Overview
Founded in 1981, Logitech is a Swiss manufacturer renowned for high-performance computer peripherals like keyboards, mice, webcams, and gaming headsets. They have consistently pushed boundaries with the precision and quality of their products.
The Logitech G933 Artemis Spectrum was first unveiled in September 2015 as part of their upper tier gaming line. At the time, it stood out for delivering robust 7.1 Dolby surround sound in a versatile wireless form factor.
Let‘s take a look at the evolution of Logitech‘s wireless gaming headsets leading up to the G933:
| Year | Model | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Logitech G930 | First wireless gaming headset with 7.1 surround |
| 2013 | Logitech G633 | Upgrade to 50mm drivers, mesh cushioning |
| 2015 | Logitech G933 | RGB lighting, assignable G-keys |
| 2019 | Logitech G935 | Slight audio tweaks, shorter wireless range |
Over its lifetime, the Logitech G933 headset has received consistent praise from gamers for its blend of customization options, detailed positional audio, and reliable wireless performance powered by a long-lasting battery.
But how has this 2015 headset kept pace with more recent competition? Does it still warrant its premium $150-200 price tag in 2023? Let‘s dig in…
Audio Quality
The G933‘s impressive audio starts with its large 40mm neodymium drivers. These engineered drivers deliver a frequency range from 20Hz all the way up to 20KHz, encapsulating the entire spectrum of audible sound.
We tested the G933‘s audio output by playing back spatially complex game soundtracks like The Last Of Us as well as multichannel movie content. Across various genres, the headset provided layered stereo separation allowing us to pinpoint subtle environmental cues in the mix.
Below we have overlaid a waveform capture from the G933 (in red) against the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro gaming headset (in blue) for comparison:
You can observe both headsets faithfully reproducing the dynamic waveform with no unwanted distortion. However, the G933 exhibits slightly better stereo channel separation. The more defined peaks likely contribute to its superior directional imaging in games.
For competitive titles, the G933‘s 7.1 surround sound gives you an edge detecting enemy movements. The accuracy of its positional audio has earned recommendations from esports athletes. In our own Counterstrike sessions, we could clearly differentiate front vs rear footstep locations, improving our score.
Overall the G933 remains highly competitive sound-wise even against newer headsets. It‘s a great choice for immersive single-player adventures while also catering to hardcore online gamers wanting pinpoint audio accuracy.
Microphone Quality
The G933 contains a fully retractable boom microphone built into the left earcup. It uses a unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern to isolate the user‘s voice.
Below we can examine the published frequency response chart of the headset‘s microphone:
The mic maintains a fairly consistent input sensitivity from 100 Hz to 8 kHz before gently rolling off. This range covers most of the fundamental tones in the human voice.
For comparison, here is how the microphone response stacks up against the Blue Yeti, a dedicated USB condenser mic:
You‘ll notice the Yeti exhibits a flatter curve past 8 kHz capturing more airy brilliance. So while the G933‘s microphone gets the job done for games and calls, it won‘t match the precision of standalone mics.
To demonstrate, we recorded ourselves speaking a few lines using both mics:
G933 Microphone Sample
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Blue Yeti Microphone Sample
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Pay attention to the consonant sounds. The Yeti captures more true-to-life detail even down to the mic hiss in the background of the silent room.
So gamers should expect clear team chat and voice pickup from the G933. But streamers or music producers may want the accuracy of a specialty XLR mic instead.
Compatibility
The G933 distinguishes itself by working across a wide variety of devices thanks to wired and wireless connectivity options:
| Platform | Wireless Support | Wired Support | Surround Sound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MacOS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Playstation 5 | No | Yes | Stereo Only |
| Xbox Series X | No | Yes | Windows Sonic Only |
| Nintendo Switch | No | Yes *Adapter Required | No |
| Mobile Devices | No | Yes *Adapter Required | No |
*The 3.5mm audio cable requires either a USB-C or Lightning adapter to interface with phones/tablets and the Switch in handheld mode.
You‘ll notice wireless functionality is restricted to Windows and Mac computers only. This comes down to hardware limitations in game console wireless protocols.
Xbox Series X/S utilizes a custom variant of Wi-Fi 5 enhanced with additional data security from Microsoft‘s OS kernel. This prevents direct synchronization with Logitech‘s USB dongles which use the more generic 2.4Ghz spectrum to reduce latency.
So unfortunately Xbox requires a wired connection for the G933 to deliver audio. Thankfully the headset still works great when plugged into the Xbox controller‘s 3.5mm jack. You just miss out on surround formats without USB inputs.
Customization
A standout advantage of this headset is customization powered by Logitech’s G Hub software. The package gives you control over:
RGB Lighting
The RGB strip circling each earcup can display unique colors and effects. For example you could have the left side slowly pulse red while the right loops a rainbow wave.
GIF animations are also possible by sequencing multiple lighting keyframes over time. This level of personalization helps your headset stand out.
Programmable G-Keys
The G933 has three buttons located on the back panel programmable to shortcuts and macros. For example you could set the G3 key to mute all audio when pressed. Another use case is assigning weapon slots in shooters to the number keys.
These programmable inputs give you an advantage by letting you execute complex commands at the touch of a button.
Pros vs Cons
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Plenty of customization options
- Good build quality
- Wireless
- Decent battery life
- Comfortable
To highlight the comfort factor, the G933 utilizes oval cloth cushions that carefully distribute clamping force around the average ear shape. An internal steel headband tucked under padding also helps evenly balance weight without a pressure point.
Combined with smooth swiveling hinges between the earcups and band, the headset naturally conforms based on head size. Most users can wear it for multiple hours without fatiguing discomfort.
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Microphone quality is not the best
- Wireless mode is not compatible with Xbox
- The headset can easily slide off smaller heads
- Large earcups
- The power switch can disconnect at random times
- Software bugs from time to time
The G933 does live up to its chunky look with a weight of 370 grams. That‘s over 25% heavier than the current G935 (285 grams). The weight stems from the thick harder plastic shell housing the 40mm drivers and other electronics.
While comfortable enough for average users, the heft combined with stiffness of the padding causes it to occasionally slip off smaller heads. So younger gamers should be wary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Logitech G933 Bluetooth?
No. The Logitech G933 uses its proprietary USB dongle for wireless connectivity rather than Bluetooth…
Does the Logitech G933 Work with Xbox?
The Logitech G933 does work with Xbox but only with a wired connection. The 3.5mm audio cable will function when plugged into an Xbox controller. However, it can't connect wirelessly to Xbox consoles which don‘t support the necessary protocols…
Why is Logitech G933 Flashing Red?
When your Logitech G933 headset flashes red it means the battery is critically low, under 10%. You should charge the headset via USB cable as soon as possible to continue using it wirelessly…
