ROCCAT’s Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset is a powerhouse of PC gaming audio. Something to note about this headset, aside from its classy, dark looks, is that it is a true 5.1 channel audio solution. Unlike some headsets, which use virtual surround technologies to emulate 5.1 channel sound from two drivers, the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital actually houses six drivers to perform its 5.1 channel magic.
Setting up the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset is straightforward and involves plugging in the desktop control module to your PC via USB port. This desktop control module also houses its own sound card. So, if you have an additional, discrete sound card in your PC, you will want to set your default audio output to the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital prior to playing any games. The desktop control module looks like it was pulled straight out of the world of TRON with vivid blue lighting elements on a dark body. It is also designed smartly in that it won’t just fall off your desk at the slightest shake or shock. An additional element to the desktop control module are its 5.1 channel speaker outputs in case you want to connect a physical speaker system instead of using the headsets. This is an excellent design choice on ROCCAT’s part.
A special mention needs to be given to ROCCAT’s Smart Link technology, which allows you to pair your smartphone to the Kave XTD 5.1 via Bluetooth. This allows you to take calls while you are playing you favorite PC game. This is a real innovation and something that more headset-makers need to consider when designing future models.
One area where the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital lacks is its microphone pick-up quality. My teammates mentioned several times that I sounded distant and did not come in as clearly as other headsets I have tested while playing with them. The actual operation of the microphone is very user-friendly, with the boom mic being easy to flip down and up, out of the way if needs be.
Its audio quality is very good, with great low and high-end sounds – definitely a respectable amount of bass befitting its true 5.1 channels. Its mid-range sound doesn’t play through as well as the low or high-end audio but, overall, the sound is perfect for playing your favorite PC games. Throwing a good smattering of installed PC games at the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital, I enjoyed wearing and listening to them in Call of Duty: Ghosts, The Banner Saga, The Dead Linger, State of Decay, Skyrim, and a ton of other titles. The headset is rather large, but didn’t become uncomfortable even after many hours of gameplay. I did notice some ear perspiration – but no discomfort.
Retailing for $169.95, the ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital headset may seem expensive. However, when you compare its price to competing models, the Kave XTD 5.1 Digital proves to have a high value per dollar ratio – especially when you consider this is true 5.1 channel sound.
[easyreview title=”ROCCAT Kave XTD 5.1 Digital Review Review Score” cat1title=”Overall Score (out of 5)” cat1detail=”” cat1rating=”4″ ]
