The first time I put on the Fractal Design Scape, it challenged everything I thought I needed in a wireless headset. It didn’t rely on flashy gimmicks or overwhelming sound signatures to impress—it simply delivered where it mattered.
Fractal Design may be best known for its elegant PC cases and cooling gear, but its first foray into audio is surprisingly mature. The Scape feels more like a polished second or third-generation release than a debut product, offering a thoughtful blend of design, comfort, and audio clarity.
Rather than pushing boundaries for the sake of attention, the Scape offers a calm, confident presence that feels intentional in every way. From its intuitive controls to the magnetic charging dock, it’s a headset that quietly redefines expectations.
Design and Functionality
Fractal Design has opted for a clean, Scandinavian aesthetic with the Scape, available in two understated tones that steer clear of harsh contrasts. Both colourways avoid glossy finishes, resulting in a surface that feels soft to the touch and resistant to fingerprints.
The RGB lighting is tucked discreetly beneath the earcups, giving off a subtle glow that complements the minimalist styling. It’s tasteful enough to blend into a professional environment yet still adds a hint of personality.
Comfort is addressed with plush fabric ear cushions and a padded headband that conforms nicely without excessive pressure. While the fit is firmer than floating band designs, it remains wearable for long sessions without causing discomfort.
Noise isolation relies purely on passive means, but it’s impressively effective. Ambient sounds like air conditioners or background chatter become barely noticeable once audio playback begins.
The included boom mic is both detachable and highly flexible, making it easy to adjust for optimal voice pickup or remove entirely when not in use. Its flip-to-mute functionality is quick and satisfying, and a secondary built-in mic adds convenience when on the go.
Controls are split across both earcups and designed for ease of use without reaching for software. A multifunction dial handles volume and media playback with simple presses and rotations that become second nature quickly.
A physical toggle on the left side allows switching between wireless and Bluetooth modes, while a separate button mutes the mic. On the opposite cup, dedicated buttons let you cycle through EQ presets and lighting effects independently.
The choice to include onboard profile switching means users can avoid software entirely if they wish. While a long-press combo might have streamlined the layout further, the current design offers clear tactile feedback and avoids accidental presses.
One of the most practical inclusions is the wireless charging stand, which doubles as a stylish resting place for the headset when not in use. The cradle keeps the Scape charged without fiddling with cables, and the added USB-C port is perfect for travel needs.
A minor omission is the lack of a 3.5mm input, which limits its use with audio mixers or consoles that rely on analogue connections. Despite that, the focus on wireless flexibility and USB-C functionality makes it a great fit for most setups.
Key Features
The Scape offers a diverse range of connection options, including low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB-C wired support. This flexibility allows the headset to seamlessly transition between gaming, work, and mobile use.
Battery performance is a standout, with over 40 hours of use when RGB is disabled and more than 24 hours with lighting enabled. Quick charging through the dock or USB-C means downtime is kept to a minimum, especially with a 15-minute top-up granting several hours of use.
The onboard audio crown provides streamlined control over playback and volume without needing to fumble through menus. Each press delivers a distinct function, letting you pause, skip, or rewind tracks with ease.
Fractal includes EQ and lighting profile switches directly on the headset, making it possible to customise audio and ambience instantly. You can swap through presets without needing to touch the software, which is ideal for console or mobile users.
The magnetic charging dock is more than a stylish stand—it ensures the headset stays powered without clutter. It holds the headset firmly in place and begins charging the moment the cups are aligned.
Scape is compatible with Windows Dynamic Lighting, offering system-wide synchronisation for those who enjoy cohesive lighting setups. This feature remains optional and disabled by default, keeping things simple for those who prefer a more minimalist aesthetic.
A high-resolution 24-bit/96 kHz audio codec via the dongle delivers rich, clear audio. This level of fidelity is uncommon in wireless headsets and elevates the Scape’s listening experience across games, music, and media.
The microphone array includes both a detachable boom with a wide frequency range and built-in omnidirectional mics. This combination ensures strong performance in structured environments and added convenience when using the headset casually.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
From the first moment sound plays through the Scape, the overall tuning feels measured and deliberate. It avoids extremes, delivering audio that is rich in texture without leaning too heavily into bass or artificial enhancements.
The bass response is deep and well-controlled, offering warmth and presence without muddying other frequencies. Explosions in action games and bass-heavy music tracks carry a satisfying thump that feels full but not overpowering.
Treble is clean and crisp, adding clarity without becoming sharp or fatiguing during long sessions. Subtle high-end effects like the clang of metal or environmental audio cues in games remain distinct and natural.
Midrange frequencies are where the Scape truly excels, bringing vocals and dialogue forward with excellent balance. Whether it’s a podcast or in-game narration, everything remains intelligible and evenly presented.
The soundstage is impressively wide for a closed-back wireless headset, giving a sense of space that enhances immersion. Directional audio cues in competitive titles are easy to track, helping you react quickly to footsteps or gunfire.
Positional accuracy is tight and consistent, especially when paired with spatial sound enhancements. Even without virtual surround features, stereo imaging is strong enough to provide a sense of depth and distance.
When gaming, the Scape maintains its composure across fast-paced scenes and chaotic environments. It doesn’t distort under pressure and handles dynamic range with finesse, making both quiet moments and loud action sequences equally satisfying.
Latency is imperceptible over 2.4 GHz wireless, making the headset ideal for fast-paced genres where timing is crucial. Bluetooth performance is also strong for casual use, although not quite as snappy as the dedicated dongle connection.
The microphone performance exceeded expectations, capturing voice with warmth and clarity. It filters out background noise well, making it a solid option for in-game comms or even work meetings.
While it won’t replace a high-end desktop microphone, the boom mic is clear enough for most use cases. Voice remains consistent across different software platforms, although slight variations can occur depending on post-processing.
Switching to the built-in mic when detached is convenient, though the quality naturally takes a hit. It remains serviceable for quick calls or mobile use, but it’s best suited as a backup rather than a primary option.
The wireless charging dock makes storage and upkeep effortless. Simply placing the headset onto the stand begins the charging process, which becomes second nature after a few uses.
Fractal’s software solution, Adjust Pro, takes a refreshingly streamlined approach compared to more bloated headset applications. Being web-based, it runs directly in supported browsers, making it accessible without requiring a separate installation.
The interface is clean and minimal, divided into just two primary tabs: Audio and Lighting. This simplified layout means even first-time users can navigate and customise their settings without needing a tutorial.
On the Lighting tab, users can choose from ten built-in RGB presets that cover a range of effects and colours. Each lighting mode responds instantly, letting you test out options in real time to find the most appealing or least distracting setup.
The Audio tab offers both granular and simplified EQ controls depending on user preference. You can manually adjust individual frequency bands or fine-tune overall sound using broader categories like bass, mids, and highs.
Any EQ adjustments made apply immediately, which is ideal when testing audio changes during gameplay or music playback. This responsiveness makes it easy to dial in settings that complement different types of content.
Three user profiles can be saved within the software, which is convenient for switching between gaming, music, and movies. Each profile retains its own EQ preferences, so you can quickly match the headset’s performance to your current task.
The software also includes toggles for features like microphone noise cancellation and sidetone, giving you greater control over how your voice is monitored and transmitted. These settings help personalise the headset for communication-heavy activities.
Compatibility with Windows Dynamic Lighting is also supported, allowing the Scape to sync its RGB effects with your broader desktop environment. This adds another layer of integration for those who enjoy cohesive system lighting themes.
Throughout long sessions, comfort holds up impressively well thanks to the breathable fabric and cushioned frame. Whether it’s an extended gaming night or hours of music playback, the Scape remains comfortable and unobtrusive.
Our Recommended Custom EQ Settings
As an added bonus to this review, we’d like to share our recommended EQ settings for the Fractal Design Scape.
In our testing, these adjustments delivered an ideal balance for both music and gaming. The bass became punchier and more impactful while maintaining clarity, the mids gained greater definition, and the highs were subtly elevated to give the headphones a more open sound without introducing listener fatigue. We found this tuning particularly enjoyable across all music genres, especially on tracks with strong bass elements such as rock and hip hop.
When it comes to gaming, these EQ settings truly elevate the listening experience. The bass retains enough depth to add weight to explosions, environmental effects, and atmospheric audio, while avoiding the overpowering muddiness often found in “immersive” presets. Midrange clarity is noticeably improved, allowing in-game dialogue, weapon sounds, and subtle environmental cues to come through with greater precision. The slight boost to the highs adds sparkle and separation, making it easier to pick out directional audio cues such as footsteps or distant gunfire.
This balance creates an immersive and engaging soundstage that enhances both casual and competitive play. In story-driven titles, it adds cinematic richness without overshadowing key details, while in fast-paced competitive shooters, it supports precise positional awareness for a tactical edge. Whether you’re exploring open-world environments, enjoying a narrative-driven single-player experience, or pushing for top-tier performance in online matches, these EQ settings help deliver a consistently clear and impactful audio experience.
EQ Setup: You can easily apply these EQ settings using the Fractal Design software by pasting the following EQ code:
AQUBzcxMP5qZeT/jAQAAAAAAMzOTQAAAAD/6BAAAAAAAMzPzPzMzMz8eAAAAAAAAzcxMQDMzMz8+AAAAAAAAZmbGQAAAAD/fLAAAAABp
Conclusion
Fractal Design’s first attempt at a wireless headset delivers an experience that feels anything but entry-level. The Scape is thoughtfully engineered, with a balance of refined sound, smart usability, and premium comfort that exceeds expectations.
Its clean design and strong performance make it equally suitable for gaming, casual listening, or professional calls. Every element, from the magnetic charging dock to the onboard controls, contributes to a product that feels mature and versatile.
The software enhances the experience without becoming a burden, offering just the right amount of customisation. With reliable wireless connectivity and strong microphone quality, the Fractal Design Scape proves itself as more than just a good-looking accessory.
Fractal has entered the audio space with quiet confidence, offering a headset that is as capable as it is considered. It’s a polished release that sets a solid foundation for the brand’s future in audio gear.
