Features
- Frequency response: 85Hz – 20kHz
- Power cable : Type C with power supply
- speaker size
- Racetrack full-range speakers: 2 x 48 x 95mm
- Passive radiator: 2 x 48 x 105mm
- Speaker type: Full-range speakers, passive radiator
- Weight : 845g / 1.9lbs
- Compatibility: Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- Others
- Razer Chroma RGB (14 lighting zones)
- USB audio input
- Razer Audio app
- Custom 10-band EQ
- Max sound pressure level: 90 dB
- Browse PC audio devices (supported by Razer Synapse)
Unboxing
Here’s what to expect when you open the box:
- 1 x Leviathan V2 X Soundbar
- 1 x USB-C to USB-C Cable
- 1x Quick Start Guide
- 1x Razer Stickers
Frame
Structure
All dressed in black, the Leviathan V2 X does not look pale since it combines a robust plastic frame with a fabric front, visually pleasing, on which an opening is made to leave room for the logo Razer. The back accommodates the bass as well as the removable wired connectors.
Finally, under the soundbar are the rubber feet, to improve the grip and allow a subtle tilt to direct the sound towards your head.
buttons
The upper zone of the sound bar benefits from the buttons for adjusting the sound, but also for power and connection. No remote control on the horizon, which is not very surprising sinceshe has no ambition to be a nomad, despite its small size. Going back to the buttons, there are five of them and evenly distributed around the central power button. Note thatno equalizer is available on the soundbar.
The set of buttons is relatively intuitive and easy to access in case you use it near you on the desk. The absence of a remote control is binding for more mobile use such as paired with a phone, a game console or even your television.
Connectivities
The Leviathan V2X is simple enough, yet, can we really blame it considering the price range it comes in? It nevertheless proposes to be used according to two modes which are the Bluetooth and wired. These alternatives also offer state-of-the-art technology with the connection Bluetooth 5.0 and a wired USB-C to take advantage of the best rendering and throughput. Only here, the illusion stops here for many of us for the simple reason that no adapter is available in the box to connect it via “classic” USB. We are therefore required to have a computer equipped with wireless technology or a USB-C port in order to connect this sound bar.
Note that the manufacturer offers the option of using a USB-C compatible charger (not supplied) for more mobile use. Once again, although it is possible to salute the effort of Razer, these chargers are not fully popularized. It could even be that upon receipt of the Leviathan V2X you just aren’t able to use it. Of course, this particularity is notified on the packaging, but many of us do not understand all the information or even are not interested in it. A critical point attributed to Razer which could have largely anticipated this problem.
Finally, we find that it is impossible to combine several connections. In fact, you can’t plug this soundbar into your computer and still be able to answer a call on your phone.
Use
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter. We tested it as much in game as for office automation as well as on very versatile applications. Equipped with a wideband loudspeaker and a passive radiator associated with its small size, we were eager to see it in application.
Office automation
On this part we will combine the television and computer aspect. If the distance of use is not comparable, the use is intended to be somewhat identical. However, it goes without saying that the Leviathan V2X is not the best suited for remote use, both in terms of its nominal power, which is more limited, and its size. Difficult to obtain a powerful or stereo rendering in this configuration, even if, in principle, it is not cut out for that. Naturally we recommend its use on a desk or close to the user.
Note that the absence of stereo is felt if you were used to separate speakers while the bass is intended to be timid. Not very restrictive overall, if you are not a fan of explosions and hiss/tremors provided by a box. However, films, series and music lack depth and roundness. The Leviathan V2X pulls slightly towards the treble and only highlights the bass at high revs.
Therefore, we advise to modify via the mobile or desktop application the equalizers of the soundbar. Those natives did not thrill us, especially on bass and mids who have trouble balancing. In any case, do not forget that the equalizers allow you to refine the sound and do not allow you to add certain components. There is thus a limit to the possible configuration.
Game & music
Unsurprisingly, we find the same strengths and weaknesses in play. For so-called “occasional” usethe Leviathan V2 X bring everything you need. It becomes problematic if you want more spatialization and make the game competitive. The cutscenes, on the other hand, benefit from the same differences in audio richness which will be at the discretion of everyone, but always quite faithful and even more when improving the equalizers manually.
This is an ideal soundbar for daily passive use without wanting too much. Pushed to the limit, it makes up for some of its shortcomings and offers a sound with more bass, but still without depth (the bass that vibrates in you).
Software
Since no remote control or on-the-fly action is available, Razer does us the honor of joining the Leviathan V2X at the heart of its Synapse software. On the other hand, the latter is intrusive as possible. Once your device is plugged in, it will ask to install itself. In order to go even further, it will highlight additional software (always from the manufacturer) which may seem attractive, but which will not necessarily be of great help to you. Finally, the full range ends up being installed without warning and launches at each start. A real pain that will require a few minutes of reflection before capturing the subtleties and ending up using the one you really need.
For the rest, nothing specific to report. Razer Synapse allows you to adjust standby times, equalizers including a custom one, manage Windows profiles and sounds… In short, a useful and compliant panel to the expectations we may have of it. Finally, for RGB fans it is quite possible to adjust the different modes of the soundbar, as standard via Synapse and more advanced from the Chroma software. The RGB rendering is interesting, but remains at the discretion and taste of each.
