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To review the G.Skill Ripjaws SV710 7.1 gaming headset, we tested it in a number of games from various genres, focusing on atmospheric titles that could take advantage of the virtual surround sound capabilities of the headset. We also put it through its paces when it comes to music and movies as well. During testing we factored in its sound quality, its abilities at producing a surround sound feel, as well as comfort and back-end software functionality.
In games, the SV710 is capable. In explosive titles like shooters and strategies it handled the firing of vast armaments and the war cries of armies well, though separation and fine detail could have been better. More atmospheric games with haunting soundtracks and distinct sound cues to listen out for were also handled well, though when things get busier you can lose a little bit of the clarity of individual sounds.
Horror titles and those that make good use of 360 degree audio are further enhanced thanks to the virtual surround sound capabilities of the G.Skill SV710. However it is not a patch on some of the stronger entries in the true-7.1 headset category (which in turn do not measure up to a surround sound speaker set up).
That said, you can tweak it to your liking with individual volume controls and speaker ‘placement' in the back-end software.
Music does not benefit so much from that ability, but depending on your preferences for listening there are some benefits to be found. Combined with the location-based choices in the equalizer you can create a sound that is more live-sounding if you prefer. There are also pre-sets for music listening and movie watching in the Dolby Pro-Logic tab, which can enhance certain tracks in a noticeable way.
The SV710's software has the same odd look that we saw with the SR910, though the layout is a little simpler
When it came to testing music, the G.Skill SV710 does a good job with mid-frequencies and even manages to produce decent low-end bass. It does not have a lot of punch at the sub bass end of the spectrum, but it is enough for most tracks and that clearly transfers over into gaming soundtracks and sound effects.
Much like in our gaming tests however, we did notice that there was a muddy feel to some tracks, especially with a bassier back-end to them. Highs were clearer and can be improved further with a few EQ tweaks, though the preset settings are more than adequate in that respect.
This is not a headset for audiophiles, but it is capable enough to handle in-game soundtracks and some basic music-listening for the average user. One area it does particularly shine though is in volume. This is a headset that can hit volumes which are much more than the average user would require for just about anything. However as we always like settings that go up to 11, extra volume is handy to have, even if you rarely use it.
Surprisingly too, maxing the G.Skill SV710 out does not negatively affect clarity but caution is needed as you could cause damage to your hearing.
Although there a few nice options, more tooltips would be handy. Not sure what happened to the surround speaker layout either.
Much like the G.Skill SR910, this headset uses the strange headset arrangement of having the weight hang mostly on your ears, with the rest dispersed on the elastic strap running across the head. While the metal frame is sturdy but flexible and does not creak when you turn your head, it does seem a little redundant at times.
This is a comfortable enough headset to wear for long periods, although it requires the odd adjustment on occasion to change position on the head as I found it could occasionally slip down further on my ears. Not a massive negative, but there are headsets with more comfortable designs.
The back-end software for the G.Skill SV710 is reasonable. It has the options you would expect for a headset at this price point, though I do wish G.Skill would do something about the layout, if only for aesthetic reasons. The red window would be enough on its own, but for some reason, there is a large, black outline that looks like forum signatures of the mid-00s. It is an odd choice that serves no function other than to make the windows take up more display space.
Microphone quality on this headset is solid, though as with the SR910, I ran into sound-drop issues with the Electronic Noise Cancelling on the microphone. While keeping down background TV or other noises is useful, its no good if it impedes the quality of your voice which this headset unfortunately does.
My fellow gamers preferred I had it off while we played, which suggests it still needs work.
