By David Shields
Manufacturer: GAMDIAS Technology, Inc.
Product Name: Hephaestus v2 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
Model Number: GHS3510
UPC: 84847500156 EAN: 47129601300289
Price As Tested: $59.99 (Amazon)Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by GAMDIAS.
In my last article, we reviewed the GAMDIAS EROS ELITE EQ Headset, a budget-minded base headset with plenty of useful features. Today, we have the Hephaestus v2 headset, a higher-end GAMDIAS product that comes with a few added features.
The GAMDIAS Hephaestus v2 Surround Sound Gaming headset features a 50mm USB connection, built-in smart controller, large ear cups, decorative LEDs, omnidirectional mike, and finally “bass impact.’ This takes low frequency bass tones and applies a slight vibration effect to let wearers “feel” the sound. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we’ll look at the design of the Hephaestus v2 before diving into some basic performance tests.
|
Sensitivity
|
119±3dB |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Driver Diameter | 50mm |
| Microphone Size | F6*5mm |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -40db±3db |
| Vibration Unit Driver Unit Size | 35mm |
| Cable Length | 1.9m |
| Plug Type | USB |
| Application UI | YES |
| Model No. | HS3510 |
The body of the Hephaestus v2 is made from quality plastic that doesn’t collects noticeable marks or dust during use. I think it should stand up to repeated and long-term use over time very well. 
The headband and ear cups are covered in a layer of vinyl. Both are very comfortable and stand up well to extended use without causing perspiration or chaffing. An omnidirectional microphone with noise cancelling is included. We’ll get into it’s actual performance later, but for now its worth noting the microphone can be easily adjusted to any height and is placed for optimal voice pickup.
GAMDIAS states that the Hephaestus v2 features a “Flat-foldable design to fit the lean space of laptop carrying bag,” as shown above. As demonstrated below, it can in fact by stored in multiple configurations to fit nearly anywhere, making it a perfect travel companion.
This headset fits comfortably for long term wear thanks to the large ear cups and wide headband. One complaint I had with the Eros Elite was it’s weight – the double headband was very heavy and unsuited for long-term wear. Each side is fitted with an extension that allows roughly three centimeters of additional height on each side.
In our next section, we’ll address some of the finer details of the Hephaestus v2 before moving on to testing and performance.
Each ear phone features a red LED that is quite visible even in brighter areas. By default, it alternates brightness with a breathing effect, but by using the HERA software you can change it to stay permanently lit.
A “smart” controller is built into the wire to provide easy control functions, including the vibration on/off switch and volume control (above.) We’ll discuss the vibration effect in our next section, but it is worth noting that the volume control has a steep curve. It doesn’t change much at first but with sufficient adjustment results in a large difference in volume vs. rotation. An on/off button for the LEDs and a mic on/off control round out the controls.
Now that we’ve taken a look at the physical aspects of the Hephaestus v2, let’s dive in the good stuff – the performance test.
To clarify, I don’t use a sound card or any software to boost my audio. This headset is plugged into a GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3 motherboard USB port without any other additions or modifications. For best effect, GAMDIAS recommended playing shooting games or listening to rock music. For gaming I used Battlefield 4 and Star Citizen, and a number of music tracks (listed later.)
Playing Battlefield 4 with the the Hephaestus v2 was an entirely new experience. Using the basic headphones preset from in-game, this headset picked up everything – from my opponents light footstep and distant weapons fire to the solid schunck side of a knife kill or a nearby explosion. In addition, it also demonstrated some sense of direction as well! Not bad for a $59.99 headset (Amazon) from a relatively new company.
In the beginning, testing the vibration feature was difficult as I could perceive little difference between the effect being enabled and disabled. Over time, I discovered a few tendencies – 1) The vibration effect kicks in at very specific range of bass frequencies, so in some ranges you may not notice anything at all. While playing Star Citizen, the effect was most noticeable when using a ballistic weapon, or when flying close to a recent explosion. In Battlefield 4, grenades and levolution barely registered, but getting buzzed by a jet or creating a sufficiently large explosion absolutely brought the vibration out. For additional testing, I compared “Dark Horse” by Katy Perry, “Ghost Riders in the Sky” by Johnny Cash, “Flashing Lights” by Kanye West and “Jack of Diamonds” by Sonic Syndicate. The vibration effect was most noticeable during “Dark Horse” and “Flashing Lights” but almost completely absent in the others. 2) Distance and duration also seemed to play a factor – more distant explosions didn’t register. and short bass beats in music were less likely to produce a noticeable change than a more drawn-out bass line.
These results are intended to illustrate some base examples where the effect worked best and let you compare to your own games and music. It’s honestly difficult to predict where the vibration will kick in and where it won’t without thoroughly testing what you have.
Finally, the microphone. From GAMDIAS – “The directional microphone with noise-cancelling function can be adjusted to your preference.” The first test was basic microphone quality. Audio quality was adequate, obviously not professional quality but still more than sufficient for online gaming. The noise-canceling feature was functional, but overall not very strong. You’d be better off playing in a quieter environment to eliminate background noise. You can listen to sample audio below – first the solo microphone then the background noise canceling test.
The Hephaestus v2 is compatible with the HERA software from GAMDIAS. The software’s main function is to adjust the sound, you can play with the equalizer or use preset effects, and as noted previously adjust the LED effect.
If you are interesting in purchasing this headset, I would recommend buying based on sound quality and not for the much touted “bass impact” effect alone. It’s great when it works – just don’t expect it all the time. It’s hard to beat what GAMDIAS is offering for the price though. Solid build quality, comfortable to wear for long periods, and strong quality on a budget, this headset is all the average gamer will really need.
I was impressed with the sound quality offered by the Hephaestus v2. I have used gaming headsets ranging from $30.00 to over $200.00, and they didn’t sound anywhere near this good. Potent surround sound combined with an excellent range will definitely enhance your gaming experience – regardless of what you play.
Not as flashy as the Eros, but very much a looker, mostly matte black with red led accents, its subtler, but it’ll still turn heads. More importantly, it stays clean and scratch free during regular use and storage.
I have no problem with plastic (especially given how many products we review are almost nothing but), unless it’s poorly built. Mo such issue here though, I could put my tower on top of this and it would still remain in one piece. Even the rotating joints for the ear phones are solid.
The Hephaestus v2 is not especially high-tech or feature loaded, but it has what you need and some. Surround sound, comfort, in-line controls, and a little extra ear candy goes a long way, especially at this price.
Speaking of price, for $59.99 (Amazon) you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better set for the money. When I reviewed the Eros, I believed it was a strong low budget price. But if you’ve got an extra $24.00, why not get this instead? You won’t be disappointed.
+ Excellent 7.1 surround sound quality.
+ “Bass impact” effect is an immersive and effective.
+ Strong build quality.
+ Comfortable for extended gaming.
+ Excellent feature set for price.
– Vibration effect is intermittent.
– Volume control has a steep volume curve on the loud end.
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Performance: 9.00
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Appearance: 9.25
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Construction: 9.25
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Functionality: 9.00
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Value: 9.75
