Razer sent me their Leviathan v2 Pro Soundbar earlier this year. After many months of using the device, I can’t imagine having a PC setup without it. Still, there are some key issues that give me pause in recommending it. Let’s review all the good and bad of this interesting piece of PC-only kit.
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Specs (per Razer):
| Frequency Response | 40 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Input Power | External Power Adapter |
| Driver specifications | Full-range drivers: 5 x 2” Down-firing subwoofer driver: 1 x 5.25” |
| Driver type | Full-range drivers, subwoofer driver |
| Approximate weight | Soundbar: 2.27 kg / 5.00 lbs Subwoofer: 5.08 kg / 11.19 lbs |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth connection USB connection to PC |
| Others | Razer Chroma™ RGB (30 zones) THX Spatial Audio 3.5 mm headset jack USB audio input Razer Audio app Custom 10-band EQ Max SPL: 98 dB Toggle PC audio devices (supported via Razer Synapse) Dimensions: Soundbar: 600 mm (L) x 113.7 mm (H) x 90.1 mm (D) / 23.6” x 4.5” x 3.5” Subwoofer: 260 mm (L) x 295 mm (H) x 260 mm (D) / 10.2” x 11.6” x 10.2” |
Setup
The Razer Leviathan v2 Pro comes in one heck of a big box. While the speaker itself isn’t too large the included subwoofer is a beefy boy. Setting it up is an easy process. The soundbar and subwoofer require power from the wall. They connect via an audio cable. Finally, a USB C to A cable is provided for connecting directly to your PC. This subwoofer is only meant for computers, with no built-in option for connecting it to a television. There is included blue-tooth functionality that works well with minimal latency.
Software
To get the most out of this device you will need to install the Razer Synapse software, there’s no getting around it. It is the only way to access the full feature set of the device, including its party tricks. Those are the virtual headset and virtual surround speaker setups. They take advantage of a sensor that reads your head position. This tricks your ears into thinking sound is coming from all around you.
In practice, it worked surprisingly well, though prolonged use gave me a minor headache. It can feel strange at times like some weightless force is starting to push in on the sides of your head. In 3D audio-supported games, shows, and movies it is amazing. While not quite as good as a solid pair of headphones it’s not too far off.
The software lets you set the bass level, which is good because even at its lowest setting the bass thumps like a demon on meth. Playing music on anything above the bottom level got dirty stares from my wife as our entire living room started to shake.
The Experience
Originally priced at $399 then raised to $499 the Leviathan v2 Pro isn’t cheap. The first unit I received had a blown-out surround sound speaker. Razer was quick to get me a replacement unit and it has been solid in the 6+ months I’ve been using it. After that initial experience, I wanted to make sure the quality of the unit held up, and it has been flawless.
I only use the 3D audio trick when I grow weary of wearing a headset, and it impresses me every time. When in regular mode I would call the sound quality decent enough, though not for the price. I’ve had some cheaper soundbars on my TV that sounded a hell of a lot better in non-surround content over the years. This one being a new tech-focused PC-only soundbar puts it in a genre of its own, though.
The top of the unit has 5 buttons: EQ, Mode, Volume/Power knob, Mode (BT/Wired), and Lighting Mode. There is a tasteful underglow RGB strip on the soundbar that has a variety of Razer’s classic modes. Overall it’s a premium quality feeling device that mainly suffers from a cost-to-sound quality issue.
I wasn’t wild about how it sounded in its regular or roomfill stereo modes. Once I tested out the virtual speaker one I knew I’d have to use it for any serious gaming or music sessions and it never disappointed. Headaches were an early issue that has greatly lessened over time. Maybe my brain just got used to the sensation or my old ears are finally giving out a bit.
Wrapping Things Up
The Razer Leviathan v2 Pro soundbar is a solid device that costs a premium. At its $499 MSRP, I would only suggest it if headphones give you too large a headache, you’ve got money to burn or can find it on a decent enough sale. This product is available for purchase via Amazon here.
