hinges to optimally adapt to the shape of the head. The size of the headband can also be adjusted using larger extendable elements. The new headphones are suitable for those with large heads or exotic hairstyles, such as dreadlocks (who knew how difficult it is to put headphones on them!). The wiring at the junction of the cups and headband, like all the wires in the set, is braided for reliability.

The ear pads are made of “modified” leatherette: the material differs from its predecessors in its special softness and thinness, and is very pleasant to the touch. The diameter of the circle has become larger, so the fit has become tighter: ears with such ear pads are noticeably more comfortable. But, alas, there is no spare fabric pair in the set.

Connection

Since our headset does not have fancy features, such as adjustable backlight, it does not require additional wires with MicroUSB to operate. In total, the set contains 2 wires in a high-quality braid. The main one is a cable with two 4-pin plugs of standard size 3.5 mm at both ends. The one that needs to be inserted into the cup is specially marked.

For more comfortable control of the headset, this cable has a built-in remote control with a volume shuttle and a microphone on/off button. It would seem like a small thing, but in the heat of battle it saves time and does not distract from the game!

To properly connect the headset to a PC, you will have to “uncover” a two-meter extension cord, which branches into 2 three-way plugs for a microphone and a stereo connector. They will provide full “communication” with computer sound cards. At the same time, the user will have more room for maneuver.

The Cloud Alpha headset is universal: compatible with PC, PS4, Xbox One, smartphones and other devices with a 3.5 mm jack.

Sound and microphone

The main pride of the new Cloud Alpha is the “revolutionary” (as its manufacturer proudly calls it) two-chamber speaker design, created using proprietary technology HyperX Dual Chamber. Thanks to this design, the headset's 50mm drivers were positioned so that low frequencies were handled in one chamber, and highs and mids in another chamber. Such technical tricks allow you to better separate the bass from the mids and highs and get a clearer and cleaner sound with minimal distortion.

The headset sounds really nice: you can listen to music with pleasure and play your favorite game, without any problems determining the source of the sound and the degree of its distance. The bass sounds high quality and does not mix into a stupid low-frequency rumble. Due to the entire design of the cup and ear pads, the headphones fit tightly and confidently cut off external sounds.

The detachable microphone boasts Discord and TeamSpeak certification with its own noise-canceling system for added comfort. Your voice sounds clear and loud; no distortions or other “fuck-ups” were detected during our test drive.

The new mount allows you to easily insert and remove the microphone, but without fear of it becoming loose over time. The bending leg confidently holds the given shape, and the foam pad mechanically absorbs extraneous noise. “Comrades in arms” will not be annoyed listening to your hissing, sniffling and the sounds of “spitting” falling on the microphone.

Let's sum it up

HyperX Cloud Alpha can safely take pride of place as the patriarch of the “Cloud” family. Small improvements made the design more elegant, comfortable and versatile, and the sound with the updated speaker design became “tastier” and brighter.

Cloud Alpha was created for passionate gamers who value comfort and high “combat” qualities of the device. The recommended price of the new product is 8,990 rubles. The figure for a gaming headset is not exorbitant, but a beginner will not spend that kind of money (we advise him to pay attention to). An understanding user will be completely satisfied with every ruble spent. A nice bonus is the possibility of comfortable outdoor use thanks to the removable microphone!

Pros:

• High quality sound.
• Systemic and mechanical noise reduction at the microphone.
• Comfortable fit.
• Reliability of the design (high-quality materials, assembly, universal braiding of wires).
• Detachable microphone design.
• Spare microphone.
• Comfortable fit and oversized.
• Control panel on cable.
• Compatible with any devices.

Minuses:

• The main cable is still a bit short.
• The ear pads have become more pleasant to the touch, but the ears still sweat.
• No extra pair of ear pads.

May not like:

• The design is quite weighty: after 3-4 hours you begin to feel unpleasant pressure on your head and ears.
• No decorative lighting.

Looking ahead, let's say that the headset surprised us during detailed testing!

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Iron shop

In 2014 Kingston has accomplished the seemingly impossible in the gaming headset market - it has released headphones with good balanced sound and a surprisingly reasonable price tag. Naturally, we are talking about HyperX Cloud.

For more than three years, the company has only strengthened its position. The original Cloud now has several configuration options, with models settling in the lower segment Stinger And Drone, and two modifications went to the top Revolver. And at the end of 2017, the direct successors of the first model appeared on sale - HyperX Cloud Alpha. And, looking ahead, let’s say that they surprised us.

Let's meet

The headphones are not supplied as richly as the first Clouds at one time, but you still can’t find fault with the package: there is a meter-long cord with a mobile combo jack and a two-meter adapter for a standard pair of 3.5 mm connectors. Plus, the box comes with a nice carrying case.

The typeface itself structurally follows its ancestor. The same headband with leatherette pad and red stitching, soft memory foam ear pads and retractable forks with suspended speakers. The differences are in the design and color of the pendants, in the shape of the cups and slightly elongated forks.

The latter have become larger and are designed in a rare two-chamber design for the sound industry. In theory it looks like this. Engineers divided the cups into two semi-independent volumes. One - a small one - was directly related to the outer diameter of the speaker, from which, in theory, the bulk of the low frequencies are emitted. The second volume - larger - works with the central and middle diameters, which are responsible for high and medium frequencies. Thus, engineers tried to separate the vibrations into different compartments and reduce the impact of bass on low and mid frequencies.

In reality it all looks like this. The main part of the body is indeed directly connected to the central part of the membrane and is no different from the body of classic headphones. But a plastic basket is screwed to the outer diameter, forming something like a small subwoofer box for the bass.

To ensure that the waves in it do not stagnate and there are no unnecessary vibrations, part of the box is directly connected to the outside world, which is why the new Clouds cannot be called completely closed. There are also slots in the box that transmit internal vibrations directly to the ear, which is a bit like the bass reflex effect of any subwoofer.

Sound

HyperX used the old scheme. High-quality emitters with a high resistance of 65 Ohms and, although not a record, a decent pressure of 98 dB. As a result, there is an excellent output sound, which in quality is clearly between the sound of the first Cloud and the top-end Revolver. That is, those who already have expensive HyperX don’t have to worry, but those who were waiting for Alpha without buying regular Clouds can be sure that their wait was not in vain.

It's funny, by the way, that despite all the acoustic changes, Cloud's character remained the same. These are perfectly balanced speakers that don’t drag into the bass, mids or highs. Only ardent fans of drum and bass or heavy rap, overloaded with ultra-low frequencies, may not like this. Everyone else will be happy. In music, headphones cope with any genre, from classical to hard rock. They don’t give up even on such insidious moments as the aftersound of the bass string of a guitar or playing low power chords in groups like Disturbed.

Naturally, there are no problems with movies and games. The headset tries to play all the audio tracks - voice, music, special effects, background noise - exactly as the sound engineers intended. And that's very cool. The games do not irritate with the whooshing explosions of grenades or the drone of machine guns, the sounds of footsteps do not drown in the general mass, and music, if it should play some role in the scene, is always clearly brought to the foreground.

At the same time, the speakers have no problems with positioning and sensitivity. And if the sound card supports virtual 7.1, for example from Dolby, then the speakers spread the rear channels in space without any problems. In general, those who are accustomed to determining the location of respawn in CS:GO or the direction of the shot in PUBG, will be pleased.

In business

Well, now let's talk about the general points. We have no complaints about the landing. If your head is not huge, then the headphones fit perfectly and, as practice has shown, they do not even squeeze the temples of the glasses (thanks to the soft ear pads). Due to the semi-closed design, it is a bit hot in the headset, and periodically your ears will have to rest, but here, as usual, we will provide decent sound insulation as a counterbalance.

The microphone is also good and is turned off using a slider on a small control panel hanging about 40 cm from the left ear. Note that all wires are protected by a fabric braid, and are connected to the headset itself with a regular 3.5 mm jack. That is, if the cable is lost, a replacement can be found in any electronics store - at most you will have to grind off the braid a little with a utility knife.

In general, the main points are in complete order. But what you need to keep in mind is that Cloud Alpha needs a good sound card or at least a small amplifier. You won’t be able to get everything from 64-Ohm speakers with a simple Realtek or output from a phone (tablet). In games this is not particularly critical, but in music there will be a lack of volume.

Alpha- exactly those headphones that were missing in the segment from 7 to 9 thousand. In fact, they have no disadvantages, except for a rather serious price range. Officially, they are offered to buy for 9,000 rubles, which puts Alpha on the same level as the cheaper and better-sounding Revolver. However, Alpha can already be bought for 7000-7500 rubles, and this is an excellent price for such a headset.

In general, a clear “Editor's Choice”.

Previously, we published tests: HyperX Cloud, Kingston HyperX Cloud II, HyperX Cloud Revolver, HyperX Cloud Drone, HyperX Cloud Stinger, HyperX Cloud Revolver S. By the time of publication, sales had already started, a headset with a recommended price of 8990 rubles was available.

HyperX Cloud Alpha review

Equipment

HyperX Cloud Alpha is supplied in a hard cardboard case, decorated in the company’s traditional colors. The front side describes the key features of this headset and a list of supported platforms. Discord and TeamSpeak certificates attract attention.

The kit includes a detachable microphone, two connection cables, a synthetic fabric case, instructions and a warranty card.

Appearance

The general features of the series are clearly visible in HyperX Cloud Alpha. As before, metal serves as the basis of the structure.

Unlike plastic, it provides good rigidity and resistance to deformation. The build quality is not satisfactory.

The headband is covered with eco-leather. There is a neat stitch around the perimeter. The manufacturer's logo is stamped on the outside. We made more notches for adjusting the headband, now the headset will fit even the largest heads

The inside of the headband is memory foam. Fits tightly to the head. The length can be adjusted over a wide range.

The guides, frame, and cup mounting legs are made of red-painted metal. The combination of black and red, the company's signature colors, definitely suits this headset.

Compared to HyperX Cloud Revolver S, the overall dimensions of the headset have been reduced. Visually it became lighter. Changes affected the shape of the cups.

Now they are oval. The HyperX Cloud Alpha cups are made of plastic with a soft-touch coating. There is a plate with a logo on the outside.

The eco-leather ear pads with soft lining can be removed. Useful for maintenance or replacement in the future after long-term use.

Another innovation was the use of a dual-chamber design with 50mm neodymium drivers. There is also a bass reflex in the upper zone of the cups. Due to this engineering solution, the sound of mid and low frequencies has been improved and distortion has been reduced.

A definite advantage was the choice in favor of removable wiring. An accidentally damaged cable will no longer be a serious problem for the user.

Two-piece cable. The main part is 1.3 meters long, optimal when using headphones with wearable devices. It has a fixed control panel with volume and microphone mute controls.

To connect to the back of the case, the kit includes another 2-meter long cable. Both cables are soft with protective braiding.

The microphone on the HyperX Cloud Alpha is removable. Made in the form of a flexible leg, there is wind protection.

The connection connectors are located on the bottom edge of the left cup. The connectors are fixed tightly and do not come out spontaneously.

Tests

These headphones are versatile and can be used with various types of devices, including portable consoles, smartphones, laptops and desktop computers. There were no problems with operation during the tests. The Cloud series headphones were previously distinguished by high sound quality, but as it turned out, the new headset managed to raise the quality bar even higher. Of the noticeable differences, the sound of the mid frequencies has changed, the sound has become more detailed. Pleasant and soft low frequencies, ringing high frequencies.

HyperX Cloud Alpha allows you to fully enjoy dynamic games. Explosions, shots, roar of engines sound realistic. Online shooters have a three-dimensional stage effect with positioning of enemy locations.

Even though this is a gaming headset, it is also suitable for listening to music. There are no obvious flaws in the sound stage.

The quality of the microphone deserves praise. Clearly conveys the user's voice without unnecessary ambient noise.

Wearing headphones for a long time does not cause fatigue or discomfort. The design is comfortable, there is no feeling of massiveness. It feels like the depth of the ear pads has increased, most likely, and this affected the overall perception of the sound of the headphones.

Kingston HyperX Cloud Alpha is a high-quality gaming headset with impressive specifications and an attractive design. 50 mm speakers built into two-chamber bowls are responsible for sound reproduction here. They are capable of reproducing frequencies from 13 to 27,000 Hz.

Equipment

The HyperX Cloud Alpha package is quite simple, but not “poor”. In the bright box you will find the headphones themselves, a detachable audio cord, an extension cord, a detachable microphone, and a soft case that will ensure the safety of the gadget during transportation.

This configuration allows you to connect headphones to any devices, such as PCs, smartphones, tablets, gamepads and other portable devices.

Design

The appearance of HyperX Cloud Alpha can be called classic, but not ordinary. The color is standard for most gaming devices - black with red accents. The first thing that catches your eye is the bright red metal rims that hold the bowls. They articulate with the headboard base, made of the same painted aluminum. Thus, the device has a very durable frame, perhaps the most durable of the entire HyperX Cloud series.

The upper part of the headboard is covered with soft polyurethane and covered with leatherette. The pad is decorated with a nice edging with stitching made to match the painted metal, as well as an embossed HyperX logo. By the way, the HyperX emblem is traditionally found on the back surface of the bowls, which are metal inserts.

The ear pads deserve special attention, they are even better quality than those of the Cloud Core and Cloud II models. This applies to both leatherette and the material from which they are made. The pillows have become not only softer, but also better remember the shape of the ears. Thanks to this, they fit tightly to the ears, providing excellent sound insulation.

Despite the apparent massiveness, the headset is light in weight. In combination with good ergonomics and high-quality ear pads, this allows you to play with headphones or listen to music for hours without feeling the slightest discomfort.

A special feature of the model is the detachable audio cord. This is convenient when transporting the gadget. In addition, if the original cord is damaged, it can be replaced with any other one. The cord has a control unit that allows you to adjust the volume of the headphones and mute the microphone. The control unit is located literally at your fingertips, making it easy to control the gadget. At the end of the cord there is a four-pin “jack” that allows you to connect the device to smartphones and tablets.

To connect the headset to a PC or laptop, you must connect an extension adapter. The total length of the wire is 2.3 meters. Like other Cloud models, the microphone is also detachable, which is very convenient for those who use the headset not only while sitting in front of the computer.

The assembly of the device is flawless – you won’t find any extra play, squeaks or other unpleasant moments typical of cheap headphones.

Sound

The main highlight of the Cloud Alpha is the two-chamber design of the bowls. Thanks to this, neodymium magnetic heads emit acoustic waves into two separate chambers - one outputs low and medium frequencies, and the other outputs high frequencies. In practice, this provides tighter bass, as well as increased mid- and low-end clarity. But don’t think that the headset is very bassy. There is no more bass, just its quality has improved, as has the quality of other frequencies. Note that this technology can only be found in Hi-Fi devices.

As a result, the headphones do an excellent job of reproducing sounds in games. Maximum realism and volume create the effect of “presence”. Like the entire series of gaming headsets from Kingston, Cloud Alpha performs well not only in games, but also when listening to music or watching movies. Therefore, even experienced music lovers will be satisfied with the sound.

Compared to the first HyperX Cloud model, not only the sound quality has improved, but also the quality of sound picked up by the microphone. It operates in the range from 50 - 18,000 Hz. By the way, the frequency of the human voice ranges from 85 to 255 Hz. Thanks to this, the microphone accurately conveys the timbre. And the passive noise reduction system prevents the removal of extraneous noise.

Although the HyperX Cloud Alpha does not come with a USB sound card, it is one of the best models in the Cloud series. In terms of its characteristics and sound quality, this is even more than just a gaming headset. The device can be safely recommended to music lovers and simply lovers of high-quality sound. Moreover, thanks to the soft ear pads, you can enjoy it for hours on end without fear of getting discomfort in the ear area.