Razer Nommo V2 Pro review – 2.1 speakers with a laser focus on gaming

The company’s latest flagship 2.1 PC speaker set boasts an array of premium features, including a wireless subwoofer, remote control, Bluetooth connectivity, and vibrant RGB lighting. This high-fidelity audio solution promises exceptional sound quality, with deep bass reproduction that immerses listeners in the music experience.

While the Razer audio systems possess sufficient merits to warrant inclusion in our top PC speaker rankings as a premium 2.1 speaker option, certain reservations must be acknowledged as well.

Specs

Options

The Razer Nommo V2 Professional offers a compelling combination of features, boasting a generous array of additional capabilities alongside its essential physical attributes. You exclusively receive Bluetooth and USB connectivity options, without analog or legacy digital input alternatives. While some PC users may find this sufficient, we believe it’s essential to have a backup plan and always prefer the option to switch back to an analog input when needed.

Bodily controls are additionally restricted. There are no adjustment controls for either the audio system or subwoofer, including bass, treble, volume, power, or input selectors. The Nommo V2 Professional relies on its central hub, a wireless control pod, to orchestrate and integrate each component seamlessly. The remote control is used to toggle the audio system’s power on or off, adjust volume levels, mute or unmute sound, start or pause playback, and switch between different input sources. With its built-in Wi-Fi subwoofer, the Nommo V2 Professional requires no more than plugging into a power source to get started seamlessly.

RGB-laden desktop audio systems boast translucent plastic domes that diffuse light, casting a warm glow across the desk and surrounding walls. Each satellite speaker features a single 3.2-inch driver, while the subwoofer is equipped with a 5.5-inch down-firing driver and a rear-facing bass port.

The package includes a 2-meter (6.5-foot) energy cable that utilizes a wall-wart energy adapter featuring interchangeable regional plug configurations for global compatibility. The correct functioning of the right speaker is ensured by powering the proper speaker, which in turn powers the left speaker via the connecting cable. In the interim, the sub-unit will receive an option between two 2-meter region-specific energy cords, accompanied by the rest of the package’s contents, which include a 2-meter USB-C to USB-A cable, a wireless management pod, and two AAA batteries to power the latter.

Design

Razer’s Nommo V2 Professional maintains the sleek aesthetic of its predecessor, featuring cylindrical speakers perched atop slender stems, blending form and function in a compact package that caters to home office audiophiles seeking an immersive listening experience. Despite this, the stalks are significantly shorter than before, with the audio system tilted upward. This subtle adjustment yields a slightly less captivating design, but ultimately results in a more practical layout for desktop configurations.

The aesthetic appeal of the audio system will undoubtedly spark debate. While some may prefer the sleek designs of options like the Audio Engine A1 or A2+, or the Edifier S350DB, ultimately the decision comes down to individual preference. While the subwoofer’s sleek design may resemble a generic black dice at first glance, its intended placement beneath one’s desk makes this unassuming appearance somewhat beneficial.

Despite this, the build quality of these speakers could potentially be better. While the speakers aren’t necessarily flawed in their compilation, they lack a premium quality that’s expected from a $450 product, leaving room for improvement. The desktop audio systems are largely constructed from plastic, yet despite their substantial weight, this heaviness stems more from the driving force’s magnet than any notable heft to the speaker cabinet.

You’re limited to a single dedicated driver per speaker, an unexpected constraint for a premium product of its caliber? For that price, we’d expect a tweeter and prominent driver array powering a robust audio system.

The mediocre sound persists even in the subwoofer as well? Compared to the subwoofer in the Edifier S350DB, for instance, the device is remarkably lightweight, showcasing a lack of sophistication in its design. The MDF field’s plainness is somewhat mitigated by its vinyl-covered cowl, but the sharply defined edges and corners may pose a hazard to toes and shins tucked away beneath one’s desk. The down-firing driver proves to be a more effective design solution for under-desk placement compared to the Edifier S350DB’s front-firing subwoofer, in that regard.

This premium feeling Wi-Fi router has a long reach. Its primary component is crafted from aluminum, featuring a textured, knurled edge and a distinctive brushed swirl pattern on top. While it may benefit from being slightly heavier to prevent movement, the current weight distribution can make adjustments challenging due to the stiff quantity adjustment mechanism, which only requires a small amount of effort to shift the entire unit; overall, the device still exudes a pleasant premium feel.

The RGB lighting on the back of the desktop audio system creates a subtly ambient glow that can be appreciated even in a well-lit room, yet still packs a punch when needed. You can indeed adjust the brightness to your liking. You gain four “swift” outcomes, comprising a spectrum cycle, respiratory, audio meter, and static. To access additional customization options for other results, you’ll need to set up Razer’s dedicated Chroma Studio module separately.

Software program

While the Nommo V2 Professional integrates seamlessly with our software program, users should be aware that they will forfeit certain options and need to adjust a few settings from their default values. Configure your Razer gaming peripherals using Razer Synapse, gaining access to four primary sections: Audio Settings.

The primary part governs sound options, featuring adjustments for volume modification, subwoofer level, and seamless switching between PC and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to customize app/game-specific audio settings through automated detection of popular video games and apps, and toggling between standard stereo and THX Spatial Audio modes.

The next tab is dedicated to the EQ component, allowing you to choose from four pre-set options: flat/default, recreation, film, and music – or create your own custom EQ settings. The software program accurately tracks and records the duration of use for each of the 10 frequency bands within its equalization tool. The 31Hz frequency band is renowned for producing sub-bass frequencies, while the range of 63Hz to 250Hz generates bass notes, with 4kHz typically associated with higher midrange frequencies.

Meanwhile, the lighting section enables you to adjust the brightness of the RGB lighting, toggle it on or off, set a default that causes the lighting to turn off when your show ends, and customize the RGB effects directly here.

Here’s how the Energy settings enable you to decide when the audio system automatically turns off after a period of inactivity – choose from 15, 30, or 45 minutes – or keep it running continuously. It frustrated me when my devices would shut down, requiring a lengthy delay before they turned back on; the process also disrupted my entire audio setup, forcing me to reconfigure everything each time. To avoid this inconvenience, I made it a habit to keep them active at all times.

Efficiency and sound high quality

Upon receiving the Nommo V2 Professional, my initial perception was that its sound quality was subpar. The bass seemed overly emphasized outside the vehicle, suggesting the subwoofer was pumping out an unnatural amount of low-end frequency. It would have been beneficial to adjust the audio settings back to their factory defaults to determine whether the Sport EQ mode was indeed the culprit. Despite this, the audio’s impact was strikingly uneven, featuring jarringly pounding bass and woefully underemphasized midrange and treble frequencies.

Although diminishing the sub degree to 2 or 3 out of 7 levels ensures a balanced sound, selecting the flat default EQ setting further eliminates any thin-sounding resonance from the spectrum. This underscores the importance of installing software that allows you to experiment with these settings.

After experimenting with the Sport EQ setting once more, I discovered that it yields a disappointing overall equalization, stripping away virtually all bass presence unless you boost the subwoofer level to its maximum setting of 7 out of 7. While it amplifies mid-range notes, it simultaneously diminishes the highest frequencies, resulting in an overtly nasal tone. This lack of versatility makes it a one-trick pony, suitable only for enthusiasts who crave nothing but high-octane gaming experiences.

While the gaming experience is enhanced by the clear distinction between subtle sounds, the lack of low-end resonance and the treble’s gradual fadeout can render some important in-game signals more noticeable than others. Sounds fade away, replaced by clarity.

While this equalizer may suffice in competitive contexts where technicality is paramount, its overall tone falls short in casual, recreational applications, making it less than ideal for non-competitive pursuits. Regardless of the circumstances, we strongly recommend opting for a headset instead.

Meanwhile, the Film mode dramatically transforms the audio spectrum by amplifying the low-end bass notes with a bold leap, subtly compressing the midrange frequencies for a more balanced tone, and elevating the high-frequency treble to deliver a vividly detailed listening experience. This editing mode amplifies the intense audio effects of explosions in film, yet its limited mid-range capabilities may lead to dialogue being awkwardly placed amidst the chaos.

The Music EQ combines elements from its predecessors, boosting both low-end bass and treble frequencies while subtly increasing mid-range clarity. While positive, this EQ preset proves highly effective for general music listening, it nonetheless falls short in certain genres, particularly classical, acoustic, and rock music, where a more nuanced approach is required. While we might prefer sticking with the default flat EQ or making minor adjustments for a more personalized sound, the presets feel overly aggressive and in need of refinement for optimal music enjoyment.

To fully harness the potential of these high-quality audio systems, a certain level of effort and optimization are necessary in order to unlock their full capabilities. While these speakers may excel in music listening, they don’t necessarily boast a cutting-edge sonic profile. The Edifier S350DB boasts a consistently refined overall sound quality for a 2.1 setup.

For those seeking sheer volume and low-end punch, the Nommo V2 Professional proves to be a reliable choice. Given that these speakers are valued at $450, we’re being discerning in our selection. They expect a top-notch performance from this high-caliber general, seeking an outcome that justifies the premium cost.

Despite appearances, it’s when we unlock the audio system’s hidden power that they truly spring into action. Enabling THX Spatial Audio unlocks an immersive experience, harmoniously aligning with the cinematic nuances of movies and the dynamic realism of gaming. As the soundstage unfurls, an expansive atmosphere emerges, distinct from the Film EQ preset, where cinematic dialogue is expertly balanced without being overwhelmed by sonic depth. Everything appears to sound more expansive, rich, and surprisingly focused as well.

While an aggressive gaming setup often benefits from a dedicated headset, it’s interesting to note that the spatial sound technology can seamlessly transition into a more immersive experience, allowing gamers to momentarily disconnect from their headsets and fully engage with the atmospheric sounds of the game. While it can’t rival genuine surround sound systems, its directionality for sound cues directly in front of you is impressively precise. Despite reservations about Spatial Audio’s suitability for music, it’s essential to toggle it on only when needed.

With its ability to seamlessly switch between sound profiles tailored to specific games or applications, Razer’s software revolutionizes the gaming experience by delivering unparalleled audio versatility. Without you lifting a finger, your setup seamlessly transitions between games: Spotify and browser utilizing standard stereo with a flat EQ, Valorant or Apex Legends employing the Sports EQ with THX Spatial Audio, while Elden Ring switches to a flat EQ, retaining THX Spatial Audio engaged.

Value

The Razer Nommo V2 Professional carries a price tag of $450, posing a challenge in justifying its value to consumers given its raw performance and construction quality.

By substituting, you’re essentially purchasing three core options: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Remote, and THX Spatial Audio capabilities. For those undeterred by the minor inconvenience of extra wiring, the Non-Pro Professional Nommo V2 offers greater value at its $250 price point, given its comparable performance capabilities without cooking.

Verdict

The Razer Nommo V2 Professional is a gaming-centric audio system that capitalizes on its exceptional performance in this realm, with the effectiveness of its features hinging on their utility for gamers. While not a comprehensive surround sound experience, this format is a significant improvement over traditional stereo and well-suited for those with limited space constraints?

While the addition of Bluetooth may enhance the overall listening experience by allowing users to stream music from their cellphones via the car’s audio system, it’s worth noting that this feature is mutually exclusive with connecting a Bluetooth device to the PC simultaneously.

The opposites to extras include the Wi-Fi subwoofer and Wi-Fi remote management, offering some flexibility in your setup but not necessarily essential features. For a similar substitute, consider saving around $200, which is the price difference from the Nommo V2 non-Pro model’s MSRP. These devices lack Wi-Fi distance and subwoofer, but they perform similarly and feature THX audio as well.

The Nommo V2 Professional audio system boasts exceptional sound quality, delivering a profound low-end response that can be amplified for a truly immersive experience. While capable of flipping through a range of musical genres, these devices excel in scoring film and gaming projects, yet may not deliver the most nuanced audio quality for certain styles of music?

Total satisfaction awaits with the Razer Nommo V2 Professional, offering exceptional sound quality and a compact footprint when paired with a subwoofer on the floor – all accessible via seamless Wi-Fi connectivity. Typically priced between $350-$400, this premium gaming speaker provides impressive value at its standard rate, although the wired Nommo V2 remains the better deal for those seeking optimal performance.

Options

Razer Nommo V2

Unlock the sonic splendor and vivid visuals of the Nommo V2 Professional at a remarkably reduced price – effectively halving the cost while still delivering exceptional audio efficiency and captivating RGB effects. The sole drawback is the transition from Wi-Fi connectivity to a wired connection for the subwoofer, accompanied by the switch to on-speaker controls instead of a wireless remote.

Edifier S350DB

With its exceptional overall performance and abundance of connectivity options, the Edifier S350DB stands out as an outstanding choice for those seeking to upgrade their audio experience. These sleek audio systems also come with a wireless remote control, all for just $400? You might overlook RGB lighting, immersive digital surround sound, and game-specific profiles designed specifically for gaming, though these features are more geared towards everyday use rather than the pinnacle of gaming audio experience.