Since Tempest is really simply a bog-standard 3D audio solution, it should function with other headsets, although it only works in games. I tried it out with the Logitech G733 Lightspeed for comparison’s sake and the Pulse 3D did a far better job recreating a sense of creating a three-dimensional audio soundscape. The following test group has been updated following TB 1.6: Wireless Connection (Dongle). There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.

Sony says the Pulse 3D headset has been optimised for use with the PS5’s new Tempest sound engine, and I certainly can’t disagree; it isn’t the most advanced headset on the planet but the 3D audio technology performed as intended. Strolling through Central Park in Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the chatter of NPC Manhattanites and bustle of nearby traffic had plenty of depth and direction. Little moments like this kept popping up. I could feel the rushing, crashing waterfalls in the distance and orient myself around them. I was even more aware of the BTs—spooky, mostly invisible enemies you have to dodge in the game while staying as quiet as you can. Their groans and dull howls felt claustrophobic but distinctly tied to their location. In one instance, hearing the sound of a BT, and more importantly, figuring out where that sound was coming from, helped me avoid walking directly into one. Compared to the Platinum Wireless Headset, we found the volume to be a little lower overall, although there’s still more than enough oomph to the speakers – you’ll just need to turn the volume up a notch higher than maybe you’d expect. Unfortunately, the built-in microphones, while serviceable, are of a pretty low quality, and while they’ll get the job done for traditional in-game chat, you’re not going to want to use them for anything other than that.

Over a few weeks, we talked to friends on PS5 with the headset and family on Google Meet through our laptop. Both said we sounded fine, though not crystal-clear, and that it was comparable to speakerphone. An added bonus of the Pulse 3D Headset is that it has built-in mic monitoring, letting you hear yourself when you're talking. It's a nice feature for first-person shooters where the action can sometimes override chat audio, so you can be sure you're coming through loud and clear.

That puts the Pulse 3D in an odd position. Despite the subtle implication in the name, you actually don't need Sony's first-party headset to get the benefits of the Tempest system. Almost any wired or wireless headset will do. That means Sony's hardware needs to stand on its own merits.Once it's all connected, the Pulse 3D Wireless actually sounds good, with solid stereo and simulated surround sound. Songs on Spotify didn't have as much detail or clarity as they did on other traditional headphones, and some games like Fall Guys or Genshin Impact didn't see much of a boost from the headphones, but by and large the stereo and simulated surround experience was decent, if not quite impressive. The one place where the Pulse 3D feels a little underpowered is… well, power. According to Sony, the headset should last up to 12 hours on a single charge. Anecdotally, I found it lasted between nine and 10 hours of play across two days. That’s enough juice that the headset should last through any single session, so long as you keep it charged, but substantially less than what I’ve come to expect from modern headsets for PlayStation or PC. Purchasing Guide Similar 3D Audio effects can be found in the majority of modern gaming headsets, but it shines far brighter in official hands. It’s not a feature everyone will use all the time, but it adds an extra layer of immersion that is undoubtedly worth having. One of the headline features of Sony’s new console is the implementation of 3D Audio. In concept, it aims to make your gaming experience more immersive by honing in on the directional qualities of different sounds to make it feel like you are truly part of the environment you’re exploring. It works wonderfully in most cases, although the overall audio quality does suffer somewhat for the novelty. This Sony headset is filled with stark contrasts. On the one hand, it has fantastic audio for its price, it pairs well with the PS5, and the 3D audio system is genuinely immersive. Its battery is also more than sufficient for long gaming marathons. On the other hand, it's uncomfortable to wear for those long periods of time, and you don't even need it to get the best audio the PS5 has to offer.

Faulty drivers that you need to reinstall. Open your “Device Manager” and uninstall the drivers related to the headset. Reboot your computer and reinstall the drivers when given the prompts. From the second time onwards, you'll be able to select the console that you connected to previously. We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Sony INZONE H7 Wireless in the 'Battery' test. While both headphones are manufactured by Sony and are intended for use on the PS5, the INZONE H7 have a better battery life, so you don't have to worry about charging them up as often.Turn the headset on, and it should automatically pair with the dongle. You may see some prompts appear on the screen recommending you to install some drivers to ensure the headset works properly. Since the Pulse 3D headset has a USB dongle, plenty of other devices besides the PlayStation 5 are compatible with it. Where technology has changed is just in the sheer amount of sounds these audio processors can handle. Both devices use "custom-designed planar magnetic drivers", which we won't pretend to understand but appears to be a Good Thing. Apparently, the Pulse Explore earbuds will be one of the first sets to utilise this tech.

The app searches for the PS5 console or PS4 console that you’ve signed in to using your account, and then connects to the console automatically. After the app connects, the screen of your console displays on your PC or Mac and you can start using Remote Play. If multiple consoles are found, select the console that you'd like to use.Remember that using the wired connection comes with limitations for what the headset can do since it is ultimately for a PlayStation 5 and works best with Sony products. Final Thoughts Even without Tempest, the Pulse 3D sounds great on PS4 and PC. Replaying the opening of God of War (2018), the sound of Kratos lumbering through the woods came through clean and clear. Though I have to admit, jumping to it directly from a Tempest-augmented game made it much easier to detect that the audio was coming from a limited number of directions.