PC & Console Peripherals

XPG PRECOG: The all-round headset under test

The memory manufacturer ADATA offers the gaming headset PRECOG under its brand XPG (Xtreme Performance Gear). This is already available for a few months and is certified for the PS4, Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch. Of course, the operation on other mobile and stationary devices is also possible. With the electrostatic and dynamic dual driver in connection with USB type C and 3.5 mm jack connection, Adata wants to create an all-rounder for all devices with good audio quality. But how this works and whether the audio and microphone quality can actually convince with the amount of features is something that our detailed test report should clarify.

Technical data

The XPG PRECOG is only offered in one colour version: Black. The pluggable microphone can be muted and the volume can be adjusted both with the jack connection and via USB type C. Further sound options are only adjustable via USB type C with the integrated sound card.

To the technical details:

Frequency range 5~50,000 Hz
Driver 50 mm neodymium magnet
Impedance
32 Ohm ± 15%
Sensitivity
102 ± 3 dB/mW at 1 kHz
Weight 362 g
Type closed
Connectivity USB-C, line-in
Price MSRP 180 € (currently available for € 107.26 *)

Scope of delivery

The headset comes in a carrying case which contains all accessories.

    • A removable microphone (can be mounted via the integrated jack connector)
    • A 1.25 m long jack cable with integrated volume control and mute function
    • A 1.3 m long USB-Tyc-C cable with integrated sound card with setting options, integrated volume control and mute function
    • A USB type C to USB type A adapter over 1.25 m length
    • A 1.36 m long jack splitter (Y-splitter)

At first glance, the parts appear to be quite well workmanship. The included cables, however, partly look a bit thin.

Design and workmanship

The XPG PRECOG looks almost like a modular over-ear headset. It is kept completely in black except for some red accents. Typical for the class, the microphone can be positioned in front of the mouth. The microphone can be connected via the left ear cup for this purpose. There is also a 3.5 mm jack and a USB type C port.

A red light is integrated in both ear cups, which can be activated when the included USB type C cable is connected.

Both the headband and the ear cups seem to be covered with imitation leather. Both are underfoamed and relatively soft. On the upper side of the headband you can see an XPG lettering. Otherwise, the remaining visible material of the headset is made of plastic.

The headset in itself looks well workmanship and also seems inviting to wear due to the padding. There are no visible manufacturing flaws on our model.

soundcard
soundcard

Worth mentioning is also the quality of workmanship of the USB type C sound card. Under the controller, the built-in electronics can be seen at the right angle. The controller is also quite playful and can be removed with little effort.

Wearing comfort

In addition to the already mentioned padding on the temple and on the ears, the headset also offers a size adjustment. This is done by a non-fixable pull of the headband when wearing the headset. Another positive feature is that the ear cups can be moved by 90 degrees on both sides – a total of 180 degrees.

pocket open
pocket open

In our test the PRECOG headset is quite comfortable, even if loose. Faster head movements result in slipping – thus rather nothing for metal fans. Due to the imitation leather, longer sessions with the headset can get warm quickly. There should also be room for larger ears.

foam
foam

All in all, the wearing comfort of the PRECOG is rather average in our practical test: For short and quiet sessions but very comfortable and pleasant to wear.

Operation and functions

With the supplied cables, both for USB type C and via jack, the volume can be adjusted and the microphone muted. This worked without problems in our test.

Other functions of the USB type C cable and its integrated controller include activation of the lighting, an ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) mode for the microphone and the ability to switch between audio modes (Music, Virtual 7.1 and FPS).

 

The lighting is always red and can only be switched on or off. The ENC mode for the microphone is intended to minimize noise, but has a negative effect on the sound quality – the voice will appear duller. The virtual 7.1 mode is not convincing for the audio modes. The FPS mode can actually increase the recognizability of steps, depending on the intended use. The music mode is the most natural of the three modes and is therefore always recommended in principle.

Sound quality

To judge the sound quality, several pieces from different genres were listened to on Spotify at the highest quality (320 kb/s). We also tested the headset in movies and games with different devices.

driver
driver

Both the digital connection (USB type C) and the analog connection (jack plug) were used during testing. The audio mode was – if selectable – set to music.

Due to the closed design, the stage of playback seems somewhat limited. The XPG PRECOG does not have the bass normally present for this type. Overall, the sound image appears relatively neutral and surprisingly detailed. Probably this is due to the use of the electrostatic and dynamic dual drivers.

In digital mode, however, soft electronic noise can be heard, which unnecessarily worsens the sound quality.

Microphone

The XPG PRECOG has a pluggable microphone. The quality looks quite good on the view, but a whimpering and/or also a noise is noticeable fast.

For Teamspeak or Discord entertainment with voice activation or Push-To-Talk communication, the microphone of the PRECOG is definitely sufficient, but the background noise clouds the overall picture.

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Conclusion on the XPG PRECOG

We have reached the end of the test of the XPG PRECOG. Is the headset now recommended or not? The answer to the question is actually not easy and depends strongly on the use case of the user.

In summary, the buyer receives with the XPG PRECOG an average processed product with little convincing functions but a lot of accessories. The headset can be used at virtually any terminal device, since it can be connected to a playback device via USB or jack. The wearing comfort is pleasant for the short-term use, but it can get warm quickly and the headset does not fit properly. The audio quality both during input and output is actually quite good, but it is unnecessarily affected by noise.

In the end, the following is certain for us: The XPG PRECOG would be a good headset if the noise wasn’t present and the workmanship was a bit better. For an occasional gamer who is looking for a loose headset for all his end devices, the headset from ADATA can be taken a closer look. Otherwise you should wait for a new revision or the PRECOG 2.

XPG Precog Gaming Headset

Workmanship
Wearing comfort
Sound quality
Recording quality
Features
Value for money

72/100

An all-rounder who does nothing really well.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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