Author - Jerry Paxton

Razer Hammerhead Pro In-Ear Headset Review (Tech)

razer-hammerhead-pro-carousel

This product’s slogan is no joke!

 

Razer is no stranger to the “ear buds” market. Their Moray+ gaming earphones are an excellent choice for gamers and music lovers on the go. However, they have taken their ear bud product line to a whole new level with the release of their Hammerhead and Hammerhead Pro In-Ear Headsets. Why “In-Ear Headset” instead of “ear bud”? I am pretty sure that Razer intended the Hammerhead to be used for a lot more than just playing music while riding the train to work in the morning.

The Hammerhead Pro headset bodies are small in size and CNC-machined out of aircraft-grade aluminum, making them extremely durable and well-constructed. Additionally, each bud contains a 9mm neodymium driver capable of pumping out some staggering bass for such a small ear bud. Included in the package is a small zip-up carrying case as well as three different types of ear-tip attachments. Additionally, there is a fourth “bi-flange” attachment tip for those looking to really block out ambient noise. The big difference between the Hammerhead and Hammerhead Pro editions is the inclusion of a communications microphone in the latter. This omni-directional microphone works very well at picking up voice communication from the user, although by design it does pick up a lot of ambient noise as well.

razer-hammerhead-pro-gallery-03

Tech Specs

Product features:  

  • Machined lightweight aluminum body
  • Advanced passive noise isolation
  • Interchangeable ear-tips with bi-flanges
  • Powerful drivers for supreme audio fidelity with extreme bass
  • Compatible with iPhone, Android and mobile devices
  • Omnidirectional microphone
  • Audio/Mic splitter adapter for PC connection

razer-hammerhead-pro-gallery-04

Headphones

  • Drivers : 9 mm Neodymium Magnets with CCAW
  • Frequency Response : 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Impedance : 16 Ω
  • Sensitivity @ 1 kHz : 106 dB
  • Input Power : 1 mW @ 126 mV
  • Cable Length : 1.3 m / 4.27 ft
  • Approximate Weight : 12.5 g / 0.03 lbs
  • Connector: Analog 3.5 mm Combined Jack (Headphone and Mic)

Microphone

  • Frequency response : 50 Hz – 10 kHz
  • Signal to Noise Ratio : 55 dB
  • Sensitivity (@1kHz) : -42 dB +/-3 dB
  • Pick Up pattern : Omni-Directional

razer-hammerhead-pro-gallery-01

The first thing I noticed when listening to music on my iPhone 5 while wearing the Hammerhead Pro was just how much bass it pumps out. I actually had to go into my iPhone 5’s music settings and adjust the equalizer in order to compensate. It’s a bit much on the usual equalizer settings, actually, as the bass gets overwhelming to the point of muffling the highs more than it should. However, for playing video games on my smartphone, this bass added a lot to the overall gaming experience. For listening to music, I found the Bass Reduction and Acoustic settings to be the most acceptable in terms of bass vs treble. The biggest issue I found while using the Razer Hammerhead Pro is the lack of in-line volume controls, something I consider to be a very useful feature on a set of ear buds.

Using the Hammerhead Pros on my gaming PC proved to be a very exciting surprise, as the small in-hear headsets actually produced better sound than my full 2.1 channel headset unit. The Hammerhead Pro comes with a small splitter attachment that breaks the speakers away from the microphone. These plugged into my Sound Blaster audio hub without issue, and I was even able to you the Razer Surround software with them for virtual surround sound. Using them on my laptop was equally-nice, as I finally didn’t have to lug around a large pair of headphones in order to enjoy a video game or movie on the go.

Overall, Razer’s Hammerhead Pro in-ear headset is an excellent audio option, capable of pumping out very high levels of bass – almost too much. The design is sleek, sexy, and well-constructed with a large array of ear tips and even a convenient carrying case. The Hammerhead Pro retails for $69.99 and is available now at Razer’s official website.

Razer Hammerhead Pro Review Score

4 out of 5

Razer Announces Hammerhead In-Ear Headset

hammerheadpro-04

CARLSBAD, Calif. – 16 July 2013 – Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the launch of the Razer Hammerhead series of in-ear headsets, two all-new audio solutions for mobile gaming and music.

The Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer incredible durability and fantastic audio quality from their 9 mm neodymium drivers, making them excellent choices for music listening on the go. The headsets come in two versions – the Razer Hammerhead and the Razer Hammerhead Pro, with the latter sporting an omni-directional microphone with an in-line remote for phone-call control, perfect for convenient voice communication.

Both in-ear headsets are machined out of aircraft-grade aluminium, promising extreme durability, while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable form factor. With a matte, brushed surface finish, these in-ear monitors look as good as they sound.

With interchangeable ear-tips included in three sizes and optional bi-flange attachments, the Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets offer ultimate sound isolation.

“With numerous mobile PC gaming systems emerging, peripherals that offer both great performance and portability on-the-go are what make the experience complete,” says Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder, CEO and creative director. “The Razer Hammerhead and Hammerhead Pro’s unrivalled durability and deep bass tones are fantastic for any gamer or music listener with an active lifestyle.”

The inner acoustics chambers of the Razer Hammerhead in-ear headsets feature a sonically optimized design to increase aural resonance. Paired with high-performance, precision-tuned, 9 mm neodymium drivers, the headsets produce a sound signature packing strong bass while maintaining crystal clear mid-levels and highs.

About the Razer Hammerhead Pro Analog Gaming & Music In-Ear Headset

The Razer Hammerhead Pro In-Ear Headset is an in-ear monitor (IEM) engineered from the ground up to set the standard in portable gaming audio. Machined out of aircraft grade aluminium, the Razer Hammerhead Pro embodies ultimate durability packaged in a lightweight, comfortable form factor.

Encased within each sleek, brushed shell is a high performance, precision-tuned 9mm neodymium driver. Paired with an optimized inner acoustics chamber in each shell, these in-ear monitors produce a sound signature that packs a mean, earth-shattering bass while maintaining crystal clear mids and highs. The Razer Hammerhead Pro comes through with a full-bodied low-end frequency, pounding in the beats without distortion.

Supreme quality sound would be wasted if drowned out by stray, ambient noises. That is why the Razer Hammerhead Pro comes equipped with interchangeable ear-tips in 3 sizes, along with an optional pair of bi-flanges to provide superior sound isolation and bass response.

This exceptional audio solution also features an in-line omnidirectional microphone with one-touch phone call control for crystal-clear, convenient voice communication with mobile devices on the go.

Topped off with a compact carrying case for portability, the Razer Hammerhead Pro epitomizes the way in-ear monitors should be experienced – with style, comfort and aural fidelity.

Price:

Razer Hammerhead Pro – U.S. $69.99 / EU €69.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com – Order Now

Worldwide – August 2013

Product features:

  • Machined lightweight aluminum body
  • Advanced passive noise isolation
  • Interchangeable ear-tips with bi-flanges
  • Powerful drivers for supreme audio fidelity with extreme bass
  • Compatible with iPhone, Android and mobile devices
  • Omnidirectional microphone
  • Audio/Mic splitter adapter for PC connection

Headphones

  • Drivers : 9 mm Neodymium Magnets with CCAW
  • Frequency Response : 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Impedance : 16 Ω
  • Sensitivity @ 1 kHz : 106 dB
  • Input Power : 1 mW @ 126 mV
  • Cable Length : 1.3 m / 4.27 ft
  • Approximate Weight : 12.5 g / 0.03 lbs
  • Connector: Analog 3.5 mm Combined Jack (Headphone and Mic)

Microphone

  • Frequency response : 50 Hz – 10 kHz
  • Signal to Noise Ratio : 55 dB
  • Sensitivity (@1kHz) : -42 dB +/-3 dB
  • Pick Up pattern : Omni-Directional

For more information about the Razer Hammerhead Pro Analog Gaming & Music In-Ear Headset please visit www.razerzone.com/hammerhead.

Also available are the Razer Hammerhead Analog Gaming & Music In-Ear Headphones for those who do not require voice communications with the IEMs.

Price:

Razer Hammerhead – U.S. $49.99 / EU €49.99

Availability:

Razerzone.com – Order Now

Worldwide – August 2013

FOX Announces 3D Printed Predator Figure Holding Your Severed Head at Comic-Con

predator

July 16, 2013 — Nothing like it has ever been at Comic-Con before… Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is bringing an iconic franchise to San Diego as PREDATOR hunts for prey on the convention floor.

In a first-of-its-kind activation at Comic-Con, fans can enter booth #3528 and have their photo taken with state of the art cameras courtesy of 3D Systems. Their image will then be used to make them the victim as a customized figurine is created using 3D Systems 3D printing technology that features the Predator alien holding the fans’ severed head!

The figurine is only available to fans that purchase the PREDATOR Blu-ray 3D, available exclusively for pre-order at Comic-Con and packaged in a limited edition Predator head for $129.99. Fans can also receive the figurine with the purchase of a “headless” Blu-ray 3D for $49.99.

Additionally fans will get a first look at the all-new 3D transfer of the film before it arrives on Blu-ray 3D later this year as they enter the jungle that is ruled by the ultimate warrior that came from another planet.

Attendees can also participate in the “Hunt the Predator” challenge. Fans who find the Predator, take a photo and upload it to their social networks with the official hashtag “#HUNTthePREDATOR” will be entered to receive a front of the line pass at the Predator 3D booth for an exclusive 3D printed figurine.

The PREDATOR Blu-ray 3D will be shipped to all those that pre-order at Comic-Con when it is officially released in December. The custom figurine will be shipped following the convention.

InnoGames Shuts Down Kartuga and Studio Before Game Even Launches

Kartuga_Screenshot_PvE05

Hamburg, July 16th, 2013. Today, online games publisher InnoGames and Development Studio Ticking Bomb Games announced the discontinuation of the pirate-MMO Kartuga. Simultaneously the companies’ partnership was disbanded. Regardless of its potential for success, InnoGames’ growing focus on cross-platform-games played a major role in the decision, along with the fact that Kartuga was unable to fulfill high expectations during its recent closed beta. The development studio Ticking Bomb Games will be closed and all employees are offered a shortened application process at InnoGames.

Hendrik Klindworth, CEO of InnoGames states about the decision: “It wasn’t an easy step for us. During the recent months, Ticking Bomb Games and InnoGames have worked hard on the game. Together with Ticking Bomb Games we have come to an agreement: the priority was to have an organized schedule for the studio’s closure, to keep the employees’ needs in mind, and offer as many of them a position at InnoGames as possible – all those things we’ve managed together.”

“Kartuga had a lot of potential, the exciting setting and high-quality graphics stood out especially, but the closed beta and player feedback showed that it wouldn’t fit the companies’ goals for the future. Now InnoGames can focus even more on cross-platform projects currently in development in-house,” Klindworth continued. Two new titles will be announced later this year.

Klindworth reasoned: “Thanks to the partnership with Ticking Bomb Games, we’ve learned a lot we can apply to future projects. It also strengthened our dedication towards cross-platform-titles, which are playable on a number of internet-based devices, as the future of InnoGames.”

With more than 100 million registered players, InnoGames is one of the world’s leading developers and providers of online games. The Hamburg-based company has scored major successes with games such as Tribal WarsForge of Empires and Grepolis.

Spike TV Covers San Diego Comic-Con

spike-cc-promo

New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA – July 16, 2013 – Spike TV announced today that the network will once again give fans an inside look at the biggest event in pop culture and comics with “Comic-Con All Access.” (#SDCConSPIKE)  Spike’s coverage kicks off on Saturday, July 20 with interstitials from the San Diego Convention Center leading up to an hour-long special which airs on Spike TV on Monday, July 22 at 11:00p.m. ET/PT.

The event will feature special appearances including Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (“Kick Ass 2”), Vin Diesel (“Riddick”), Bryan Cranston (“Godzilla”), Jeff Bridges and Ben Barnes (“Seventh Son”), Samuel L. Jackson (“Captain America 2” and “Robocop”), Norman Reedus (“Walking Dead”) as well as many other surprise guests.  In addition, Spike TV partners with Zachary Levi and NERD MACHINE, who will be presenting their 3rd Annual NERD HQ at Petco Park and will feature their “Conversations for a Cause” panel series, with all proceeds benefiting Operation Smile.

“Comic-Con is a celebration of the fans,” said Jon Slusser, Senior Vice President, Sports and Multi-Platform Programming, Spike TV.  “Spike is excited to give viewers an all access look at the biggest celebrities, movies and TV shows that make this event so amazing.”

In celebration of the revolutionary work in the comics, movies and sci-fi industry throughout the past year, viewers will have the opportunity to vote on the “Comic-Con All Access Game Changer” and “Comic-Con All Access Game Changing Moment of the Year” which will be awarded during the special.

TV Land Announces Comic-Con Panel with Barr, Shatner, and More

TVLand Logo 2012 Blue (with TM)

July 16, 2013 — TV Land celebrates sitcoms as the network presents at Comic-Con on Thursday, July 18th at 12pm PT at The Hilton San Diego Bayfront. “Comedy Legends of TV Land” panelists include groundbreaking TV icon Roseanne Barr (“Roseanne”), Comic-Con sensation and “Hot in Cleveland” LIVE guest star William Shatner (“Star Trek”), as well as pop culture favorites Donald Faison (“Scrubs”) and Wayne Knight (“Seinfeld”), who currently star on TV Land’s original sitcom “The Exes.” The panel will be a dynamic conversation about the importance of comedy in television, the resurgence of sitcoms and a look at the actors’ careers – past, present and future.

Panel Information

2-1pm
Indigo Ballroom, Floor 2
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

Mad Catz Announces Killer Instinct Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for Xbox One

Mad-Catz-FightStick-TE2-001

Image of Unlicensed FightStick TE 2

San Diego – July 16, 2013 – Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (“Mad Catz”) (NYSE MKT: MCZ) announced today the Killer Instinct Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2, a premium quality fighting game controller expected to ship Holiday 2013.

Previously announced at E3 2013 and used on stage during the E3 Xbox Media Briefing to demonstrate the game, the new FightStick will now carry fully licensed Killer Instinct artwork and feature button mapping tuned specifically for the game.

“E3 greeted us with a positive reaction to our Tournament Edition 2 FightStick and we’re pleased that the controller will provide passionate fans of Killer Instinct with an even richer gaming experience,” said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc.  “We earlier commented how the enhanced performance of the Xbox One opens up additional scope for innovation and believe that the Killer InstinctTournament Edition 2 FightStick perfectly illustrates our commitment to the next generation of entertainment.”

Developed by Microsoft Studios and Double Helix Games©Killer Instinct is the return of the legendary fighting game franchise coming exclusively to Xbox One this holiday.

Expected to be the first fighting game controller available for Xbox One, the Tournament Edition 2 Arcade FightStick features arcade-perfect controls and has been extensively designed with the community and professional gamer in mind.  The new design philosophy will offer greater levels of customization and quality.

The Xbox One home entertainment system from Microsoft is expected to launch Holiday 2013.

D23 Expo Keynote Details and Additional Presentations

d23logo

Burbank, Calif. – July 16, 2013 – D23 Expo 2013 will celebrate its grand opening with a welcome from Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger followed by the first of two arena presentations hosted by The Walt Disney Studios at the Anaheim Convention Center. On Friday, August 9, The Walt Disney Studios will surprise and delight fans with sneak peeks of the incredible slate of upcoming animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Disneytoon Studios, hosted by Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter. Then, on Saturday, August 10, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn will host The Walt Disney Studios live action arena presentation which will pull back the curtain on upcoming releases from Disney Live Action and Marvel Studios. Both presentations will feature exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes footage, filmmaker discussions, and surprise celebrity appearances.

The 4,000-seat arena, the largest venue at The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, will for the first time feature a 2,000-seat overflow theater where guests will be able to watch these once-in-a-lifetime happenings though a live feed.

Art and Imagination: Animation at The Walt Disney Studios (Friday, August 9, 10:00 a.m.): Disney and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, filmmakers and star talent will take guests on a journey through The Walt Disney Studios’ slate of upcoming animated features, including Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen and Pixar Animation Studios’ The Good Dinosaur. Plus, catch the U.S. debut of the new Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse!, major movie announcements, and a not-to-be-missed live musical performance.

Let the Adventures Begin: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios (Saturday, August 10, 10:30 a.m.): The Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn will showcase the Studios’ exciting live-action release slate, including Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks and Tomorrowland, Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World, and much more.

Tickets for the D23 Expo are $57 for a one-day adult admission and $47 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $50 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available for both D23 Members and the general public, and D23 Members can save as much as $84 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for members and general admission, visit D23Expo.com.

New WWE 2K14 Screenshots Featuring Cover Athlete The Rock

Rock_Entrance

2K Games and WWE Games have released some new screenshots featuring the cover athlete for WWE 2K13, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. WWE 2K14 is due out this October on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.

Screenshots