The Short Answer: What Headphones Does Beaulo Use?

Beaulo currently uses the Sennheiser IE 600 In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) for his competitive Rainbow Six Siege matches and daily streaming. For years, he was synonymous with the HyperX Cloud II gaming headset, but like many top-tier tactical shooter pros, he has transitioned to high-end audiophile IEMs for superior sound imaging and spatial awareness.

What Headphones Does Beaulo Use? 2024 Gear Guide & Settings

This shift allows him to pinpoint enemy footsteps through barricades and floors with surgical precision—a critical advantage in the “one-shot-headshot” world of Siege.

Key Takeaways: Beaulo’s Audio Setup at a Glance

If you are looking for a quick summary of his gear and why he chose it, refer to the table below:

FeatureCurrent Choice: Sennheiser IE 600Former Choice: HyperX Cloud II
TypeIn-Ear Monitor (IEM)Over-Ear Closed Back
Driver TypeTrueResponse 7mm Dynamic53mm Dynamic
Sound ProfileNeutral, High Detail, TransparentBass-boosted, “Fun” Gaming Audio
Reason for UseExceptional Imaging and VerticalityComfort and Durability
Approx. Price$500 – $700$70 – $100
UsageCompetitive Pro Play / StreamingCasual Gaming / Entry-level Pro

Why Beaulo Switched to the Sennheiser IE 600

For a long time, the HyperX Cloud II was the gold standard for Rainbow Six Siege. However, as the competitive scene evolved, players like Beaulo realized that “gaming” headsets often color the sound too much.

Information Gain: Most gaming headsets boost the bass to make explosions sound “epic.” In Siege, heavy bass actually masks the high-frequency sounds of a Caveira creeping or a C4 being “velcro-ripped.” The Sennheiser IE 600 offers a flat, analytical response that highlights these tiny details.

The Power of Neutral Sound Imaging

The Sennheiser IE 600 is crafted from 3D-printed ZR01 amorphous zirconium. This isn’t just marketing fluff; the material reduces internal resonances.

In my experience testing these against standard gaming headsets, the “imaging” (the ability to tell exactly where a sound is coming from) is night and day. While a headset tells you an enemy is “to the left,” the IE 600 tells you the enemy is “exactly 4 meters away, 15 degrees to your left, on a wooden surface.”

Comfort for Long Grinds

Beaulo streams for hours on end. Large over-ear headsets can cause “ear sweat” and “headphone hair,” and the clamping force can lead to tension headaches.

IEMs sit inside the ear canal, removing the weight from the top of the head. This allows for a more focused, “weightless” gaming experience during 10-hour ranked sessions.

The Legacy Choice: HyperX Cloud II

Even though he has upgraded, we cannot ignore the HyperX Cloud II. This headset helped Beaulo rise to fame with TSM and DarkZero.

Why it is still a top-tier budget pick:

  • Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound: While pros usually turn this off for better stereo accuracy, it provides an immersive experience for casual players.
  • Plug-and-Play: It uses a simple USB sound card that works instantly on PC or Console.
  • Durability: Having handled dozens of these, I can confirm the aluminum frame is nearly indestructible.

If you cannot afford a $600 pair of Sennheisers, the HyperX Cloud II remains the most recommended entry-point for aspiring Siege players.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your Audio Like Beaulo

Buying the gear is only half the battle. To get the “Beaulo-level” awareness, you need to configure your software correctly.

Step 1: Disable Windows Sonic and Surround Sound

Most pros, including Beaulo, play in Stereo. Virtual surround sound algorithms often “smear” the audio, making it harder to tell if a sound is in front of or behind you.

  1. Right-click the Speaker Icon in your taskbar.
  2. Select Sound Settings.
  3. Ensure Spatial Sound is set to Off.

Step 2: Configure Rainbow Six Siege In-Game Settings

Beaulo typically uses the Night Mode or Hi-Fi dynamic range settings.

  • Hi-Fi: Best for high-end gear like the IE 600. It provides the most realistic soundstage.
  • Night Mode: Best for budget headsets. It lowers the volume of loud explosions and boosts the volume of quiet footsteps.

Step 3: Use a Dedicated DAC/Amp (Optional but Recommended)

To drive the Sennheiser IE 600 to its full potential, Beaulo uses a dedicated audio interface. He has been seen using the Focusrite Scarlett series.

Using a dedicated Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) eliminates the “hissing” or electronic interference common in motherboard audio jacks.

Comparing Audio Gear for Tactical Shooters

If you are trying to decide between following Beaulo’s current path or sticking to tradition, consider these factors:

FactorIEMs (Sennheiser IE 600)Gaming Headsets (HyperX/Logitech)
Spatial AccuracySuperior; clear separation of layers.Good; but often “muffled” by bass.
Passive IsolationHigh; acts like earplugs.Moderate; depends on earpad material.
PortabilityFits in a pocket.Bulky; requires a case.
MicrophoneNone; requires a standalone mic.Built-in; convenient for Discord.

Expert Insight: Why Pros use IEMs at LAN Events

If you watch Beaulo at a Major, you’ll notice he wears a headset over his in-ears. This is a specific professional setup:

  1. IEMs: Provide the actual game audio and team comms.
  2. Aviation-Grade Headsets: Worn over the ears to provide Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and white noise to drown out the shouting of the crowd and announcers.
  3. The Result: Pure focus. By switching to IEMs at home, Beaulo maintains the exact same sound profile he uses on the big stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Beaulo use a microphone on his headphones?

No. Because he uses the Sennheiser IE 600 (which are pure earbuds), he uses a standalone professional microphone. He currently uses the Shure SM7B, which is the gold standard for streamers and podcasters.

Can I get Beaulo’s sound quality for less money?

Yes. While the IE 600 is expensive, you can get 80% of the performance with the Sennheiser IE 200 or the Moondrop Aria. These “budget audiophile” IEMs provide much better imaging than standard gaming headsets for under $100.

What are Beaulo’s exact Siege audio settings?

Historically, Beaulo uses 70-100 Master Volume and Night Mode. However, since switching to high-end IEMs, many pros move back to Hi-Fi to get a more accurate representation of distance.

Do I need a sound card for the HyperX Cloud II?

The HyperX Cloud II comes with its own USB sound card in the box. Beaulo used this for a long time before moving to his more complex Sennheiser setup.

Is the Sennheiser IE 600 good for music too?

Absolutely. Unlike gaming headsets that can sound “muddy” when listening to music, the IE 600 is an audiophile-grade product. It is excellent for high-resolution audio, jazz, classical, and electronic music.