Initially gaming headsets were designed with chat in mind. Eventually this evolved into something closer to normal headphones and today they do all kinds of neat things like Waves Nx or Super X-Fi technology. While that is great for anyone looking for a more immersive experience, sometimes people just want a nice headset to chat. For this reason the traditional chat headset has continued to exist but it ends to be a very low tier item. With this in mind, LucidSound wanted to make a more premium version, which is where the LS1 comes into play. With the awesome controls they’re known for and some other features, the LS1 looks to be the ultimate chat headset, but will it live up to the hype or is it just a more expensive version of an existing product?
Given the price point the LS1 scales a number of things back. In addition to a smaller box, it comes in two parts and is rather bland all things considered. It doesn’t take long to get it working quickly highlights a couple low points for the headset.
First off, the mic is built in, meaning if you break it, you need to replace the headset. It also has a built in cord, just like the LS10, so the customization and long term value are a bit lower. That being said, despite being a largely consumable product, it actually handles its intended purpose very well.
Having tested the sound with both a number of games and while talking to others, it’s surprisingly good for the $24.99 price point. Given it’s meant for voices alone, sounds come off fairly flat and lifeless. It will beat or at least match a pair of $15 or so earbuds and in some cases beat it, so you’re not really losing out, if you choose to use them that way.
The mic offers similar quality to other LucidSound products and is clear enough to easily hear and make out what I’m saying. I couldn’t find anyone who thought the headset wasn’t good enough, nor did anyone comment that I was hard to hear. So in terms of the core function, it performs surprisingly well.
To further this, LS1 features the same volume controls found on every other LucidSound headset. These are great on their better sets and invaluable on this headset. While it feels a fair bit cheaper than their other products, it’s extremely easy to turn up or down the volume when you need it. There is no cord, side product or weirdly placed control, just turn the side of the headset and you’re good. Muting the mic is just as easy, as you simply need to push the LS logo on the side and you’re good. Despite the low price, LucidSound was nice enough to retain their LED mic, meaning it glows red when you’re muted.
For all the functional benefits, it’s a shame how close to the ear LucidSound LS1 is. When wearing the headset I can feel the plastic underneath the padding touch my ear. It’s not only weird, the cold sensation takes a bit of getting used to. Also, as a mere function of the way chat headsets are designed, it isn’t as comfortable as any other unit. Mind you, it isn’t terrible, you just feel something slightly pushing against your head.
LucidSound LS1 Verdict
There really isn’t much to say about the LucidSound LS1 premium chat headset. It has the core disadvantages you get with a headset like this, but makes up for them by adding some of LucidSound’s best features. While I’d still suggest a more robust headset or even their more economical LS10, it offers almost everything you could want in a chat headset. Good mic, great, for the price, sound, awesome controls and more. The only real improvements you could make would be a removable mic and cord, though that would likely make this already high end product priced beyond what anyone would realistically pay. So, if you just want a good chat headset, I genuinely think the LucidSound LS1 is your best bet.
[Editor’s Note: LucidSound LS1 was provided to us for review purposes. Our review is also based off the PlayStation version, though the Xbox one should be the same.]