CM Storm Pulse-R Review
Category : Headsets
Published by Luca Rocchi on 28.11.13
Pulse-R are the last born in Cooler Master's house, belong to the "Aluminum" series and have an unique design. CMStorm has used high quality materials and has thought of everyone, especially gamers and modders by installing aluminum plates ready to be customized. If you're curious to see how they are, follow us in this new review.

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On the following pages we will show you the strengths and weaknesses of the CM Storm Pulse-R.

Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions
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Preview

   

   

   


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions
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Specifications

Headphones

Microphone

Remote control


Package




Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions
[pagebreak]

Test conditions


Regarding our Headset respectively Microphone tests we subjectively describe acoustics, microphone quality as well as ergonomics. The endresult therefore relies also on the tester himself. We're doing our best to ensure comparable results if different reviewers were testing different products. We think these review can be seen as a help if you like to buy a specific product and can therefore be seen as subjective consumer advice.

Music


Movies


Games



Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions
[pagebreak]

Wearing confort and ergonomics

   


After a few days of use, we can say that the headphones are comfortable although they are not very light. The weight of the Pulse-R is well distributed, therefore they are balanced and the earpads are adjustable. If you use glasses or 3D goggle, you may encounter issues since the earpads and there will be pressure points.
We really like the noise isolation, the artificial leather does a good job and seals perfectly. The headband is made from aluminium, the cushion is rather soft and pleasant to the touch. Like other products from Cooler Master's "aluminium series" the CM Storm Pulse-R have customizable aluminum plates. They can be removed by releasing two screws.
The cable is detachable and comes with two audio jacks (microphone and audio) as well as a USB 2.0 connector. The latter is only to power the LEDs on the earcups, the remote control and microphone. The overall quality is excellent on the entire product, which means, that this headset could even take a beating should a competitive gamer lose his temper.


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions
[pagebreak]

Acoustics

Headphone


CM Storm chose to equip their gaming headset with two 42 millimeter drivers. These are capable of offering a decent audio experience. Unfortunately by default this headset comes with an unbalanced preset. In our opinion, the bass is too present on the CM Storm Pulse-R by default and the mids and heights are too silent. Some people might appreciate this picture but if you prefer more linear audio, then you definitely have to turn down the bass. Once adjusted, using a software equalizer the headphones sound pretty good. On the ears pieces as well as on the microphone and remote control there are white LEDs, which all get it's power from the USB 2.0 plug. The audio signal solely travels through the 3.5mm jack.

   

Microphone


From a technical point of view, the microphone is good. The bracket is detachable and there is a joint. Unfortunately the vertical position can not be changed. The distance from the mouth is not far but you should bend it a bit to put it as close to your lips as possible. The noise cancelling works properly and other people won't here any disturbing background noise.
The headphones also feature a handy remote control, with which you can adjust the volume and the microphone via two solid sliders.

   


Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions
[pagebreak]

Conclusion


The CM Storm Pulse-R belong Cooler Master's new "Aluminum Gaming Series" and they feature a unique and attractive design. The build quality as well as the materials used is really good and fully complies with CM Storm's standard.

Perception of audio is certainly a subjective matter. In our opinion bass is way too present compared to mids and heights. Despite the lack of virtual surround sound, we can say that the Pulse-R offers good sound quality, once the overpronounced bass got adjusted by an equalizer. The default setting only makes sense if you solely play games or watch movies. The earpads that surround the 42 millimeter drivers are comfortable if you don't wear glasses or 3D goggles. The microphone works well, is completely detachable and even flexible. What's also practical is the integrated noise cancelling, which works really well.

Comfort is on a good level but it could be improved. The aluminium plates are very interesting for modders but they are adding additional weight to the headset. Despite the presence of a USB connector, the Pulse-R works exclusively via the classic 3.5 mm jack. The only thing the USB connector is there, is to power the LED lighting on microphone, earpads and remote control.

Checking prices on geizhals.at we found the Pulse-R to be listed at 77 Euro. The build level is definitely on a good level, but since there are quite a few things that could be improved we award this headset with 3 out of 5 stars.



Page 1 - Introduction Page 5 - Wearing comfort/ergonomics
Page 2 - Preview Page 6 - Acoustics
Page 3 - Specifications Page 7 - Conclusion
Page 4 - Test conditions