Introduction and Specifications

The Prodigy lineup gets a budget-friendly member

The Prodigy G231 is the budget-minded gaming headset in the Prodigy line, and with a standard analog connection Logitech has emphasized stereo sound quality in lieu of the simulated surround effects found on their pricier G633/G933 models. I tested these headphones with a variety of material to find out how well the G231 works at providing entertaining audio, and how comfortable they are in the process.

Plain old 2-channel stereo can still offer a fantastic listening experience for music, gaming, and movies – when it’s done right. Things like the perceived “width” of the stereo sound, clarity of audio across the frequency spectrum, and dynamic shifts in volume can go far in providing an immersive experience – even without surround effects. Logitech’s existing gaming headsets (G633, G933) performed very well as stereo cans when connected with a 3.5 mm cable, and if this G231 comes close it presents a good value proposition.

Still, 7.1 channel sound, even if it is being simulated with single-driver designs like Logitech’s, obviously has a lot of fans, and for good reason. Willingness to accept 2-channel headphones for gaming will be up to the individual, and just as there are enthusiasts who would no sooner accept simulated surround as use a sound bar in their home theater, there are listeners who believe that dedicated drivers are essential to proper directional surround in a gaming headset. Multi-driver presents its own issues for a cohesive experience from a variety of content, and stereo music in particular just sounds better from a pair of high quality drivers.

Before taking a closer look at the Prodigy G231 here are the full specifications from Logitech:


Headphone:

  • Driver: 1.6 in (40 mm)
  • Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
  • Impedance: 32 Ohms
  • Sensitivity: 90dB SPL/mW


Microphone (Boom):

  • Microphone Pickup pattern: Cardioid (Unidirectional)
  • Type: Pressure Gradient Electret Condenser
  • Frequency response: 50Hz-20KHz
  • Sensitivity:-40dBV/Pa re: 0dB=1 Pa, 1KHz
  • Test conditions: 3.0V, 1KHz


General:

  • Connection Type: Analog 4 poles 3.5mm plug
  • Indicator Lights (LED): No
  • LCD Display: No
  • Headphone Type: Analog Stereo Headphones
  • Corded or Wireless: Corded
  • Driver size: 40 mm
  • Headphone Sensivity: Analog 4 poles 3.5mm plug
  • Headphone Frequency Response:20hz-20khz
  • Input Impedance: 32 ohms
  • Sound Pressure Level (SPL Max): 90dB SPL/mw
  • Microphone Type: Cardioid (Unidirectional)
  • Microphone Frequency Response: 50hz-20khz
  • Audio Controls: Volume control, Microphone mute
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Physical Specifications
  • Height: 7.44 in (189mm)
  • Width: 7.24 in (184mm)
  • Depth: 4.0 in (89.2 mm)
  • Weight: 9.0 oz (255 g) without cables
  • Cable: 2 m
  • Y-splitter extension: 12 cm

Thanks to Logitech for providing the Prodigy G231 headset for our review.

Packaging and contents are what you'd expect from gaming headphones, and there is a Y-adapter in the box for separately connecting to headphone and microphone outputs on your PC (for console use the adapter is not needed).

On the next page we'll take a look at build quality and cover the fit and comfort of these gaming headphones.

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