NF Audio RG15 Review

NF Audio RG15 Review – Assassin’s IEM

The NF Audio RG15 represents a pair of Type-C in-ear monitors (IEMs) specifically engineered for gaming purposes. NF Audio has joined forces with the Assassin’s Creed series to introduce their latest gaming IEMs, particularly in conjunction with the recently launched Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

The RG15 effectively leverages the Assassin’s Creed brand to influence its visual design. The gold-finished shell, patterns, and insignia are not only visually appealing but also thematically connected to the Mirage setting.

These IEMs stand out in their price range, both in terms of sound quality and comfort. Despite their luxurious design, they are surprisingly compact, making them comfortable for extended wear. However, their weight may cause them to shift slightly if not fitted with the correct ear tips.

The RG15 features a double cavity dynamic driver for better sound quality, but what sets it apart is its MEMs microphone.

Unlike other gaming earbuds with remote mics, the RG15 has increased voice clarity thanks to this specific design.

The RG15 achieves a substantial sound output. It resembles the experience of utilizing a high-quality DAC/Amp without requiring any additional adapters. However, it would have been beneficial to include a 3.5mm cable. For those who wonder how the RG15 would sound with a 3.5mm cable instead of the stock USB-C cable, keep reading.

Unboxing

• RG15 IEMs
• USB-C cable with 2-pin connectors
• XS/S/M/L Ear tips
• Drawstring bag with Assassin’s Creed Logo

Specs

Sound

As you can see in the graph if you replace the USB-C cable with a 3.5mm cable, you get slightly more sub-bass, slightly reduced 800Hz-2K, and also some slight elevation after 6K.

Lows

The RG15 has a dynamic low-end reproduction. The bass is punchy, rounded, and very controlled. I found the amount of bass quite balanced. This earphone is by no means a bass head’s delight, rather, it offers a bass that feels precise, accurate, and organic.

The sub-bass range feels slightly fuller than the mid-bass range. The sub-bass is perfectly present with good rumble whereas the mid-bass seldom feels light. Apart from that, the RG15 has a clean, agile, and natural bass reproduction and in this price bracket, it can easily go for the throne.

Mids

RG15’s midrange feels balanced and clean. The vocals are crystal clear with good detail, and mid-based instruments like the guitar or the violin feel organic and breathy. The mids show a good body and the tonality feels right. Male vocals sound adequately bold and authoritative, female vocals sound transparent and open. The vocals are dead-centred. The stereo imaging capability of this monitor is one of its best perks. The RG15 presents the midrange to you in perfect control.

The upper midrange is excellently controlled, but energetic at the same time. This is a rare feat and I don’t see this often in this price bracket. The RG15 manages to keep things excited and dynamic but never gives in to the congestion. Upper mids have a great extension and they sound crystal clear just like the rest of the spectrum. Overall, the midrange is transparent, resolving, and smooth.

Highs

The high frequencies are well-represented in the mix and offer excellent energy and dynamism. The treble range is no different than the rest of the frequency range. It is gentle with a good presence and it is detailed. The low treble continues from the boosted upper mids and can get glaring with louder volumes. The upper treble rolls off early, and that region has little brilliance or air. Sibilance is minimal or non-existent depending mainly on your source, but there is some loss of micro-details.

There is a touch of emphasized brightness in the mid-treble when there are sharp sound effects like sword slashes for example. the treble carries good detail with great definition and this contributes to the perception of clarity. The effortlessness and smoothness of the signature come from the perfect coherency between the three regions. For the most part, though, the highs are gentle with instances of light sparkle.

Technicalities

The RG15 excels in providing ample soundstage for gaming, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in various sound elements such as dialogue, effects, and music. Its impressive scope and depth enhance the overall gaming experience, creating a sonic environment that resembles a slender oval when listening to games and music.

The width spans from left to right, providing ample black space to enhance the physical presence of each sound in the mix. A subtle layer allows the instruments, effects, and voices to neatly stack on top of each other. It elevates just above a flat plane, creating a linear stereo field.

RG15 has a very spacious and breathy presentation with a slightly warm, balanced signature. It also has a solid technical foundation. I didn’t expect this kind of agility and speed from a single dynamic driver. This enhances the clarity of each sound, facilitating easier identification, a crucial aspect in gaming.

Sum-Up

The NF Audio RG15 meets the majority of requirements to be considered a gaming earphone. In addition to the collaboration with Assassin’s Creed which confirms its gaming capabilities, the audio quality also plays a significant role. The RG15 delivers impressive bass performance, as well as the necessary detail and soundstage, creating an immersive gaming audio experience for gamers.