The CM Storm Pulse-R Gaming Headset

Step back a year ago and you would be hard pressed to find an illuminated headset. Even today, there aren’t that many choices, most notably the Afterglow headset and a few Steelseries Siberia V2 “colors.” It’s a product niche that hasn’t been heavily exploited yet and Cooler Master is taking notice with the soon-to-be released Pulse-R headset.

Despite the Pulse-R’s heavily stylized appearance and laundry list of features and specifications, Cooler Master doesn’t try to make this headset the king of the hill. At $81.99 shipped on Amazon, it’s a modest asking price for what that price could be. The generous use of aluminum in the headband, detachable microphone, and earcup lights give an aggressive aesthetic that could fools others into thinking the Pulse-R was a top-the-line gaming headset. Instead, underneath all that is a 40 mm driver in each earcup for stereo audio connected to the PC by 3.5 mm analog jacks – no surround sound. That’s fine by me since I prefer my audio coming out analog since it provides the option of using a dedicated sound card.

While I mention audio, the Pulse-R headphones don’t sound perfect, but they don’t sound terrible either, which I cover in much greater detail in further in this review. It’s incredible how much Cooler Master was able to deliver without making too many compromises.

CM Storm Pulse-R Features and Technical Specifications:

• Optimized for gaming – clear highs and powerful bass
• Durable aluminum plating can be removed and customized
• Cushioned ear cups and headband for noise cancellation and maximum comfort during long gaming sessions
• Convenient in-line remote with volume slider and mic mute switch
• Detachable microphone arm with noise-canceling mic system for clear in-game team chats
• Stylish white illuminated earcups and mic (USB powered)
• Headphones
  • 42mm driver
  • 20HZ-20KHz frequency response
  • 50Ω (ohm) impedance
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
  • 3m removable cable
  • Microphone
• Removable mic
  • Mic mute on in-line remote
  • Omni-directional pick-up pattern
  • 100 Hz-1000Hz frequency response
  • -42 ± 3dB (0dB = 1V/pa.1KHz)
  • 60dB or more signal to noise to ratio
• 2 year warranty