For example, in Apex Legends, you can use THX spatial audio to deliver a more lifelike experience that draws out every detail, or you can flip into a competitive mode that Razer says affords you the “unfair advantage” of having a headset that can filter out sounds that aren’t essential to competitive play. Making their debut in time for the premium headset’s launch are THX game-specific profiles that, developed in partnership with developers and enabled by the USB sound card, use spatial audio in a unique way that’s fitting to the game. The sound card enables several features that might make the extra $40 worth it I wouldn’t go that far, but I noticed after testing it in a few games that it definitely adds depth to the sound and makes pinpointing an enemy much easier. Razer claims that the BlackShark V2 goes “beyond 7.1” in terms of delivering an all-encompassing sound. Razer told me that the sound card won’t be available for purchase separately at launch. It also lets you adjust the EQ settings in Razer’s Synapse 3 software and makes THX’s spatial audio integration possible, broadening Razer’s lineup of headsets that support the feature. Once attached, the sound card provides some extra smarts for the headset, letting you adjust the microphone’s equalizer to tune your voice to how you want it.

What drives up the cost in the more expensive version mostly comes down to the included USB sound card that snaps onto the end of the headset’s 3.5mm cable. They also both have a mute button to make it easy to cut off comms with your team. Importantly, both feature an excellent tactile knob for adjusting the volume on the left ear cup, cross-compatibility with PC and consoles via their 3.5mm cable, as well as generous sizing options (in case you have a larger-than-usual head). Of these two models, the $99.99 BlackShark V2 (pictured above) has more features, while the $59.99 BlackShark V2 X is a little stripped down by comparison. Razer is launching two models of the BlackShark V2 wired gaming headset today, following up on the original model that was released all the way back in 2012.

Razer synapse eq settings