Introduction

Recently, I reviewed the Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 2 (reviewed here), a $40 analogue gaming headset with excellent value for the money. The F.R.E.Q. 4 is only slightly more expensive, coming in at $53 if you're buying it in the US. For European customers, the price gap is currently wider as the F.R.E.Q. 2 goes for €38, while the F.R.E.Q. 4 costs €61. The differences between these two headsets boil down to connectivity—instead of a 3.5-mm analogue connection, the F.R.E.Q. 4 sports USB connectivity and boasts some extras that come along with it.



The Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 4 is based on a pair of 50-mm dynamic speaker drivers (compared to 40-mm drivers on the F.R.E.Q 2). According to the manufacturer, these are "tuned for gaming," promising a remarkable bass and crisp highs. The USB connectivity brings three features which don't exist on the F.R.E.Q. 2: RGB lighting effects, Xear 7.1 virtual surround sound, and a software driver for tweaking. The microphone didn't change. As such, it's still omnidirectional, retractable, and equipped with ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) technology used to suppress external noise.

Specifications

• 50-mm dynamic drivers (neodymium magnet)
• 32 Ω impedance
• 20–20,000 Hz frequency response (specified by the manufacturer)
• Closed-back, over-ear design
• Retractable, omnidirectional microphone
• Customizable RGB lighting system
• Xear 7.1 virtual surround sound
• 2.2 m rubberized USB cable
• In-line remote control with volume, microphone, and surround sound controls
• Weight: 320 g

The Package

The Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 4 comes in a well-built and lushly painted box depicting the headset and going over its key specifications and features on all sides. Absolutely nothing about the box points towards the low price.


Aside from the headset itself, you'll find a user manual and some decorative stickers inside.