PlayStation 5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (CFI-ZWH1/CFI-ZWD1) Review
Introduction
The PlayStation 5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset (CFI-ZWH1/CFI-ZWD1) arrived with considerable hype, promising a next-generation audio experience perfectly tailored for the PS5. After weeks of rigorous testing across various game genres, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review, detailing its strengths and weaknesses.
Features
The Pulse 3D headset boasts a sleek, modern design that complements the PS5 console. Its comfortable earcups and adjustable headband make for extended gaming sessions without discomfort. Key features include USB Type-C charging, intuitive controls for volume, mic mute, and game/chat audio mix, and a dedicated mic monitoring button for checking your voice levels. The dual hidden noise-cancelling microphones are a standout feature, ensuring clear communication online, even in noisy environments. The inclusion of 3D audio support is, of course, central to the design.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Weight | 521 g |
| Colour Name | White |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| What’s In The Box | 1x Headset, 1x Adapter |
| Type of Console Software | PlayStation 5 (PS5) |
| Product Length | 22.86 cm |
| Product Height | 13.34 cm |
| Product Width/Depth | 22.86 cm |
| Features | With Microphone, Voice Assistant, Noise Cancelling |
| Model Number | CFI-ZWH1/CFI-ZWD1 |
| Model Name | Pulse 3D |
Performance
The 3D audio is undeniably impressive. In games like Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, the positional audio was incredibly accurate, allowing me to pinpoint enemy locations with ease. The soundstage is expansive, providing a truly immersive experience. The noise cancellation, while not perfect, significantly reduced background noise during online chats, leading to clearer conversations. The microphone quality consistently received compliments from my online teammates. Battery life is also noteworthy, easily lasting through multiple extended gaming sessions. However, the headset’s performance wasn’t flawless. In some fast-paced games, I noticed a slight delay in audio, though this was minimal and didn’t significantly impact gameplay. The comfort level, while generally good, did experience some minor pressure points after several hours of continuous use.
I tested the headset extensively with various games including Call of Duty: Warzone, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Horizon Forbidden West, across all of which the sound quality was exceptionally good, with subtle nuances heard clearly. The 3D audio implementation is impressive and puts other gaming headsets to shame in the same price category.
Overall, the sound was really crisp, and the detail in the audio was astounding. I even tested the headset outside of gaming to gauge the quality of the sound and was impressed by how clear everything sounded.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Immersive 3D audio, excellent microphone quality, comfortable for moderate use, sleek design, long battery life, easy-to-use controls.
- Cons: Slight audio delay in fast-paced games, minor comfort issues after prolonged use, not perfect noise cancellation in every environment.
Final Verdict
The PlayStation 5 Pulse 3D Wireless Headset offers a compelling audio experience, especially for PS5 owners who want to take full advantage of the console’s 3D audio capabilities. While minor flaws exist, the strengths of the headset largely outweigh its shortcomings. The impressive 3D audio, high-quality microphone, and comfortable design make it a worthwhile purchase for serious gamers. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
