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Who is Shroud?
Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek is an ex-professional gamer who was best known as a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player for Cloud 9. He is currently one of the most popular content creators, online personalities, and streamers.
The reason for Shroud’s popularity is because of his skill in competitive titles. During his time in Cloud 9, he was able to help the team secure a first-place finish at ESL Pro League Season 4 in 2016 and a second-place finish in ESL One Cologne 2017. And despite his relatively short professional career, he was recognized as one of the game’s best players.
After his retirement in 2018, Shroud went on to stream several games. His skill easily translates to other genres and games such as Call of Duty Warzone, PUBG, Apex Legends, Valorant, and more. He still had a ridiculous aim, and almost always had highlight moments on his stream.
Due to his popularity, Shroud became one of the faces of Mixer. He was one of the highest-paid streamers on the platform, along with the likes of Ninja. Unfortunately, due to the shutdown of Mixer, Shroud returned to Twitch, where he is currently streaming today.
Shroud’s skill in any game that he picks up makes his choice of peripherals highly influential for fans. And one of the most important pieces of equipment in any type of shooter is the gaming headset. Keep on scrolling to learn Shroud’s current gaming headset as well as his previous headsets and some good alternatives.
Current Gaming Headset
Logitech G Pro X Wireless Shroud Edition
Shroud currently uses his Signature Logitech G Pro X Wireless Headphones that have been announced along with the rest of his signature Logitech Gaming Gear. This gaming headset is essentially the long-awaited wireless version of the Logitech G Pro X. But this special edition is decorated with Shroud’s logo that indicates his seal of approval.
This collaboration does not come as a surprise for most fans. Shroud has been spotted with the Logitech G Pro X on his streams. He believes that these headsets are the superior choice for the competitive titles that he has been playing.
However, it lacked one crucial thing. The Logitech G Pro X was wired, which can be limiting for some people like Shroud. However, with the release of the new G Pro X Wireless, Shroud’s go-to gaming headset is one step closer to perfection.
The Logitech G Pro X Wireless carries over all of the standard G Pro X’s good points. It still has an excellent design that remains comfortable throughout long gaming sessions. It also has a removable microphone that can be enhanced using the Blue Voice functionality.
However, since the G Pro X Wireless has additional wireless modules, it is now slightly heavier than the wired version. The G Pro X Wireless now weighs 370 grams that are 50 grams heavier than the G Pro X’s 320-gram weight.
Another notable change is the inclusion of the new controls housed on the left ear cup. You now get a power button, a volume wheel, a toggle for Blue Voice, and a mic mute button.
As for the battery life, you are getting around 20-30 hours on a single charge. That should be plenty enough and should not run out throughout your entire gaming session.
The G Pro X Wireless sounds similar to the G Pro X in terms of the sound quality. The sound is still natural and balanced, with a strong emphasis on clarity. These headphones easily help out in hearing enemy footsteps and pinpointing the location of your enemies.
But the great thing about the G Pro X Wireless is that the wireless module does not impact the sound quality or the headset’s reliability. Issues such as latency are not an issue here. And you can be sure that the G Pro X Wireless will not fail you in the heat of battle.
So overall, if you are a big fan of Shroud and you want a quality wireless gaming headset that can help bring out your best performance, then the Logitech G Pro X Wireless Shroud Edition is a great choice.
Previous Gaming Headset
Hyperx Cloud Flight
Shroud has been spotted with different gaming headsets throughout the years. Most of these depended on what gaming headset his team or organization provided for him. But one of the most notable headsets that he has used in his streaming career is the Hyperx Cloud Flight.
This headset has been Shroud’s headset because of two things. One is a reliable wireless connection, and the other is because of its sound quality.
Shroud prefers wireless gaming headsets over wired gaming headsets. Of course, this is a personal thing, and you may opt for a wired gaming headset instead. But for Shroud, he mentioned in one of his streams that he isn’t fond of DACs, Amps, and other external gear on your desk. Instead, he prefers a cleaner setup that is less distracting and straight to the point.
So, of course, as expected, the Hyperx Cloud Flight’s wireless connectivity is fantastic. The connection is very stable, and there are no dropouts. Sound quality is also not sacrificed and is completely identical to the wired mode. However, it does only connect via the USB dongle, which means that it may not be compatible with your other devices.
In terms of its sound, the Cloud Flight is as good as the rest of the Cloud headphones. The bass is tight and well-controlled. It does not get muddy and does not bleed into the midrange. The highs are smooth without losing detail. The mids are a bit pushed back to accommodate the artificial soundstage expansion. However, they are still clear and detailed.
The soundstage is not the widest due to the closed-back design but still does a respectable job. The imaging, on the other hand, is spectacular on this pair. You can easily hear the source of footsteps on gunfire, which is why Shroud has confidently used this headset in the past.
There are, however, some downsides to the Hyperx Cloud Flight. The build quality is not the best, especially at this price point. It is mostly made of plastic, which should isn’t normally a dealbreaker. However, compared to most gaming headsets, i0t feels more hollow and lower quality.
It does not feel as solid as the rest of the headphones in the Cloud lineup. The swiveling earcups, in particular, feels like a weak point in the headset. They might break if not treated with care or if dropped. Users who plan on taking the Cloud Flight to LAN Parties or local tournaments should be extra careful.
The upside here is that the Hyperx Cloud Flight is comfortable due to the lightweight materials used. You can expect to wear these for long gaming sessions without feeling any pain on your ears.
In terms of battery life, the Cloud Flight will last you for up to 30 hours when the lights are turned off. This is more than enough for most gaming sessions. You cannot use the headset while charging, but you have plenty of time to charge it while not in use.
One thing to note is that there is no battery indicator. The Cloud Flight will only start beeping once the battery is below 20%. This is pretty inconvenient since the battery indicator status could have been easily integrated somewhere else in the headset, such as in the lights.
Overall, if you are looking for a solid alternative to the Logitech G Pro X Wireless that is approved by Shroud, then the Hyperx Cloud Flight is a great choice.
Logitech G Pro X/G Pro
If you do not mind having wires on your setup, then the Logitech G Pro and G Pro X are the closest alternatives to the Logitech G Pro Wireless Shroud Edition. These headphones have been used by Shroud in the past, most notably after his move to Mixer.
The Logitech G Pro and G Pro X are some of the most popular gaming headsets in the market. Streaming personalities and professional gamers have used them in all sorts of games. Some notable names include TSM’s Bjergsen, TSM’s Myth, G2’s Caps, and of course, Shroud.
One of the main reasons why Shroud has used the G Pro X is because it is great for hearing and pinpointing footsteps. Its detailed highs are quite forward but are well controlled and prevents listening fatigue. Bass is present and does a great job of filling up the low end. But of course, it does not muddy up the sound.
And in addition to the excellent sound quality, the G Pro and G Pro X come with a USB dongle. The capabilities of these dongles differ for the G Pro and G Pro X.
Both dongles can be used for fine-tuning the EQ of the headset. Users who do not own external equipment such as DAC/Amps will find these features useful since you can tailor the sound to work specifically to the game that you are playing.
The G Pro X takes it up a notch by including Blu Microphone Features. This feature enables you to fine-tune the microphone by applying different effects such as EQ, Compression, and background noise reduction. These will help your voice sound better and less noisy for your team chats. It should, however, be noted that Shroud did not utilize this feature since he is using an external microphone. You can read more about it in its dedicated section below.
One of the noticeable downsides of the Logitech G Pro X is its intimate soundstage. This means that you won’t be getting the most realistic experience in terms of the size of the sound you are hearing. The excellent imaging offsets this, but the intimate soundstage takes away some of the immersion.
Overall, the Logitech G Pro and G Pro X are solid gaming headsets. They are well-tuned, have plenty of features, and are approved by Shroud. If you want a gaming headset that is reliable for pro play, these are the ones to get.
Wireless Alternatives
If you do not like Logitech G or Hyperx’s offerings, and if you do not mind the Shroud branding, here are some great alternatives:
Corsair HS70
Kicking off our list of wireless alternatives is the Corsair HS70. It is the wireless version of the Corsair HS50, which has been widely successful in the casual and competitive gaming community.
In terms of aesthetics, the HS70 mostly retains the design elements of the HS50. There is still minimal branding apart from the updated Corsair logo on the ear cups and on the headband. Additionally, the HS70 now also comes in a white variant that should perfectly complement users with a white themed setup.
In terms of the build quality, the HS50 Pro is mostly made of plastic. It feels a lot sturdier compared to competing models such as the Hyperx Cloud Flight. The headband frame is made of aluminum, which makes it very unlikely for the headband to snap.
Corsair did not just slap in a wireless module to the HS50 and called it a day. They made the appropriate adjustments, such as the addition of sound cues whenever the mic is muted or whenever the headset is being powered on and off. Buttons are also well placed and are easy to reach on the ear cups.
The wireless functionality is also well optimized for the HS70. Wireless connectivity is stable and has a good range. You can stand up and move around your house without encountering any dropouts.
And of course, the main highlight of the Corsair HS70 is the sound quality. Unlike most of its competitors, the HS70 has a cleaner and more balanced sound signature that is similar to studio monitoring headphones.
Highs are well controlled and allow the easy detection of sound cues such as gunfire and footsteps. Lows have a punchy and accurate sound that does not bleed into the midrange. Mids are well defined and help create a wide soundstage illusion.
Another great aspect of its sound is its wide soundstage. It isn’t as wide as open-back headphones, but it is wider than closed-back headphones such as the Nari Ultimate. Large areas sound realistic, which makes gaming even more immersive. It also helps with tracking your enemies in competitive titles.
And to add to its already great sound, Corsair has added a virtual surround sound option that can be accessed via the software. It isn’t over the top and does not destroy the already great sound signature of the HS70. However, it may not suit some games, so you will have to do some trial and error.
Overall, if you prefer a great sounding and feature-packed alternative to the Logitech G Pro X, then the Corsair HS70 is a great choice.
Sennheiser GSP 670 – Premium Alternative
If you are a big fan of Sennheiser’s GSP Series and want a more premium wireless gaming headset, then the Sennheiser GSP 670 should be on top of your list. It takes a similar approach in terms of the design elements and sound quality to the rest of the GSP lineup.
It is still utilizing the same bulky frame that has been a hit or miss for some consumers in terms of comfort. The weight has gone up to 398 grams due to the added wireless components inside the headset.
The clamping force is adjustable via the adjustments on the headband. However, Sennheiser seems to be overcomplicating things since their older designs tend to have a better fit and more comfortable experience.
The GSP 670 is now rocking an all-black color scheme that gives it a simpler and minimalistic design compared to both the GSP 600 and GSP 500. There are also detachable parts on the side that can be customized with various Esports logos and branding.
The GSP 670 also inherits the GSP 600’s excellent sound isolation. The excellent closed-back driver design by Sennheiser allows almost complete isolation when playing audio. This is useful for intense gaming sessions where maximum concentration is required.
Sennheiser has thankfully added several buttons on the side of the GSP 670. There is a volume wheel that also acts as an on and off switch. The GSP 670 automatically turns off when not in use, so you do not always manually turn the unit off. There is also a chat mix functionality that you traditionally need a separate DAC/Amp for.
The GSP 670 also includes Bluetooth functionality, which is great since you can use the GSP 670 on mobile devices. However, take note that the Bluetooth connection and the main dongle cannot work at the same time. You should also note that the bulky design makes this headset less ideal for outdoor use.
One thing to note, however, is that Sennheiser’s wireless implementation is not the best. Unlike the Hyperx Cloud Flight, the GSP 670 easily cuts out when going through different rooms. Make sure that you have a direct line of sight with the USB dongle.
The odd inclusion in the features of the Sennheiser GSP 670 is the surround sound button. Traditionally, Sennheiser has not added surround sound to their gaming headsets because they do not need it. The only product in their catalog supporting surround sound is the GSX 1000 DAC/Amp, which is a separate purchase.
However, Sennheiser seems to be riding the trend since other wireless gaming headsets are starting to make this feature a standard. And also, you cannot use the GSP 670 in wired mode, making it incompatible with the GSX 1000. This may be a bit of an oversight considering other gaming headsets can still be used in wired mode.
In terms of sound quality, Sennheiser does not disappoint. Just like the closed-back GSP 600, the GSP 670 has a V-Shaped sound signature. This helps increase the soundstage to make in-game environments sound larger. Other gaming headsets such as the Arctis 7 and the Hyperx Flight don’t even compare to the rich and detailed sound of the GSP 670.
The EQ and Virtual Surround Sound are in-depth and customizable. However, just like most software Virtual Surround Sound, the natural tone and details are lost. So if you want to have the best sound experience with the GSP 670, keep the surround sound off.
Unfortunately, the GSP 670 falls short in terms of the microphone. Despite utilizing the same microphone in the GSP 600 and GSP 500, the GSP 670 does not sound as clear or as defined. The natural tone and detailed character have been lost during the wireless conversion.
In terms of battery life, Sennheiser is claiming 20 hours of continuous use. It is not as good as the rest of the competition, but it is more than enough for most gaming sessions.
Overall, the Sennheiser GSP 670 is one of the best sounding gaming headsets in the market. If you can deal with the below-average wireless signal and software implementation, then you have a solid pair right here.
Wired Alternatives
Sennheiser GSP 300
Kicking off our list is Sennheiser’s entry-level GSP 300. The Sennheiser GSP 300 is Sennheiser’s answer to the likes of the Hyperx Cloud and Logitech G Pro X. It sports a unique design that is significantly different from their past offerings like the Game One and Game Zero. It also has different drivers that are tuned specifically for the GSP Series.
In terms of sound signature, the GSP 300 is going for a more V-shaped signature. The bass is a bit boosted but does not overpower the midrange. The midrange is a bit recessed but is still fairly detailed. The highs are also boosted but are well controlled and do not present much harshness.
The clarity and detail in the highs allow you to hear footsteps easier. And also, unlike other closed-back gaming headsets, the GSP300 has a wide soundstage and excellent imaging. The soundstage may sound artificial at times, but it does its job and helps both with immersion and in locating enemies.
In terms of the build quality, the GSP300 has a solid plastic construction that makes it lightweight and comfortable for longer gaming sessions. The microphone is also a nice bonus. Its sound quality is one of the best in this price range. It is clear and sounds natural, which should be good enough for in-game chat. It also has a mute function when not in use.
Overall, if you want the complete package, the Sennheiser GSP 300 is one of the best gaming headsets for FPS that you can buy. It has the sound quality that delivers and helps you spot your enemies’ footsteps. And it also has the build quality that will help the headset last for years to come.
Razer BlackShark V2 and V2X
Razer is not well known for their audio products. However, With the help of community feedback and proper research, they have made excellent gaming headsets that are worthy rivals to the Logitech G Pro and G Pro X. These are the Razer BlackShark V2 and V2X.
These headphones serve as the sequel to the original BlackShark that was released back in 2013. The BlackShark V2 comes in two different models, the V2 and V2 X. The main difference between the two is the aesthetics and the included dongle on the V2. The V2 X (the cheaper model) has a matte black color scheme and a cleaner look. The cables are still green, but the Razer logo on the ear cups are hidden.
Both models have a well-padded headband. However, the V2 has more stitching and has an overall fancier look. The earpads are also different. The V2 has a more breathable and velour like material while the V2 X has a more standard pleather ear pad.
Just like the original BlackShark, the design of both models is heavily inspired by aviation headsets. There are less exposed wires on the newer models, which ensure the cables’ safety and durability and give the design a cleaner look. However, some may prefer the over the top look of the original.
The biggest improvement of the BlackShark V2 and V2 X over the original BlackShark is the sound quality. Unlike the older Razer gaming headsets that were bassy and muddy sounding, the new BlackShark headsets are balanced sounding and are highly competitive with newer offerings such as the Logitech G Pro X and Hyperx Cloud Alpha.
As mentioned earlier, the BlackShark V2 comes with a USB dongle that enables surround sound. This may sound bad since Razer’s previous 7.1 offerings were not that great. However, Razer has surprisingly managed to pull this off.
One of the main highlights of this dongle is the built-in THX spatial audio feature. What this feature does is it artificially expands the soundstage to simulate the effect of open-back headphones. While it is not perfect, it is a lot better than the usual virtual 7.1 surround sound that comes with most gaming headsets (even Razer’s older gaming headsets). And the most important thing is that it does not detract from the experience and does not add any unwanted artifacts in the sound.
Overall, if you want a great looking gaming headset that has a great sound that fits well with FPS and other competitive titles, then you should give the new Blackshark V2 and V2X a chance.
Hyperx Cloud Alpha
One of the best sounding and most reliable wired gaming headsets is the Hyperx Cloud Alpha. The Cloud series is instantly recognizable due to its massive success in the gaming scene. This is thanks to its great design, build quality, and sound quality.
The Hyperx Cloud Alpha is currently the entry-level model of the Cloud series. It does not come with extra accessories or sound cards. But that doesn’t matter because the Cloud Alpha is already a great sounding pair without the help of software.
That is mostly because the Hyperx Cloud design is based on the Takstar Pro 80, a professional studio monitoring headphones. And what that means is that the Cloud Alpha is already optimized for producing realistic and detailed results.
Both the mids and highs are clear and detailed. The highs, in particular, allow easy detection of footsteps in FPS titles. However, due to their closed-back design, they don’t have a very wide soundstage.
This means that the Clouds are less immersive than other gaming headsets such as the GSP 300. But despite its soundstage, the imaging is still solid. You will not have a problem with detecting enemies in more competitive titles.
Aside from its sound quality, the design and form factor is another strong aspect of the Cloud Alpha. Unlike most of its competitors, the Cloud Alpha does not have that “gamer look.” It has a clean design that is reminiscent of other professional headphones such as the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. And since it has a detachable microphone, you won’t look out of place when you use these headphones outside.
However, it is worth noting that the Hyperx Cloud Alpha’s microphone is not as good as the Logitech G Pro and G Pro X. And also, you do not get a USB dongle to fine-tune the sound, so you are pretty much stuck with the microphone’s sound quality.
But overall, despite some of its shortcomings, the Hyperx Cloud Alpha is still a great value gaming headsets. If you are looking for a great looking, excellent sounding, and rugged gaming headsets, then the Hyperx Cloud is a great alternative to the Logitech G Pro Series.
Shroud’s Microphone
Shure SM7B
Like most streamers, Shroud does not use the built-in microphone on any of his gaming headsets. Instead, he is using the well renowned Shure SM7B that is popular among content creators and professional sound engineers.
It is worth noting that this microphone is not suited for casual gamers or competitive players who participate in both online and offline events. This is largely due to its high price tag and the need for additional equipment to get optical results.
The Shure SM7B is not a plug and play microphone. You need an audio mixer or audio interface to plug in the XLR input of the SM7B. You might also need additional accessories such as a cloud lifter.
Stephen is a musician, cinematographer, and headphone enthusiast who is passionate about reviewing audio equipment. He has been playing guitar for at least a decade, which introduced him to professional recording equipment such as headphones and in-ear monitors. With the help of reviews and online content, he was able to learn the ins and outs of the hobby. His goal is to give back to the community by providing quality content to help others enjoy the beautiful (and expensive) world of audio.
Favorite Headphones: Sennheiser HD660s