Teufel Zola – A non-trivial headset for individualists

The market for gaming headphones seems to be bursting at the seams. The choice is so vast that whether you have a budget of less than 100 zlotys or more than 1000 you are sure to find something for yourself. German audio equipment manufacturer Teufel has decided to add its 3 cents to this market with the Teufel Zola headphones.

A few words of introduction about Teufel Zola

Seemingly, the headphones resemble a classic solution, of which there is no shortage on the market. After all, it’s hard not to get the impression that the manufacturer modeled on the Clouds already present on the market. Hardly surprising, such a solution is basically armored and for most simply comfortable. However, it didn’t stop there, there were interchangeable colored shell elements, colored pads or sponges for the microphone. Teufel has clearly bet on the freedom of personalization of the headphones, to which, in addition to the equipment that will be selected at the time of purchase, you can still buy other items. Below is an abbreviated specification of the hero of the review.

• Weight: 330 grams
• Detachable cable: Yes
• USB sound card: Included
• Virtual 7.1: Yes
• Compatibility: Android/iOS/Windows/Mac OS
• Transducer: 40 mm
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• Maximum sound card sampling rate: 24bit @ 96 kHz

Design and workmanship

Here there is no surprise. The ear cup handles are made of rigid metal, while the headband is not bad quality plastic with foam trimmed with soft material. It looks neat and is simply comfortable. The pads are also foam upholstered in material, plus it’s child’s play to replace them (as is the case with Cloudo-like headphones). They are, of course, circumaural, which means that they accommodate the whole ear. The comfort of use stands at a high level, although by the insights of the material pads the soundproofing is not perfect (although maybe that’s better?). Even after relatively long listening, there was no feeling of discomfort.

The cable is detachable, plus it locks into the shell with a bayonet, so there is no question of accidental disconnection. A very good move. The cable itself is of good quality, although it could be braided. The colored sides of the earcups and microphone sponges are also interchangeable, so personalization options are at a high level.

Teufel Zola sound

Before I get to the sound of the headphones, some information. I properly warmed up the headphones before listening. I’m listening on the default sound card, included in the kit, and the IFI Zen Air DAC.

The sound card from the kit is quite good. Although the headphones with its help do not spread their wings, the sound is better than the ALC 1150 integration, so it is more sensible than what most mid-end motherboards offer. The sound is quite detailed, with punchy bass and clear vocals. There’s quite a good amount of space for a closed-back headphone, the separation of individual bands comes off well, with nothing overlapping even with more complex tracks. Dynamics stand at the correct level, the treble does not tire, although it is clear, moreover, they can go really low. However, I do not recommend using the simulated 7.1 mode for music, it adversely affects the sound.

The case is slightly different when using the IFI Zen Air DAC. The sound becomes much fuller, Gains in dynamics, upper range and especially bass. Yes, this one becomes extremely meaty, which will please those who like such characteristics. Of course, the rest remains the same, nothing is lost, only gained from a better source.

I also didn’t miss testing the set in games, after all, that’s its original purpose right? Here a couple of shooters I had access to at the moment were wheeled into the living room. In 7.1 mode the positioning performs quite OK, I was able to locate my opponents by ear without much trouble. Of course, when there are more enemies in one place, then the headphones can get a little lost and localization becomes more difficult, however, this is survivable.

About the microphone and software

The microphone can be summarized briefly – it is really good. Recorded sound is clear and very clear, what’s more, it does not excessively collect ambient sounds. It is certainly suitable not only for conversations, but also for occasional recordings on YouTube, for example. Personally, in much more expensive headphones I have met clearly inferior microphones, also I am positively surprised. On the plus side, also the voice monitoring function, thanks to it we will also hear our voice in the headphones on a regular basis. Below is a voice sample.

The manufacturer has also made an effort to provide a pleasant application that is functional and pleasing to the eye, moreover, there is no lack of Polish language, amazing! With the help of the program it is possible to enable the simulated 7.1 mode, change the sample rate or modify the equalizer. The software is done as it should be, nothing is missing here.