It’s the battle of the 7.1 surround sound headsets, with the Logitech G35 going head-to-head with the Razer Megalodon.
In terms of features the two headsets are very close to one another. They both claim to recreate 7.1 surround-sound using their own combination of hardware and software, both include a microphone and both have built-in audio controls.
In terms of technology both headsets use software to enable stereo speakers to create virtual 7.1 surround sound. Logitech use dolby Headphone 2.0 technology to drive the headset while Razer have produced their own Maelstrom drivers to do the same job.
As you can see from the table above there is very little difference between the Logitech G35 and Razer Megalodon, with the Razer just edging the G35 out with a touch more sensitivity.
Both headsets differ in how they allow you to control their features. Razer have gone for a smart inline remote-control box attached to the braided cable. The box allows you to control the volume of each of the virtual channels, as well as switch between 7.1 surround and 2.0 stereo modes. Also on the box are controls for the microphone that include volume, mute and sensitivity adjustment. The control box is the heart of the Megalodon and is responsible for all of the sound processing, so there’s no software to install. Just plug in the USB connector and you’re off.
The Logitech G35 locates all of the controls on the headset. On the left cup are three programmable ‘G’ buttons that can be programmed to interact with a variety of multimedia applications. For example, you could set G1 to launch iTunes, G2 to skip to the next track and G3 to the previous. The software allows you to store button profiles for each application and it will switch between profiles as you toggle between programs within windows. Also on the left cup is a wheel to control the volume and a button to mute the microphone. On the right cup is a single toggle that switches between 7.1 surround or 2.0 stereo modes.
The Logitech G35 requires driver software to be installed to create the 7.1 sound, and this will force a minor hit on your CPU. The software itself is nicely designed and intuitive to use.
In terms of setup the Megalodon is easiest to use as it really is plug’n’play, and the control box takes on the task of controlling the headset and the 7.1 sounds. That same box of tricks also offers the greater level of audio control, but in the heat of the moment it’s easier to smack a button on the side of your head than it is to reach out, grab a small box, then look down at it to check which of the small buttons you’re pressing. This is where the G35’s onboard buttons are best, and the programmable G keys also make it a bit more flexible than the Megalodon.
Both of these headsets are designed for gaming, so that’s how they were put to test in a blast through Call Of Duty 4. Both headsets worked very well, noticeably clearer than my old Medusa 5.1 headset. In plain old 2.0 stereo mode they provided lovely clear sound and some useful positional information, but switching on the 7.1 surround sound allowed the sounds take on much more character.
It’s almost as if the soundscape has moved from indoors to outdoors, as you get a greater impression of the magnitude of the noises around you. Shots and explosions seem to be more complex in nature, with more obvious differences between those that are close by and those that are further away.
Rather disappointingly there wasn’t much of an improvement in determining the position of a noise, leading some strength to the arguments that 5.1 and 7.1 headsets are a bit of a gimmick. Don’t get me wrong, the surround sound effects are better than plain stereo for determining their source but nowhere near the improvement that you might expect from the marketing material.
In terms of in-game sound quality the best of the two headsets is the Megalodon, offering a slightly more vibrant experience than the G35 but by the slightest of margins.
As mentioned, both headsets come with a built-in microphone. Both can be swivelled up out of the way and both can be muted – the Logitech uses a button on the right-ear cup, the Megalodon a button on its control box. One negative point of the Logitech is that it is quite easy to catch the mute button when lifting the headset onto your head.
Feedback from other gamers suggests that both microphones offered clear audio with minimal background noise being picked up.
One trick of the G35 is that it has the ability to morph your voice into one of six presets, and while it has a bit of comedy value in the short term I can’t see it being a feature you’d make much use of.
The Razer Megalodon retails at $149.99 and the Logitech G35 at $129.99. At the time of writing you can pick up a Razer Megalodon for $149.99 at Amazon and a Logitech G35 for $104.98. Clearly the Logitech G35 has the advantage here, and although the Megalodon will eventually come down in price it will always be lagging behind the cheaper G35.
It’s not easy, and much of it will boil down to what you want the headset for. The Logitech G35 has the better range of features, while the Razer Megalodon offers slightly better sound.
Personally, if I were spending my own money but had to choose between the G35 and Megalodon I’d stump up the extra cash and go for the Megalodon. On the other hand, if it were my money and I could choose something else I’d go for a proper set of stereo headphones – namely a superior Sennheiser HD555 headset with a clip-on microphone. Much better sound quality, but without the 7.1 virtual shenanigans.
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I just got the logitech G35 headset today just about 1-2 hours before reading this "battle" article. I have yet to play a game with the headset but so far I've noticed one thing that probably isn't big.
It seems that my computer's case fans are loud enough to be heard through the mic. When I record my own voice I can hear them in the background. But with voice morphing, they disappear.
I'll add a mini review of my own in a bit and let all who read this know if I'm satisfied enough.
Hi Jose. Wow, your case fans must be pretty loud. Interesting that the morphing drowns them out, it shows how much processing is being done by the software. I look forward to hearing back about your thoughts on the G35.
Im still doubting which one i should pick.. I mean choosing a sennheiser nonono!
I'd rather pick one of these two. But there's the problem hope someone could convince me or something...
OK Alex, even if you're not convinced about the Sennheisers then at the very least you'll be happy with either of these headsets, they're both excellent. Get the Logitech G35 and put the money you'll save towards a new game :)
sounds good. But.. still not totally convinced.. but do you know if the megalodon if sound cancelling? ( The headphones sits very close to the ears)
As far as I know the Megalodon doesn't have any noise cancelling technology. Not that that's a bad thing, as the noise-cancelling technology can actually deaden some of the sound from the headphones and reduce sound quality. Yeah, you won't here background noise so much, but the sounds you will hear won't be as good.
The Megalodon is out now! Razerzone says it's in stock, and so does Amazon.
And when the megalodon is released :D
Chris, what are the headsets like after a long period of gaming?.. are they comfortable or do they hurt your ears? in the review you never said and this would be quite important
I found both headsets to be very comfortable, but one slightly more than the other. The G35's rectangular earcups do a slightly better job of surrounding your ear so that they cup rests on your head, whereas the Megalodon's slightly smaller round cups did rest on my ear a bit. That has the problem of pushing the top of my ear into the arm of my glasses, which after 3-4 hours can become a nuisance.
One other thing I forgot to mention is that with the Megalodon, if you lean back from your desk or turn around suddenly you can find yourself dragging the remote control box with you. Not a big problem really, just make sure you don't have the box sat next to nice, hot coffee if you do ;). Oh dear, now I'm offering Health & Safety tips!
ey guys, i got my megalodon's yesterday. Sound is great, but still doesn't match up to my Shure SE530-PTH Earphones :P. they DONT have sound cancelling but i haven't had ANY problems with background noise in the headphones or microphone, btw the microphone quality is great, and being able to swap between 2.0 to 7.1 with one button is a plus from swapping from gaming to music. The megalodons are comfortable easy to adjust and along with my other razer products deferentially worth that little bit extra $ but as everyone will say its up to personal preference. But i would buy them again in a flash! Hope that helps :D
Thanks for stopping by and letting us know, Skorm!
Hi Chris,
I'm considering getting some high end headphones at the moment, and i am basically stuck deciding between the razer and the g35- i will be using it for gaming, but also for a fair amount of tv and movie watching too (both downloaded and retail blu rays). I have heard that the surround sound on the g35 is better for this- can you please give me your thoughts/advice? just need a little shove in either direction!
many thanks,
Matt
Hi Matt,
It partly depends on the type of audio you're listening to. If it's 7.1 blu-ray or games (not many games support 7.1) then I'd say the clarity of the Megalodon is superior, and the Maelstrom engine does a great job of differentiating between front, side and rear. However, it's not quite so good at 'enriching' lower quality audio such as 2.0 and even 5.1, but the same could be said of the G35. A plus point of the G35 is that it has slightly better options for fine tuning the audio.
To be honest, if you were already thinking G35 then I'd say go for it ... you won't be disappointed.
Hi Chris,
i was just wondering with either of these can you set them up to use just for vent? Because i know when you have onboard sound card+ another one, you can set certain programs to go through either the speakers or the headphones. an example being, you have vent through your headphones and wow volume through your speakers? Just wondering if you can do this with the way either of these headphones are setup. Thanks for your time!
Hi Nolan,
You'll be pleased to know that the both headsets are compatible with Ventrilo (and Teamspeak) and both appear as separate audio devices within Windows, so you should be able to configure the sound as you need. I didn't get to try this myself as the wife doesn't appreciate the sounds of battle echoing around the house, although she still has to put up with me screaming abuse at the computer :) Instead I put all sounds through the headset but reduced the game volume to ensure I can hear Vent clearly.
So Chris,do you think logitech g35 is greater than megalodon?
That depends on how picky you are about your music/film sound quality. The Megalodon has the edge in terms of absolute sound quality, the Logitech G35 wins if you want the best gaming headset of the two. Or you could just say that the G35 is better value for money? I'm sticking with the Megalodon as my preferred choice, but if you go for the G35 you're still getting a fantastic headset.
Hey Chris,
I am currently making a computer build, and i have a 7.1 HT Striker sound card and am looking for a 7.1 headset. Although i know its not MUCH difference with the surround sound, I've had a cheaper 5.1 pair before and i am used to it, so it comes in pretty useful now :P. Also, there is not much price difference between high end 5.1 and 7.1.. so i figure why not?
My question i guess is: I like over ear to cancel sound, but i am not in noisy area, i don't care about people hearing what they say either. Over all i just want good headphones to listen to games with great audio, and music (i play Age of Conan, which supports 7.1 sounds). I do care about how the mic sounds, but not that much. Is there any other headphones you suggest (i am looking towards at max 200 dollars on headset) that would have amazing sound for gaming (first priority) and music (second priority?
Sorry this is so long, thanks for reading!
Jake, there are very few 7.1 surround sound headsets available at the moment and all are USB so won't use your soundcard. An alternative to the G35 and Megalodon is the Steelseries 5h V2 USB - but it doesn't have a mic.
Another choice is to get something that can plug into the soundcard using 3.5mm jacks for each channel. Plenty of choice of 5.1 headsets such as the Razer Barracuda, Roccat Kave or Tritton AXPro. If you're feeling really flush, how about the Psyko 5.1 headset at a cost of $299 (ouch!).
Or how about a premium stereo headset - Sennheiser PC350? I loved my Sennheisers, before they got squashed.
Does anyone else know of a 7.1 headset that plugs into the soundcard and not USB?