Audio dynamite
Given that any kind of surround sound headphone experience is going to involve a level of compromise, the AX Pro does a surprisingly job of keeping things real. The benefit of using individual drivers for each channel, rather than rely on DSP processing, quickly becomes apparent.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 routes the console's digital audio feed to the 'phones
Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is a standout example of surround-sound game audio. It skillfully throws everything into the mix, from watery submersion and firefights, to heavy artillery and strafing runs – and the the XP Pros rejoice in the confluence. The result is an undeniably intense sonic experience.
An illuminated in-line remote controller allows you to easily adjust the level of each channel: you can raise the dialogue, bump up the rears or goose the bass, using a simple colour-coded system. It’s tempting to over-egg the LFE, simply because you can – with the result that things can get a little concussive.
There's an in-cable volume control too
However, while the headset does a great job of steering 5.1 channels, overall fidelity is not a strength. The phones have a tendency to sound unrefined and thuddy. Music-only listening certainly suffers – I ran through a selection of albums and concluded that I’d never use these for anything other than gaming.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a genuine multi-channel gaming headset, then give the AX Pro an audition - the authenticity of the 5.1 experience is compelling. However, the drivers could stand a quality upgrade. These ‘phones won’t begin to satisfy anyone with audiophile aspirations. ®
More Headphone Reviews |
||||
 Creative
Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Sigma |
 Razer
StarCraft II |
 Creative
World of Warcraft |
 Ten...
over-ear headphones |
 Marshall
Major |
Tritton AX Pro 5.1-channel gaming headphones
COMMENTS
multiple drivers unnecessary for headphones
I can see the point in having a separate bass driver but here's a little insight, humans only have two ears.
The reason why two speaker DSP based surround systems for your TV aren't as good as proper multi-speaker setups is because you can't ensure that each ear hears exactly what you want. With headphones it's a given so DSP based surround should be perfect.
I also can't see that placing drivers slightly forward or backward on an earpad is going to make the listener believe they are hearing sounds from infront or behind. Therefore is these headphones are producing a surround effect, which the review says they are, they must also be using some kind of DSP processing.
tritton headphone support....
Im full aware these are for xbox or ps3. Not bad headphones. But I would never buy a tritton product ever again as the company does not bother about supporting its products.. I have some axpc headphones. Great they are. Infact better than great. Then windows 7 came along. Wheres the driver ? Oh we are working on it. It never came. A 100 quidsworth of headphones in the bin.....Thanks a bundle tritton.
These headphones MIGHT and could be the best gaming 5.1 headphones in the world, but without proper support, you may be throwing 150 quid in the bin.
DSP > multiple drivers
I spent a good while researching before buying a gaming headset recently and most informed places (headfi.org and AVScience forums) tend to agree that the cheaper Tritton AX720s with their DSP-based surround are in fact better:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tritton-AX-Headset-Digital-Surround/dp/B002ZS6Y64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308829451&sr=8-1
There's fairly universal criticism for the Turtle Beach equivalents being too flimsy.
I have the 720s and they're great.
Shameless blog plug here but I wrote a post about Dolby Heaphone and I included some sound clips with it enabled for comparison. You can try it with normal headphones here:
http://pcloadletter.co.uk/2011/04/05/5-1-channel-audio-through-headphones/
Did I fire six titles or only five?
An interesting but rather basic review, if you're suggesting these are okay for gaming how do they compare to other multi channel headphones around, such as the Razer Barracuda? Just because in B:BC2 the water sounded watery and firefights intense, a good pair of 3D headphones should allow you to pinpoint the location of sounds 360° around you quickly for that 'He must be cheating!' response!
Based on this sparse review there is no way I'd go and risk my valuable beer tokens on these, surely you must have someone on the El Reg FPS-frag-fest desk willing to conduct an exhaustive review?
re:weight
They aren't that heavy at all...can easily have a days gaming without any neck strain.
