HyperX’s Budget Cloud Stinger Lineup Gets New Surround Options

Two models refreshed to add support for HyperX’s new 7.1 software

Alex Rowe
5 min readApr 23, 2020
Official Promo image provided by HyperX

This week, HyperX launched the $59 Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 and the $79 Cloud Stinger Wireless Core + 7.1, adding two more models to the new family of surround-sound HyperX headsets. Their current surround sound software first debuted inside the Cloud Alpha S’s dongle, and has since also shown up in the Cloud Flight S.

Unlike some earlier HyperX surround solutions, their current software shows up as a true 7.1 audio device in Windows 10, and has custom surround profiles for a number of popular games. In order to use the software, you’ll have to download their new Ngenuity app from the Windows 10 store, but it’s a quick install and I haven’t had any issues with the app hogging my system resources in the background.

I haven’t tried a Stinger model since I reviewed the impressive Cloud Stinger Wireless last year. These newer “Core” models keep a lot of what made the original Stinger models an impressive value, but they sacrifice a bit on build materials and driver size in order to get the price down further.

I’m glad that HyperX is still pursuing a custom surround sound solution, in an era where platform-wide software solutions are becoming the norm. Both the Xbox One family and Windows 10 PC’s offer their own built-in spatial audio solution with Windows Sonic, and the upcoming PS5 has its own spatial 3D headphone audio system as well. I thought that bespoke manufacturer-developed solutions would die out, so it’s awesome to see HyperX still offering their own alternative that they can tune to match their devices.

The text of the full press release about these new models follows:

HyperX Expands HyperX Stinger Headset Lineup with Two New Gaming Headsets

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Gaming Headsets Lineup Now Feature 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif April 20, 2020HyperX, the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced the release of two new headsets in HyperX Cloud Stinger family, HyperX Cloud StingerTM Core + 7.1 and HyperX Cloud StingerTM Core Wireless + 7.1 Gaming Headset. Both new Cloud Stinger Core headsets now feature 7.1 virtual surround sound(1) via NGENUITY software.

“HyperX is excited to expand its Cloud Stinger gaming headset family with two new 7.1 surround sound headsets for gamers looking for an economic headset,” said Nate Almond, audio business manager, HyperX. “With students, parents and gamers working and playing at home more than ever, HyperX has expanded the Stinger product line to offer more affordable headsets.”

The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 and Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 both offer virtual surround sound to provide a more immersive in-game audio experience. 40mm directional drivers deliver high-quality sound with pinpoint audio precision. Both Stinger Core + 7.1 features a lightweight design with each headset weighing in at just under 245 grams. Both headsets utilize adjustable steel sliders, intuitive volume control on the headset earcup, and swivel-to-mute noise-canceling microphone.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 headset provides freedom from cords with a reliable 2.4Ghz wireless connection. With a range of 20m and a battery life of 17 hours, the Stinger Core + Wireless 7.1 offers a cord-free gaming experience at an economical price.

Availability

The Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 gaming headsets is backed by a 2-year warranty. The HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 gaming headset is available for $59.99 MSRP and HyperX Cloud Stinger Core wireless gaming headset + 7.1 are available for $79.99 MSRP through HyperX online shop. For more information on the Cloud Stinger Core +7.1 headset lineup and global availability, please visit the Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 product page.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, HyperX may experience some product and shipping delays. HyperX is taking every possible measure to work with partners to minimize the impact on its customers and ensure product availability and timely delivery.

HyperX Cloud Stinger Core + 7.1 Surround Sound Specifications:

Part Number

HHSS1C-AA-BK/G

Headphone

Driver: Dynamic, 40mm with neodymium magnets

Type: Circumaural, Closed back

Frequency response:20Hz–20kHz

Impedance: 16 Ω

Sound pressure level: 103dBSPL/mW at 1kHz

T.H.D.: ≤ 2%

Weight: 240g

Cable length: 2.5m

Connection type: 3.5mm plug (4 pole)

Microphone

Element: Electret condenser microphone

Polar pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-cancelling

Frequency response: 50Hz-18kHz

Sensitivity: -40dBV (1V/Pa at 1kHz)

USB Adapter

Weight: 12g

Cable length: 0.15m

HyperX Stinger Core Wireless + 7.1 Surround Sound Specifications:

Part Number

HHSS1C-BA-BK/G

Headphone

Driver: Dynamic, 40mm with neodymium magnets

Type: Circumaural, Closed back

Frequency response:20Hz–20kHz

Impedance: 16 Ω

Sound pressure level: 103dBSPL/mW at 1kHz

T.H.D.: ≤ 2%

Weight: 244g

Cable length and type: USB charge cable (0.5m)

Microphone

Element: Electret condenser microphone

Polar pattern: Uni-directional, Noise-cancelling

Frequency response: 50Hz-18kHz

Sensitivity: -40dBV (1V/Pa at 1kHz)

Battery life(2)

17 hours

Wireless Range(3)

2.4 GHz

Up to 20 meters

(1)Virtual 7.1 surround sound effect output as a 2 channel stereo signal to be used with stereo headphones. Virtual 7.1 surround sound provided via NGENUITY software (PC Only).
(2)Tested at 50% headphone volume. Battery life varies depending upon the usage.

(3)Wireless range may vary due to environmental conditions.

About HyperX

HyperX is the gaming division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s largest independent memory manufacturer, with the goal of providing gamers, PC builders, PC, console and mobile power users with high-performance components. For 16 years, the HyperX mission has been to develop gaming products for all types of gamers — high-speed memory, solid state drives, headsets, keyboards, mice, charging accessories for console players, USB flash drives, and mousepads — to the gaming community and beyond. The award-winning HyperX brand is known for consistently delivering products that deliver superior comfort, aesthetics, performance, and reliability. HyperX gear is the choice of celebrity ambassadors, pro gamers, tech enthusiasts, and over-clockers worldwide because it meets the most stringent product specifications and is built with best-in-class components. HyperX has shipped over 65 million memory modules, 10 million gaming headsets and one million keyboards worldwide.

Join the global #HyperXFamily at facebook.com/hyperxcommunity, learn how HyperX products can enhance your console experience and boost performance for both you and your PC, console or mobile device at hyperxgaming.com. Whatever your skill level, whatever genres you play, we embrace all gaming enthusiasts everywhere with our core belief — We’re All Gamers.

Website: http://www.hyperxgaming.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HyperX

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyperx/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hyperxcommunity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kingstonhyperx

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Editor’s Note: For additional information or executive interviews, please contact Mark Tekunoff, Kingston Technology Company, Inc. 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA USA 92708, 714–438–2791(Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston’s press room here.

Kingston, the Kingston logo, HyperX and the HyperX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All registered trader respective owners.

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Alex Rowe

Commentary about Games, Audio, and Music. In my past professional lives I edited audio and wrote reviews for a computer magazine.