Quite often, it is the small company that innovates the most, because they have the motivation and desire to address a small segment of consumers with their greatest needs. Fantech World is a brand from Indonesia established in 2009 selling gaming peripherals. They have retail stores and distributes products to over 80 countries, and I only got to hear of them when then reached out to me to request for me to review their new wireless gaming headset. Official retail price is USD 58.80 available from their online store.
The Orbita WHG07 is their seventh generation of the WHG-series headsets, and is one of the most advanced headsets made by Fantech. Here’s what the WHG07 features:
- Quad Mode Connection. The headset can connect via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5mm.
- 53mm drivers
- 170 hours battery life
- Software that supports EQ, 7.1 Surround, Voice Changing, and more
Design
The headband is wrapped with soft vegan leather with bold stitches. The ear cushions are soft, the clamping force is low, making the fit comfortable but doesn’t hold to my ears tight. Head movements would affect the seal and swing the bass response slightly. The yoke is metal while the earcups are plastic.
Headsets that support multiple connection methods are not common, although there are a few big names that make them, like ASUS ROG Delta II. What’s surprising is how Fantech implements them. The benefit of the 2.4GHz wireless mode is low latency, and this definitely beats the Classic Bluetooth mode. I really like the design of the USB receiver, which is actually made up of 2 parts. As a whole, it is a USB Type-A dongle, but you can detach the smaller dongle to reveal the L-shaped USB-C mini-receiver which flushes against the laptop. Finally, a wireless dongle that does not protrude out of the port!
To access additional audio enhancement features of the WHG07, install the Orbita 7.1 software. When installing, the dongle-receiver must be connected so that the software can detect and complete the installation. This software will auto-detect the presence of the receiver and then enables for use.
Audio Quality
As you can see, the software allows you to adjust volume, EQ, enable 7.1 Surround, improve treble, adjust bass, and finally, save the profile. In pure mode with all features disabled, the Orbita is tuned towards the bright and clear sounding signature. The midrange provides forward presence but slightly boxy and little warmth. The treble has potential to display brilliance, while the bass is relatively tame, lacks satisfying rumble.
After trying out all the enhancements, I found that I can make the sound more enjoyable by tuning it towards the popular V-shaped sound, improving the bass impact, pushing the treble up to balance the lows, and keeping the midrange less boxy. The “Xear Surround” mode comes with three 7.1 effect that casually makes the sound more spatial and immersive.
Unfortunately, this profile remains on the software and not uploaded to the headset, which means other connection modes (Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm) plays in the “pure” setting.
To toggle from 2.4GHz mode to Bluetooth mode, just double-click the “G” button on the left headset. Orbita only support SBC and AAC codecs, and while I did not detect any distortion that affects my casual listening, it is certainly the lowest-quality connection mode among the four. The USB audio mode delivers audio that is more precise and transparent, demonstrating the good-quality DAC. It also sounds less compressed than the wireless modes.
The 3.5mm connection mode surprises me. Once I connect the USB-to-3.5mm TRRS cable, the headset automatically powers down while still piping audio to the drivers. The volume wheel works and so is the microphone. The Orbita works passively without any battery power through the USB connectivity. Fantech has done some impressive engineering work. The quality of this sound would depend on your audio player, but I find it exposes the treble quality of the external DAC. And while you are at that, you might want to EQ it to get more bass out of the headset.
Microphone Quality
The detachable microphone is a good solution for gamers as it allows the pickup to get as close to the mouth as possible, while non-users can simply remove it altogether. The tip lights up when the mic is not muted. The mic is sufficiently clear with body and warmth but no studio-quality sparkle at the top-end. The background noise removal is not aggressive but the mic is not sensitive in picking up ambient noise.
Through the app, you can enable noise reduction or alter your voice with amateur results that is not convincing to be taken seriously.
Verdict
I am often very skeptical with lesser-known audio brands selling products at low prices, and I really hate to receive poor quality products because it becomes very hard for me to find anything good to write. The Orbita WHG07 turns out to be a surprisingly good value product. What I really like is the quad mode connection supporting low-latency 2.4GHz wireless audio, lossless digital USB audio, and more impressively the passive 3.5mm audio + mic running on USB connector. It even comes with a companion Windows software with audio enhancements like EQ, surround effects, magic voice. The sound quality is quite good at the treble but sadly feeble at the bass, which certainly alienates a large segment of young consumers who needed bass in their music.
For non-gamers, the Orbita WHG07 works extremely well for telecommuting. I use it for work calls, online meetings, where I can conveniently switch connection from my laptop (2.4Hz) to my smartphone (Bluetooth).
The Fantech Orbita WHG07 retails at USD 58.80 from their online store.
