We tested the Heavys audio headphones, designed for metal fans

Video games

You will finally be able to listen Raining Blood of Slayer in the best conditions with the Heavys H1H, headphones designed for lovers of heavy music.

Midgard / jvmag

Discovered by chance while browsing the Internet, the Heavys brand offers headphones designed for fans of extreme music like metal. Being a fan of the genre, I hastened to contact the brand in order to be able to test this extraordinary product.

If you are more looking for a classic helmet:

Originally, This is a Kickstarter project developed by Axell Grell, a sound engineer who worked for 27 years at Sennheiser; the father of the “HD” range. Indeed, the helmet, in addition to being made for metal, includes two speakers per ear, this is to offer a “live” experience through the positioning of the second speaker.

The aim of production is to make you heard all the details of a song thanks to its tailor-made design, but does the Heavys H1H helmet keep all its promises? This is what we are going to see together.

Packaging

Delivered in a black box without embellishment, the headset is solidly protected in a very attractive carrying case, leather finish. Once opened, the case contains the headset, a USB-C cable as well as a 2.5mm – 3.5mm jack cable. The only thing perhaps missing is a little getting started instructions for novices. Fortunately, a QR code on a flyer provides access to the online manual.

Clarification; The Heavys that was sent to me is the “basic” version of the headset. The brand is in partnership with several metal groups and it is possible to acquire “shells” bearing their image. To simplify, these are interchangeable shells which allow you to decorate your helmet as you wish. It’s just aesthetic.

Among the groups available, we find in particular:

This is only an exhaustive list and I think the idea is really a good one, especially if we want to show our affection for a particular group. You can find the different “shells” here.

First start-up

During my first use, I was surprised to hear a demonic voice coming from the headset; we are indeed facing an object designed for metal fans. Once Bluetooth mode is engaged, my phone instantly recognizes the headset without causing the slightest problem. As for the wired connection, it is the same when plugging it into my computer.

To summarize, the first use of the headset is simple as possible and it won’t take more than 30 seconds to enjoy it.

Comfort and use

Despite the weight in my hand which may be surprising, I expected to have a brick on my head. Yes the helmet is heavy, but not to the point of becoming restrictive. Once positioned correctly, the Heavys stays in place, covers the ears correctly and is quite comfortable.

The only problem that tarnishes this picture is the imitation leather on the cushions. If you quickly get hot in front of a screen or while walking, this is not necessarily the most appropriate material.

Now let’s come to the use of the headset. While listening, four buttons will interest us. Located under the right speaker, a wheel and two buttons will be used to manage the volume, change tracks and activate transparent mode. The left speaker allows you to manage ANC (Anti Noise Canceling).

The position of the buttons may be confusing at first, but it’s just a habit to get used to. And I would like to point out that this is the first time that I have used a complete wireless Bluetooth headset… Yes, I am still from the wired generation.

When it comes to battery life, I have no complaints. I simply did not recharge the headset during my entire tests. A very good point.

Sound performance

When I received the Heavys H1H, I was eager to test it as quickly as possible. It was still coffee time and I wasn’t fully awake yet, but that was going to change (very quickly). Once the headset is paired with my phone and Spotify launched, I decide to start slowly with Master of Puppets by Metallica. And that’s the slap in the face.

The sound is powerful, the music is teeming with small, subtle details which I have never paid attention to before. All the instruments are present and the balancing allows them to be heard clearly. I then move on to Through the Fire and Flames from Dragonforce. A more recent piece obliges, the mixing is more straightforward, but not devoid of interest either. The rhythm of the song is very fast, I am surprised to be able to hear the guitars and bass that accompany them very easily. Once the sound is pushed to the maximum, I find it impressive not to hear any crackling. Teverything is crisp and it’s a pure treat for the ears. To finish, Painkiller by Judas Priest and his legendary guitar solo… I simply got chills.

Globally, the headset maintains a perfect balance between treble, midrange and bass. I did not feel monopolization of one or more frequencies, but rather a harmony that allows you to really feel the music and provoke real emotions. As for the promised “live” effect, it is quite slight, but with the application arriving, a simple update should be able to correct the situation.

Besides the fact that metal is the style suited to headphones, softer pieces like I Want It All by Queen or even hardstyle or techno electronic music also perform brilliantly.

Even if the Heavys is recommended for listening to extreme music, its use goes well beyond. It will be perfect for watching videos on YouTube, streaming movies and even playing video games. It’s this last point that struck me, because the spatialization is quite impressive even though it’s not a gaming headset.

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Isolation and communication

For the moment, the Heavys helmet is doing wonderfully, but what is the insulation worth?

Once securely attached to the head and the ANC engaged, I found almost no noise that could have bothered me. Just to give you an idea, the only time I could hear outside noises, it was on the side of the road, during a period of heavy traffic. And again, I could barely make out the noise of the cars.

Another downside to note: the helmet really allows you to put yourself in a bubble, but it will be the opposite for the people around you. In fact, the Heavys isolates you completely, but you will let everyone around you benefit from your musical tastes. This is not dramatic, because many helmets have the same defect.

Finally, the headset also has five microphones and “noise canceling” so you can answer phone calls. It’s not a major asset, but the sound quality is quite respectable for a device of this type.

Hearing protection

Last point to emphasize and which is important: according to the Kickstarter page of the helmet, uEmbedded technology increases sound without damaging hearing. Based on patent-pending psychoacoustic acoustic technology, it broadcasts frequencies at precise volumes to give a sensation of high volume without risking hearing damage. A difficult point to prove even if I never felt a sensation of tinnitus during all of my tests.

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Conclusion

After many hours in the company of the Heavys H1H, I completely agree with its original concept. The sound is clear, clean, powerful and will make you rediscover certain emblematic pieces of the metal scene.

Even though its main selling point is aimed at metalheads, the headset is ultra versatile and may be suitable for uses other than music. On top of that, the battery life is exemplary even with the sound cranked to maximum.

You can find the Heavys H1H for around 240.- CHF on Heavys.com

Helmet sent by Heavys, unsponsored item.