So you've got yourself an Xbox Series S or X, and your games look great. There's just one problem: your car engine in Forza sounds like you're driving your Nan's clapped-out car around town, and your bullets in Black Ops Cold War sound like they're being fired from a nerf gun.
Luckily, the folks at LucidSound have brought the goods, and the LS50X is the finest Xbox headset money can buy for whichever Microsoft console you're playing on.
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Lucid Dreams
The first thing of note when unboxing the LS50X headset is the premium look and feel.
The headband, for example, has leather-style padding and stylish stitching to maintain comfort, while each of the cans has the same material to prevent that "vice grip" around your head that some headsets offer after a few hours of play, and are adjustable enough to fit even this writer's large noggin comfortably.
Each of the circular cups has a pressable button on the LucidSound logo, and each can be rotated independently – ideal for those that want to fold the headset down when travelling.
Speaking of travel, there's also an excellent carry case that's light enough to feel easy enough to pack for travelling, while also being substantial enough to not crumble under the weight of whatever is in your bag.
As for controls and ports, you'll find almost everything on the rear and bottom of the left cup. There's USB-C charging, a 3.5mm jack input, a detachable mic and a power button, while the right cup has the EQ button.
Finally, the area around the LucidSound logo can be rotated to offer chat and game volume control.
As Easy As 1, 2... Oh, It's Done
Some headsets can be a little finicky when it comes to setup, but the LS50X couldn't be easier. Plug the dongle into your Xbox console (Xbox One or Xbox Series S/X are supported), and power on the headset.
That's it – no setup, and then it's just a case of sorting your audio settings on the fly using the aforementioned controls. It's a far cry from some Xbox headsets that have varying complexities of setup.
There are five EQ settings, and while there are modes for the likes of music and movies, as well as a flat option and bass boost, it's hard to look past the "Signature Sound" which captures highs, lows, and everything in between perfectly.
You can also use the headset simply for music, podcasts, or movies by connecting it via Bluetooth to your device of choice. Perhaps the real winner, though, is being able to play your Bluetooth audio while playing Xbox game audio. If you like to kick back and grind in Destiny with a podcast on, the option is there.
Sounds Like Heaven
Of course, it means very little if the headset doesn't offer consistent sound, and the LS50X more than justifies its price tag.
The headset's drivers are Dolby Atmos compatible for those that have the app, and when it comes to hearing footsteps all around or just wanting to jump out of your skin when Resident Evil 7 gets a little too much, it's hard not to be impressed.
Grenades thrown in Black Ops Cold War feel suitably powerful while jumping back to Halo: The Master Chief Collection offered the clearest "KILLING SPREE" I think I've ever heard (why yes, that was a humble brag).
Even the low, wobbly "buzz" of a lightsaber in Jedi Fallen Order takes on a cinema-like quality.
When it comes to mic quality, the LS50X is no slouch, either. You'll come through crystal clear as you bark orders to your teammates, and while the flexible mic arguably isn't quite as good-looking as the rest of the headset, it does remove background noise and echo admirably.
Oh, and if you're really interested in going for a wander while waiting for your friends to revive you, you can reach up to 30-feet before the headset will cut out. Either that or you have a huge gaming space, in which case you have better eyesight than I do.
The Verdict
Not only does the LS50X do all this, but it also does it for 20 hours on a single charge.
In terms of audio quality, it's an absolute monster of a headset, and it's features aren't bad, either.
If you're playing on an Xbox console, it's an incredibly easy recommendation.
You can buy it right here.
5/5
Review unit provided by the manufacturer.
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