Hands-on Review: SOUND TECTOR, The Groundbreaking Desktop Gaming Speaker!

In the previous article, we introduced Pioneer's Portable Gaming Speaker, but there is another Gaming Speaker that is available from Pioneer Corporation. This time we introduce you to the Desktop Gaming Speaker.

This is a groundbreaking speaker that will change your gaming experience.

In this article, we will show you how it works and all about our experience with it. You can explore all the details about the innovative setup! If you want to know how much better the sound is, we recommend jumping ahead to the section where we tested it with some actual gameplay.

*This article is brought to you by Pioneer Corporation

Desktop Gaming Speaker Consists of 3 Products

The Desktop Gaming Speaker is made up of 3 different products, the Compact Front Speaker, Slim Powered Subwoofer and Rear Sound Enhancer. By connecting it to your PC via USB, you can enjoy it as a 2-channel speaker, 5.1 or even a 7.1-channel setup.

You may be wondering what a 5.1 or 7.1 is, but simply put the 5 and 7 are the number of speakers and the ".1" means there is a subwoofer.

More speakers can offer a much better sound, creating the ultimate gaming audio environment. Now let's go through all the products that make this possible.

Compact Front Speaker

The Compact Front Speaker TQ-FG3000 goes right below your monitor. This will be the one that will be connected to your PC. It only requires 1 USB Type-C cable to connect them. You can also choose to use a Bluetooth connection instead.

It also acts as a hub to connect the Slim Powered Subwoofer and Rear Sound Enhancer. You can switch between the different modes by pressing the button in the middle.

The design itself also has a high-quality feel to it.

The dial in the middle and the buttons around it are Aluminium, giving it a subtle shiny look.

These kinds of buttons and dials are often made of plastic, but Pioneer gave it a look that stands out with more high-quality materials.

The dial is also large enough for you to control as you play the game without looking, so it's also very practical.

With this on your desk, it will give your computer a new look and it is easy to place anywhere because of its size. You should have plenty of space to put other items on your desk too.

▲All external slots are placed at the back.

Slim Powered Subwoofer

The Slim Powered Subwoofer (TQ-WG3000) gives you low-frequency bass sounds. You may think a subwoofer will take up a lot of space, but as the name says, it is very slim.

It is only 71mm, or less than 3 inches when you look at it from the side, so it is easy to place anywhere. It can fit in any little space you have, like behind your monitor. It turns on and off automatically as well, so you don't need to worry about switching it on either.

Another feature that we were surprised about was how little it vibrates. It uses a unique tech that was developed by Pioneer Corporation called HVT Construction which works to cancel out the vibrations. So you don't need to worry about it moving and falling down. It also comes with a rigid stand.

We tested it on a desk but we barely felt any vibrations. If you have any dead space on your desk, it can fit in and make good use of it!

▲The controls are all at the top. You can change the settings here.

▲You only need 1 cable to connect it to the front speaker.

Rear Sound Enhancer

The Rear Sound Enhancer (TQ-RG3000) is a kind of wearable speaker that goes around your shoulders. However, the design is completely different from other common wearable speakers. The speakers stick out upwards from your shoulders.

More common wearable speakers often have the speakers near your collarbone so you hear the sound from below, but the Rear Sound Enhancer has the speakers placed behind you, so it's easier to distinguish the sound coming from behind. This is what makes a huge difference when playing games.

Since this is a gaming device, it also comes with a microphone. You can change the volume with the dial on the left side. This device also connects to the Compact Front Speaker with just 1 cable.

The fact that Pioneer chose not to use a wireless connection shows how much they care about lightness and speed. Devices with a wireless connection tend to be heavy because of the battery. That can negatively affect your gameplay.

Also, no matter how good the sound is, it would be pointless if there were any lag. This enhances our game experience by improving the tech of the physical cable rather than using a wireless connection.

Overview - Why the 3 Products are Groundbreaking

So we've explored the features of the 3 devices that make up the Desktop Gaming Speaker and here is our summary.

- A Gaming Audio System which is the right size and fits perfectly on a desk

- A unique setup that includes a wearable speaker

- A simple layout that requires the minimum amount of cables

These products are compatible with many devices, including the PC, PS4, PS5, Switch and Xbox Series X. However, there are some conditions to be able to use 5.1 and 7.1 channel setups.

[Requirements for 5.1/7.1ch]

- Connect Windows PC with speakers via USB

- Connect a TV with HDMI eARC, speakers and gaming console.

- If you are using these speakers on consoles like PS4, PS5, Switch or Xbox Series X, you need to connect it via your TV.

- The game itself needs to be compatible with 5.1/7.1ch audio output.

Compatibility

*Using a microphone with echo-cancelling is recommended
*Connect a TV with HDMI eARC to use 5.1/7.1ch on PS4, PS5, Switch or Xbox Series X

1st Test: Flight Shooting Game

Now let's actually try these out by playing some different games. First, we start with "ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN" from Bandai Namco Entertainment. This is the latest in the ACE COMBAT series and a super popular game that sold over 6 million copies worldwide.

The Best Surprise is the Engine Sound from Behind

We were quickly surprised by the sound coming from the Rear Sound Enhancer. It was as if you getting the sound from the engine directly into your ear. This alone makes it feel like you are actually inside the cockpit. Also, the Slim Powered Subwoofer adds a lot of depth to the sound. The sound of the fighter jet feels more real than ever.

You can experience having sound come from all directions if you have a headphone, but having a low-frequency sound makes a huge difference to the sound.

Also Helps with Gameplay

There are 2 more things that surprised us.

One is being able to know where the missiles are. You can feel the missile closing in on you, making it easier to avoid it. You can use the sound to actually help you play better, which makes a big difference.

Second, it feels very real when you shoot down an enemy. You can really hear the sound of your aircraft flying past the enemy that was shot down.

It is the Front Compact Speaker and Rear Sound Enhancer that is making this possible. It is almost as if you can see the sound. When the quality of the sound is improved, it actually feels like you're there.

You can also say that the game itself provides sounds that are very realistic, and by using these speakers you can experience what the game is actually capable of.

[Game Details]

ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN（Steam: Link）

The latest game in the ACE COMBAT series that sold over 20 million copies. The graphics are now even more realistic, especially the clouds in the sky. You can fly in and out of the clouds and use it strategically in the air. Available on various devices, including PS4, Xbox One, Steam and Switch.

ACE COMBAT™7: SKIES UNKNOWN & ©Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. ©2024 DigitalGlobe, Inc., a Maxar company. All trademarks and copyrights associated with the manufacturers, aircraft, models, trade names, brands and visual images depicted in this game are the property of their respective owners and are used with such permissions.

2nd Test: Action Games

Next, we tried out the speakers on a game that is music-themed, specifically an orchestra. The game is called Symphonia. This is an action game that has many soundtracks based on the romantic musical period.

Gives You a Feel for the Music

In this game, the player travels the world while playing music. When you use the Desktop Gaming Speaker, you can experience a much more lively sound coming from the instrument.

For example, when you make a big jump using the violin bow, you hear the bow bending and when you use the large drum to jump, you hear a low-frequency sound from the drum, adding to the musical experience.

This is an action game that requires the player to push buttons at the right time, so it is also kind of a rhythm game. The sound turns into notes, which also encourages the player. No matter how many times you fail, it makes you want to keep going.

The Sounds are Aligned

In addition to the sound effects, the game also has a great soundtrack. You can hear it in the background while playing the game and also in the cutscenes, where you can listen to a whole orchestra.

The soundtrack is what feels most different when compared to using normal headphones. The sounds are aligned.

That statement may make little sense without an explanation. When it's being played in the background, you hear it from behind and the sound effects come from the front, making it easy for the player to concentrate. But when it's time to watch the music being played, the music comes from the front speakers. Even if the music piece involves many instruments, the sound is always very clear.

This may be thanks to the Digital Sound Calibration and Acoustic Signal Processing technology of the Dirac Research AB, which is being used in the Front Compact Speakers.

This technology calibrates the sound and also cancels out sounds to prevent different sounds from getting mixed in other channels. Each speaker only plays the specific sounds assigned to them, which overall enhances the sound experience.

The music pieces themselves are also very well made, but with these speakers, you effectively have a home audio system rather than just a gaming device.

[Game Details]

Symphonia (Steam: Link）

Awaken an expansive musical realm in this non-violent and poetic platformer. In Symphonia, you'll use the power of your violin coupled with your platforming skills to gather an orchestra to bring the musical machinery of the world back to life. Available on various devices, including PS4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Steam and Switch.

© 2024 Headup GmbH, all rights reserved.© 2024 Sunny Peak.

Additional Test: For Viewing

Up to this point, we have shown you what it's like playing games, but before we end, how does it feel when you simply enjoy watching something with it?

Watching E-sports

With all the excitement in the e-sports scene, we wanted to test if the Desktop Gaming Speaker would also be good for watching e-sports. The conclusion was definitely YES.

We watched many tournaments with it but the most exciting for us was watching offline matches. You can hear the crowd cheering in addition to the game itself and the hosts talking. It's as if you were really there.

If you listen to the sounds and music in games regularly on your headphones, you will be in for a treat if you use the Desktop Gaming Speaker.

For example, the shooter game Fortnite has an item called a Chug Splash, and that sounded completely different. We were surprised to hear what it actually sounded like.

We mentioned that it feels like "you can see the sound", and that's actually not an exaggeration. The Compact Front Speaker has an LED Sound Sensing Meter (patent pending). It can visualize the sounds that you are hearing. In addition to that, it lights blue for left and right, and green if it's from behind, letting you visually know the direction of the sound.

You can say that this is possible thanks to the precise sound processing technology.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that the videos or streams you're watching need to be compatible with a 5.1 or 7.1 ch setup if that's what you prefer. Many tournaments are being streamed on YouTube, but a lot of the time they don't support a 5.1 or 7.1 ch setup.

Not Just for Gaming

If you want to enjoy the 5.1 or 7.1 ch setup, the possibilities are not limited to just gaming. Many movies and music videos support Dolby Atmos, allowing you to enjoy the high-quality sound. For sounds other than gaming, you can push the ENTA button in the front and it will automatically adjust the settings.

Personally, what I liked was how light the Rear Sound Enhancer was. It's very light and doesn't bother your shoulders and neck. I didn't feel tired even after using it for a couple of hours. These speakers aren't just for gaming, you can enjoy any kind of entertainment with them.

[Conclusion] An Experience Only the Desktop Gaming Speaker Can Offer

Here is our conclusion.

The Desktop Gaming Speaker:

- Gives you a new gaming experience with the rear sounds.

- Even affects the actual gameplay

- Does not take up space, can easily fit in small spaces

- Great not just for games but also for other forms of entertainment

It's a device that enhances your gaming experience. It shows Pioneer's true potential and we're sure you won't be able to let go of it once you actually experience it.