Tritton Q33801 True 5.1 Digital Audio Headset with AX360 Audio Xtreme 360 | List Price: $129.99
Discount Price: $93.24
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Brand: Tritton
Binding: Electronics
Features: - Professional-grade gaming headphones with rumble headset technology
- True 5.1 digital audio, with Dolby Digital
- 8 speakers, 4 in each cup
- Fiber-optic and digital coaxial audio inputs
- Compatible with PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360, and PC games
Great product for the price [Posted on 2008-05-31]
Great headphones for the price. Having a set of Dolby Digital certified surround for less than $100 is great. If you can find a deal these are worth every penny.
AX360s are a must have for many gamers. Great Headphones and quality. [Posted on 2008-06-10]
I bought these headphones last summer, 2007, and have been using them for a year now. To say the least, they reproduce quality digital surround sound that can rival most of the more commonly found home theater audio set ups. For those who consider them audiophiles and/or picky about such accessories, I advise you to continue looking for a solution, as I feel that the less minority of these individuals will not be pleased by these headphones.
For everyone else (99% of users here), if you are in a apartment, dorm room, have children, or just want to game with quality surround sound with hanging speakers, these headphones are a steal. The price has dropped since I have purchased them, making them an even better deal. The headphones use either Toslink (Digital Optical) or Coaxial connection for the headphones. I will break up the subsequent features based on the system interested in using them on:
Xbox 360
These phones will need a Toslink connector from the 360 to the reciever to get audio. Make sure you own an Xbox360 Premium or Elite model, Arcade pack with cable upgrade, or have the Microsoft Xbox 360 HDMI kit if you plan on using these. The standard dongle for the Arcade pack DOES NOT have a Toslink (Digital Optical) output. Also, the standard dongle for the A/V is too large to be used with a standard HDMI cable, so you would require the official Microsoft one that can be purchased seperately or comes standard with the Xbox 360 Elite.
Once started, there is a down side using optical, I have noticed. The cable that comes with the unit is low quality and was quickly replaced with a much higher quality Toslink cable by myself. The issue arising is that during quiet scenes or moment of no audio, you will hear digital bleed through of slight "boops" or "beeps". While my friend thought it was funny and kind of liked it, it can annoy some users. This is minor, though, because during high action scenes, scenes with music, etc, they are almost indistinguishable.
The microphone is the worst hassle for the Xbox 360. You connect it directly to your controller with no mute or volume control. This can be remedied with an attachment sold, but it's just a "Cmon guys?" type thing. Also, it's best to adjust the volume for online game. The recommended settings are around 40~45% Game FX volume, 30% or less Music Volume, and 100% Voice volume to hear your squad/teammates clearly.
All these cons and it's still 4 stars? Why? They do their job WELL! With the bass rumble motors and fully enchanced surround sound, I have jumped at moments I wouldn't normally have in scary games; I have looked over my shoulder at sounds behind me due to the quality of these headsets. Playing Bioshock with the opening sequence and the deep, sorrowful moan of the Big Daddy was the exact moment this purchase was justified for me,... feeling the sound reverberate through the motors and speakers to create and intense feeling of dread couple with the vibrating controller. This also works wonders with the Downloadable title called "Rez" which is a music rhythm shooter that is all about beats and vibrations.
PS3
I have used them sparingly with the PS3, but with the same qualities as the Xbox 360 in terms of sound and same flaws such as "beeping" and there are difficulties in using the microphone, as well. You will need to buy an attachment for these to get the mic to work with the PS3. The only bonus is that you need not worry about compatability, as all Playstation 3s have Toslink output.
PS2/Xbox
They only ouput in Dolby Pro Logic II, for the most part, but still sound as good as these older titles can.
Home Computer
These are also marketed as PC gaming headphones. If you do not have any form of digital output from either your motherboard or soundcard, I would not recommend these headphones. The included 5.1 adapter subverts the amplifier included, resulting in unpowered speakers. You can pretty much assume that you will be quite lacking in punch and quality at that moment.
With either Digital Coax or Toslink, these become a great set for PC. Most PC games do not support Dolby Digital and these headphones do not support most high end sound formats for games. That being said, you will still get great quality as standard 5.1 headphones for your PC, but the quality can also be hit or miss determing on your sound card and/or motherboard. I would say that as PC gaming headphones they are pretty good, but at the same cost point, you could do better with some nice stereo headphones. From a purely PC perspective, I would not buy them based around this platform alone.
Other:
Have not tried with stand alone DVD players/etc.
Final Thoughts:
Programming these can be a bit of a trick, but there are guides on the internet and some FAQs and Tips on Tritton's website. For any further issues, I would consult them. If you are a PS3 and/or 360 gamer (that may also dabble in PC, like me), then I HIGHLY recommend these for their price range. You can do no wrong, but realize they do take some fiddling and determing on platform, some extra cost, but they are cheaper from when I bought them, thus negating some of that extra cost it added to me!
Also, I do not know why they chose this feature, but on the cord there are 4 seperate volume controls for the different channels: Vibration (bass), Front, Center, Rear. I have them set 10, 6,7,7 for my taste, but these controls should REALLY be on the amplifier and a general volume control be placed on the cord. Sometimes you can bump the dials, so remember your settings!
Pros:
+Great Sound Quality
+Bass Motor Rumble works surprisingly well!
+Small Amplifier that is easily hidden.
+Long cable for those lengthy living rooms.
+Comfy, padded. I have a large head, so they fit me nicely!
+Stays true to Dolby Digital
Cons:
-Voice Chat issues
-Digital Bleed through with Toslink
-Pure PC gamers should keep looking
-Inline Volume controls can be bumped.
Why 4/5 stars? The sound quality is that good and after initial hassles and set-up, they have lasted me quite some time and continue to be a great solution to my problem. They also block out outside noise VERY well, so other distractions are "out of earshot", so to speak!
One more added note: There are a new, high end, premium set of Dolby Digital headphones on the market for Xbox 360 and other systems. A little research can find them as they were released this year. They are about double (or a little more) than the cost of these, but have better features and options. Do not believe this is still your only choice. For those willing to spend more and get the best of the best quality, keep researching! Those thinking these cost enough, as is, enjoy them. I still do! (though I may be upgrading... cause, I love new toys!)
They are an ok set of headphones [Posted on 2008-06-22]
When I first received my headphones I first set everything up to the Xbox and it was good. The cord that plugs the mic into the controller is very cheap though. It would only work with one of my controllers. After I bought a new cord from monoprice.com it worked then. At the times when there was no sound coming out of them, I would hear little faint beeps. I don't know if that is because something is wrong with it but it was annoying. The rumble feature is also a little low. It would only work sometimes. I play Call of Duty 4 with these and I couldn't feel the explosions. Other than that it is a nice set but I need a better set to play with so I am returning them.
Outstanding [Posted on 2008-06-23]
This is my 3rd attempt at getting a headset for my xbox 360 that i was happy with and as they say 3rd time is a charm. After 4 days of using it, I am completely sold and I couldn't be more happy. It set up VERY easily, The Directions were perfect (which was the issue with another set i previously purchased). I needed something so my girlfriend or my son wouldn't hear the game at night. Now they can't hear it (and I can't hear here complain about me playing games!)
The in-game sound: Nothing short of INCREDIBLE! The 5.1 adds so many levels to the game (I play 1st person shooters...COD4, BF:Bad Company). Sounds nobody else can here, you can hear exactly where the shots are coming from....
Movies: I tested it also with a movie in my xbox. I always use Saving Private Ryan initial battle scene to test out the 5.1...it was awesome (I most likely won't watch movies wearing headphones).
I have been telling everyone i am friends with to get these, they are awesome.
Great 5.1 Headset [Posted on 2008-06-24]
This is a great 5.1 headset, i was skeptical at first about the "true 5.1", but once i got them and tried them out, i was just blown away. they really are 5.1 and the sound is great.
By the way, it really gives you advantage in COD4 .
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