LucidSound LS30 Headset Review

You can spot a typical gaming headset from a mile off. If it’s angular, has lights on and looks like it should be on the set of a 90s sci-fi movie, then you’ve found one. And that’s fine for sitting at your computer desk, but what if you just want a normal-looking pair of headphones that just happens to have a microphone in them?

Well, the Lucidsound LS30 is a little better than “normal” looking. In fact, they’re a gorgeous set of cans, which even make the more mainstream models of headphone look a little pedestrian by comparison. Its design is subtle, with vinyl-like grooves, brushed aluminium and generous amounts of padding: it’s a pair of headphones you’d be more than happy to put on and go for a walk on the street in; which you can easily do, as this wireless headset also comes with a suitable 3.5mm cable for connecting to any standard audio player – PC, smartphone, digital music player, etc.

But, the LS30’s purpose is to be plugged into a console. More specifically, those with optical audio and a spare USB port (so Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3). Among the many cables in the box is a dongle that plugs into a USB port for power, and an optical cable that connects the dongle to your console. This allows the LS30 to be connected wirelessly, with the least amount of latency possible (in fact, it’s latency was lower than that of my home theatre setup). In regards to using the microphone, Xbox One owners will need an adapter for the old model controller, but can plug directly into the new ones, while Xbox 360 owners can use the included cable – it is completely wireless on PS4. Setup took me as long as it took to remove everything from the box and plug it in – it just worked, and it worked well.

While this is a stereo set of headphones, the quality of the audio output is incredibly impressive. Playing Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, I was astounded at the clarity as I could pick out the individual voices of in-game crowds. On the other end of the audio spectrum, the LS30 doesn’t shy away from loud, booming bass, and retains that clarity without breaking a sweat. Neither the high or low ends are overpowered, making for a pleasantly neutral audio output, but this is easily changed thanks to different EQ modes that are accessible via button on rear of the right can. You can flip through the normal mode, bass mode and treble mode at a touch of a button, and you’ll get an appropriate audio cue for each mode.

What I particularly love about the LS30 is the intuitive onboard controls. Each earcup has a gigantic button for muting either chat or game audio, and around each earcup is a control wheel that changes volumes for both sources. It’s as simple as controls get, and when you’re in a fast-paced online game, that ease and simplicity is important. To just be able to reach up to my ear and press a mute button without having to struggle and find it just feels right.

The other great thing that the LS30 delivers on, is comfort. The cups fit comfortably over my ears, thanks to some great padding, and even after using them for a couple of uninterrupted hours, they didn’t feel too hot or uncomfortable. It never felt like they were putting pressure on my skull, and at times, I forgot I even had them on. As someone who usually veers towards smaller, in-ear headphones, it’s quite an achievement that it felt like I was barely wearing it!

In terms of microphones, the LS30 has two of them: an internal one, and a far better connectable flexible boom mic, which works very well. There’s also automatic mic monitoring, so you can ensure that you aren’t talking too loudly (very useful in tense games) and I also found it useful for being able to hear what was going on outside of the headphones, without turning down the game volume. Being a wireless mic, battery life is always a concern, although it won’t be one you have with the LS30. An hour or two charging is all that’s required for around 15 hours of battery life.

Looks aren’t everything, but when the Lucidsound LS30 delivers on aesthetically pleasing design, combined with excellent sound quality and the most intuitive controls I’ve ever seen on a headset, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better stereo headset for gaming.