Valve’s Index headset may be over six years old, but its off-ear speakers are still unmatched in VR audio quality. Now, thanks to Project Beyondex, you can bring that legendary sound to the ultra-light Bigscreen Beyond and Beyond 2 headsets.
Developed by the team behind the Quest spatial computing app Fluid, Project Beyondex is a mod kit that lets you attach the Valve Index strap and speakers to Bigscreen’s headset. For VR enthusiasts who want the comfort and modern optics of the Beyond combined with the audio of the Index, this kit delivers the best of both worlds.
How It Works
The kit reuses the Index strap, mounted upside-down to fit Beyond using 3D-printed side adapters (made possible by Bigscreen releasing its strap CAD files). It also includes a custom DAC, based on the open-source Picoamp project, and a tiny UPS with a lithium-ion battery to provide the extra power the Index speakers need.
Setup is fairly straightforward—though the trickiest part is neatly tucking away the thin audio cables. Once installed, the Index’s off-ear speakers work seamlessly with the Beyond.
Cost & Availability
- Ready-to-use kit: $109
- DIY version (with STL files, but requires soldering): $89
Preorders are open now for customers in the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, with shipping expected before November. Fluid also plans to release full schematics for DIY enthusiasts who want to build everything themselves.
Why It Matters
While Bigscreen offers its own Audio Strap, many users agree it doesn’t match the Index’s legendary sound. Project Beyondex bridges that gap, giving PC VR fans what Fluid calls their “favorite way to experience PC VR so far.”
And while rumors swirl about Valve’s next headset—possibly codenamed Deckard or even “Steam Frame”—Project Beyondex is here today, offering an exciting new way to upgrade your VR experience.
