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From time to time I have a piece of technology to review that really brings joy, one that makes my technology-loving brain go away like a firecracker and that makes me very excited, frankly, something that probably doesn’t mean much for the average person. . This is the case with the Panasonic SoundSlayer Gaming Speaker, or “neck speaker.”
The Panasonic SoundSlayer is a wonderful alternative to PC headphones, soundbars, and speakers, which exists only in its own lane with very few direct competitors. The speaker does not reinvent the rules of game sound, nor does it improve any key features of other game-oriented sound systems, but it is not trying.
While there are other neck speakers on the market, the Panasonic SoundSlayer is simply trying to be an alternative to what we are used to.
The gaming speaker Pansonic SoundSlayer
WHAT IS?
A neck speaker for games.
PRICE
$ 262
I LIKE
Great sound quality, stunning bass, good microphone quality and good build quality.
I do not like it
It is a bit quiet, the cable cannot be removed from the headphones and is priced high.
Sound killing
The Panasonic neck speaker will not disappoint as a gaming sound solution, nor should it at such a high price.
When I reviewed the Panasonic SoundSlayer, I changed my Logitech Pro wired headphones, which offer fantastic sound quality, and constantly switched between products to see how they stack up in similar circumstances.
I’ll immediately confirm what you’re probably thinking: having your headphones on makes you feel more engaged and less out of action than the experience offered by the neck speaker: it’s a tried and tested audio solution that we we have become more accustomed to it. several decades.
But the Panasonic SoundSlayer has a very intense rhythm, providing the expected directional sound of a gaming headset (for example, you’ll hear a shot behind you if one shoots in that direction), good sound quality, and some, frankly, an impressive bass.
@gizmodoau Would you use the Panasonic Soundslayer Gaming speaker? #gaming #headphones #tech #au #australia ♬ so original – GizmodoAU
Let me talk about the bass for a moment – when I was playing The Division 2 with a shotgun, firing that shotgun made me feel the shot through the bass as the headphones resonated on my shoulders. It wasn’t a planned feature, but it was definitely great.
Going back to sound quality, headphones have several presets available for what you’re doing, including FPS, RPG, and movie modes. Using these modes in the right contexts enhanced the experience, or at least I think it did, as the levels went up and down to suit the environment. In addition, the microphone worked perfectly with the “voice” mode activated.
The build quality is also very nice, and it feels good to have a “headset” that doesn’t squeeze the sides of your head. The top of the device is a whole speaker, with the rubber on the back touching the back of the neck. The bottom of the device includes soft plastic pads that sit comfortably on your shoulders.
I go into player mode. Image: Zachariah Kelly / Gizmodo Australia
The buttons feel properly tactile and the only bad thing I can say about the hardware is the cable (more below).
Sound murdered
Unfortunately, much of the Panasonic SoundSlayer is not as excellent, to the point that it becomes difficult to justify, compared to cheaper headphones (and better sleep) from Logitech, Razer or another headset manufacturer for games set.
First of all, it’s a bit quiet. The maximum sound of the SoundSlayer is about 30 percent lower than I would have liked it to be. It wasn’t a serious problem, though it was unfortunate when watching things on YouTube or Netflix.
Image: Zachariah Kelly / Gizmodo Australia
Second, the USB-A cable cannot be removed from the headset. I don’t know what forced Panasonic to design the SoundSlayer this way, but it’s more annoying than it’s worth, greatly limiting its portability, increasing the hassle in case it is removed from a plug, limiting which cables can be use with the headset and of course makes the product much harder to repair if you need a spare cable.
This device adapts perfectly to the wireless functionality. I’m not sure why Panasonic didn’t offer a wireless version. A disappointment, no doubt.
Sound killer
It is safe to say that this handset will not overthrow the market share of headphone manufacturers soon, but it is a very interesting technology.
I think the Panasonic SoundSlayer will struggle to keep up with the devices it aligns with. I don’t think it’s better than a headset, a sound bar, or a set of speakers, but I think it fits into an incredibly small niche.
What is this niche? Sound-loving gamers who don’t like to wear headphones? It seems likely to me, in fact, that headphones have now led me to think about my gaming sound system and how I could use non-headphone devices.
But I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for a tracking device or a rush of competitors in the market with similarly designed neck speakers.
I applaud your work here Panasonic. We love a weird piece of technology.
Where to buy the Panasonic SoundSlayer neck speaker
Amazon ($ 190 for Prime members, $ 268 standard) | Mighty Ape ($ 262) | Gorilla Gaming $ 262