Logitech has introduced the Refrain, a $99 audio accent that goals to bolster sound high quality popping out of the Meta Quest 2 VR headset. The attraction of the Refrain, versus utilizing over-ear or in-ear headphones it’s possible you’ll already personal, is that it helps you to stay extra current in actuality with its open-back, off-ear audio system a la Valve Index.

It slides onto both sides of the VR headset (suitable with the inventory strap or Meta’s Elite straps), and the audio system can swivel to search out the suitable positioning on your ears. Their quantity is managed by means of the Quest 2’s quantity rocker. It’s powered by way of the Quest 2’s USB-C port, although it helps USB-C passthrough, so you’ll be able to maintain your headset charged or join different gadgets to it.

Logitech

Logitech claims that the audio system function custom-tuned drivers that are supposed to ship each the “largest moments and the tiniest particulars within the metaverse.” And due to their open-back nature, they gained’t stand in the way in which of letting ambient sound into your ears. There are execs and cons to this method to speaker design. Generally, they supply hotter, extra life-like sound high quality, and the open-back design could possibly be a safer technique to play VR for you. I already talked about the most important draw back: there’s sometimes little or no noise isolation, each for the listener and for individuals who could also be inside earshot. So, these won’t be the very best answer for individuals who need privateness whereas in VR.

Logitech isn’t precisely up towards a lot competitors right here. At $99, this could possibly be a worthwhile improve for individuals who need extra immersion than what the Quest 2’s piddly (but surprisingly succesful) strap-integrated audio system can provide. Although, it’s not the one improve route obtainable for Quest 2 homeowners. In our YouTube video detailing a few of my favorite Quest 2 features, tips, and recommended add-ons, I highlighted that you would, for across the identical worth, seize HTC’s Deluxe Audio strap, which options good-sounding headphones plus a set of strap converters to get a considerably comparable (however much less polished) impact to what the Refrain claims to supply. It’s not likely a lot of a hack, however you would additionally simply plug in any set of wired 3.5mm headphones into the Quest 2.