Vid Review: Turtle Beach Atlas Air – Open Back Gaming Headset
Video TABLE OF CONTENTS
Watch it on Youtube: https://youtu.be/rkfPso4d6bU
00:00 Intro
00:27 Unboxing
02:29 Product Walkthrough
03:00 – Headset controls
03:51 – Adjusting the headband
04:18 Connection & Compatibility (wired, 2.4GHz wireless, BT)
04:59 Cable length & warning
05:52 Closed vs Open back (what’s the difference?)
07:13 Audio Quality
07:41 – Videos for open-backs (F1 racing, orchestra, Daft Punk)
08:25 – Cable vs Wireless -How it sounds different
09:42 Swarm II software download
11:00 Customizations & options
Issues & Improvements
13:35 Huge size
14:00 Totally plasticky
14:18 Right earcup tings
14:50 Low volume problem
15:32 Possible failure point – flip mic
16:16 Headaches because…
17:30 Mod Packs (replacement parts)
17:45 Replacing earcups
18:21 Replacing the headband
19:13 Final Thoughts
20:10 Outtro
I’ve been testing out this open-back headset by Turtle Beach called the Atlas Air for about 4 months now. It’s their first open-back headset and they’re pretty great!
I like the sound from the 3.5mm cable more than the wireless dongle when listening to music. It’s got more eye-popping bass and an overall flatter response whereas the sound from the dongle seems to somehow “block” lower bass and exagerrate the treble enough to make my ears cringe at times.
That said, the wireless is probably tuned for gaming since the frequencies it caters to are better for hearing footsteps, gunshots and things exploding.
The only catch with these (as with all open-back headphones) is that there are specific requirements you need to meet first – you can’t use them just anywhere. But when you do, the soundstage is magnificent and the dynamic range hits beyond its weight class.
While performance is good, it does come with some issues that I talk about in the video. Like how you should NOT update the firmware if you can help it. Here’s the current status:
Low volume issue – Not fixed (Last checked: Oct 12, 2024)
- Swarm II: v1.0.0.14
- Firmware: v5.153.989
- Waves version: v1.0.71
Overall, a very good set of cans.
In the review I reference three videos that do a good job of taking advantage of these open-back headphone’s soundstage. If you happen to pick up the Atlas Air (or some other open-back headphones), give these a listen – and close your eyes when you do:
Sebastian Vettel Drives Senna’s Historic 1993 McLaren MP4/8
https://www.youtube.com/live/b5ST1OPDyDA?si=TGKHO6DgOwF3oCFn&t=510
Benjamin Britten – The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
– Saraste | WDR Symphony Orchestra
https://youtu.be/4vbvhU22uAM?si=Khwsz8GvQz7v1e8s&t=470
Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right
– Reference song to test bass capability of headphones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL-gyhZVvx0
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Check prices — Amazon affiliate link
https://amzn.to/3ZxOQYS — Turtle Beach Atlas Air
More Info: https://www.turtlebeach.com
(Test unit provided by Turtle Beach for this review.)
