More and more pure audio manufacturers have recently tried their hand at the gaming sector, such as recently Austrian Audio or Master & Dynamics. Ultrasone is now bringing its first gaming headsets onto the market and some of them do not correspond to the usual norm. The wireless headset Ultrasone Meteor One relies on Bluetooth instead of a 2.4 GHz wireless connection and should not necessarily hit the nerve of all gamers.
We were a little surprised when we found out that the Meteor One, which costs a whopping 199 euros, can only be operated via Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm jack connection. Both are actually connectivity options that other wireless gaming headsets only have as optional goodies. Apparently, Ultrasone initially wants to appeal to players who play on smartphones or tablets and perhaps on their notebooks while on the go.
Bluetooth is frowned upon by most gamers due to the latencies in transmission, even though the Meteor One has a low-latency mode. The jack connection would still be a valid option for gaming on the consoles. However, the Meteor One has neither a corresponding volume control nor a microphone button - both conveniences that you wouldn't want to do without when gaming with the gamepad if you don't want to constantly fiddle around in the menu of the respective console.
This makes it quite clear that Ultrasone chose the Bluetooth target group quite consciously. However, it definitely gets something for the not exactly measly price. The headset comes to you safely packed in a hard case, accompanied by a USB-C microphone for Bluetooth operation, a rather short USB charging cable, and a 3.5 mm cable with a microphone for analog operation. Incidentally, operation via the USB cable is not possible, it is actually a pure charging cable. In addition to the two external microphones, the headset also has four integrated microphones - two on each side, all of which ensure clear voice transmission.
The headset makes a high-quality impression, relatively compact but robust with dark red decorative and control elements. The ear cups are rotatable and can also be folded to make it as compact as possible for transport. The weight is extremely moderate at 238 grams, together with the soft padding, this results in overall very good wearing comfort, even over several hours. Incidentally, the battery lasts up to 15 hours with a two-hour charging time, so that even longer sessions are not a problem.
On the left side, there is a combination button for power/pairing mode ON/OFF and for setting the lighting (logos on the side panels). On the right side, you control the volume (not in jack operation), you will also find song control and play/pause there.
40 mm drivers with 20 to 20,000 Hz at 32 ohms are installed in the comfortable ear cups, the in-house Ultrasone S-Logic Technology is supposed to provide a strong sound and it succeeds. In terms of sound, you can't really fault the Meteor One. Overall, the result is a fairly warm sound with a wide stage. Maybe not something for everyone, since it's relatively soft and without harsh side effects. The mix is quite balanced with a slight tendency towards the bass, which is not too dominant, however, and allows the very clear highs to shine cleanly and with presence.
So you are in good hands with games as well as music and films. The headset also cuts a fine figure in analog operation via the jack connection. Crisp explosions, a wide sound image, and plenty of details that don't go under are also very convincing overall.
CONCLUSION
Good sound - but not for everyone
The concept of the Ultrasone Meteor One is unusual. The manufacturer chose the Bluetooth niche for one of its first gaming headsets, rather than competing directly with established 2.4 GHz wireless headsets. This means that the use for owners of a desktop PC is rather limited, since, on the one hand, not all computers have Bluetooth, on the other hand, the same is frowned upon by most gamers due to latency reasons. Thanks to the jack connection, the Meteor One can at least be used on consoles via cable, but the option of volume control and a mic mute button are missing.
This means that only tablets, smartphones, and most notebooks remain as useful options for using the headset. Whether that's enough to make the Meteor One a success remains to be seen. It would be a shame because the Ultrasone headset cannot be faulted in terms of sound and wearing comfort. The sound is warm, well-mixed (with a slight bass bias), and delivers a wide stage. Very pleasing and a real recommendation for gamers for whom Bluetooth connection is sufficient.
Pros
- warm, powerful sound
- decent microphones
- simple operation
- very lighter
- good workmanship
- high wearing comfort
Cons
- No USB or 2.4 GHz wireless operation - only Bluetooth and 3.5 mm jack
- no volume control and no mic mute on the jack cable
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