Razer
Razer RZ04-02051100-R3U1 Kraken Tournament Edition 7.1 Gaming Headset
★★★★★
THX 7.1 spatial audio and a USB DAC in one headset deliver tournament-caliber positional sound without a separate audio card.
$184.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 03, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Specifications
Audio
THX 7.1 Surround Sound
Frequency Response
12 Hz – 28 kHz
Microphone
Retractable, noise-cancelling
Connectivity
USB DAC + 3.5mm analog
Compatibility
PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Mobile
Model
RZ04-02051100-R3U1
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- THX 7.1 virtual surround via onboard DAC provides measurably better positional audio than relying on motherboard audio alone
- 12 Hz–28 kHz frequency response ensures no artificial roll-off at either end of the audio spectrum
- Retractable microphone eliminates a fixed boom arm that gets in the way during single-player sessions
- USB DAC connection removes ground-loop and interference artifacts common with 3.5mm on budget motherboards
- Multi-platform compatibility via 3.5mm fallback makes the headset usable across the full console lineup
👎 Cons
- THX 7.1 surround processing is locked behind Razer Synapse software — unavailable on Linux or consoles
- USB DAC adds a dongle to manage; the cable stack (headset cable + USB DAC) reduces desktop tidiness
- Over-ear clamping force is firm, which can cause fatigue during sessions beyond three hours for users with larger heads
- The leatherette earpads retain heat during extended use — not ideal for warm environments without air conditioning
- Razer Synapse software is required for EQ and surround configuration, which is a mandatory install some users prefer to avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the THX 7.1 Surround Sound work on consoles, or only on PC?
THX 7.1 is processed through the included USB DAC and requires the Razer Synapse software to activate — which means full surround processing is PC-only. On PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox, and mobile, the headset functions in stereo mode via the 3.5mm analog connection.
What does the USB DAC actually do that a standard headphone jack doesn't?
The DAC bypasses your motherboard's onboard audio entirely, giving you a cleaner analog signal with lower noise floor. It handles the 7.1 virtualization processing in hardware, offloading that work from your CPU and removing ground-loop interference common in budget motherboard audio.
Is the microphone retractable, and how does the noise cancellation perform?
Yes, the mic retracts fully into the earcup when not in use. The noise-cancelling function reduces consistent background noise — fan hum, AC, keyboard — reasonably well, though it won't isolate voice in loud LAN party environments as effectively as a dedicated boom arm setup.
What is the frequency response range and why does it matter for gaming?
The Kraken TE covers 12 Hz to 28 kHz. The low extension to 12 Hz means the drivers reproduce sub-bass frequencies useful for rumble effects and low-end footsteps. The 28 kHz upper ceiling exceeds human hearing range, indicating the drivers aren't bandwidth-limited at the top end.
Is this headset compatible with Xbox Series X out of the box?
Via 3.5mm analog, yes — plug it into the controller's headphone jack and it works in stereo. The USB DAC is not natively supported on Xbox without an adapter, so surround processing won't be available on that platform.
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