Introduction
Corsair HS50 has been one of the most celebrated and turned-to gaming headsets and it earns all these accolades through comfort, decent built quality, and nice sound performance. Similar to other modern gaming devices, HS50 also has a demand for drivers, which are necessary to provide support with different OSs and to unlock the entire application of the device. The review below takes a deep look into Corsair HS50 drivers regarding their installation, functionality, performance, and user-friendliness in the whole process.
The Corsair HS50
Before getting into details regarding the drivers, it is good to know the Corsair HS50 headset first. HS50 is a wired gaming headset with the following features:
Neodymium Drivers (50 mm): Produced for generating clear and well-balanced audio.
Microphone: Detachable, unidirectional, and noise-canceling.
Design: plush memory foam ear pads and a flexible headband.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and mobile devices (via 3.5mm audio jack)
The headset has a long life span, produces good sound, and is comfortable to wear. Hence, it is quite popular among gamers and casual users.
Driver Installation
OS Compatibility
Corsair HS50 headset mainly operates with generic audio drivers that come along with the OSs such as Windows, macOS, and Linux. The headset connects through a standard 3.5mm audio jack meaning it is dependent on the operating systems’ built-in drivers to provide the basic audio function.
Windows
For the users of Windows, the HS50 is made to operate effortlessly with the default audio drivers of the Windows operating system. Once connected, the headset should instantly be detected and audio playing should start without any additional software. Windows gives general support to most gaming headsets such as HS50 and consequently ensures basic features like audio output and microphone input.
macOS
macOS users will get the HS50 that works with the default audio drivers provided by the operating system. macOS usually has good support for a variety of peripherals, and the HS50 should be automatically recognized and operational right away upon being connected.
Linux
Also, with Linux systems the HS50 uses the default audio drivers. Linux users may have to adjust their audio settings to ensure the headset gets recognized properly, but no specific drivers will be needed for basic functionality.
Corsair iCUE Software
The HS50 headset does not require any dedicated drivers for basic functioning but Corsair is giving out the application called “iCUE” which allows certain features and customization of their devices as well. On the other hand, it is important to mention that the HS50 can’t fully utilize the iCUE software, as this headset lacks some advanced features found in other Corsair models thus these accessories can’t mingle super well.
Installing iCUE
Download the Software: You need to first visit the Corsair website and move to the iCUE download page. Choose your operating system and download the file for that version.
Run the Installer: Next, open the file that you have just downloaded and then follow the instructions on the screen to install the iCUE software. The installation procedure is an easy one that involves accepting the terms of the agreement and choosing where to install the software.
Install the iCUE software and then start it by clicking on the icon. Sometimes it happens that the software does not detect which devices are connected so that may require restarting the computer first.
Compatibility with HS50
The HS50 lacks the modern features such as customizable RGB lighting or virtual surround sound that other Corsair products possess, therefore iCUE software does not offer much for HS50 but not totally useless. Nonetheless, iCUE will still be a plus for the following:
Firmware Updates: The HS50 itself would not need a firmware update but a connected peripheral might.
Device Management: iCUE pulls together all the Corsair peripheral device management into one interface asking if you own more than one Corsair device.
Audio Quality
Drivers Affecting Sound Quality
The HS50 audio quality is driven by the headphones operating system drivers. Windows, macOS, and Linux typically offer audio drivers that are good enough for most users. The headset with neodymium 50mm drivers presents a balanced sound signature with crisp highs, mellow mids, and light cannon-like bass.
Windows
The audio drivers of Windows support an extensive array of audio formats, offering an all-around good performance for gaming, music, and other media. The sound quality of HS50 is in line with what one would expect from a set of headphones in that price range.
macOS
Under macOS, the HS50 is still supported by the system’s default audio drivers. The users can expect the same audio performance as on Windows, and the difference in sound quality will not be noticeable.
Linux
Linux users possibly have to modify their audio settings in order to get the best sound out of their HF50s. The default drivers will guarantee a satisfactory sound but then again, users may need to adjust settings depending on the bass/treble and volume needed.
Mic Performance
The Corsair HS50 headphone is equipped with a noise-canceling unidirectional mic that can be removed. The quality of the microphone is affected by the connected system’s drivers and software.
Windows
The HS50 microphone works satisfactorily on Windows with the standard drivers. It is clear and natural in voice transmission making it good for both gaming and a conversation. Basic microphone settings are provided by the Windows Sound Control Panel which the user can utilize to change the input volume and quality.
macOS
The HS50 microphone is very effective on macOS when the system’s default drivers are being used. The sound settings on macOS allow the user to control the microphone input levels and also to select the noise suppression option if necessary.
Linux
Mic performance on Linux is not uniform and it depends a lot on the audio configuration and drivers in use. The users may need to tweak the settings of their audio management software to facilitate clear communication.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
One of the issues users might face is the Corsair HS50’s drivers or settings that are not working correctly. However, the headphone’s performance is mostly reliable.
No Audio Output
In the absence of audio output, first, check if the headset is connected to the audio jack properly. Go to your system’s sound settings and make sure HS50 is set as the default playback device. On Windows, you can access this setting through the Sound Control Panel. On macOS and Linux, you would find similar settings in system preferences or sound settings.
Microphone Not Working
In case the microphone is not functioning, make sure to check its connection and if it is not silenced. For Windows users, the microphone settings should be checked in the Control Panel under Sound, and HS50 should be set as the default recording device. For macOS, Sound Preferences should be checked and the input device should be correctly selected. For Linux, the microphone settings may need some configuring by the user.
Low Sound Quality
In case of low sound quality, check first the headset’s position in the audio jack and if it has any physical damage. Then, adjust the audio settings in your OS to your preferred quality. Windows users can start with checking the settings for playback and recording devices. MacOS users should check the sound settings in System Preferences. Linux users may have to change settings in their audio configuration tools.
Comparison to Other Headsets
Corsair HS60 Pro
The Corsair HS60 Pro is an upgraded version to HS50 in terms of features and software integration. The HS60 Pro comes with virtual 7.1 surround sound and is compatible with the Corsair iCUE software, giving you advanced choices for changing your audio and controlling it better.
SteelSeries Arctis 3
The SteelSeries Arctis 3 is the HS50 rival and offers almost the same characteristics as the HS50 when it comes to a comfortable design and sound quality. Besides, the Arctis 3 supports Bluetooth which adds to its versatility. But, it might also possess a more advanced software integration than the HS50.
HyperX Cloud II
The HyperX Cloud II is yet another well-liked headset that is on the market and can be compared with the HS50. It has 7.1 virtual surround sound feature and is known for its superb sound quality and comfortable fitting. The Cloud II also offers software that allows users to customize and control the headset to their preference, which gives it an advantage over the HS50 in terms of features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Comfortable Design: HS50 is made with memory foam ear cushions and an adjustable headband for long-lasting comfort.
Solid Build Quality: The headset is made of tough materials, which ensures long-term reliability.
Balanced Sound: The sound profile of the 50mm neodymium drivers is suitable for gaming and multimedia.
Detachable Microphone: The microphone will provide clear voice communication and will also come with noise-canceling technology.
Easy Setup: The HS50 just works with default drivers, there’s really no hassle when setting it up across different operating systems.
Cons
Limited Software Integration: The HS50 does not take full advantage of Corsair’s iCUE software, which leads to fewer customization options.
No Virtual Surround Sound: The HS50’s lack of virtual surround sound has put it at a disadvantage compared to certain competitors.
No Dedicated Drivers: The headset works by system-default drivers, which may not offer any advanced features or benefit from any optimizations.
Conclusion
The Corsair HS50 is a gaming headset that is full of virtue and provides great comfort, quality of construction, and good sound. Its compatibility with built-in audio drivers on different operating systems makes the headset’s setup very easy, and its performance is in line with the price it comes for.
Though the HS50 lacks cutting-edge software support and virtual surround sound, it is still an excellent choice for gamers and regular users who want good audio quality along with comfort. Its very simple operation and user friendliness make the headset a great part of any gaming setup or multimedia experience.
If users want more advanced functions, Corsair has other models with more software integration and customization possibilities. But, for those who appreciate ease of use and dependability, the Corsair HS50 is a very good option that provides a lovely audio experience with no additional drivers or software required.