Audio

GAMDIAS HEBE M1 RGB Review

vortez
July 2, 2017 9 Min Read
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GAMDIAS return with the HEBE M1 RGB, it is a USB gaming headset featuring 50mm drivers, virtual 7.1 surround, and a ‘bass impact’ vibration to help you ‘feel the noise’.


Product on Review: Gamdias HEBE M1 RGB
Manufacturer: GAMDIAS
Street Price: UK: £59.99, US: $69.99

GAMDIAS use a rich nomenclature for their products based on Greek Mythology, setting the tone and theme for each product they release. It had been a while since our last outing with the Hephaestus headset, so we were happy to see them return with the HEBE M1 RGB headset.

The HEBE M1 RGB is priced directly in ground-zero of mid-range headsets, and so comes with a host of competitive features, including 50mm drivers, RGB lighting, and virtual 7.1 surround. The design is pretty much a Siberia clone, featuring a suspension style headband and a large metal frame, however, inside its huge earcups, GAMDIAS have placed 30mm vibration units to deliver a bass impact/rumble effect to provide gamers with an extra-dimension to their immersive gaming experience. There was a similar feature found on the Hephaestus headset, which also had a ‘3D Blast-Indicator’, which was effectively directional vibration, and in theory, it was a feature that we somewhat enjoyed, however, it was also something that seemed to introduce some problems, so we are looking forward to seeing how the ‘Bass-Impact’ has developed.



Overview by GAMDIAS
“Feel the noise.”
The HEBE M1 RGB comes packed with features and latest tech. True RGB engineered to provide stunning illumination lighting and vibration effects. It also comes equipped with the latest 7.1 premium virtual surround sound technology to offer the most immersive 3D sound experience to ensure you hear all sounds with pinpoint accuracy for that all-important competitive edge.

Technical Specifications

Sensitivity: 119±3dB
Impedance: 32 Ohm + / – 15%
Driver diameter: 50mm
Driver Magnet: NdFeB
Microphone size: Φ6*5mm
Microphone Sensitivity: -40db±3db
Microphone Pick up Pattern: Unidirectional
Vibration Unit Size: 30mm
Cable Length: 2m
Plug type: Gold-plated USB plug
Dimension (LxWxH): 188 × 104 × 230 mm
Application UI: HERA Software

Packaging & First Look


The front of the box features information about the primary features, and on the right side, there is a partial window, allowing potential buyers to see the headset directly.


The rear features a large diagram of the product, and gives a detailed list of specifications in various languages at the bottom.


GAMDIAS have included a large in-line remote to control the HEBE M1 RGB, it features a button for volume up/down, microphone mute, LED on/off, Bass Impact on/off.


On first glance, you will notice that the headset itself features oversized earcups with cushions, and is a suspension style frame. Long braided/plastic coated cable will ensure strength/robustness which will help prevent cable sheer/breakages.

Closer Look


Suspension style headbands tend to be very comfortable. Here, GAMDIAS have used a PU leather coated strip of foam/reinforcement.


The cable is tracked through the headband rather than the frame, so the cable is seen leaving the earcup and entering the headband via some integrated channels in the plastic fittings. There is a length of cable sticking out of the side, which acts as the required slack for when the headband is stretched out.


The earcups are distinctly different to that displayed in the rendered images of the headset, instead they are a thick cushion coated with PU leather, that has an oval shaped ear-hole cut out in it. This design is similar to that we have viewed previously on the Hephaestus, and the ROCCAT Kave headsets. The downside we discovered is that they earpads are not removable.


The earcups are huge, housing the vibration units, the 50mm speaker drivers, as well as the RGB lighting. Though, another thing we noted is that they are fixed in their positioning. They do not rock, swivel, fold, tilt, or move in anyway other than that afforded by the flexibility of the metal frame.


The unidirectional microphone is thick, and features the plastic coated cord, similar to that on the main cable. It extends about 60mm outwards but doesn’t quite fully retract, but as this is a USB gaming headset, it will not be a problem.

Software & Lighting


GAMDIAS have developed their own unified software platform, titled ‘HERA’. It doesn’t quite appear to be as refined as it could be just yet, considering that once you have downloaded HERA, on recognising the product you have plugged in, it will then prompt you to download the additional software for that item which will be done via opening a web browser, and then another stand-alone installation /restart will be required. Unified software platforms are certainly the preferred route to control all your hardware from a single location, however, we feel that there is room for improvement here. For example, the additional download and installation could be hosted in-software.

For full functionality of the headset, including the use of virtual 7.1 surround, you will need to install the software. The UI is understandable and easy to navigate, but is visually rather basic, clearly a reskin of the standard C-Media software. Something we found surprising however, was that there was no options to customise the LED lighting.






The RGB LED lighting is actually attractive, and impressively vivid, however, as there is no way to customise the lighting, it will be permanently on a colour cycle, or you can turn it off via the remote.




Performance Testing

Setup, Design & Observations
The software isn’t necessarily required to enjoy this headset, but if you wish to access its full features, then you should download and install the HERA software as instructed on the previous page.

To get started you will need a spare USB 2.0 or later port on your system, and the 2m braided/plastic coated cable is rather thick. Despite that, it is more supple than it appears, so shouldn’t be too much of an issue for cable management unless you will need it to fit through some tight gaps.

The large, plastic in-line remote is positioned on the cable at a good distance from the headset, though it doesn’t seem very well designed. The buttons are firm with an aggressive click, and it did seem to require some fumbling to find your way around its controls, though there is no real cause for concern as it does the job set out to do. We would have preferred to have had on-headset controls such as a dial for volume which presses in to mute audio, a clicky button with LED indicator for microphone mute and a separate location for LED effect/on/off and for Bass Impact/vibration.

On wearing the headset, we found that it has a pleasant grip strength, not too tight, or too loose, and the earpads were very comfortable with decent noise isolation. People with a smaller head may however find that it might be too loose, and those with a larger head my run into difficulty regarding the the non-adjustable earcups that are unable to compliment contours of their skull as much as one would otherwise expect. Though, we found no problem with comfort over an extended gaming session spanning several hours.


Multimedia
Turning the volume up to the max, we found the HEBE M1 RGB to be relatively loud, certainly above what we would recommend using for extended periods of time. The audio signature is clear and fairly well balanced between the clean bass, crisp mids and highs, providing high quality audio for music, games and movies. Considering the price point, it performs about what we would expect and gamers can be confident that they are going to be getting a fantastic immersive experience. The virtual 7.1 surround vaguely widens the audio, and some may prefer having it enabled, though we felt it wasn’t entirely necessary.

The Bass Impact is a truly interesting feature, for general music listening, it introduced a muddy enhanced bass, along with the vibrations creating a tickly, irritating sensation. However, in game, the enhanced bass added urgency to situations, and some sounds are powerful enough to really take you off guard. You can feel every gun shot, explosion, and the slight detriment to the outright audio quality isn’t really that much of a factor once you realise how much the vibration adds to your gaming experience. This time, unlike our previous outings with vibration headsets, we never really experienced any problems such as ‘vibration echo’ or rattling, though, vibration units do not tend to last for significant periods of time, so we remain sceptical. Though while it lasts, it presents a brilliant new level of immersion in games.

Microphone
The microphone is flexible and adjustable, however it doesn’t extend quite far enough to be near your mouth. The pickup however is still very good, and the microphone itself sounds warm, clear, and with no static. The unidirectional microphone does however pick up many background sounds, such as: TV,other people talking, typing, and mouse clicks, however, this will be a matter of balancing the correct microphone sensitivity for best results.

Conclusion

GAMDIAS have made a fairly safe bet with the HEBE M1 RGB. It delivers on all the fundamentals of a good headset, providing high quality audio, long lasting comfort and a clear microphone. The design of the headset itself, other than its large size, is attractive, and the RGB lighting helps it stand out more.



There are some minor down sides with the HEBE M1 RGB headset, including the lack of customisable lighting, the awkward in-line remote. Our primary reservation would be the effect of the fix, non-adjustable earcups, and how they would effect different peoples headsizes.

Aside from those points above, the HEBE M1 RGB is a well rounded gaming headset at a fairly reasonable price. Though, we can’t not overlook the fact that it is up against some very tough competition, it doesn’t have the versatility of some others, nor does it particularly excel in regards to audio quality. Though, its vibration feature could very well capture the attention of some gamers looking for a something different. Despite our reservations regarding how long/well the vibration feature will remain trouble free, it can certainly add an exciting element to your gaming experience.

If you want more from your dedicated gaming headset, the GAMDIAS HEBE M1 RGB can deliver powerful vibrations that add an extra dimension to immersive gaming.

Pros.
+ Solid build quality
+ Comfortable
+ Enjoyable audio
+ Attractive LED lighting
+ Immersive, powerful vibrations
+ Retractable microphone

Neutral
+- v7.1 surround could be better
+- No LED customisation
+- Large, awkward remote

Cons.
– Earcups aren’t adjustable

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