- Dimensional, True-to-Life Sound
True Majestic Augmented Gaming Environment Sound System (MAGESS) technology with 4-channel surround speakers. - Wearable Speaker System
A Lightweight, Wearable Speaker System for Gaming with Built-In High-Performance Echo Cancelling Microphone. - Breakthrough Immersive Audio
Breakthrough Immersive Audio Experience Designed by Gamers for Gamers. Developed in partnership with the Final Fantasy XIV Online sound team. - 6 Dedicated Sound Modes for Games, Movies, Music and More
Three Gaming Modes (RPG, FPS, or Voice Mode) optimize audio for intensity and realism across every gaming genre, plus Music, Cinema, and Stereo modes. - Ergonomic Comfort for Extended Gameplay
Designed to wear on your shoulders with optimal speaker placement, so you can enjoy gameplay for long periods of time without squeezing your ears. - Noise and Echo-Cancelling
The GN01 is equipped with a high-performance noise and echo cancelling dual microphone. This allows you to chat clearly. - 9.8 foot Extra-long USB Cable
Enjoy responsive, lag-free gaming—an extra-long USB cable transmits sound signals without delay. - Compatibility
Included USB Cable for PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch (TV), Included Audio Cable for Xbox One – Series S/X, Nintendo Switch in Handheld and Tabletop mode.
-41%
Panasonic – SoundSlayer Wearable Gaming Speaker Wired 4 Channel Surround Sound – Charcoal
$89.00 Save:$60.00(41%)
Available in stock
Description
Additional information
| Weight | 1.32 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 8.25 × 9.5 × 1.813 in |
| Color Category | Gray |
| Product Depth | 8.25 inches |
| Microphone Features | Noise- and Echo-Cancelling |
| Wireless | No |
| Built-In Microphone | Yes |
| Product Width | 9.5 inches |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor | 1 Year Limited |
| Compatibility | Universal |
| Product Name | SoundSlayer Wearable Gaming Speaker Wired 4 Channel Surround Sound |
| Product Weight | 1.32 pounds |
| Auxiliary Input | Yes |
| Control Button(s) | Microphone |
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Product Height | 1.813 inches |
| Color | Charcoal |
| High Resolution Audio | Yes |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 1 Year Limited |
| Model Number | SCGN01PP |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| UPC | 885170382503 |
Reviews (33)
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Screamo42 –
Very lightweight and comfortable, audio quality is very good.
Took a little tweaking with mic levels and sensitivity to get it how I wanted, but you can play on full volume and the mic will still only pick up your voice when talking in Discord.
Was looking for a good alternative to wearing headphones, and I’m very satisfied with the quality of these.
Buttons along the side of the headset are out of the way, but easy to press if needed, and it audibly narrates what setting you have selected when cycling through them.
Cable is long, braided, but pretty light weight.
I’ve only tested on USB 3.0, so I can’t speak for the quality using any other ports.
RalphHenry –
Oh yes, these are super comfortable. No heating up of my ears like headphones and not any discomfort from earbuds because they go right on your shoulders. The unit is light and actually provides added sense in that you can feel the vibration as well as hear the sound.
If you are looking to create an environment where you isolate the sound to just yourself, of course, this is not the correct unit. But if you have the freedom to use these phones where you can relax and let the sound surround you, then this is a very unique and wonderful way to listen to music or gaming. The real boom comes from gaming though. When gaming you really feel the zaps and booms and crashes. Very realistic step up for gaming I thought.
There are two mic’s, noise cancellation and echo cancellation. The 4 channel sound is aimed at your head for lack of a better description – tip of the cap to the design engineers for that as it is fantastic. You can mute the sound and the mic naturally. You can hear outside sounds but I didn’t find a nearby TV a distraction because you are focused on the game or your own music.
There are six sound modes (a button will cycle through them). Including 3 game modes for role playing, shooter and voice enhancement. But don’t sell short the music modes of normal and cinema. Very nice sound programming, another tip of the cap to the engineers. This unit is amazing.
The unit itself is rugged, solid and stylish but the most important aspects are the functional ones I mentioned. I do highly recommend this product.
Janine –
My first impression was, wow … this is gonna be cool.
But compared to a similar device that I own, the build quality of this Panasonic SoundSlayer Wearable Gaming Speaker, just didn’t measure up. Yet, the price is considerably less. Not that the SoundSlayer feels or looks “cheap.” On the contrary, it’s pretty much what I would have expected from a Panasonic product; a brand that’s been around for a good long while, and had its heyday with regards to electronics, some time ago. Other brands have taken their place and surpassed them in the meantime.
Now the good news is that you really can hear the Surround Sound audio aspect of this wearable speaker. I do think that hearing the sound right there flowing up and around my head and shoulders, and into my ears, does act to immerse me more within the audio – music, dialogue, ambient noises, etc. – coming from the games I’m playing. However, the depth of sound just isn’t there. The audio is clear, just not full and rich like I’ve experienced from headsets you wear directly on your head/ears.
This SoundSlayer wearable speaker is light enough to be worn for extended gaming sessions, without becoming uncomfortable. Worth noting though, is that the extra long thick and flexible woven cord, might get in the way for those used to wireless accessories.
The included basic owner’s manual is quite extensive and detailed, explaining all you’ll need to know about setting up the speaker on different devices and what the controls do. Control buttons on the speaker itself were positioned well, to be easy to reach.
Connecting the wearable speaker to my laptop, PS4, and Nintendo Switch was simple. But for some reason, it really bothered me having to use both cords – the headphone jack adapter cable to plug into my Nintendo Switch and also the extra-long USB cable to plug into a wall power socket, as the SoundSlayer isn’t rechargable and needs to be plugged into your gaming device (PC, console) to draw power from. But with the Switch it’s different.
Overall, this Panasonic SoundSlayer Wearable Gaming Speaker IS a good product, and I feel confident recommending it to any gamer.
TechReviews –
The Panasonic Sound Slayer is a new type audio product to me. I wasn’t sure what to expect but am really glad I ordered it. I take pride in reviews and typically liked to use a product for an extended period of time to find bugs or quirks, but this has me excited I’m writing it on first usage.
Initially i thought the attached USB cable was for PC or Mac input, and the aux 3.5mm cable was instead for Console gaming. I left USB unplugged and attached the Sound Slayer to Xbox controller and got nothing.
Quick peek at the box graphics and I realized the USB was for power. My Xbox sits across the room so I feared I’d not be able to test on my preferred console, but for giggles I tried connecting USB to iPhone charger next to me and low-and-behold sound came alive, albeit initially weird psychoacoustic phenomena bc sound is being projected to your ears at an angle we’re not naturally used to.
The surround is surprisingly so realistic that I had to lean over to bipolar dipole side surround speaker to make sure it wasn’t outputting any audio. The engine audio, crowd cheers, and crash sounds in Forza Horizon 5 are realistic to begin with, but the Radio Eterna classical station is scattering instrument sounds all around me, while the occasional dog barks, bird sounds and rumbling thunderstorm effects really add more realism than a 7.2.4 Atmos setup.
Controls are minimal, mute buttons on each side, The Left has a “Sound” button which cycles between genres including RPG, FPS, Voice, Music, Cinema, and Stereo. The Right volume up and down. Simple to use.
I feel this product has a very good chance at becoming popular and becomes the preferred audio for gaming, as well as other uses such as late night tv watching, etc.
Best part is my wife can still work without the full sound system engaged, and without me having to game with obtrusive and hot headphones on my head. This sits right on your shoulder around your neck. If not for the wires I’d forget I’m wearing it.
Pros
+ no headphone ear sweat
+ no headphone discomfort
+ no LI-Ion battery to wear out
+ comfortable, you forget they’re on
+ surprisingly strong surround sound effects
+ very little noise output to the rest of the house
+ noise and echo cancelling dual HQ microphones
Cons
-unlikely to be used for audiophile quality
-requires USB for power
-dangly cords look messy
-light bass, distorts at high volumes
-only wireless could make them better
Conclusion
I wasn’t sure what to expect from these, but after a couple laps in Xbox Forza Horizon 5 I’m hooked.
Recommended solid buy
Wishkid –
The Panasonic SC-GN01PP is a cool product. This product immediately got my attention due to it’s design. It is very nicely built and when you wear it does not weigh much. You can actually use it for a long period of time without getting any discomfort. I used these speakers while playing a PlayStation 5. I noticed that the sound was a bit low. I raised the volume to the max on the speakers and I still felt that the audio was low. I decided to check the PlayStation settings and discovered that the volume settings for headphones were low. I finally raised the volume and noticed a difference. I continued playing and enjoyed that I was able to play without disturbing the people around me doing other things.
I actually enjoyed using this product however the biggest disappointment for me was that it was wired. I am surprised that Panasonic did not make this wireless with rechargeable batteries. It would have been perfect for this product. On the plus side the wire has a great length. I also used this product with my computer and it worked with no issues. This product is probably a better fit to be used with a computer. The music sounded good, a bit muffled but good. The different sound modes give each user a custom sound preference.
The sound modes range from Games, Movies, Music and More: Three Gaming Modes (RPG, FPS, or Voice Mode) optimize audio for intensity and realism across every gaming genre, plus Music, Cinema, and Stereo modes. A cool feature is that when you change sound modes or mute the mic there is a voice confirming the sound setting that was changed. Overall this is a good product but the fact that it is not wireless may be troublesome for some. Depending on what type of gamer you are and don’t mind the cable, this product could be for you.
RogueWave –
I was very excited to finally get the SoundSlayer from Panasonic. When I first tried it out on XBOX it was a little lackluster. A friend I was playing with was complaining he could hear the game as if the TV volume was on, he could also hear the female voice every time you change a setting, she speaks, and he could hear her. When using it on the Xbox 1 Series- X I was not impressed. However, When I plugged this speaker into my PC, I noticed it was MUCH better! The sound felt more immersive. Maybe I need to revisit how the sound settings were on the Xbox, but on PC I am happy with the results. I will keep this speaker plugged into my computer for gaming or for listening to some music. It’s awesome. The setup is simple. What comes in the box is the speaker with a USB cable attached, a separate 3.5mm jack, and a user manual. The one thing I really love about this speaker over a traditional gaming headset is that I can still hear my surroundings and carry out a conversation with my wife, listen for the kids or hear the phone, or doorbell ring. For Hardcore gaming sessions I would still go for a pair of headphones, but for just working at my computer, these are great. Easy on/off, and they are comfortable around your neck, they almost disappear when you are wearing them. I find the buttons to be a little far back on the collar and would prefer them to be moved closer to the tips of the speaker. The cables feel like they are of good quality. The speaker system feels as if it is made of quality materials. The sound is good and could use a little more bass, but overall, I am impressed. The immersive sound was there on some notes and parts of movies and songs but wasn’t always there. This technology is getting better and better, and I can’t wait to see what else Panasonic has in store. I can’t recommend these for gaming, as I did not have a pleasant experience, but for movies or music on a PC, I can certainly recommend this speaker system! Throw on some Lofi beats and crank out those metrics’ spreadsheets for work!
Christopher –
I wish this were a more positive product review for the Panasonic SoundSlayer SC-GNO1PP. However, after a period of testing I am a bit underwhelmed.
First, the build is wonderful and very space age. The design feels very well made and is equally super aesthetically pleasing. The unit is light weight and I hardly noticed it even after hours of use. I love the concept of an around the neck headset. I personally have sensitive ears and I am worried about the long-term damage that I am doing. At least for some period of time every day I throw on my headset or ear buds and blow out my eardrums. My hope is that these could replace that and still provide the sound quality that I am used to. Furthermore, my wife loved the idea of being able to talk to me and me actually hear her. I envisioned being able to watch a movie in bed without having to blare the TV sound or trying to wear a headset while laying down.
Next the bad part for me, the sound quality is not nearly as good as even cheap earbuds. I honestly have no idea what Panasonic thought they were doing naming these SoundSlayer. Unless they meant that they are killing the sound. Not to say that they do not get loud because they do. But if there is loud ambient noise in the room the device can be hard to hear even at max. That said, if you are in a quiet room and playing an RPG then these really are perfect. I played Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and if you do not know it is a game that relies heavily on the sense of hearing to amplify the games terror effect on the player. I was pleasantly surprised with how well the surround sound really stood up in comparison to traditional headphones. I think solo playing RPG great. Multiplayer FPS not so much. The microphone also stood up well though, I was just sure it would pick up the headset itself, but it really does not. I would still recommend the mute button though.
I am not sure how I feel about the USB cable either, so I am going to go neutral on this one. I understand that the cable is there to keep the unit light weight. I am perfectly OK with that, but I think there was a better choice to make them wireless and cell phone compatible even. At least the cord is fairly long, and I never really had an issue using them.
My concluding thoughts are that these are about a seven out of ten. I think for the right person, using them under the right circumstances. These would probably be best for a kid that is allowed to game. You could potentially mitigate the impact on their hearing as opposed to a traditional headset; I do not know just speculating. Or as I mentioned, I will use them to play solo games, so I do not have to wear a headset the entire time.
EnglishD –
I’ve never tried anything like this before so really didn’t know what to expect but i came away pleasantly surprised.
Build quality on this device seems to be very good, no creeking or flexing, seems very solid.
Where this wearable speaker shines is single player games or games that dont have the chaos of say Warzone and such where you need to hear footsteps accurately. While you do get some amazing surround sound from these it’s also a little difficult to pinpoint but that could also be due to me being a headphone user and new to this.
Games like Forza, FIFA, Madden, UFC and so on sound fantastic. the audio is all around you and at first it can feel a little strange but once you get used to it you will be impressed with how the audio is pushed around you. One thing regarding the audio is the depth of the audio. You don’t get a lot of bass, in fact you get very little which i understand due to the size and casing.
To control the SoundSlayer is simple, the left has an option to select audio profiles depending on what game you’re playing. On the right is your standard volume controls.
The biggest issue with this and its something knew going in is the cables. they require power via USB which isn’t helpful but also understandable
Pros
No headphone fatigue
No batteries to to worry about
Good Surround Sound
Decent mics with noise cancellation
Cons
Cables can get in the way
Lacks depth in the low end
Only really usable for single player games, not great for Warzong or fast shooters
NAMO –
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
The Panasonic SoundSlayer is an interesting product. A wearable speaker that takes the place of your headphones. While it is an interesting product in theory, I find the actual execution wanting.
SET-UP
The SoundSlayer doesn’t require any particularly difficult set-up. After plugging the speaker into a USB port, the computer recognizes it and downloads any drivers required for operation, automatically. One thing that really needs to be addressed is power for the unit. The SoundSlayer requires a USB 3.0 or better, USB port that can supply at least 900ma of power.
While you can operate the speaker on a standard USB 2.0 port, it will play at reduced volume and performance. USB 2.0 ports can only supply a maximum of 500ma of power, not quite enough for best performance. Should you wish to use the SoundSlayer with the included 3.5mm headphone jack, you will need to plug it in with an additional USB wall charger, again capable of providing at least 900ma of power. Luckily for me, I had a spare 3.0 port, so I only required the one cable for use.
USE
The SoundSlayer contains 4 full-range drivers for sound. After connecting the speaker to my PC, I went into the Windows 11 settings and made sure the computer recognized the device, had the proper settings applied, and verified the microphone was set correctly for use. This isn’t difficult but needs to be done for the best experience. Anyone that has hooked up headphones and/or speakers to a Windows PC will know how to adjust the common settings and default audio devices.
Weighing in at just over a pound, the SoundSlayer is not heavy, but like my headphones after a long gaming session, it too gets uncomfortable around the neck. I think the biggest obstacle that contributes to the discomfort is the relatively short USB cable and the location of my PC. The USB connection is on the left-hand side of the speaker and my computer is on the right side of my desk. The USB cable included with the speaker, or even a USB extension cable seemed to just get in my way. Whether I routed it in front or behind, it just seemed like that tether was a buzz kill.
SOUND QUALITY
At the end of the day, the determining factor for any speaker is sound quality. How was the sound quality? It was OK. It honestly was nothing special or awe inspiring. Out of the box, the sound was fair, but forgettable. Luckily, I purchased both the DTS:X and Dolby Atmos apps during Black Friday and those apps were able to improve playback and sound quality. DTS:X was especially beneficial, while the Dolby Atmos app helped, but was far more subtle than the DTS app.
As improved as the sound was, it still was not as enveloping as my headphones. I have headphones from many different manufacturers, including: JBL, Razer, Jabra, Logitech, and Sony. Applying the DTS or Dolby adjustments to any of these manufacturers’ products sounded better, more convincing, and more enveloping than the SoundSlayer. I also found the bass response to be much less engaging with the SoundSlayer vs a good set of headphones with 50mm drivers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It’s not that the SoundSlayer is an inherently bad product. It is unique and quite novel. It just does not perform as well as a good set of quality headphones. Not only was my gaming experience not as immersive, but without something covering my ears, all ambient sound interrupted the fun. Part of the enjoyment of gaming is the escape from reality. Not to mention, that this is not a practical product for traveling, as there is no way to keep the sound from annoying those people around you.
Will the SoundSlayers be replacing any of my gaming headsets? No. I can’t think of a single one of my headsets that don’t sound or perform better than the SoundSlayer. Not to mention the real possibility of needing 2 cords to operate just one device, is a deal breaker, at least for me.
Not recommended.
Zaid –
I have been waiting too long to get my hands on this neckband speaker. First of all, I’m a headset-style guy, but I have to admit that this speaker is sleek and very comfortable, and its features are what make it unique. It has four buttons, two on each speaker’s side, volume control, mute, sound mode, and mic mute. It is incredibly lightweight to the extent I don’t feel it is sitting around my neck. I have used it on multiple devices, PC, PS5, and Xbox One X. I like the fact that I don’t have to charge or do any other software downloading; it is plug and play via USB. It was great to use on PC while I do my work; the second I plugged it in, the sound came out, and it did sound clear and crisp. On my PS5, the experience was less blessing as the wire was not long enough to reach my console. Therefore, I had to use my extended USB cable. Personally, I’m not too fond of cables, even though this does not compromise the sound quality and the immersive experience through its three different modes; cinema, music, gaming, and noise-canceling chatting. However, my big disappointment is with Xbox, I had to use the USB cable and the 3.5 audio wire, and here I feel tangled by cables. I wish it is wireless, but the comfort and sound quality make it great to use. For gaming, I was shocked by how this speaker sounded on the Forza game. I was able to hear the cars coming from my back and sides; it is genuinely immersive but being wired is my only drawback, primarily when being used on Xbox One, that I have to use two cables.
cad8099 –
these are comfortable to wear but missing a few things that keep me from loving them.
these are easy to wear for a long period of time as they just sit on your shoulders. this allows you to be able to hear things happening around you as well. but also allows others who are in the area to also hear what is going on. the cord that plugs into a USB is pretty long. and comes with a decent length aux cord as well. the speakers are ok. I did not get that surround sound feeling though that I get with my headset, or even a surround sound speaker system. the sound from the speakers like I said are ok. seemed to lack bass which these are marketed for gaming.
the reason for me giving it a 2 star. this day and age, I feel it should have been wireless with an option to plug in and use while charging or to use while plugged in if one prefers. Bluetooth would also have been a nice future to have to allow maybe a connection with phones, tablets etc. maybe even a couple ear buds that can be pulled out and placed into your ears for a quieter, or personal experience to not bother others around. software specific for this to customize. a case to place into along with the cords to store.
they can do all of that for headsets, so would be nice to have those options with this as well. I have an old similar device that was made for cell phones that does a couple of those things, Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, has earbuds that come out of it when you want privacy.
adding these things, at least for me and my opinion, would make this a great option to want to have. but as a gamer, with having those options already available in a headset, and using a headset I feel I can hear better already; I don’t recommend buying this. I would say get a headset, or a surround sound system if you want speakers.
Now like I said, if they do add those futures in a later model. I feel it would be a decent alternative to a headset and a better option if you wanted a speaker then buying a system.
Benb –
The surround sound feature is nice and beats a lot of headphones, but it doesn’t get the loudest. I think the biggest issue I have is that the aux cord is somewhat useless, a USB C connector would have worked better in my mind. When I use the Aux cord, I still need to provide power via the USB, so gaming on the couch with my switch with it is going and finding a battery pack or finding a location close to an outlet. When I use a USB C adapter, it works great with the switch, phone, or laptop.
After playing with it, I’ve figured out that these are actually really nice for work meetings. I almost feel like I’m in the conversation, the mic works amazingly well, and I always switch to my phone if I need to get up to go do things during the meeting, so a wired headset works for my work computer. These are also nice for gaming and not wearing headphones for long periods of time as that can be detrimental to ears as well as at least my ears sweat after a while with most headphones, or my ears get sore from ear buds. The cord is heavy duty and has a fabric exterior and overall, this has a good build quality. I really like the sound mute and mic mute buttons and the fact that it has both.
These are perfect if you’re wanting to give your ears a break from buds or headphones and aren’t looking for the loudest deepest sound system you can get. My immediate thought might be a dorm other high density living.
Pros:
Excellent mic
Surround sound
Comfortable
Mic and sound mute
USB cord quality
Cons:
Not USB C or a combination of cord
Aux cannot work without USB power
Not the loudest
AsiaLovely1 –
I was really excited to give this a try, until I took it out of the box. This is an excellent concept in theory, but Panasonic missed the mark and a huge opportunity. I’m a PC, and console (Xbox) gamer mostly. This may be acceptable for PC, barely, but console absolutely not. Too many wires are needed to be able to operate it. In order for me to use this with my Xbox Series X I had to unplug my watch cord, because it only comes with a USB, then plug that in to power it. You then would have to plug the 3.5 mm jack it comes with into the controller finally to get the sound. So while gaming on console you have two cords to try to manage and be tied down to. It is very comfortable, and the design itself is nice, and a huge opportunity to provide some relief to those who get tired of having over the ear headsets on. But the sound quality is also lacking terribly. I couldn’t even hear footsteps on FPS mode, or any other mode for that matter. If Panasonic made these wireless that would make these much better, but for right now as is it’s not something I would be using.
GameOverSuckas –
First thoughts, I was surprised to find out these were flexible. I thought they were going to be rigid and firmly shaped but you can literally twist these in the middle and they bend. The materials are very nice and soft. They have 4 rubbery feet and one across the back of the neck as well. The one negative so far is that the usb cord doesn’t detach and is constantly hanging from your neck.
With it having four speakers, two towards the front and two back towards your ears the surround sound is immersive. Excellent sound and with the different sound modes it really lets you pick whats best for you and what you’re listening to. The one thing that kills it for me and kept it from getting five stars is that it isn’t bluetooth capable. Other than that these are a great purchase. I’d recommend them to someone who isn’t worried about wireless capability.
APFLORES413 –
I really wanted to like this SoundSlayer Wearable Gaming Speaker. I wanted something new, a headset that didn’t need to get plugged into my ears or over the ears, and better than my laptop’s speakers. This Panasonic SoundSlayer seemed promising but at the end of the day, there were some things that I felt they got it wrong.
First the Pros. I really like the sound that the SoundSlayer emits from the 4 speakers. You really do get the surround sound. With the varying sound settings, it becomes tailored to what you are doing on the computer: music, stereo, gaming, FPS. I felt that using it for a Zoom meeting provided nice and crisp sounds from the people speaking, and in turn, the microphone picked up my voice really well and didn’t sound to tinny or distant. When playing games such as HALO: Reach, I struggled if I liked the Gaming setting or the FPS setting better. I toggled between both of them and finally chose to use the FPS setting. When listening to music, different genres provided nice and crisp sounds and the vocals were not drowned out.
I enjoyed at how light the SoundSlayer is around my neck. The ergonomics of this is some of the best out there. It rests comfortably on my shoulders and it does not slide or move around too much. The back rubber allows it to be adjusted to fit how I feel the most comfortably in my chair. The volume rocker lies on the right and you can tell by the different beeps if you are increasing or decreasing the volume. Just ahead of the volume rocker is the Mute button. On the left, you have the Sound Mode and the Mic Mute.
So where does it all go wrong? The cons to the SoundSlayer (for me) are the following:
The usb cord is really just too long and cumbersome. It measures almost 10 feet long and it gets in the way. Maybe if it was shortened to 6 feet because, realistically speaking, am I going to be 10 feet away from my computer’s 14.6 inch screen? Speaking about the power cord, I really had hoped that there would have been a wireless option instead of it being tethered to your computer. This goes for the aux jack required for this to work. There should have been a bluetooth option for this.
Another issue for me is the location of the buttons on either side. Because it rests on the shoulders, you have to realyl reach back to press the buttons which makes it somewhat awkward to use. Like muscle memory, you quickly learn to remember which side had which button, but a glance to either side doesnt tell you which button is which. Thankfully, the built-in voice tells you what you are doing (other than volume).
Overall, this had the potential for being really really good for me. I just wished it came in a wireless version because the power cord is just too long.
CaneDOC –
Our autistic son is always on his laptop and we fight a constant battle with him over the volume. He hates anything touching his ears and cannot wear earbuds or headphones. This is the perfect speaker system for him. Now he can hear his laptop better at lower volumes and he isn’t driving us crazy!
Opening the box you find the speaker with it’s attached USB cable. It also comes with and audio cable to plug into an aux outlet should you need to. Since this is wired, there is no battery to charge. If you are using the supplied audio cable, you need to plug the USB cable into a power cube which is not supplied.
Operation is easy. Just plug it in and you are good to go. There are volume and mute buttons as well as a sound mode button to change between what type of sound you are listening to. This is a surround sound speaker and it really works well. It is surprising at how good the sound is coming from such little speakers. The only downside I find is that this isn’t wireless. It just seems like it would be better to be untethered.
NinjaTard –
I was really excited to discover the Panasonic SoundSlayer Wearable surround sound speakers, imagining early or late hour gaming sessions with premium sound at minimum volume. Online the image made it appear to be a speaker you wear like an airplane pillow, surrounding your head with speakers that connect to your game controller or PC. An elegant solution to small space surround sound. Upon arriving they are both exactly that and completely unwieldy.
In the box you get the speaker band, an audio cable (male to male) to connect your speaker to your control or PC, and a bare bones multi-language setup guide. Immediately my concerns about this product grew when I saw a USB-A cable stretching from the SoundSlayer speaker band. Obviously you need power to run a speaker but in 2022 it makes more sense to have a built in battery that requires a USB to charge it, however the SoundSlayer requires a continuous power connection to work. The UBS-A is hardwired into the speaker band and there is no plug included that will provide power from your outlet to your speaker.
Once I had the speaker out of the box I began to set it up. There are several modes you can use to get different built in audio profiles: cinema, FPS, RPG, Stereo, Voice, and Music. There is a volume rocker, a Mic Mute, the Mode Select (multipress to cycle through them), and a Mute button. The speaker band itself is plastic and cloth with a rubberized section that goes in back with rubber pads on the bottom to keep it from slipping around. Overall it feels lightweight but not cheap with a real solid quality impression. Wearing it is actually pretty comfortable and the sound quality is amazing! I have been replaying Horizon: Zero Dawn and reached a part where I was wandering through underground metal caverns. The SoundSlayer speakers had characters speaking behind me and the audio played from rear speakers but would travel around the speakers as I swung the camera around to face where the sound was coming from in game. It’s a really neat and smooth use of the concept! I watched a bit of The Mandalorian to test the cinema mode and while it’s not as dramatic given the lack of camera control (duh) the sound is awesome and space battles will rage all around you!
If I could rate this based on only the sound quality and how it works as a surround sound system I would give it a perfect rating. This speaker is super cool! However to use it you require two wires running from the speaker around your neck, which is a tangled mess and really inconvenient. While I’ve grown accustomed to the audio cable going into the controller and whatever headset I’ve been using, the power cable here is just so lame! It is very long, so there isn’t likely to be a situation where you have to rearrange your seating to be near an outlet but extra wires and having a spare outlet may or may not be an issue for you. Personally I hate the extra wire but after a couple experimental attempts I was able to angle my chair to be facing the TV and allow the cable to run behind me into the outlet without getting in the way. It’s annoying but I suppose it’s not a deal breaker. One other note is that while I had imagined it would be a personal system the truth is that since the speakers have some “Oomph” to them anyone in the room will still hear your speakers.
Overall a great surround sound system on a budget as long as you don’t mind the archaic use of wires over rechargeable batteries to keep the sound going. Excellent for games, especially if the game has scenes in wild jungles full of life or echoing halls where your sounds bounce around all around you. I’d give this a recommendation with a serious “BUT” attached to the USB-A hardwired power cable and lack of AC Adapter in the box.
JorgeST –
There are things I really like about this speaker and then there are things that I am not too pleased with. Firstly, I really enjoyed the sound that the speaker provides. It creates an immersive gaming experience that I have note seen before, it comfortably fits around my neck and is actually made of some fairly comfortable material. I understand the concept that was trying to be achieved here but there is some room for improvement. If the goal was to remove the need for a headset then I do not think this is the right speaker for you. The needed cabled are very cumbersome and end up getting in the way more than they should. Also, the volume toggle buttons are not very large which makes me end up pressing harder than I need to. I feel as if I will get them jammed.
All in all, this speaker does put out decent sound and assist in creating an immersive gaming experience, however this sound is achieved at the price of desired functionality due to the length of cords needed to operate/power and the unfavorable design of the volume buttons.
Netta –
Its comfortable and convenient. I’ve so far tried it on xbox and pc. The sounds quality is pretty clear and the party can hear me clearly. I don’t like being attached by the cord that needs to be powered by the usb port and aux. Overall i do like the comfort and unique look of it.
Tatumcakez –
The Panasonic Wearable Immersive Gaming Speaker System has brought my gaming experience to the next level through sound. I like how lightweight and comfortable it is to wear. The speaker is gently placed around the neck and provides an immersive surround sound experience. I was able to wear it for hours and it doesn’t hurt the neck after long periods of time. The best part about this, compared to headphones is my inner ears are not getting sweaty with over-the-ear or in ear headphones. I typically go for over-the-ear headphones, that are corded. These are corded, and as such I did not have an issue transitioning. The cord is long too, to where there is no issue with wearing. The flip side to that is we are in the age of Bluetooth, and this device does not have Bluetooth. I will admit, sometimes Bluetooth devices while gaming can get glitchy, so it is a pro-con situation with a corded USB.
The sound quality emitted by the speaker makes you feel immersed in the action of the game, and I like that there are different sound modes depending on what type of game genre you’re playing or if you’re watching a movie or listening to music. They are very easy to store and convenient in size, easily resting on top of a computer, or on a desk. One could very likely get a stand to place them on and hang too.
In the product description, I had noticed that there was a specific mention of collaboration between Panasonic and SE in design of these headphones for FFVIX (one of the compelling reasons I chose to get this speaker system). This is actually one of my go-to videogames, and has absolutely enhanced my gaming experience. When I first plugged these in and started the game, I felt immersed from all directions as the sound emanated around me. The surround sound is perceived as three-dimensional. Noise cancellation is built-in, and I will admit it is difficult to hear my wife when the sound is going (a shameeeeeee). I am still able to hear her though, if she speaks loudly enough, and I am focusing on that sound. So almost selective surround sound noise canceling? The sound itself is clean and crisp and overall more powerful than I expected. I used these headphones for PC gaming, but they are compatible with PS4/5 and Xbox One. I am sure a similar sound experience would accompany this use. this speaker set allows me to still hear her while playing which is nice.
Ultimately, this speaker system has brought a new and unique joy to my gaming experience, and I find myself reaching for them every day.
OmieOne –
Overall this is an interesting way to do speakers with good sound. By being wired they don’t have to store a battery which is a plus making it lightweight and easy to wear for long gaming sessions. The speakers though are loud though and not localized so if you have the volume up others in the Room can hear you. I put them down and walked about 15ft to the fridge and was able to make out the stream I was watching no issues. So they can definitely project and give you good sound.
Being Wired means not having to remember to charge, but I would have liked a magnetic breakaway cable because I know one day I’ll get up and forget as I have done with Headphones numerous times. It is nice that you can also connect to via 3.5mm audio jack, but will need to power the device via USB separately.
Setup is, just plug it and Windows finds it. No drivers required.
Only major issue I encountered with these, if they were plugged into USB when I turned on my PC it would hang and not finishing booting until I unplugged them which is a bit annoying, so again a breakaway magnetic cable would have been nice, instead of unplugging from the PC. I did try a Powered USB Hub and my monitor’s USB too, but it would hang on boot. So if you have these plugged in on boot and it just stays at the bios, unplug them, let Windows Boot and then continue.
Overall this is a good first try with nice audio that didn’t cover my ears with headphones and a decent set of speakers that produce good sound.
kwilks3 –
I had high hopes for this speaker. While the “surround sound” was decent while playing, It has just okay sound, nothing spectacular, making the experience not very enjoyable. I do not notice any difference in the sound modes except when you select stereo and lose half of the volume it puts out. There is no option to customize the sound. It is comfortable around neck, but that’s about all it has going for it.
David –
I was a little confused, and skeptical, of the Soundslayer at first. I didn’t really understand why anyone would want these over traditional headphones. However, after using them, I understand the need a little better, however, the execution could use some work. To begin, these don’t feel like the highest quality. From the unboxing to the first time you wear them, they just feel kind of cheap. One of their biggest drawbacks is that they are wired. For PS5, which is what I used to test, you at least only need one usb cord going from the console to the unit. For the Xbox, you would need the USB for power and then a separate aux cord to go into the controller for audio. However, this is more due to how microsoft implements their audio than anything else, so it’s hard to fault Panasonic on this one. For Nintendo Switch, I’d be a little more concerned. You have to again, plug the USB in to power the unit, but then you have to run the aux cord all the way to the system. This is problematic because they only give you like a 2ft aux cord. You will definitely need a long cord if you plan on using this with the Switch. The USB cord is plenty long, maybe 10ft. However, even with this, I was pretty much at the end and couldn’t even sit back on my couch. This, of course all depends on the size of your room and setup, but I still feel like they could have made the usb cord a few feet longer. Performance wise, it was underwhelming, if not completely expected based on the feel of the unit so far. In my experience, it just doesn’t get very loud. I had the volume on the unit all the way up, as well as the volume in my PS5 settings all the way up, and it was just acceptable. And this was playing at night, in a completely silent room. If you will be playing with any kind of background or ambient noise around you, I’d imagine you will have trouble hearing it. However, as stated, if there’s no one around and the room is relatively silent, it’s completely acceptable. The surround effect is actually pretty impressive. I was able to easily distinguish where certain sounds were coming from, such as footsteps or characters speaking behind/to the side of me. This is about the best thing as far as sound quality. The rest of it is just lacking. Bass is almost nonexistent. And as stated before, the whole thing just doesn’t get loud enough. The unit is surprisingly comfortable. And I guess this is where I realized where this kind of product would be useful. I have relatively large ears, and most headphones are only comfortable for maybe an hour tops. Even the comfortable ones still get my ears hot after a while. So these are a great alternative because I was able to play for several hours and it never got uncomfortable. There’s definitely potential in a product like this.
In conclusion, the SoundSlayer Wearable speaker is a promising idea, but is just not executed very well at all. The wired connection is just clunky in a world where wireless headphones are ubiquitous. The sound quality is completely lacking. The one saving grace is the concept in general and comfort level. I personally wouldn’t use these as my everyday headset, but I will keep them around for those occasions where I need long lasting comfort without having my TV speakers blaring.
codeblue –
Wearable audio, tbh I’m not sure what the intent of this device was. So we’ll break it down:
Feel: nice contoured edges felt comfortable sitting around my neck. Didn’t slip and I really didn’t notice it much, so no distractions. 4/4
Sound: not as clear as my dedicated gaming headsets. But the four speaker array did provide good directional audio. The main drawback: it’s open design, I.e. everyone around you can hear exactly what you do. For a soundbar, this would be perfectly fine (and desired). But for a personal wearable, it makes me question when I would reach for this instead of my headset or even just using my speakers. 3.5/5
Connectivity: this is the primary negative in my book. It’s not wireless. The cord was long enough for my setup, but this seems like a huge missed opportunity to increase the usability of the device. 0/5
Overall impression: it seems like an attempt to answer a question that was never asked. I guess if you don’t have a great soundbar, and don’t like having big headphones on your head for extended time periods, then this would be useful. But for most use cases, I don’t see this being the go-to option
BigRoy –
I like this device a lot because I was really never a big fan of headphones. Setup is very easy and straightforward. I have also used this for conference calls while working from home. The only con is that if there are others in the room they can hear your conversations whether you’re gaming or on a conference call.
Rick –
The sound is extremely underwhelming. I thought it was going to be louder but it’s barely making me want to turn it down. Only up. That’s not a good thing. I feel like there’s so much upside left. It does have an AUX and USB only for inputs. Bluetooth would have been nice but it seems that there is no internal battery for this speaker. It does have separate drivers for Chat and Game meaning you’ll have better control on how you hear chat versus your game, as in you can turn down chat without turning down your game. Game is the default setting and oddly enough, it defaults into chat when you first plug it in so you’ll have to change that yourself.
AcurNet –
The Panasonic – SoundSlayer Wearable Gaming Speaker provides an immersive audio experience that really brings you into the game like never before. The speaker creates a field of sound around you that helps you to experience games in a new and exciting way.
When objects in the game move behind you, you hear that from the speaker as a sound that is behind you. The same thing goes for sounds for objects in motion, or on either side of you. Really remarkable!
The sounds are clear, and crisp. I do not hear any feedback, clipping, or undesired noises whatsoever. The volume is adequate. You can adjust it to get pretty loud, however not too loud where it becomes a problem.
The unit is comfortable to wear. You can easily use it for hours without experiencing fatigue in your shoulders, neck, or back. While it is light weight, it feels durable. The wire that connects to the unit is pretty sturdy, and has a good length that allows you to move away from the console and sit comfortably on a couch/chair. I have no issues with snagging or the wire bunching up.
I would recommend the Panasonic – SoundSlayer Wearable Gaming Speaker! It’s a great speaker system that brings your games to life in a new way. I have never experienced a wearable gaming speaker that delivers such dynamic and captivating sound.
TheDuke –
Sadly, I have found the Panasonic SoundSlayer to be quite disappointing. Initially, I was excited to experience immersive sound without the need for headphones, or a more expensive surround sound set-up, but the audio quality of this wearable speaker is a let down. Surprisingly there is virtually no bass and also no vibration effect that would simulate bass. As the speakers typically hang around the neck, all audio comes from in front of the ears – which limits the surround sound effect. The immersion can be improved by balancing the device on the shoulders (with the rear speakers behind the ears and the front two forward of the ears), but this balancing act is less comfortable and not realistic for any significant amount of time.
Using the SoundSlayer with a game console is a flat out lousy experience. Not only are the two cables a nuisance, but the speakers do not get loud enough and chat volume is extremely difficult to hear. Sadly, there is not a separate option to control chat volume (only the option to mute the microphones). The USB cable (which is required to power the device) has plenty of length, but it does not have any breakaway feature that would prevent damage should someone trip on the cable. The power cable is not removable or replaceable – if the connection breaks, the whole device is destroyed.
Using the SoundSlayer with a computer is a better experience, but the audio quality still leaves a lot to be desired. In my opinion, even lower cost headsets sound more robust. I can appreciate the general comfort of having speakers around the neck – as opposed to headphones which often become uncomfortable after long gaming sessions, but the SoundSlayer is simply not as cool (or useful) as its name suggests. The whole experience is as generic as the packaging. Using with a PC is passable, but using with a console is abysmal. Unfortunately, I would not recommend the Soundwave.
MrsDodge222 –
I was so excited to surprise my husband with this new device. He’s an avid gamer and plays with family members out of state, so sometimes when they’re talking and I want to join in the conversation it’s frustrating that he’s wearing a headset. I thought that this would be a good solution, because he’d still be able to hear the sounds from the game but I’d be able to sit next to him and hear the conversation with whoever he was playing with. It works the way that I thought it would but at the same time was such a let down. The volume doesn’t go up as high as either of us would have liked and the sounds from the game completely drown out the sounds of the conversation. Also, you are required to plug a USB cord into the TV and an aux cord into the controller to use with the PS5, but the USB cord is only 3ft – way too short! My husband had to sit at the front edge of the couch and was still worried that if he moved he’d pull the TV off the stand since the cord was so short. We adjusted all the settings that we were able to find but weren’t able to get the sound to work the way we wanted it to. Unfortunately my husband will not be replacing his headset with this device.
I gave this a three star review because the sound that does come out from the game itself was very crisp and clear, and my husband said it was pretty comfortable to wear. It’s a great concept and I think it would be a really good option for a PC gamer, but I’d definitely recommend that the manufacturers include a much longer USB cord if they want console gamers to be able to use it in place of a traditional headset.
Marine778 –
The Panasonic Soundslayer is a unique alternative to an over/in ear headphone set. Remember the trend where people were wearing the Bluetooth headset that rested around your neck ( as short lived as it was)? This is the same sort of thing, only there are no earbuds and it makes it so the speakers rest comfortably around your neck and shoulders while you play games on your PC (PC specifically for my use). So it’s like having a sour round sound system resting on your shoulders. The concept is unique and effective.
At first look they are very attractive and the shape seems to fit my neck well. If you are if a thinner stature or if you have a really thick neck they may not totally sit right on you. Something to think about, so maybe it a good try before you buy option in the store if they have it.
The sound is good. It’s not top of the line and it’s way past average. I’d say a 8 out of 10. The mode that worked best for me was the RPG mode. Of course this was during my RPG game play. This is what sold me on the product. Two things in particular. First, it’s like having surround sound closer to a real life experience. Specifically, you can hear little sounds around you coming from the speakers. People behind you, guns going off in the distance, etc. But secondly, you hear ambient noises that are happening in real life. So you don’t talk loud like a weirdo because you can’t hear yourself. You talk normal.
The mic picks up your voice well and other tell me I’m crystal clear as far as my voice. Can’t do better than that.
When I read about this product I saw people complain about use in USB-2 vs USB-3 ports. I’ve tried both and didn’t hear a difference is volume quality or anything to do with sound in general. Maybe its me? But it didn’t notice anything.
My only complaint? It’s an obvious one. It has to be plugged in to USB. This seems odd in this day and age. It limits your gameplay options slightly, but not dramatically. But I feel it’s a major shot on the foot for a product like this.
Given the decent sound and unique experience using this product, I’d recommend it to a friend that is a PC gamer. The price is good for what you get, but I’d be willing to pay more in order to have it wireless and have better speakers in it.
insomniak1 –
On first impression, I found the design sleek and not overly bulky. The fabric covering feels good to the touch, adding to the premium look. There’s plastic underneath which is thankfully smudge or fingerprint resistant. The controls are in a good place and in my experience are responsive and easy to get used to. The USB-A cord is much longer than expected at almost 10ft. There is also a rubber cover where the neck would be, as well as rubber “feet” where the unit rests.
Now, I was amazed as to how light and comfortable this product is. I wore it for an entire workday -over 9 hours, and not once did it become tiring or developed any sore spots -especially on the back of my neck. The long cord is great when playing on the couch, or walking (carefully) around while in use, but it can be cumbersome when seating in front of a monitor, where one can get entangled or run over the cable, particularly if you have a chair with wheels. Fortunately, the fabric-braided cord is super strong while being light and seems that it will last for a long time.
Connecting the unit to a source is easy, both through USB-A and the included 3.5mm cable. I tested the speaker on a PC, PS5, Switch, and Series X. Keep in mind that any Xbox can only be hooked up to the controller’s 3.5mm jack, and the unit must be connected separately to a USB power source (mainly the console’s). Same goes for the Switch, abut only when in handheld mode.
Most importantly, how does it sound? In this factor I am thoroughly impressed. On a PC via USB, you get two main modes: chat and game. By default, the chat mode boosts the midrange and to a certain degree the treble, bringing dialogue to the front. I found this very useful when multitasking while trying to focus to what is being said. However, it can get a bit tiresome over extended listening. On Game mode, the sound becomes slightly lower, but fullness and warmth are added. The bass is comfortably boosted and does not distort at high volumes. The midrange is slightly recessed while the high end remains at the same level. The sound is quite clear, and I enjoyed a wide variety of music.
Of course, the Sound Slayer is advertised as a gaming wearable speaker. I am happy to report that indeed this works very nicely. The sound separation (left-right) is distinct, and the placement of the speakers promote a wide soundstage. The surround effect provided a convincing sense of immersion in many games. It was a decent experience playing games that need positional awareness. Of course, if you are looking for extreme clarity such as in competitive FPS matches, a headset might be best.
And just in case you are not fully satisfied with the default sound signature, there are 6 dedicated EQ presets, at the push of a button.
RcRc –
If you don’t like wearing headphones or can’t, these are a good solution. They sound good and still allow you to hear the outside world. Great for gaming.
user268950 –
Wearing headphones for hours crushing my headbones. Wanted the Bose model but apparently not made anymore. Got this instead. Got the wired model so as not to bathe my head in Bluetooth EMF.
Light, comfortable, easy controls. Great for music vids, FPS games and general Internet sound and video content. Wasn’t the best watching a DVD movie, had to change to regular headphones for that.