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Razer is using CES 2023 to expand its soundbar line-up with a top-of-the-range model featuring its own subwoofer. Specifications include frequency response from 40 to 20,000 Hz and a maximum sound pressure level of 98 dB. But for those who prefer their gadgets to be very cautious when it comes to privacy and security, the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro’s built-in camera is a disappointment to look at.
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But Razer claims that the infrared camera in the center front of the speaker is all in the name of next-level virtual surround sound. Using head-tracking AI, the soundbar can know where you are and create a virtual soundscape centered around the listener. The beamforming tech comes from his Audioscenic, which discussed the feature as a study at CES 2017 and demonstrated it at CES 2022.
This makes the soundbar a unique product, and Razer aims to expand your PC audio capabilities without filling your home office or game den with physical speakers. The Leviathan V2 Pro uses THX Spatial Audio virtual 7.1 surround sound (Razer acquired his THX in 2016), which Razer describes as “crisp and clear highs” and “deep sound” through three different audio modes that can be switched. It focuses on “punchy bass”. From the button on the top of the soundbar.
THX Spatial Audio Virtual Headset mode is supposed to convert stereo sound to 3D audio, so it’s good for listening to music on Spotify, for example.
THX Spatial Audio Virtual Speakers are 3D modes for 5.1 and 7.1 sources, which Razer sees users mostly using for watching movies and gaming. In a press briefing, a Razer spokesperson said the mode uses constructive and destructive interference to position audio.
The final non-3D audio mode is for when other people are in the room. The Leviathan V2 Pro doesn’t use cameras or beamforming, instead trying to fill an entire room with audio.
But without a physical shutter, there’s no way to be sure the camera isn’t capturing anything. It’s easy to forget which mode your soundbar is in or turned on. And you don’t have to be reminded of unexpected bugs, camera-based security threats, or the inherent possibility of accidental hardware damage (just like gadgets).
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Still, companies like Razer continue to push AI-powered cameras into consumer products, telling people to leave their cameras on and open to enable features like quick login. Encourage. Recent examples include the built-in camera in his 6K monitor from Dell, which was announced this week, and the HP Dragonfly Folio G3 laptop. The HP Dragonfly Folio G3 laptop uses a webcam to automatically dim the display when it sees that you’re not looking or someone is looking over your shoulder.
There are other audio products (mainly headsets) that use cameraless head tracking. I’ve tried head-tracking PC headsets and the results vary greatly depending on what you listen to. Head tracking produced a shifting effect when moving your head while listening to music, and the usefulness of this effect varied across games. But Razer’s soundbars and subwoofers have another task in store for getting audio out into the open in various types of room setups.
The Leviathan V2 Pro does this with a pair of 2-inch full-range drivers and a 5.25-inch down-firing subwoofer. Razer equips his $250 Leviathan V2. It does not have head tracking, but it does have THX Spatial Audio, with two full-range drivers (2 x 4 inches), two tweeters (0.75 inches), two radiator drivers (1.7 x 5.3 inches), and a subwoofer ( 5.5 inches). His Leviathan V2 range at a lower price point has more low end than the Leviathan V2 Pro (45 Hz vs 40 Hz). Both feature a 10-band EQ adjustable via Razer’s Synapse software.
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The back of the soundbar contains a subwoofer output port, a 3.5mm jack, and a USB-C 3.0 port. Despite its price, Razer designed the soundbar to work under his PC monitor, so you don’t get HDMI. You can also connect devices such as mobile phones, tablets and Nintendo Switch via Bluetooth 5.0.
If you’re perfectly fine with audio with camera, or tape over it, the Leviathan V2 Pro is $400.
