After toying with the concept for a while I eventually went ahead and obtained a set of Turtle Beach Ear Force X4's and as there seems to have be quite a few people interested in them I figured it would make an ideal opening to the technology side of my weblog.
The Ear Force X4 was released as the next-generation of XBOX 360 wireless headphones, designed by the experts in gaming audio technologies -Turtle Beach.
The core design and style of the X4 is based on the popular Turtle Beach Ear Force X3 wireless XBOX 360 stereo headphones. Both the X3 and X4 use infrared (IR) wireless technology to transmit the game audio, however the X4 has many enhancements, including a more powerful transmitter, headphones designed for greater comfort, and Dolby 5.1 channel Surround Sound to reproduce 3D positional sound cues that are otherwise obtainable only with surround sound speakers. I decided to go down the IR route as my residence is effectively one large wireless / RF hotspot and I didn't want my gaming to be interrupted by constant crackles and buzzes, incidentally the (newer) X41 model uses an RF not IR transmitter / receiver.
The Dolby 5.1 Channel Surround Sound X4 Dolby technology recreates positional audio that can only otherwise be accomplished with a true 5.1 speaker system, so by wearing the headphones, you can actually hear enemies as they sneak up behind you (especially useful in games such as COD Black Ops or Medal of Honour) bullets fly by your head and other 3D sound cues in the game. Connecting via an optical cable to your TV or home entertainment system transforms the X4 into a personalized home cinema system.
The elementary XBox game audio / single-ear headsets place the XBOX Live chat conversation in one ear, degrading the game audio into a mono experience with the other ear. The Ear Force X4 mixes game audio and XBOX Live communication in the headphones, so you can hear the game in surround sound while chatting online. Separate volume controls allow you to independently set the game and chat levels.
While most headphones employ 40mm speaker drivers, the X4 headphones are designed for high quality sound with oversized, high-fidelity, 50mm drivers powered by low distortion DC-coupled amplifiers that deliver smooth, deep rich bass sounds and crisp high frequencies to make game sounds come alive. The X4 headphones are lightweight, with large, deep, soft ear cushions that are easy on your ears, so you can play for hours with no discomfort. Tilting ear cups and soft head band transform to fit any size head.
Finally, one of the main reasons I 'needed' gaming headphones was because I don't like playing games that may contain colourful language whilst my young Son is around. With the X4's I can game to my hearts content and when it's too late to be loud, the X4 lets you hear every explosion and footstep at full volume in Dolby surround sound.
YouTube Review
X4 User Guide & Full Technical Specifications
For me it was an straightforward investment. Superb interference free 5.1 surround sound, unbeatable comfort and sturdy build quality.
Cons? I hear you inquire. I'm get to come across any really. A single downside is that because the X4 uses IR it works on a line-of-sight principle, so if you leave the space you are more than likely to loose your signal, a pain if you want to listen to music in another room I guess but it certainly won't effect your gaming. The RF X41's will let you listen anywhere in the home, but remember everything from your mobile phone to your TV and Wireless network will be trying to burst your audio bubble.
Prices range from 70 used through to 140. Admittedly they are getting relatively tricky to get hold of now that the RF X41 has taken over as the lead product, but in my opinion; it's a no brainer.
RATING: 9.5 / 10
Turtle Beach Review
Technology Blog
