Don’t count the Logitech Internet Chat Headset out yet, it has an upper hand you don’t notice until you put the Barracuda HP-1 on and try to use the volume control unit.



The volume control on the Barracuda HP-1 is almost four times larger and heavier. Even when taking in the four additional controls and the spiffy light, it still seems a bit cumbersome. Of course, this is because it houses a powerful amplifier. One minor downer is the volume control clip points up, which is counterintuitive to clipping it to your shirt or pants. Finally, there is no mute for the microphone, which would have been handy, although you can easily swing it out of the way or unplug it entirely if you wish.



Since the Barracuda HP-1 is meant for competitive gaming it has a built in, noise canceling microphone, which is detachable.

The unidirectional microphone is pretty sensitive, and seems to pick up as much background noise as the Logitech Internet Chat Headset. Unlike the Logitech Internet Chat Headset the Barracuda HP-1 can pick up sound from the speakers in the headset. When using Teamspeak, listeners could hear echoes of their own voices when the volume was at audible levels.



Razer has worked hard to make the Barracuda HP-1 a piece of quality equipment, giving it a 99% Oxygen-free cable, and gold plated connectors at all junctions. While the parts and sound quality are excellent, the Barracuda HP-1 has a few minor bad points. At US$129.99 (AU$170) the ultimate in gaming headphones should be able to do everything a $24.99 generic pair of headphones can do and then a lot more. Fortunately, it delivers more than satisfactory results in most areas.

Review by Christopher Means.