These days surround sound gaming is as essential as HD gaming, if not more. Wii can't make Twilight Princess look better with 1080p visuals but a good surround sound system will make it sound better, giving you a better playing experience. Same goes for movies.
But if a surround sound system will keep the neighbours awake or you live in a tiny box room, then you're only option for the time being would appear to be headphones.
Tritton AXPRO: More serious about sound than you!
Now we're not talking about the inner ear ones you got with your iPod, or the outer ears ones you've had since childhood. We're talking about a Dolby Digital Surround gaming headset.
Last year we took a look at the AX360 headphones which only really catered for Xbox fans, especially when it came to voice communication. The AXPRO headset has voice options for both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as well as PS2, PC and anything else with an optical out.
Two games we put to the test involved a bird and a bear. The awesome old midi sounds of Banjo-Kazooie were pumped into our ears with perfect clarity and we heard things in Nuts & Bolts that we've not even heard before.
The techy people tell us that the headset is Dolby Digital, Pro logic-certified and uses four drivers in each ear cup to give a three-dimensional audio surround sound experience. The AXPRO also comes with an in-line independent volume control for voice chat.
They're so powerful that the AXPRO even comes with two power supplies - one for the Dolby box and one for the actual headphones (there's loads of fancy lights on there).
Here's a list of features for you to peruse:
True 5.1 Digital Audio Headset
Powered in-line volume control for PC users with Analog 5.1
Dolby Digital and Dolby Pro Logic Certified
Digital audio connection for DVD, PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, and all other devices with an Optical out
8 independent speakers, 4 in each ear cup
Illuminated In-line volume adjustment for Front, Centre, Rear and Subwoofer controls
Includes external 5.1 audio controller
Detachable microphone
The earphones fit tightly on the ear and we never really had sore ears after prolonged use. The only draw back is the price. A set of these will knock you back a massive £150, the price of a decent full on surround sound kit. But treat them as the luxury they are and you won't be disappointed.
The AXPRO is out now and available from www.cooleststuff.co.uk or via Tritton's UK wholesale distributor: Global Sourcing UK Ltd.
They look like a great set of headphones, but are imo a bit pricey at £149.99 (from the link in the article).
That said, I had a surround headphones set once before which was very good but useless for gaming, which it only displayed in Stereo unless you hooked it up to a 5.1 sound card. So bearing that in mind, anyone serious about SS would probably benefit greatly from these.
Currently I'm using a set of Sennhesier HD 215's for gaming use, which are very good and not too expensive.
I assume these headphones are the best. If I was paying £150 I would want the best, even better than a surround sound system. These are great as they include voice chat! I'll look at these if I'm gonna get some headphones for my PS3, but I may have to get a paper round first. I'm not spending much of my savings!
Not as good as the Astro A40's which work out approx another £100 on top, but as close as you'll get to them, or are ever likely to need. Turtle Beaches are woeful in comparison to both
$160 or £108 on costco website (free delivery), considering buying, hope this is helpful i haven't shopped around but this is a good price compared to Amazon's £170
Not as good as the Astro A40's which work out approx another £100 on top, but as close as you'll get to them, or are ever likely to need. Turtle Beaches are woeful in comparison to both
i beg to differ having had the opertunity to try both the tritton and the turtle beach x4 i much prefered the x4s they are alot lighter and have a muck crisper sound to them
I actually splurged on a pair of these about a month ago, since I liked Tritton products. They are certainly very good and clear sounding. Time delay works great, it's much easier to achieve that "surround" feel instead of just a bunch of disjointed speakers. It's easily the best implementation of 5.1 in headphones so far.
There's also a crisp bass sound. I know that's usually a lame thing to say (Dude, the bass is awesome!), but I only mention that since most other 5.1 headphones, including previous Tritton ones, tend to have really weak bass sound.
I really like the illuminated volume controls. If you need to turn it up or down, and it's late at night amd you're playing a game or watching a movie, you no longer have to fiddle with a k**b in the dark or reach for a light.
The only minus is, as mentioned, the decision to go with two seperate power supplies, complete with the chunky power adapter, is a litte cumbersome, especially if, like me, you use them both on a PC and in the living room. Powerbar space is already limited, two seperate power adapters can be annoying, as can the large amount of wiring. This might be a dealbreaker for people more finicky then me.
All in all, I would say it's worth the price, except I live in Canada so it's a little cheaper then the price listed.
If you need to turn it up or down, and it's late at night amd you're playing a game or watching a movie, you no longer have to fiddle with a k**b in the dark
Any 1 know how far they reach?Been cable and not wireless might hinder me, my headset is wireless and so is my joypad.There is no mention here and if I was paying top dollar would want to know.
wow i want one but dude seriously £149.99 maybe if they were even £60 thth would be a lot better but im going to stay with my ones my nan got me for now.
wow i want one but dude seriously £149.99 maybe if they were even £60 thth would be a lot better but im going to stay with my ones my nan got me for now.
I have the Turtle Beach X4 wireless set and they are the best thing I have ever bought to compliment my gaming experience. I now see games as a more immersing experience and get even more enjoyment from them.
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Comfortable to use
