HYPERX Cloud Alpha S Gaming Headphone (Blue)

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S has no active noise cancellation (ANC). It carries a noise-canceling microphone, which, in fact, is designed to minimize background sounds caught by the microphone itself, while not having anything to do with ANC. Active noise cancellation technology built into earcups uses active electronics in order to subtract ambient noise picked up from a user's surrounding environment, essentially isolating him/her more and providing an audio environment free of most extraneous noise. Because of its design as a closed-back earcup and plush cushions, the Cloud Alpha S passes some ambient sounds by virtue of its passive isolation but lacks electronic noise cancellation-what active noise cancellation is about.

HyperX Cloud Alpha S is pretty much an excellent gaming headphone, and is a great option for someone in search of quality and features under a balance.  This headphone is particularly praised by sound quality, so with the help of dual-chamber drivers that separate bass frequencies from the mids and highs, results in clear and different audio. The 7.1 virtual surround sound makes the game feel much more immersive and positional aware, which can be a huge difference in competitive titles.  It's comfortable enough to wear for long gaming sessions with plush memory foam ear cushions and a padded headband.  Its durable aluminum frame adds to its long life.

Yes, this HyperX Cloud Alpha S does come with 7.1 virtual surround sound. This is one feature that artificially creates a three-dimensional audio experience by simulating sound coming from all directions around the listener. Not true physical 7.1 surround sound-this would be multi-speaker-specific-but virtual surround sound processing sounds convincing and allows you to easily locate, say, the steps of your in-game enemy or the fire crackling and boom of a sniper's bullet. Spatial awareness is a key feature in most games, helping you better sense the virtual world you are navigating. The surround sound processing will be provided with the bundled USB sound card.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is considered one of the most highly comfortable gaming headsets, even for several hours of usage. It features ear cushions made of memory foam, which are plush that can mold to the shape of your head, providing a good seal. The padded headband provides even distribution of weight and prevents pressure points in the center of your head. The earcups themselves are well-designed and provide good fit and passive noise isolation for further contributing to comfort. While individual comfort can vary, the Cloud Alpha S is known to be comfortable.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a wired gaming headset.  It does not have wireless capabilities, and therefore, it does not have a battery. It connects to your PC using a USB cable, which also provides power to the headset.  Because it's wired, you don't need to worry about battery life or charging it.

No, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is not a wireless headset. It is a wired headset, meaning it connects to your PC using a USB cable.  It does not have Bluetooth or any other wireless connectivity options. If you're looking for a wireless HyperX headset, you'll need to consider other models in their product line.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is designed to be plug-and-play, so typically it doesn't require drivers besides for its very basic functionality. You should get a notification if you plug this in via USB; the headset will work properly through your operating system. The full capabilities, including 7.1 virtual surround sound, along with various customization options for the headset, can be utilized once you have downloaded and installed the HyperX NGENUITY software. This will allow you to alter surround sound settings and control equalizers, as well as many other personal audio preferences.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S features 7.1 virtual surround sound, which gives a three-dimensional audio experience by simulating the sound coming from all directions. This does improve the sense of space and positional audio but should not be confused with object-based 3D audio technologies like Dolby Atmos or Windows Sonic. The Cloud Alpha S does offer simulated surround sound, but it doesn't natively support the processing of the dedicated 3D audio formats. It's a spatial audio solution, not the same thing as an object-based system.

The HyperX Cloud Alpha S is made from a combination of materials selected for durability, comfort, and sound quality. The frame of the headset is mainly made from strong aluminum, giving it a strong and sturdy structure that can withstand frequent use. The ear cushions are made of plush memory foam, which is then covered in soft leatherette material. This combination gives comfort and good sound isolation. The headband is also padded and covered with a similar leatherette material for comfortable wear.

Since the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a wired headset, it has no battery. Instead, it is powered through the USB connection to your computer. Hence, there is no question about the size of a battery, replacing the battery or its charging. It simply draws its power through the USB connection.