Headphones are definitely one of the gadgets we are most attached to, so jumping from model to model can be a pain. Especially when we use the wired proposition when using stationary equipment (console or PC) and switch to wireless ones after leaving the house. What if you could connect one to the other in a traditional headset? HyperX came up with this and added the HyperX Cloud MIX model to its offer.
Box and accessories included
It may seem strange to you, but I have the impression that we can approximate the quality of the product just after the packaging itself. While low-end models are simply packed in traditional thin cardboard that opens at the top, mid- and high-end ones are put in a decorative dust jacket and then in a solid two-piece cardboard. Just a curiosity, nothing special, though something that is reflected in this HyperX proposal.
In addition to foil-wrapped headphones in a transparent “case”, the box also includes user manuals, a detachable microphone, a brochure expressing gratitude for choosing HyperX equipment and an additional box with two fabric jack cables, one rubber microUSB and a nylon transport bag. Unfortunately, all this is missing replaceable material earpieces.
Highlights of HyperX Cloud MIX
- General
- Predominant material: aluminum, leatherette, rubberized plastic
- Weight with microphone: 275 grams
- Weight without microphone: 260 grams
- Headphones closed around the ear
- Adjustment of shells “up-down” and “sideways”
- The length of the extension cable for a PC / laptop – 200 centimeters
- Cable length for consoles / mobile devices – 130 centimeters
- Length of the USB charging cable: 50 centimeters
- Controller on the remote control (wired mode)
- Shell controller (wireless mode)
- Bluetooth connectivity 4.2 to 10 meters
- Battery that lasts up to 20 hours
- No software
- Neodymium drivers with “special design”
- Diameter: 40 mm
- Impedance: 40 Ohm
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sound pressure level: 100dBSPL / mW at 1kHz
- Detachable microphone (on shoulder)
- On a flexible headband with a sponge on a capacitive capsule
- Noise suppression polarization
- Dookolny
- Frequency response 50 – 18,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -42dBV (0dB = 1V / Pa, 1kHz)
- Built-in microphone
- Type: omnidirectional
- Frequency response 50 – 8000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -33dBV (0dB = 1V / Pa, 1kHz)
Design, materials and workmanship
It would seem that creating a headset is not a particularly difficult task. This is the duplication of patterns known for years and stamping the whole with a number of manufacturer’s logos and characteristic stamps. In a way, this is true and nowadays it is difficult to find structural differences at the level of the design itself, but designers can still play with design, style, or the materials used. In this trio we may also find well-known patterns, but they were definitely not followed by the team behind the Cloud MIX model. It is a combination of the features I love, which include minimalism, high-quality materials and good workmanship, which, however, did not surprise me too much, because it is a set from the HyperX stable and definitely not from the lower price range.
The whole structure is based on a dark silver aluminum headband, which is complemented by small elements made of rubberized plastic on a number of connections and the earcups connected to the whole by means of a “fork” characteristic of HyperX. However, these were not treated neglectively and their outer part was also supplemented with an aluminum “cap” (already deep black) with a white manufacturer’s logo. While it looks really good, it may not suit everyone due to the compulsive flaunting of the brand of equipment. The embossing with the name on the upper part of the headband, which is visible only under the light, works great here.
The padding of the headband and the earcups are traditionally given classic, i.e. a combination of memory foam with good quality artificial leather. There is so much of it that it fulfills its role perfectly, without being too thick, which makes our hearing aid fatigue faster. The attention to detail is evident even in the case of the two cables coming from the shell to the headband, which are not only long enough, but also stiff and durable, and additionally reinforced at the base with a traditional rubber collar. Of course, it would be best if they were hidden and not exposed to the hardships of everyday adventures. If we are already at the wires, in the case of two jacks we are dealing with equally solidly made braids and connectors.
But, but – you know it from somewhere, right? It is not difficult to notice that the Cloud MIX are indecently similar in appearance and performance to the Cloud II model for about PLN 300. So the manufacturer took some shortcuts, copying his older product (especially the shell design) and adding a few novelties to it.
Extra features and battery
Two modes of operation should also be devoted to the moment, because depending on whether we use Cloud MIX “over a cable” or wirelessly, their control is completely different. As you might expect, the wired mode limits us to a simple controller about 20 centimeters away from the set, on which we find a bipolar volume knob and a simple, 1-0 microphone mute button.
With Bluetooth connectivity, the buttons around both earcups are in turn. While on the left one we find a multifunction button, 3.5mm jack port, a microphone port and a small hole for the integrated one (working only in wireless mode), on the right one there is a button for reducing and increasing the volume level, a small diode, a microUSB connector for charging and the on / off button, also used to initiate a Bluetooth connection.
The ability to switch to wireless mode forced HyperX to use a rechargeable battery. In theory, it allows for 20 hours of listening to music at 50% volume level, but after checking it on my own copy, the stopwatch once showed me 18 hours and 34 minutes, and the second time 19 hours. So it is phenomenal, although I regret that charging is not carried out while listening to music in wired mode.
Ergonomics
Cloud MIX’s streak in this test also continues in terms of the convenience they offer. The elliptical ear cups are so large that the ears fit into them without any problems, which in combination with the solidly filled headband and well-distributed weight do not cause any pressure. However, the HyperX did not get rid of the characteristic feeling of “ear fatigue”, although it is quite good in this matter – the combination of ecological leather and memory foam may not match the material finish, but using this model does not require us to constantly move the earpieces back.
Sound test
At the beginning, it is worth mentioning the Hi-Res Audio certificate that the Cloud MIX set managed to obtain. So we can count on a very detailed sound in theory, because it is played not in the traditional band from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, but from 10 Hz to 40 kHz. So the difference is considerable, but it is not the only ace up the sleeve of this model. The local neodymium drivers are additionally two-chamber, which reduces distortions and provides “crystal clear sound”.
Remember, however, that you will get the best quality (and compatibility with Hi-Res Audio) only in wired mode. This is what the manufacturer’s recommendation says, but the sound is also practically compared in both cases. While it is always warm with raised bass, withdrawn midrange and emphasized treble, it gains a bit of neutrality in the wireless mode, which is probably due to insufficient power to make the drivers move.
It is true that the sound quality in Cloud MIX cannot be called something straight from the audiophile shelf, but I (not belonging to this noble group) may not be delighted, but definitely positively surprised. Especially in terms of the stage, which is here above average wide and refined compared to other gaming headsets. All in all, if I were to point out the best component of the sound of this model, I would put the phenomenal representation in space first.
Microphone test
In Cloud MIX we actually use two microphones – one hidden in the ear cup in wireless mode and the other on the traditional “boom” in wired mode. While the first one was of lower quality, it did not cause any problems during the talks, which means that it met what we expect from it. The latter, unfortunately, let me down a bit, because it distorted the voice terribly, creating the effect of a “stuffy nose”. In addition, it was decent, allowing you to talk freely on the voice chat:
Summary
“Damn, this is the best headset!” – you will think, summing up my test above yourself. Although I would like to confirm it unequivocally, I cannot help but draw your attention to the price you will have to pay for the HyperX Cloud MIX. As of the day of writing this test (15.01) as much as PLN 879, which definitely does not put this proposal on the podium of the best quality / price ratio.
Especially that the manufacturer could get much more from it, adding active noise suppression in wireless mode, taking care of a slightly better microphone on the headband, adding replaceable earpieces and a solid case to the set, or even providing support for PC and phone applications.
Of course, I mention it only because of the price, which heralds something much more refined in such details. Ultimately, however, it is difficult not to recommend Cloud MIX, because its versatility, workmanship and quality of sound make it a model that is definitely worth our attention.
All of the above photos were taken with the Wiko View 2 Pro phone.
