Today we get the opportunity to experience the QH-85 heaset from QPAD, with slightly different audio properties than the QH-90 maybe this one is for you?
Product on Review: QPAD QH-85
Manufacturer: QPAD
Street Price: £71.99 (At time of Review)
We were impressed with the QPAD QH-90 so we were excited to take a look at the open backed QH-85 headset. Again we are fronted with the same exceptional quality from the packaging to product in a minimalistic decor that many will associate with QPAD.
The primary difference that will affect people’s choice between the QH-90 and QH-85 is that the former is closed backed and the latter is open. What that means is, literally, a closed back is sealed, reducing sound leakage going in or out, where an open earcup will leak just as much sound out as it pumps into your ears. There are advantages to using an open back of which some may prefer, such as creating a much more natural ‘airy’ experience with a larger ‘out of head’ soundstage with more detailed high tones at a trade-off of losing some bass impact.
Overview by QPAD
The ability to hear and interact with game audio actually gives you a competitive edge. In many popular titles, skilled players will actively use sound as means of telling where their enemies are. Sound is often a crucial piece of information when deciding how to act and react in many situations.
Of course, you will need a headset capable of reproducing all nuances and frequencies. The Hi-Fi capability of the new QPAD QH-85 will not only open a world of magical sounds for you, it can also give you an advantage in many games. The QH-85 is not just a headset, they are a pair of hi-fi capable headphones equipped with a premium microphone.
The QH-85:s are designed with open cups and will produce a natural sound with clear bass, mids and highs. The open design allows for some sound leakage from the surrounding environment.
Of course, you will need a headset capable of reproducing all nuances and frequencies. The Hi-Fi capability of the new QPAD QH-85 will not only open a world of magical sounds for you, it can also give you an advantage in many games. The QH-85 is not just a headset, they are a pair of hi-fi capable headphones equipped with a premium microphone.
The QH-85:s are designed with open cups and will produce a natural sound with clear bass, mids and highs. The open design allows for some sound leakage from the surrounding environment.
Specifications & Features
QPAD QH-85
Transducer type: Dynamic Ø53mm
Operating principle: Open
Frequency response: 15Hz-25KHz
Nominal impedance: 60 Ohm per system
Nominal SPL: 92±3dB
T.H.D: < 2%
Power handling capacity: 250mW
Sound coupling to the ear: Circumaural
Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 10 dBA
Headband pressure: 5 N
Weight with microphone and cable: 350g
Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension + 10cm iphone
Connection: Mini stereo jack plug(3.5MM)
Microphone
Transducer type: Condenser(back electret)
Operating principle: Pressure gradient
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Power supply: AB powering
Supply voltage: 2V
Current consumption: Max 0.5 mA
Nominal impedance: < 2.2 k Ohm
Open circuit voltage at f = 1 kHz 20 mV / Pa
Frequency response: 100 – 12,000 Hz
T.H.D: 2% at f = 1 kHz
Max. SPL: 105dB SPL
Microphone output: -39±3dB
Dimensions: Ø6*5mm
Length mic boom: 150MM(include gooseneck)
Capsule diameter: Ø6mm
Transducer type: Dynamic Ø53mm
Operating principle: Open
Frequency response: 15Hz-25KHz
Nominal impedance: 60 Ohm per system
Nominal SPL: 92±3dB
T.H.D: < 2%
Power handling capacity: 250mW
Sound coupling to the ear: Circumaural
Ambient noise attenuation: approx. 10 dBA
Headband pressure: 5 N
Weight with microphone and cable: 350g
Cable length and type: 1m + 2m extension + 10cm iphone
Connection: Mini stereo jack plug(3.5MM)
Microphone
Transducer type: Condenser(back electret)
Operating principle: Pressure gradient
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Power supply: AB powering
Supply voltage: 2V
Current consumption: Max 0.5 mA
Nominal impedance: < 2.2 k Ohm
Open circuit voltage at f = 1 kHz 20 mV / Pa
Frequency response: 100 – 12,000 Hz
T.H.D: 2% at f = 1 kHz
Max. SPL: 105dB SPL
Microphone output: -39±3dB
Dimensions: Ø6*5mm
Length mic boom: 150MM(include gooseneck)
Capsule diameter: Ø6mm
QPAD QH-85 Key features:
• Hi-Fi capable 53mm drivers for supreme audio quality
• 15-25.000 Hz frequency response
• Detachable microphone (quick and easy to plug/unplug for music-only purposes)
• Solid aluminum construction for durability and stability
• Super-soft padded leather headband and velour padding on cups for maximum comfort
• Open cup design on QH-85 for natural Hi-Fi audio with a minimum of sound leakage
Packaging & Accessories
Box front
The packaging is very similar to the high quality packaging we found with the QH-90. On the box we find a central image of the product with a neat list of tiles detailing some features about the product.
Box rear
At the back we see multilingual specifications and an overview about QPAD and the product.
Inside packaging
The packaging features a box within a box and has the congratulatory note on the inner ‘lid’ similar to the QH-90. Inside you will find cut protective padding for the product. This quality packaging is rare around this price point and is again setting the tone for the product.
Included accessories
Included accessories are various extension cables, a smartphone adaptor, remote, the microphone and a good quality carry bag.
Closer Look
Complete with microphone
The product itself looks great, nearly identical to the QH-90 with exception to the mesh on the earcups. The headband and frame has that ‘Beyerdynamic’ look to it (to which QPAD partnered with on various products).
From the side
The padding on the headband is very soft and is covered by a soft leather while the exposed cables are covered by a quality braiding.
Adjustable notches
The aluminium forks have little circular notches to help keep place when adjusted to fit.
Open backed earcups
As these are open backed we find a mesh covering the outer side of the earcup. The QPAD Q gives slight decoration to what would otherwise be a rather plain design.
Room for another?
The earcup padding is coated in very soft velour which is a nice change to various other materials used.
Performance Testing
Setup, Design & Observations
Setup is fairly standard using the relatively universal 3.5mm jack for stereo channels and microphone. The connected cable is fairly short, long enough for use with a portable device if you use the included 10cm adaptor. The cable length when used with the remote will likely be enough for most desktop scenarios but the 2m extension is a nice inclusion regardless. The exposed areas of plastic on the body of the headset or accessories are coated with a rubberised texture that gives an impressive professional finish.
The QH-85 is very springy and flexible and opens easily to wear and the clamp strength is reasonable, not overbearing. The earcups are large and accommodating, easily surrounding my ears while the soft velour is comfortable while the headband does an excellent job of keeping things cosy on top. The velour is very soft and more importantly, not irritating like some other implementations can be and is forgiving to those who wear glasses. In hot weather some may prefer not to use velour over other materials, though in that situation, many may choose simply not to use headphones at all.
The included remote feels decent and is separate to the main line on the headset which is great because you don’t even need to use it if you don’t want to.
Multi-media
okkvltkatt – Elixr (SIDEWALKS AND SKELETONS RMX) gave a great blend of heavy bass and high tones to test out the QH-85. The bass was smooth and natural, acting as a perfect compliment to the mid and high tones which are very detailed and pronounced. Tom McRae’s 2nd Law revealed the acoustic prowess of the QH-85, natural sounding vocals with detailed guitar sounds. The QH-85 certainly lets the audio wash over you with a more balanced sound that is able to pick up great detail, rather than punching the sound into your ears.
Games were just as great, while less ‘cinematic’ in terms of FPS explosions, you could certainly get lost in the more exploratory aspects. Simply by roaming around, the background noises would give you a sense of ‘being there’. Definitely a pro in more open world games.
Microphone
The microphone quality is good and very natural sounding in conversation. You may need to move the microphone to be as close to your mouth as you can get when in use but this isn’t an issue when you consider that the included microphone is flexible and adjustable. There was a small amount of background static introduced in conversation but was not considered disruptive, annoying or distracting in any way even at 100% sensitivity. Of course when using the microphone boost the background noise did increase too, though realistically you are unlikely to require the use the boost.
Conclusion
The QPAD QH-85, like its stablemate the QH-90, emits signals of quality from the packaging to build quality and there is nothing that slips up. The sound quality is great, the headset is comfortable, the microphone is competent and the supporting bundle of modular cables and accessories is comprehensive. Offering the choice of an open cup headset is a great call by QPAD because not everyone enjoys or desires that ‘coloured’ sound associated with gaming audio, I.E. Strong bass impact, clear highs. Instead, the QH-85 gives a more balanced, natural sounding audio experience.
The only downsides that can really be considered are oversights at best due to the very nature of being open backed and is a trade-off with the benefits of being so. That is, the bass, while still very detailed and present, is more subtle and has less impact. By that, we mean, less punchy, rumbly and vibrational, the kind many gamers enjoy due to the cinematic experience it can provide. The other thing, which may be more important to some, is the sound leakage. Unlike a closed back which prevents any audio being heard externally, an open back headset will emit just as much sound as you receive to those around you. This may not be so ideal for many who use a headset purely for the discrete nature of doing so. All things considered, the QPAD QH-85 is a shining example of quality all round and will come highly recommended, for these reasons, we happily present our Gold Award.
The QPAD QH-85 in excellence, deserves to be amongst the top flight of audio products at this price point, offering a true alternative for those who seek a more natural sound, over the more typical ‘booming gamer orientated’ audio.
Pros.
+ Attractive aesthetic
+ Modular cables and good quality removable microphone
+ Very comfortable
+ 53mm Drivers
+ Balanced, natural sounding audio
+ Good quality construction
+ Impressive packaging
Cons.
– Weak bass impact
– Sound leakage
+ Attractive aesthetic
+ Modular cables and good quality removable microphone
+ Very comfortable
+ 53mm Drivers
+ Balanced, natural sounding audio
+ Good quality construction
+ Impressive packaging
Cons.
– Weak bass impact
– Sound leakage
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net. Thanks to QPAD for providing today’s review sample.
