Computer

Newskill Sobek (stereo and 7.1), review: quality, price and RGB

For its part, the Stereo model only provides us with stereo sound, as its name suggests, but since its connectivity is via a 3.5 mm minijack, its compatibility is much wider and, in general, it is compatible with any audio device that have 3.5mm analog output. On the other hand, it should be noted that both models have RGB lighting, and in the Stereo model this is achieved with an additional USB connector but, in this case, it only serves as a power supply precisely for this lighting (that is, the audio will not work if we connect only the USB).

Regarding their general technical specifications, they are quite standard, with a frequency response 20 Hz to 20 KHz and a sensitivity of 96 dB, while the microphone has a very standard frequency response, of 50 Hz to 10 KHz with a sensitivity of -42 dB, something that guarantees that even the softest whispers will be picked up. The microphone does have an omni-directional pick-up pattern and lacks a noise reduction system, something to keep in mind if you intend to use it in environments with ambient noise.

Finally, it should be mentioned that regardless of the color chosen, both models have a price difference of just 10 Euros, with a recommended retail price of about 45 Euros for the stereo model and some 55 Euros for the model with surround audio, prices are quite adequate considering what they provide. That said, let’s see them.

Unboxing and external analysis

For this analysis, the manufacturer has kindly sent us a model of each type and, in addition, each one in a different color, so that in this analysis you will be able to see both the two colors and the two available models of the Sobek. In this case we have the Sobek Stereo model in Ivory (white), while the 7.1 model is in black.

As usual in Newskill, we find a highly decorated soft cardboard outer packaging, black for the black model and white for the white model, in which we can see both images of the product and its main benefits and characteristics distributed in the different package faces.

Inside each of these boxes we find as accessories a card with information about the product, as well as another with a barcode to become part of the Newskill club. In the case of the Stereo model, an adapter is also included (in this case in white) to connect the two minijacks (headphones + microphone) to a combo mini jack with a single connector.

Let’s start by looking at the Newskill Sobek RGB 7.1, which in this case, as we mentioned before, is the traditional black one. We are facing headphones with a closed circumaural design, that is, the earmuffs completely cover the ear to isolate us from external noise. Despite this, the outer area of ​​the earmuffs has a small metal mesh so that there is perspiration and that way there is no sweating in the ears.

In the upper area of ​​the headband, made of plastic, we find the manufacturer’s logo imprinted, while on the inner face of this we have a padded synthetic leather pad for greater comfort.

The earmuff covers are also made of faux fur, which will promote greater sound insulation from outside noise. These ear muffs have certain ergonomics and a certain degree of movement is allowed in the Y axis to better adjust to the shape of the wearer’s head, although in the X axis there is no possible adjustment system other than that as the structure is made of plastic. , is slightly flimsy.

Newskill Sobek RGB 7.1

Of course, the headband is adjustable in size to better adapt to the size and shape of the wearer’s head.

Newskill Sobek RGB 7.1

The microphone is finished with a flexible rod that allows it to be placed in any position, and it also comes with a foam wind filter to prevent the sound of breathing from seeping into transmissions or recordings. Under this filter, which can be easily removed and inserted, we find the omni-directional microphone.

From the left earmuff comes the cable meshed with nylon thread and with a flexible rubber insert to preserve its integrity. This cable, 1.80 meters long, has a control console that will allow us to modify the volume, mute the microphone and modify the RGB lighting with the push of a button.

Finally, in the case of this Newskill Sobek RGB 7.1 model we find that the cable ends in a single gold USB 2.0 connector.

Newskill Sobek RGB 7.1

We move on to the Stereo model, which as we mentioned at the beginning in this case has been sent to us in its Ivory variant, white and gray. One detail that stands out at first glance is that Newskill includes the same anti-wind filter as in the black model, and it contrasts sharply with the color of this headphone model; it would have been a good idea to make this filter also white.

As we mentioned before, this model is exactly the same as the 7.1 but in white in this case, and they only differ physically in that this model ends in two 3.5 mm analog minijack connectors, in addition to a USB connector for powering the lighting (which, on the other hand, is completely optional).

Newskill Sobek RGB

How do Newskill Sobek RGB work?

As soon as you connect the headphones to a PC (or to another audio source, but using USB in the case of the Stereo model), the RGB lighting begins to work; this is in both earmuffs, and has a fairly high intensity: below you can see how it looks in bright conditions (with two white light bulbs focusing directly on the product).

In the following gallery you can see how the lighting of the Newskill Sobek RGB 7.1 in black color looks in conditions of lower ambient light. As you can see, the lighting intensity is such that it reflects on the backstage.

Below you can see how the lighting is in the Stereo model and in Ivory color, where the lighting perhaps contrasts less since it is the white background but it also has a very high intensity.

You may have already noticed that the intensity and quality of the RGB lighting of these headphones, whatever the model, is very high and in fact reaches several meters away without problems when environmental conditions are low light.

Behavior and audio quality

Before proceeding to tell you about our impressions regarding the audio quality of these two models of gaming headphones, it is essential to show you how their software is and how it works. It should be noted that for both models the software is the same and works in a similar way (except for surround sound, which only works on the Sobek 7.1).

software

As soon as we open the application, the first thing we come across is an equalizer that has, of course, several profiles that we can configure and save. The equalizer, however, only has five options and four profiles and does not come with any pre-configured at the factory. Also at the top we find two buttons to enable and disable the audio equalization, as well as to activate and deactivate 3D audio.

software

In the second tab, called «Effect», we can configure various audio effects, and this only works in the 7.1 model. Here we have without effects, theater, sink, living room and hallway, emulating a 3D sensation in each of the situations.

software

The third tab, called “MIC”, is relative to the microphone. Here we can only configure the gain “boost” and silence the device.

software

The fourth tab, only available in the 7.1 model, is called “VIRTUAL7.1” and is logically related to the 7.1 virtual surround sound of this model. Here we can configure the relative position of each of the virtual speakers and the subwoofer.

software

Finally, in the «LED» tab we have the lighting configuration, and it is valid for both devices. Here we can configure four effects (rainbow, multi breath, breath and simple color) where we can configure the colors and speed of the effects.

Now, we are going to talk to you about the audio quality, the behavior and the ergonomics, and we start with the Stereo model although it is extendable to the 7.1 model when it does not have surround sound enabled since both physically and in terms of its technical characteristics, both models are identical.

The Newskill Sobek are headphones that are quite comfortable from the beginning, since they do not weigh much and their synthetic leather-covered ear cushions are very comfortable, adapting perfectly to the shape of the head and ears, thanks in part to the possibility to increase or decrease the size of the headband, as well as its generous hole for the ear. Of course, we miss being able to also modify the position of the ear muffs on the X axis, since although for most users it is not necessary, it would give the headphones an extra touch of ergonomics that many users would appreciate. .

As for the sound quality in stereo mode, it is correct in both models. It’s neither extraordinary nor regular, just correct, with richly nuanced highs and mids and pretty decent lows. It is not a performance that stands out above the average since, as we saw in the specifications, both the frequency response and the sensitivity are within the normal range for a headset designed for games.

Moving on to surround sound, Newskill has managed to create a quite successful virtual environment that is quite noticeable both in games and when watching movies, although it is true that as often happens when it comes to virtual surround audio (and this is no longer It is from these headphones but something in general), when we enable this function to listen to music there is a loss of certain tones and nuances that is not adequate. We must also warn you that with certain levels of equalization, the bass is saturated and reverb occurs, so we recommend you “play” with the EQ a bit before starting to use this function in games.

Finally, we have to talk about the microphone. As we saw in the technical specifications, this is an analog microphone with a frequency response of 50 Hz to 10 KHz, with an omni-directional pick-up pattern and that does not have a noise reduction system, so its operation is quite adequate as long as when there is not much ambient noise around us. It should be noted that thanks to the fact that Newskill includes an anti-wind filter in the microphone, we prevent the sound of breathing from being captured in the recordings, something very welcome.

conclusion

With the addition of the four available Sobek models, Newskill adds a wealth of options so that users can find their ideal headphones within the brand’s catalog. These headphones are already available in the manufacturer’s online store at a price of € 45 for the stereo model and € 55 for the model with virtual 7.1 audio, quite adequate prices considering the audio and build quality of these devices.

If you decide to buy a Newskill Sobek RGB, what you are going to get are headphones designed for games that are very comfortable even if you use them for several hours without interruption, that provide correct audio for games, movies and music, and with a microphone that Without being a marvel, it will serve you perfectly to communicate by voice during your games. What more could you want? Well, a configurable RGB lighting, beautiful and with a high intensity, something that may not be to everyone’s taste but that will undoubtedly attract the attention of lovers of this type of lighting.

For all these reasons, we believe that these Newskill Sobek RGB headphones are worthy of our Gold award, as well as our recommendation for their good quality / performance / price ratio.

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