You know you could always sell that dog or one of your children. I hear kidneys of a child go for a pretty penny on the black-market
Duddy07: I hear kidneys of a child go for a pretty penny on the black-market
This is what we've come to here on the forums? I'm disgusted. Passive voice? Honestly, Duddy07. You're better than that.
Team Xbox Review
Installation:
I'm going to start of by saying you'll need this:
if you want to hook up the headset and keep your HDMI connection. This is because MS made the part that plugs into your 360 too thick to fit both an HDMI cord and the pack-in cord at the same time. The adapter in the picture is only included with Elites. The Turtle Beach forums suggest an unofficial solution that involves popping the plastic off the 360 adapter to clear space. Luckily for me I realized I had the adapter...but only after "fixing" the cord that came with my Pro. I've read that if your TV has audio out (to a receiver) you can put the headset adapter there and bypass the 360. I thought about doing this (and still might) to see if that means I can get sound into my headset for the TV, mp3 player, 360, PS3 and whatever else I have hooked up.
The rest of the setup was pretty simple. The only annoying thing was finding a spot RF Digital transmitter didn't get interference from my receiver. Placing it on top of my 50" TV worked for me. So easy a Canadian could do it
Initial Impressions:
The headsets transmit the wireless signal over the 2.4 GHz frequency, which unfortunately is the same frequency as my wireless speakers and wireless network. I did run into slight crackling when I sat too close to my wireless speaker adapter (which is directly behind my couch) and when I used the almost batteries they supplied. So I just sat on the edge of the cushion, popped in a fresh set of AAA's and all crackling/static disappeared. Not a huge issue, I just need to sit closer to the TV than my current 10+ feet as moving my other wireless equipment is not an option due to room layout.
I spent about two and a half hours playing Borderlands last night and I wore these the entire time. I wasn't prepared for the first shot I took with a sniper rifle. I honestly jumped out of my seat. I couldn't believe what I wasn't hearing when I was just using my surround speakers. The sound is nothing short of spectacular, I really can't describe how impressive the sound was. They are extremely comfortable and aren't heavy at all. I do wear thick framed glasses and I was concerned the headset would push my frames into my head like other headsets have, but that didn't happen. One feature I think Turtle Beach should tout is their noise canceling ability. Shesnrice tried on numerous occasions to ask me questions or something and it was like she wasn't even there
I didn't get to chat too much, but I was in a party with Duddy for about 30 mins and didn't notice any real dropouts in the conversation except when I leaned back in my seat. As I use them more in a XBL Party Chat I can provide further feedback.
At $125.00 (Canadian) shipped they aren't cheap, but they are impressive and they are wireless in the same way the XBL pack-in headset is. You'll still need to plug the headset into the controller for voice chat, but at least the x31's can be plugged into the XBL chatpad. I'm sure I'm overlooking quite a bit here, so feel free to ask me some questions.
edit:
I should mention that I bought these from Newegg.ca last Tuesday. They shipped from California and got here yesterday.
Forum Moderator
So is it pretty simple to switch between the headset and speakers? Or do I have to change plugs behind the 360 everytime I want people to hear what i'm playing?
kevlar51:So is it pretty simple to switch between the headset and speakers?
Yes. Sound should still came out of the TV/Surround sound speakers that you have hooked up and your headset when they are powered on. Assuming you've hooked them up as per the instructions.
kevlar51:Or do I have to change plugs behind the 360 everytime I want people to hear what i'm playing?
No.
Turtle Beach Earforce X31 are in stock at NCIX.com
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=42313&vpn=TBS-2165&manufacture=Turtle%20Beach%20Systems
Seems to be out of stock at newegg.ca
I'm still on edge if I should buy it. Seems kind of pricey, and I'm the sort of person who buys things mostly when they are on sale. With MW2 is coming soon, I might just get them, as I've been told they do wonders.
Thanks cheez, that's awesome!
Nemesis360:I'm still on edge if I should buy it. Seems kind of pricey, and I'm the sort of person who buys things mostly when they are on sale
If you don't care about wireless, you may want to check out the XLC's and X1's. If you do care about wireless, keep an eye out for sales on the X3's as they've been replaced by the x31's.
dtp11: Thanks cheez, that's awesome!
No problem. If you can think of a question let me know.
I did get to do some more voice chat last night and both Trusty Musti and bloodlust came in loud and clear. I enjoy the fact that the x31's increase the volume of the voice chat when lots of loud explosions and gun fire are happening in game. I had no issues hearing anything they said...even when they made fun of my XBL name and my Canadian heritage
I noticed Future Shop had the x31's marked down $20-$30 to $99.99 this week. So if you have a FS and hate paying for shipping and would love to deal with their not entirely incompetent staff, this might be the time
cheeznrice: I noticed Future Shop had the x31's marked down $20-$30 to $99.99 this week. So if you have a FS and hate paying for shipping and would love to deal with their not entirely incompetent staff, this might be the time
I can't recommend them enough. I've worn them pretty much the entire time I've played my 360 since I got them. I picked up a couple of sets of AAA rechargeable batteries so I'll always have fresh ones. Now if I could only get shesnrice's rottie to stop eating them (the batteries)
Thanks cheeznrice, and everyone else on this thread. I just bought the Turtle Beach X31 which arrived from NCIX. I price-matched Direct Canada, and all together came out as $114. If I had known about the Futureshop sale I probably would have gone there, but it is around the same price anyway. I would recommend them, especially considering I have a wireless network, and most of the people in my building also have a wireless network, and it still works perfectly.
The only problem I've had is it makes a squeaky noise when it moves. (from the cushions) I do have a big head so it probably won't affect everyone. But it is fine when you are not moving your head around too much (which most of you probably don't anyway)
Now, I just need to find some rechargeable AAA batteries.
cheeznrice: I can't recommend them enough. I've worn them pretty much the entire time I've played my 360 since I got them. I picked up a couple of sets of AAA rechargeable batteries so I'll always have fresh ones. Now if I could only get shesnrice's rottie to stop eating them (the batteries)
A couple new killer kittens at our house shredded the cords on the two MS headsets I had so I finally made the jump and invested in a good set.
Picked up the X31's at Future Shop for $129.99 and so far couldn't be happier. Hearing the game audio and LIVE chat with stereo headphones is awesome.