Skullcandy’s updated headset family provides some accessible pricing and solid listening options for console gamers and mobile and PC users.
Three new multi-platform models mark the company’s play in the gaming space with some fancy colours and graphic designs (mine is Black Digi-Hype, with hot pink inner padding on the black headband!) adding visual spice to the different tech spec feature sets, but all three headsets start with high fidelity listening at budget friendly pricing.
The cushioned over-ear cups feature internal sound speakers with solid bass and sub-bass from 50mm audio drivers and a full 20 – 20,000 Hz frequency response for best overall sound quality on all units. Good separation keeps the sound channels distinct with real clarity for treble, mid-range and bass tones.
The baseline model SLYR is an affordable plug-and-play product that delivers great audio.
The baseline model SLYR is a no-frills wired audio headset, without some of the key features of the other models. But it is an affordable plug-and-play product that delivers great audio.
Lightweight – but sturdy – plastic construction and soft foam earcups makes the headset comfortable to wear through intense game sessions – or long Zoom calls. Each side of the SLYR headband can be extended separately for the best fit, and the cushion-y cups surround each ear with comfort and good sound isolation.
There’s a bi-directional boom mic for all models that snaps in and out of a 3.5 mm aux jack.
There’s a bi-directional boom mic for all models that snaps in and out of a 3.5 mm aux jack when you need to speak to associates or team members and be heard clearly. It has a small LED light on the tip to indicate audio signal mute on or off – which can be easily and quickly achieved with a press of the left ear cup, the bottom of which is a mute button. There is a volume dial on the left headset as well.
The SLYR comes with both a 3.5mm aux and a 3.5mm PC splitter extension cable for connecting to your device. As mentioned, all units are multi-platform, delivering a clear listening experience on PCs and gaming devices such as Playstation, Switch and Xbox.
Unlike the SLYR, the dual-connect flagship PLYR model features Bluetooth 5.2 wireless audio (you will need to buy a separate transmitter for wireless connectivity with a PC or gaming console) and both 3.5mm and USB connections. The PLYR (and the wired SLYR Pro) has a Tile tracking feature to help you locate the missing headset (or the device it’s paired with).
Both the PLYR and SLYR Pro also have a hearing test program you can use to create a personalized sound profile; it has background audio reduction whether you use the boom or integrated microphones.
It’s the audio processing and USB support that truly separates the entry-level SLYR from the SLYR Pro and PLYR, as there are other features to the two top-of-the-line units available through a downloadable app: Clear Voice Smart Mic, the manufacturer describes, uses A.I. to isolate your voice from other sounds; there are other software tools over things like Enhanced Sound Perception, Game/Chat Mix options, custom EQs (including presets and separate profiles) and Sidetone which can be accessed through the Skull-HQ App.
The SLYR starts the line at around $80; the SLYR Pro is priced at $130 and PLYR at $160.
Three new multi-platform models show some fancy colours and graphic designs, and all three headsets start with high fidelity listening at budget friendly pricing. All units are multi-platform, delivering a clear listening experience on PCs and gaming devices such as Playstation, Switch and Xbox.
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SKULLCANDY SLYR
Headset Type: Wired Over-ear
Connection Type: 3.5mm Aux, PC Splitter
Impedance: 32Ω
Driver Diameter: 50mm
THD: <2% at 1KHz
Sound Pressure Level: 95±3dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz
Weight: 265g
What’s in the Box:
SLYR Headset
Removable Boom Microphone
3.5mm Aux Cable (5 ft.)
3.5mm PC Splitter Cable
Quick Start Guide / Warranty Guide
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