INTRODUCTION

   Whether you enjoy attending LAN events, you don't want to spend much on a good 2.1/5.1/7.1 speaker setup or you just want to avoid disturbing the people next to you owning a good gaming headset is always recommended, even if you don't end up using it that much. With numerous models however out in the market by a very large number of manufacturers (both old and new) promising pretty much everything one can think of, finding the right one for your needs is far from an easy task. Products by new manufacturers are usually nowhere near as good as what we see by their older and well established competitors but ADATA's very own XPG brand with their latest Precog Hi-Res Gaming Headset aims to be among the very few exceptions in this industry.

   XTREME PERFORMANCE GEAR (XPG) was established by ADATA with the aim of providing high-performance products to gamers, esports pros, and tech enthusiasts. XPG is committed to developing products that help users achieve extreme performance; therefore, it works closely with the gaming and esports community to gather insight into the real needs of users and incorporate it into its hardware. Beyond performance, every XPG product surpasses the rigorous ADATA A+ testing methodology, which ensures the highest standards of stability and reliability. Not only do XPG products sport solid functionality and durability, but they also shine through with sheer cool designs that have earned prestigious international accolades such as Japan’s Good Design Award. XPG delivers extreme gaming experiences to help make every moment exciting.

   The Precog by XPG has two strong selling points, its dual electrostatic dynamic drivers (which produce a rather impressive frequency response of 5Hz-50KHz with 32Ohm impedance and 102dB sensitivity) and its virtual 7.1 surround sound (via an in-line USB card) which when in FPS mode offers extremely accurate positioning audio in games (always according to XPG - situational awareness as XPG likes to call it). Of course the Precog packs other interesting features as well including a detachable unidirectional microphone (20Hz-20KHz frequency response with -38dB sensitivity) complete with ENC (environmental noise cancellation), suspension like adjustable headband, earcups with 180 degrees swivel capability, USB/USB-C and 3.5mm plugs/cables, in-line audio controller and red LEDs on the exterior of both earcups.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

XPG isn't using a box to ship the Precog in, instead they place a piece of cardboard with a product picture at the front and the main product features right over the storage/carrying case.

The bundle contents and a quick presentation of XPG's EPIC FPS game are located on both sides.

Several pictures printed at the rear are used to showcase the main product features.

The somewhat large carrying/storage case is made out of a hard foam material.

As expected, the entire bundle is placed inside the carrying/storage case.

Along with the Precog and their detachable microphone XPG also packs the USB-C in-line sound card/controller, USB to USB-C cable, 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, 3.5mm y-cable, several case stickers, warranty guide paper and the quick start guide.

THE PRECOG

The Precog is made out of aluminum, plastic and leatherette and weighs 362g.

In terms of size we're clearly talking about a medium-sized gaming headset.

XPG has placed their logo on the exterior of both earcups right in front of the red LEDs (left and right markings are located just over both earcups on the interior).

On the base of the left earcup we find the microphone, 3.5mm and USB-C ports.

The detachable microphone bundled with the Precog is quite flexible (not quite as flexible as some others we've seen to date) and features a windscreen.

By using large earpads padded with memory foam the Precog should be quite comfortable as well.

Unlike every other gaming headset, I’ve tested/used to date the earcups of the Precog can swivel/rotate for a full 180 degrees (instead of just 90).

The headpad is also padded with memory foam and also features red stitching which adds to the overall looks of the headset.

Typically, the company logo is engraved on the exterior of the headband.

From the in-line audio controller (sound card) you can adjust the volume (knob), mute the microphone (by pressing the knob), switch between FPS/7.1/Music modes and enable/disable the red LEDs on the exterior of the earcups.

I think it's worth pointing out that all connectors/plugs of the bundled cables (even the microphone) are gold plated.

RGB might have been a better approach for the exterior LEDs but red is fine by me.

As with every other USB headset to date my first move was to check and see if there was any firmware update available (and update it since there was).

XPG may not have a control software available for the Precog but they do offer a fast passed FPS called EPIC which you can download from their website (don't expect much however).

CONCLUSION

   The XPG Precog is marketed as the world’s first gaming headset using dual electrostatic dynamic drivers each covering a different frequency range (highs/lows) thus effectively increasing audio clarity and after almost 10 full days of testing i have to admit that it's very good, at least overall. The 7.1 surround sound mode works very well by offering surprisingly clear and accurate mids and highs with good positioning audio (especially in movies) and so does the FPS mode which is also something we don't see with other headsets (this mode basically amplifies only effects rather than ambient sounds and music so it's not something you'll end up using all the time and with all games). On the other hand, music mode is less than impressive (even more so when used with the 3.5mm cable, which means that i wouldn't use the Precog primarily for listening to music) and as for ENC unidirectional microphone let’s just say that it's nothing to get excited over (same as with 70% of all the gaming headsets I’ve used/tested to date). Moving to comfort the Precog does very well there as well but do keep in mind that it requires time for the headband and the large earpads to adjust so at first (and for a few hours after that) you may experience some discomfort due to pressure.

   With a current price tag set at USD99.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and at 117Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) the Precog Gaming Headset by XPG is priced just about right (was hoping just a tad lower however). Overall, the Precog is a very good gaming headset (emphasis on the gaming part) so if you’re in the market for one such model and have little to no intention of using it with music then not only do I highly recommend it but it also gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Dual Electrostatic Dynamic Drivers (Crisp Mids & Highs)
- Positioning Audio Accuracy (7.1 / FPS Modes)
- Comfortable
- Detachable ENC Microphone
- 180 Degrees Swivel
- Bundle
- Free EPIC Game

CONS

- Music Performance (3.5mm)
- No Control Software