The sound bar gaming Razer Leviathan V2 Pro, accompanied by its imposing subwoofer, intends to bring the surround experience to PC gamers. Certified THX, this new iteration now includes an infrared camera whose purpose is to adapt the sound reproduction to the position of the ears.
The promise is simple: to simulate headset use and enhance immersion by providing dynamic virtualized surround sound that adapts to the user’s movements. Presented for the suggested retail price of 400 euros, the Leviathan V2 Pro does not forget its DNA gaming and also includes RGB lighting.
Technical paper
This test was carried out with a product loaned by the brand.
Design and ergonomics
No revolution in sight when it comes to the design of the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar. Indeed, it uses a chassis similar to that of the standard version, embellished with a few extra buttons and the necessary elements to follow of the face. She is especially more imposing than her big sister.
So we’re benefiting from a relatively imposing soundbar, albeit low enough to slide easily under a screen, provided the foot isn’t in the way. The bar theoretically has a width equal to that of a 27-inch screen.
In our case, the bar was installed under a 35-inch screen mounted on an ergonomic arm. If your screen has a “regular” base, you’ll have to make sure it manages to slide under the bar, otherwise it will need to be pushed forward. Indeed, the bar is always mounted two feet high enough to pass through cables or the base of a screen like the Razer Raptor.
The front features a beautiful full-surface metal grille with the Razer logo in the center, paired with THX branding on the far right. Raised slightly thanks to the feet we mentioned above, the Leviathan V2 Pro diffuses a subtle RGB lighting at the base that makes it look like it’s floating.
On the upper part we find the infrared camera, accompanied by its projectors directed towards the user. This combination is itself surrounded by eight green indicator LEDs that serve as visual feedback when interacting with the bar. For example, we can change the output volume or the operating mode of the to follow.
The overall ergonomics are simplified by the presence of five buttons at the top of the bar. There’s an imposing volume control wheel, which is also used to boot. A first button allows you to navigate between the different EQ profiles, while the 3D button is for switching between the audio modes associated with the to follow of the head.
Finally, the last two buttons are dedicated to RGB lighting and source selection. Connectivity is also relatively limited on this Leviathan V2 Pro. Looking at the back of the device, there is a power connection, a USB C port for connecting to the PC, a jack port for connecting to the subwoofer and a headphone output. So the only other connection option is Bluetooth.
Let’s not forget the imposing subwoofer, which is an integral part of this Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar. With its five kilos and its imposing 25 cm speaker, you will have to find a place for it, preferably on the floor to take full advantage of it. However, it is not wireless and must therefore be connected to the bar in addition to its power supply.
Overall, the Leviathan V2 Pro bar convinces with its design, although it may be a bit too big for our taste. If we really had to find fault, we’d have liked the buttons on the top to follow the RGB lighting and not be limited to Razer green.
Functions
The Razer Synapse software suite is logically compatible with the new iteration of the Leviathan. Apart from the power options and the equalizer common to the other audio products of the brand, the application offers several settings for this Pro version. The different functionalities casually repeat those of the different buttons presented above.
First of all, it is possible to customize how face tracking works. By default, the bar works in classic stereo. It is also possible to configure it in “fill” mode, in the case of listening in groups during an evening or a meal.
Rather, it is the two central options that interest us here. The first aims to mimic a helmet by adapting the sound reproduction to the movements of the head. The second is dedicated to THX Spatial and will therefore be more suitable for 5.1 sources or more.
As often, Razer is very didactic in describing the various settings in the application. This is a good thing and it allows you to quickly understand the operation of the bar and audio modes. The subwoofer’s volume is also adjustable, which isn’t a bad thing as it’s powerful.
Performance
aside
Before continuing in this test, we must specify the conditions of the latter. The most observant will have noticed: our test was published late in connection with the release of the Leviathan V2 Pro. However, the product has been in our hands since December 2022. This delay is explained by the fact that the first unit we received had a major defect in low frequency management.
We received a second copy, from the same series, which also had the same problem. Finally, a last bar from another series arrived in February, and it presents no problems. After some testing and research, it turns out that it was the subwoofer that caused the problem and that at least one other French editor was affected by the problem. According to Razer, there is nothing to report in other countries.
Razer hasn’t given us an official answer to this issue, but we seem to be headed for a flawed pre-production. Since we were one of the first in the world to take the helm and the models now available (according to th side) are no longer affected. In our opinion, there is no longer any risk in offering this bar.
Sound experience
After these few issues during the first few weeks, it’s hard not to praise the sonic performance of the Leviathan V2 Pro. The bar delivers a powerful sound, too powerful in fact. For example, knowing that it controls the system volume, we used no more than 10% of the general volume for comfortable listening. Furthermore, the neighbors would not have appreciated it, especially because of the subwoofer.
In addition to the high volume that the bar can deliver, the box is indeed a bit too present. While it’s possible to reduce volume within Synapse, even at the lowest level, it still seemed a bit too present to us. However, we appreciate its presence in the game, which immediately becomes more important than a classic sound system.
The bar defends itself perfectly in stereo and we appreciate both listening to music and playing a video game title. The activation of the modes of to follow from the face can be heard quickly and for once we really feel the difference and the effect of this technology.
When using the “Headphones” mode, moving from left to right usually has almost no effect on our perception of sound. The bar constantly adjusts its display and manages to make people forget that it is emitting the sound. This is the mode we preferred to use as it is best suited for listening to music in particular. In THX Spatial mode, the display is slightly less convincing. Although the sound is more enveloping, the effect is less deceptive and remains comparable to what the living room bars manage to achieve.
The main advantage remains above all the consistency in the distribution, which allows to forget about the source of the sound and in fact allows the bar to simulate the presence of several speakers in the room. In short, the experience is nice, but it doesn’t really change our use of the device.
Price and availability
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar is available for a suggested retail price of 400 euros.
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Razer Leviathan V2 Pro at the best price?
