Razer has announced its Tiamat 7.1 gaming headset. Aimed at the most hardcore gamers, it incorporates what is claimed to be the "world's first discrete 7.1 surround sound" system implemented in headphones. While most manufacturers utilize digitally-generated virtual surround system, the Tiamat features five individual drivers in each ear cup, adding up to 10 drivers working in unison.
The Tiamat 7.1 is similar to the Psyko 5.1 gaming headset, which features multiple speakers and subwoofers. Each cup in the Tiamat comes with a front, side, rear and center driver, as well as a subwoofer, while the supplied control unit allows the user to adjust the level of each audio channel, along with position and bass depth. It also enables users to switch from 7.1 surround sound to 2.0 stereo, or to external speakers (provided they're connected). Each of the drivers delivers a frequency response range of 20Hz - 20,000 Hz, while impedance varies from 16 to 32 ohms.
According to Razer, that's enough to deliver "true pinpoint positional surround sound" which is reportedly aimed at hardcore gamers who "could hear and react to every gunfire, explosion and voice realistically all around."
The Tiamat features padded leatherette ear cups, as well as a noise-canceling, retractable microphone, a braided fiber cable and interchangeable ear cup covers.
Along with the Tiamat 7.1 headset, Razer announced its Tiamat 2.2 headset, which is outfitted with two sub-woofer drivers. Also aimed at gamers, the headset is designed to simulate a three-dimensional sound experience.
Both the Razer Tiamat 7.1 and Tiamat 2.2 will be available worldwide in Q4 2011, priced at US$179.99 / EUR179.99 and US$99.99 / EUR99.99 respectively.
