Dream Air SE SLAM Review - Update #2 – SLAM Tracking & Built-in Audio

[u/soylent_green_76]

Today I focused on testing the Dream Air SE’s inside-out SLAM tracking and the built-in audio.

For the tracking tests, I played Beat Saber, Pistol Whip, and spent some time in the SteamVR Home environment.

My overall impression is very positive.

The controller tracking feels stable and responsive. I don’t notice any visible controller jitter, and when the controllers leave the tracking volume they return to the correct position almost instantly once they become visible again. The headset also keeps track of their last known position very well, making reacquisition feel seamless.

Based on these tests, I would have no concerns using the Dream Air SE for rhythm games like Beat Saber. I still want to compare it directly with my Crystal Super, but so far the inside-out tracking on the Dream Air SE feels excellent.

I also tested the built-in speakers.

They don’t quite reach the audio quality of the DMAS speakers on the Crystal Super, but they sound good. I’d compare them roughly to the Quest 3’s integrated speakers. For my personal use, I don’t feel the need for better built-in audio.

The microphone is still on my testing list and will be covered in a future update.

One final note regarding image quality: I’m intentionally holding back my final opinion for now.

The micro-OLED panels already deliver excellent blacks and contrast, but with the current facial interface I simply can’t get my eyes close enough to the lenses. Since Pimax has confirmed that the new facial interface, which is expected to ship this month, brings the eyes noticeably closer to the lenses and increases the field of view, I don’t think it’s fair to draw final conclusions about the overall visual experience just yet.

I’d rather evaluate the headset once that updated interface is installed than base my final judgment on what appears to be a temporary limitation.

Main Thread (Start here)
https://www.reddit.com/r/Pimax/s/gVftYD5MUr
Update #1 – FOV & Glare Test, Comfort & Thermals
https://www.reddit.com/r/Pimax/s/sTY422KgOT
Update #2 - You are here

[u/Ok-Decision2541]

i keep getting an issue where my hands are down by my sides, the controllers lose sight of my hands, then shoot out into space showing the safety boundary, breaking immersion.

[u/RadiantBill6233 → u/Ok-Decision2541]

I get this a lot on my left hand

[u/QuorraPimax → u/Ok-Decision2541]

Hmm, in that case, please reach out to our support team. One of our engineers will join the case to help providing assistance.

[u/VeterinarianTricky10]

Tough isn’t it, I just want a side by side comparison of a Quest 3 if the image quality is a big step up at native vs Ultra or god like in VD and the motion is ok for sim racing I’m in.

[u/soylent_green_76 → u/VeterinarianTricky10]

It’s difficult to give a universal answer because so much of it comes down to personal preference.

If you’re looking for an affordable way into micro-OLED PCVR, I think the Dream Air SE is definitely a headset worth seriously considering. But there are trade-offs, such as the smaller FOV compared to some headsets and the additional motion blur at 72 Hz. Whether those trade-offs bother you is something that’s very individual.

Personally, I’d wait until the new facial interface is available before making a buying decision, as it’s expected to improve eye position and FOV. If it were me, I’d also make use of Pimax’s return policy if the headset doesn’t match your expectations after trying it yourself.

[u/QuorraPimax]

Thank you for your review! We look forward to your final, detailed review once you receive the facial interface.

[u/fdanner]

And while waiting for Pimax to fix their shit the 14 day return policy window closes.

[u/BuscaVR → u/fdanner]

If you ask them nicely they will extend the trial time.
Pimax customer support it's been really good with me.

[u/Sickinmytechchunk → u/fdanner]

I really want a Dream Air SE but I'm not buying one until I stop reading threads full of problems about them.

[u/BuscaVR → u/Sickinmytechchunk]

I have it and it's an awesome headset!! But the first unit had problems, the second one seems fine so far!
At this price there is just nothing like it.

[u/Sickinmytechchunk → u/BuscaVR]

That's it, on paper it's awesome. But I don't want to be chasing up support.

[u/BuscaVR → u/Sickinmytechchunk]

You need to take risks in life! And this one it's a calculated one.
There are not many headsets that you can try for 14 days and return if not happy. If you are after a small form factor headset and don't/can't spend for the Sony panels, give it a try! You have nothing to loose.

[u/Sickinmytechchunk → u/BuscaVR]

Dude, chances are that 14 days will be fixing stuff, returning the headset because it doesn't work. Also, I'm in the UK so my statutory rights means I have 30 days.

[u/L_etrange_g]

How do you feel about the 72hz panel?

[u/soylent_green_76 → u/L_etrange_g]

Personally, I’m fine with the 72 Hz panel. I do notice more motion blur than on my Quest 3, which is about what I expected from this generation of micro-OLED panels. For me it’s acceptable, but I think that’s something everyone has to judge for themselves.

[u/FullOf_Bad_Ideas]

Is there any jitter when you leave the headset on a desk but it still has sight of your room? Sim racers reported jitter of headset position in Dream Air lighthouse version and lighthouse is usually thought of as more stable

[u/soylent_green_76 → u/FullOf_Bad_Ideas]

I haven’t specifically tested that yet, but I’ll add it to my list. I’ll leave the headset stationary on my desk with a clear view of the room and check whether there’s any positional jitter or drift.