The AW 988 is a premium gear that delivers on its promises, but theres some room for improvement.
Before we get too far, however, lets talk about this things nuts and bolts.
Im pretty ambiguous about the aesthetics of this headset.
On the one hand I love the way it feels in my hands and on my head.
But, on the other, its black and boring and takes almost no chances.
The microphone tucks neatly away, out of sight and out of mind, when Im feeling anti-social.
I particularly liked that stowing it automatically muted it.
The metal headband slides without friction and it never once snagged my hair even when Itriedto get it to.
The headband is wide and comfortable with a padded soft-touch covering.
40% off TNW Conference!
But looks arent the top consideration when it comes to audio gear.
This headset sounds amazing as long as youre gaming.
While playing the latter, a shooter, I was particularly impressed with the headsets sound stage.
And the roar of a Tie-fighter or X-wing strafing overhead was jaw-dropping.
And the PC experience is made even better by the Alienware control software.
controls for lighting effects, noise-cancelling for the mic, and individual band EQ are also in the software.
But my favorite feature was a cool tool called Audio Recon.
I didnt get the chance to test with more frantic shooters during my review.
Its clear Alienware put everything it had into crafting this headset with FPS gamers in mind.
I also tested the headset on an Xbox One S with Dolby Atmos.
And it sounded even better.
I fired upForza Horizon 4,NBA 2K19,Fortnite, andOverwatch each one sounded amazing.
Alienware didnt jam these things full of low-end to compensate for a lack of volume.
And that means the sound fidelity isnt propped up by reverb or bass-bleed.
During gaming this is a revelation.
For example, both individual voices and full crowds sound real really real.
Unfortunately, my love affair with the headsets audio fidelity begins and ends with gaming.
Its not going to cut it as a music lovers daily driver.
The sound stage is too big for anything other than classical or electronica, and its too quiet.
It feels like most music is swallowed up by the AW 988.
That being said, I dont think youre going to find a better sounding 7.1 wireless headset for gaming.
