NF Audio RG15, a remarkable collaboration with Assassin’s Creed (Ubisoft). Before it embarks on its Turkey tour, I had the chance to thoroughly test its capabilities. This review will explore its performance across a range of music genres and its potential as a gaming earphone.
Disclaimer: This earphone was loaned by NF Audio for the AG Turkey tour. Thanks to both parties for this opportunity.
– Driver Type: Dynamic
– Frequency Range: 20Hz-40kHz
– Impedance: 32 ohm
– Sensitivity: 108dB/mW
– Connector: USB-C
– Cable Length: 1.2 meters
– Weight: 18 grams
– Material: Aluminum alloy and plastic
– Microphone: Built-in
Unboxing
The NF Audio RG15 comes in a sleek, stylish package featuring the Assassin’s Creed branding prominently. Inside the box, you’ll find the earphones securely nestled, accompanied by a set of various-sized ear tips, a carrying case, and a user manual. The build quality of the earphones is immediately noticeable, with a mix of aluminum alloy and plastic that provides a sturdy yet lightweight feel. The attention to detail in the design is evident, reflecting both the high standards of NF Audio and the iconic Assassin’s Creed aesthetic including the double hatchet featuring carrying pouch. And don’t forget the MS42 labeled wide bored eartips.
Sound Characteristics of NF Audio RG15
Bass
The RG15’s bass performance is a standout feature, particularly noticeable in smooth jazz tracks. The resonance of the bass guitar and the tension of its strings are conveyed with precision, delivering a deep and satisfying bass experience. This is not an overly punchy bass; instead, it offers a richness and fullness that adds depth to the music without overpowering the other frequencies. This makes it ideal for genres that require a balanced and nuanced bass response.
Midrange
The midrange frequencies are where the RG15 truly excels. Vocals, whether in symphonic rock or smooth jazz, are rendered with remarkable clarity and presence. In symphonic rock tracks, the vocals stand out even amidst complex instrumentals, maintaining their distinctiveness. Guitar riffs are detailed and expressive, striking a perfect balance between smooth and crispy textures. This balance ensures that the midrange is neither too harsh nor too mellow, providing an engaging and immersive listening experience.
Treble
The treble response, while detailed, is slightly lighter than expected. In tracks like Tool’s “Sober,” the fine treble touches are present but lack the weight that would make them fully satisfying to treble enthusiasts. Despite this, the treble is far from harsh or sibilant, making it easy to listen to for extended periods. The lightness in the upper treble might appeal to listeners who prefer a less aggressive high end, ensuring a smooth and comfortable listening experience.
Track-Based Playback Impressions
In Tool’s “Sober,” although the initial impact of the bass guitar isn’t as pronounced, the sharpness of the tones and the clarity of the plucking are impressive. The soundstage isn’t particularly wide, but the offline 24-bit 3096kbps playback reveals effortless detail and delicate treble touches. This track highlights the RG15’s ability to deliver nuanced detail and clarity, making it suitable for high-resolution audio files.
“Desert Tornado,” with its rapid 140 BPM flow and chaotic blend of drums, cymbals, guitars, and keyboards, showcases the RG15’s capability to handle complex and fast-paced tracks. The guitar solos with distortion are particularly enjoyable, adding excitement and energy to the listening experience. Despite the potential for chaos, the RG15 manages to keep the elements distinct and enjoyable.
In progressive rock, the combination of technical prowess and forward vocals transforms the usually laid-back energy of Wishbone Ash into a more dynamic experience. Reducing the volume to 25% calms the energy without losing the essence of the music, highlighting the freedom and space within the track’s background.
Joe Bonamassa’s “Abney Road” exemplifies the RG15’s ability to render the magnificence of the recording. The strings, guitar play, blues atmosphere, and the sudden rhythm change towards the end, incorporating country and prog elements, create an immersive experience that’s truly captivating.
Gaming Performance
Testing the RG15 in a gaming environment, particularly in Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), I found the performance to be impressive. The atmosphere and sense of distance are well rendered, adding to the immersion. The clarity of details and the ability to create emotion-based tension enhance the gaming experience significantly. It’s been a long time since a game made me feel tense and scared, a testament to the RG15’s ability to deliver impactful audio in gaming scenarios.
Source Testing
With iPad 9:
Using the iPad 9, the RG15 delivers impressive sound quality across various genres. In smooth jazz, the bass is detailed and resonant, capturing the nuances of the bass guitar strings. The midrange excels, with clear and present vocals in symphonic rock tracks, and balanced guitar riffs. The upper treble, while slightly lighter, ensures a non-fatiguing listen. In Tool’s “Sober,” the sharp tones and clear plucking are evident, though the soundstage isn’t very wide. Gaming performance in CODM is enhanced with well-rendered atmosphere and sense of distance, creating a truly immersive experience. The iPad 9 provides a robust playback, though with a minor depth deficiency, its energetic output compensates effectively.
With R4:
Using UAPP and Bitperfect, the playback is slightly stronger than the iPad 9’s output. The RG15 delivers a detailed and resonant bass, capturing the nuances of the music. The midrange remains clear and present, with balanced guitar riffs and vocals that stand out even in complex tracks. The upper treble, though slightly light, ensures a smooth listening experience. While there is a minor depth deficiency, the energetic playback compensates well. In pop jazz, the organic bass rhythms with a slight bump enhance the ambiance without causing disruption, though it approaches sibilance at times. Overall, the R4 offers a robust and engaging playback experience, enhancing the RG15’s performance.
With Cayin N8ii:
Nah, it looks like both are non compatible.
Unhappy sign here
Pros__
– Detailed and resonant bass performance
– Clear and present midrange vocals
– Balanced musicality with a smooth flow
– Good atmosphere and distance sense in gaming
– High build quality and stylish design
Cons__
– Upper treble could be weightier
– Minor compatibility issues with certain apps
– Slight depth deficiency in playback with some sources
NF Audio RG15 Review Conclusion
The NF Audio RG15 is a versatile USB-C IEM that delivers high-quality sound across various genres and excels in gaming performance. The detailed bass, clear midrange, and generally pleasant treble make it a strong contender in its category. Despite minor issues, its overall performance is impressive, providing an enjoyable and immersive listening experience. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a gamer, the RG15 offers a compelling audio solution that’s both stylish and functional.
