With its audio lineup, NZXT has not only introduced a speaker, a subwoofer and a headset, but also a link between these products: The NZXT SwitchMix. The company markets this as a headset frame with an additional mixer, which is supposed to offer a seamless transition between headset and speaker. To do this, it detects whether you are currently using the headset and automatically selects the appropriate audio output.
Additionally, NZXT advertises the 140 euro (current: € 146.89 *) SwitchMix as a sound card with a high sound quality and controls to adjust the general volume and that of the teammates. Also back is NZXT’s CAM software, which is supposed to offer more configuration options.
In the following test, we’ll clarify how NZXT’s SwitchMix does in practical use, and whether the unusual concept works out in our eyes.
Technical details
| Dimensions (WxHxD): | 133 x 311 x 159 mm |
| Data format: | 24 bit, 96 kHz |
| Frequency range: | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| SNR: | 90 dB @ 32 Ω |
| Connections: | 1x USB-C, 2x 3.5mm jack |
| Controls: | Trigger button (headset), knob (volume), slider (voice/sound volume) |
| Price: | 140 €, current € 146.89 * |
Scope of delivery of the NZXT SwitchMix
The NZXT SwitchMix comes in a colorful printed cardboard box in the usual manufacturer colors of white and purple. Inside, this is lined with numerous foam parts that cushion the ready-built headset mount as well as the mixer. The company also includes a USB-A to C connection cable and a manual explaining the SwitchMix’s functions as accessories.
Design & Workmanship
When it comes to design, NZXT keeps it simple as usual, with the headset mount and mixer featuring a restrained design. The holder consists of a metal tube at the core, which includes a plastic base at the bottom and a support surface, which is also made of plastic, at the top. In addition, there is a third plastic part at the “neck”, which is attached to one of the tubes in a sliding and rotating way and contains NZXT’s logo.
A look at the bottom reveals that the SwitchMix is more than just a headset stand. Because there are not only four support pads to protect the floor, but also a cable channel with connection cable. This cable can be fed through the channel either at the back or at the side and connected to the mixer. This allows the stand to tell the mixer whether a headset is on or not. This is made possible by the aforementioned support surface: A button there triggers when a headset is on. If you take it off, the button opens. The device then knows that the user wants to use the headset and can switch the audio channel.
This is exactly the function of the blender, which comes in a roughly cuboid-shaped housing made of matte black plastic. On the underside, there are once again four feet that can be inserted into the recesses of the headset stand’s base. This allows the device to be fixed in different positions and orientations.
On the side of the mixer are the ports: a headset jack in the front and ports for the USB connection to the PC, the headset stand and speakers in the back. There are also two controls on the top. A pressable dial can mute the sound or adjust the volume, with semi-circular LEDs indicating the current volume. A slider positioned next to it is also used to mix between two audio tracks.
In terms of build quality, the NZXT SwitchMix does well. The individual segments of the bracket and the mixer are cleanly and sturdily connected to each other, and the materials used are pleasant to the touch. In addition, the slider on the mixer also has a pleasant feel. However, the rotary control is not quite perfect: It has a bit of play. This should not stand in the way of durability, but the operation here thus does not seem quite as perfect as one would wish.
Practical use
Setting up NZXT’s SwitchMix is as easy as can be: the device is simply connected to the player via USB and to any headset and speaker via the jack plugs, as well as to the cradle. After that, most of the functions can already be used directly.
Normally, the sound is played via the rear audio output for the speakers. However, if you take the headset out of the cradle, the mixer immediately switches to the front output and deactivates the speakers. This allows a quick switch between the two playback devices. By the way, this only happens when both devices are actually connected – otherwise only the connected channel is active. NZXT has done a great job here.
We also liked the possibility to adjust the volume. As already mentioned, this is displayed to the user via a semicircle of 11 LEDs. Depending on which output is active, or whether the mixer is currently muted, these light up in a different color. When turning the wheel, the LEDs are added gradually in three steps. This gives you a total of 33 levels to choose from. By the way, these are not coupled with the operating system, but they are managed by the mixer itself. This allows NZXT to implement two separate volume levels. Depending on whether the headset or the speaker is currently active, the respective volume can be adjusted. All of this works very intuitively and is, in our eyes, excellently implemented.
NZXT has found another good solution for the built-in slider. In Windows, the NZXT SwitchMix announces itself with two different playback channels “Game” and “Voice”. Both are transmitted to the mixer, and you can smoothly balance between them via the slider. In the center position, both channels are played at full volume, and in the extreme positions, one channel each is muted. Once set up, this makes it very easy to switch between or mix different audio tracks.
The SwitchMix could also convince us in terms of sound quality in the practical test. The audio outputs both have no noteworthy background noise and offer a detailed sound. Even high-impedance playback devices should not be a problem – there is enough room for improvement in terms of dynamics.
Software
The SwitchMix offers additional customization options if you install NZXT’s cross-product CAM software. As with the NZXT Relay headset, a variable microphone feed into the audio signal and an EQ are available in this. In addition, individual colors can be defined for the two possible audio outputs and the mute function. Effects or mixed colors, however, are not possible.
Unfortunately NZXT did not implement the EQ perfectly. With this one can still clearly adjust the sound of the headset connection. However, it has no influence on the speaker output. It would have been ideal to have two separate EQs available here. Apart from that, there is nothing to complain about in the software: It offers the expected functions and makes them available via a clear and fast UI. In addition, made changes are directly passed on to the device in real time.
Conclusion on the NZXT SwitchMix
With the SwitchMix, NZXT offers a combination of audio mixer and headset mount that we liked in the test. Functions like adjusting the volume are implemented very intuitively, and especially the automatic switching between headset and speaker is an excellent idea. The individual mixing between two freely assignable audio tracks could also convince us in practice.
At the same time, the SwitchMix also solves other issues like the sound quality well. In parts, however, the device unfortunately falls short of what it could have been. In particular, the somewhat wobbly volume control should not have been necessary. In addition, we would have liked to see an option for the software to EQ not only one, but both audio outputs. The lack of one may not be so bad for the speaker output, but NZXT’s own speakers, of all things, do not have a treble knob and are thus dependent on a digital adjustment.
The bottom line, however, is that the SwitchMix is a very good idea for its starting price of 140 Euros (current: € 146.89 *), which implements numerous useful features in the best possible way. Those who see added value in the offered features and are willing to pay the called price for it can therefore access it without any problems.
NZXT SwitchMix
Workmanship
Features
Software
Value for money
89/100
A resourceful idea with good implementation, aimed at friends of wired players.
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