Introduction

7.1 surround headphones featuring a new 40 mm driver

Gaming headsets are an ever-growing segment, with seemingly every hardware company offering their own take on this popular concept these days. Logitech is far from a new player in this space, with a number of headsets on the market over the years. Their most recent lineup included the top-end G930, and this headset has been superseded by the new G933 (wireless) and G633 (wired) models. We’ll take a look – and listen – in this review.

With the new Artemis Spectrum headsets Logitech is introducing their new 40 mm Pro-G drivers, which the company says will offer high-fidelity sound:

"Patent pending advanced Pro-G audio drivers are made with hybrid mesh materials that provide the audiophile-like performance gaming fans have been demanding. From your favorite music to expansive game soundtracks, the Pro-G drivers deliver both clean and accurate highs as well as a deep rich bass that you would expect from premium headphones."

More than a pair of stereo headphones, of course, the Artemis Spectrum G933 and G633 feature (simulated) 7.1 channel surround via selectable Dolby or DTS Headphone:X technology. How convincing this effect might be is a focus of the review, and we will take a close look at audio performance.

While these two pairs of gaming headphones might look identical, the G933 differentiates itself from the G633 by offering 2.4 GHz wireless capability. Both headsets also feature two fully customizable RGB lighting zones, with 16.8 million colors controlled through the Logitech Gaming Software on your PC. But a computer isn't required to use these headsets; both the G933 and G633 are fully compatible with the XBox One and PlayStation 4, and with a 3.5 mm audio cable (included with both) they can be used as a stereo headset with just about anything including smartphones.

First we'll take a look at the specifications from Logitech:


G933/G633 Shared Specifications:

  • Headphone:
    • Driver: 1.6 in (40 mm)
    • Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
    • Impedance: 39 Ohms (passive), 5k Ohms (active)
    • Sensitivity: 107dB SPL/mW
  • Microphone (Boom):
    • Microphone Pickup pattern: Cardioid (Unidirectional)
    • Size: 4mm
    • Frequency response: 100Hz-20KHz
    • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Connection Type: USB, 3.5 mm

G933 (Wireless) Additional Specs:

  • Wireless Range (may vary with environmental conditions):
    • Indoor: 15 meters
    • Outdoor: 20 meters
  • Battery Life (rechargeable):
    • No lighting: 12 hours
    • Default lighting: 8 hours
    • Tested at 50% volume

Thanks to Logitech for providing the G933 and G633 7.1 Surround Headphones for our review.

(Pricing current as of 02/22/16.)

First Impressions

The G933 and G633 come in identical packaging, with the headphones secured in molded plastic within.

Accessories are in a compartment below the headset, and include the USB cable and optional 3.5 mm analog audio cable (with inline mic).

The G933 headset packet (right side) also includes an RCA to 3.5 mm cable

Now we have our first close look at the headphones, which are identical from the outside. Throughout this review one headset or the other might be pictured, and they function identically save for the addition of wireless connectivity with the G933.

The headphones are largely constructed with plastic, but they still have a premium look and feel to them.

Mainly a matte black finish, there is still some visual interest from a black chrome finish to the plastic on the top of each ear cup, and that's just with the headphones powered off (we’ll get into RGB lighting effects later on).

Controls are all located on the left earpiece, along with the inputs. Connectivity includes micro USB and 3.5 mm analog, with the G933 model adding 2.4 GHz wireless as well.

Next we'll take a closer look at the build quality and comfort of these new surround headphones.

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