Simple, cheap gadgets have their place. The BoomPro is an excellent idea, executed almost flawlessly. You get a microphone, volume controls, volume controls, and an mute switch with just one cable. This cable can be used to replace the 3.5mm audio cables that you would normally use with your wireless headphones. It instantly transforms them into a better communication tool.
V-Modas BoomPro microphone has been my favorite way to chat with others while playing games for years. I also used the $35 accessory during the pandemic to enhance the audio quality of my conference calls, when I didn't want to use my Rode microphone at my desk.
V-Moda has announced a new version of this idea, the BoomPro X, which costs $45 and features a modified design, a revamped microphone, and more streamlined controls. It is essentially the same product. It can be plugged in while you are playing multiplayer or participating in a Zoom meeting. After that, just unplug the cable and continue using your headphones as normal. Antlions ModMic products have a similar concept but use a magnetic attachment.
Review of V-Moda BoomProX Verge Score 8 from 10 Good Stuff Works
Good mic quality for the job. Bad stuff No volume dial
The cord is shorter than ever before but an extension cable is available for $44.99 at V-Moda
The BoomPro X's versatility is the best thing about it. Any headphones that you have can be instantly converted into a gaming headset or conference call headset. V-Moda will allow you to use the headphones with company headphones, but it can also be used with other headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Microsoft Surface Headphones. You're good to go if you have headphones with a 3.5mm cable.
Some headsets, such as those made by Bose, use a smaller 2.5mm jack. However, even then, a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter can be used to get the BoomPro X working. You can also use USB-C adapters. You will often get better sound quality using headphones that you already like than if you buy a gaming headset.
V-Moda has made a lot of changes to the original BoomPro. The biggest difference is in the microphone used. To reduce background noise, V-Moda now uses a cardioid unidirectional microphone that picks up sound from anywhere it points. BoomPro's older model had an omnidirectional microphone, which allowed for more ambient sound. Your voice will be more isolated during work calls and in the middle of hectic Call of Duty: Warzone matches. My recordings have been much clearer since I got the new mic.
The BoomPro X is not going to be able to match professional microphones or a podcasting setup in terms of mic quality. It tends to prefer lower frequencies and lacks crispness. It is clear and will give you better results than what you would normally get with the mics built into wireless headphones. Boom arms make a huge difference in clarity and eliminate any noise from your laptop's microphones during work meetings. My tests on the PS5 and Xbox Series X showed that my voice was clear and loud without any audio hiss or distractions.
Redesigned and reduced in size, the onboard controls were also redesigned. The controls now look closer to the inline controls of many headphone cables and the housing is lighter and thinner. V-Moda used to include a clip that could be attached to the plastic on your clothing, but this is gone.
The controls have been updated as well. V-Moda has switched from a dial to adjust the volume of headphones to a slider. Although it does the job, I found the dial to be more natural. The other side has a mute button, which works exactly like you would expect. The buttons are similar, so it is difficult to tell the difference by touch. This is why I prefer the old volume knob. V-Moda didn't have much choice, considering the smaller controls.
BoomProX cables are shorter than the original. However, you will get an extension cable in the box if you require more length between your headphones and your device. Both the extension and standard cables are 1 meter long. This is a great idea, as you don't always need a lot of cord when plugging in to a nearby laptop or game controller. A Y-adapter is also included. V-Moda has added five tiny mic covers to the BoomPro X. This is a new feature. V-Moda is well-known for customizing ear cups shields and making them personal, but these mic covers are much more subtle.
The BoomPro has been a great product and I have carried it around in my headphones bag for a while. Now, the BoomPro X is even better thanks to its improved unidirectional microphone. It's worth the extra $10 and I get a simple gadget which makes me sound better while gaming or working at home, all with the headphones that I already have.
Photography by Chris Welch/The Verge
