Austrian Audio introduces its first gaming headset: it does well in the test

Austrian Audio delivers a headphone with comfort

Austrian Audio PG16 is light at 265 grams and thanks to the flexible headband, it does not put undue pressure on the ears. After a five-hour gaming session of Elden Ring’s heart-shattering beat, the tester’s first thought was, “Oops, I’m still putting my headphones on!” I will notice over time as you play Oblivion. While many competing models cause perspiration at best and earache at worst after this game time, the PG16 is barely noticeable.

Anyone who travels a lot with their gaming laptop will be pleased with the compact design: the PG16 can be folded with a flick of the wrist and taken with you on the go. It’s a shame: the Austrian Audio did not include a protective case, and instead charges another 29 euros for it.

Here is a look at the technical features of the headset:

• Sound pressure: 130 dB
• Audio frequency range: 12-24000Hz
• Microphone Frequency Range: 50-16000Hz
• Impedance: 25 Ohm

PG16 gaming headset with wired connection only

Austrian Audio does not use a wireless connection to the PG16 gaming headset and only provides a wired connection. This traditionally works via a 3.5 millimeter (mm) jack connection over a cable. At a height of 1.4 meters, this is very short:

The gaming headset cable for desktop laptops is long enough. However, if there is a gaming computer under the desk, it will be very narrow if the audio connection is not at the front of the computer – here an Austrian audio extension cable is required.

Headset of Austrian audio with just a few controls

When it comes to operation and functionality, the gaming headset from Austrian Audio is very economical: you will not find volume or tone control, and there is also no active noise cancellation, but this is not necessary due to the excellent isolation. Also, the Bluetooth connection is not possible. The focus here is entirely on the quick connection to your PC, game console or system. The only trick: The Austrian PG16 audio package contains a coupon code for the “Spatial Sound Card” app, which simulates spatial sound with 7.1 spatial sound (7 speakers, 1 subwoofer) from stereo speakers. This also passed excellently in testing and saves more space.

Thanks to the elaborate controls, the Austrian soundtrack is made very easy: the minifigure lever is positioned on the left side and can be adjusted infinitely. Even with strong head movements, they remain fixed in the same position. If the microphone is folded, it will be muted automatically. On the right is the volume control, which allows for very precise control. Curious: The sound isn’t completely silent. You must use the appropriate key on your keyboard or PC to mute the sound.

Open your notebook and immerse yourself in 3D game worlds? This is only possible with the five gaming laptops.

PG16 headphone with crystal clear sound reproduction

When it comes to dialogue-packed films, games or video conferences, one thing is clear: Austrian audio is breaking new ground here. Sounds are clearer than competing headphones like the EPOS Game One or other comparable headphones like the Bose 700 NC or Apple AirPods Max. Because the sound frequencies are high. This provides more clarity, but also makes it appear a little “thinner”. Resonant sounds lose a little bass, which is reproduced more clearly by other headphones or the reference system used in the test.

The Austrian PG16’s three-dimensional sound from the test is unparalleled: even in normal stereo mode, opponents can be located almost perfectly. If you run the aforementioned 7.1, the sound scene improves again and you feel like you’re in the middle of the game. It can be clearly distinguished from any incoming shots or direction sounds.

Austrian Audio Headset isn’t just for gaming

Away from the 3D game worlds, Austrian audio works well with the headphone: high-quality jazz recordings (Source: TidesThe PG16’s output is particularly good, which was particularly impressive with stringed instruments. The passion of Austrian sound engineers comes to the fore here. With up to 130 decibels (dB), the headphones get very loud, but then, as expected, quickly lose depth – the volume does not sound, but the highs and lows prevail and ensure an unbalanced sound.

On the other hand, noise cancellation is unmatched and can even keep up with active noise reduction (noise canceling technology) to compete from Bose, Sony or Apple. The clearly annoying buzzing of a gaming laptop fan at 51dB under load was barely audible – and with minimal sound it was completely swallowed up. Thanks to the excellent isolation, noise hardly enters your audio world, but the headphones’ tones are clearly audible to the outside world. This should be considered at home or in the home office.

The Austrian Audio Microphone offers very good sound quality: it isolates ambient noise well and reproduces your voice very clearly and from all sides. Even the “S” sounds that competition often swirl and hiss often remain clear and understandable.

Gaming headphones help maintain an overview in the heat of the moment. IMTEST tested which one is better.

From Max Selmer
06/08/2021 – 05:00 AM09/08/2021 – 10:29 AM

Conclusion

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