Xbox 360 Headsets

Introduction
Xbox 360 Headsets are essentially headphones with microphone and Xbox Live compatibility. They range from the cheaper stereo type to the more expensive 5.1 digital surround type. Please note, that while some headsets are listed as 5.1 Surround Sound, they may only have 2 drivers. This means that the Surround Sound is actually simulated whereas headsets with 8 speakers in them will give you a more true Surround Sound though will also have smaller drivers which can compromise sound quality.

Below is a list of the current headsets on the market, including fast facts, reviews and their company homepages. Prices listed refer to online and in-store prices. They do not include shipping costs.

Turtle Beach

~Turtle Beach X11's – Review
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- USB powered
- Wired
Price Range:
- $90-120 AUD

~Turtle Beach X31's – Review
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- USB powered transmitter + battery powered headset
- Wireless
Price Range:
- $140-160 AUD

~Turtle Beach X41's – Review
Key notes:
- 7.1 Simulated Surround Sound (be aware Xbox 360 games are currently only available with 5.1)
- 2x 50mm drivers
- USB powered transmitter + battery powered headset
- Wireless
Price Range:
- $260-280 AUD


Tritton Technologies

~ Ax 180’s – Review
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- USB powered
- Wired
Price Range:
- $90-140 AUD

~Ax 720's – Review (1) (2)
Key notes:
- 5.1 Simulated Surround Sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- 2x Power adaptor (wall socket)
- Wired
Price Range:
- $170-220 AUD

~AX Pro's – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- 8 individual speakers
- 2x Power adaptor (wall socket)
- Wired
Price Range:
- $260-380 AUD


Astro Gaming

~Astro A40's + Mixamp – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Simulated Surround Sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- USB Powered
- Wired
Price Range:
- $320-360 AUD

~Astro A30's – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Simulated Surround Sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- USB Powered
- Wired
Price Range:
- $300-320 AUD


Skull Candy

~SkullCandy G.I – Review
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- No power supply needed
- Wired
Price Range:
- $90-120 AUD

~Skullcandy Lowrider – Review
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm drivers
- No power supply needed
- Wired
Price Range
- $80-110 AUD


Sharkoon

~X-Tatic Digital – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- 8 individual speakers
- Power adaptor (wall socket)
- Wired
Price Range:
- $200-250 AUD


Razer

~Razer Chimaera – Coming Soon
Key notes:
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- Wired
- Well reputed PC peripheral company


Psyko

~Psyko Xbox 360 – Coming soon
Key notes:
- 5.1 Surround Sound
- Many individual speakers, including speakers in the head-band
- Wired
- Company also built a highly acclaimed, near-identical PC version


Steel Series

~SteelSeries Spectrum 5XB – Review
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm Drivers
- Wired
- Braided Cable
- Headset breaks down into 3 pieces

~SteelSeries Spectrum 4XB –
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm Drivers
- Wired

~SteelSeries Spectrum 7XB –
Key notes:
- Stereo sound
- 2x 40mm Drivers
- Wireless

~SteelSeries Xbox 360 Headset Connector
Key notes:
- Use any stereo headset for your Xbox 360™
- Easy installation

The SteelSeries Xbox 360 Headset Connector makes it possible to use standard stereo PC headsets on your Xbox 360, while using your headsets' microphone. to speak with your friends on Xbox Live.


Primal

~Primal Wireless Headset - Review
Key notes:
- Stereo
- Wireless
- 2x 40mm Drivers
- Different but apparently very effective Mic


Where can I buy them from?
A quick Google search should give you some good sellers for these headsets or even going to common online shopping sites like eBay and Amazon. These websites will accommodate most of your needs.

Be aware that Tritton Technologies and Turtle Beach have an Australian reseller NetOpt and Gamelane. The prices will be higher however support and delivery time is much better.

Astro Gaming headsets only have themselves as official resellers here. However like all items, you may find them on eBay too.


Additional Information
A comparative review of the A40, AX Pro and AX 360 headsets can be viewed here.

Furthermore, be aware that the majority of the time you will be purchasing from overseas. Make sure you are aware of the shipping costs and delivery time. Most importantly, items from other countries will often come with a power adaptor that is not Australian. Therefore, you will need to head to Dicksmith, Tandy or any similar store – to purchase a power plug adaptor. For some headsets you may even need to obtain a device that can change the voltage too.

Headphones for Xbox 360 Gaming

Introduction
For the person who wants sound that can be used for all applications; gaming, music, movies etc – headphones would be their best bet. Often you’ll find that when comparing a headset with a similarly priced headphone, the sound and build quality of the headphone will be superior. Though do take into account that these headphones are only available in Stereo, though many do have a very good, wide soundstage.

Also, please be aware that although regular headphones can still be used for sound through your Xbox 360, they will not include a microphone – though you can still wrap a regular MS 360 Headset around your neck and achieve the same thing. Headphones will often be better priced and of better quality, though obviously lack the Xbox Live compatibility. All headphones listed below are Stereo sound.

Sennheiser

~HD 555’s – Review
Key notes:
- Open
- Circumaural (over ear)
- 50 ohms Impedance
Price Range:
- $180-230 AUD


Audio Technica

~ATH-AD700’s – Review
Key notes:
- Open
- Circumaural (over ear)
- 32 ohms Impedance
Price Range:
- $190-230 AUD


Ultrasone

~HFI-450 – Review
Key notes:
- Closed
- Circumaural (over ear)
- 32 ohms Impedance
Price Range:
- $220-260 AUD


Skullcandy

~G.I.’s – Review
Key notes:
- Closed
- Circumaural (over ear)
- 50 ohms Impedance
Price Range:
- $90-130 AUD


Sony

~MDR-XD200’s – Review
Key notes:
- Closed
- Circumaural (over ear)
- 70 ohms Impedance
Price Range:
- $60-90 AUD


AKG

~K44's – Review
Key notes:
- Closed
- Supraaural (Padding sits on the tips of ears)
- 32 ohms Impedance
Price Range:
- $54-60 AUD


Where can I buy them from?
Headphones.com.au is the best place to buy them online. However you will find some of these in your local electronics stores.

Additional Information
Headphones can either be Open or Closed. This means the casing on the outside of the earphones are either solid or opened up. Open headphones will generally give a clearer, better quality sound but outside noise is overly prevalent. Closed headphones will have a duller sound, but a thicker bass. They also work well to try and eliminate outside noise.

Impedance refers to the power required to run the headphones properly. The higher the impedance, the large the power source you'll need. The headphones listed above will work fine with Xbox's, iPods and the like. Headphones with higher impedances (well over 100) are for use with home theater systems with an amplifier and music production studios.

Also, headphones generally come in the on-ear or over-ear fashion (disregarding earphones here). Only over-ear and supraaural (earcup padding sits on the tips of your ears) models are listed as they are much more suitable for gaming. On-ear headphones aren't exactly any worse off with it, but are less comfortable and the sound isn't concentrated as much inside the headphone. Outside noise can also be rather prevalent.

5.1 Speaker Systems for the Xbox 360

Introduction
These systems will often give the gamer a lot better directional sound and quality. However this obviously comes at the cost of making a lot of noise which could come back through your microphone or simply annoy the rest of your family or neighbours. Those without such constraints, are fortunate and below we’ll list some ideal speaker setups for the average gamer.

Surround Sound Speaker Systems can vary from a simple 100 or 200 dollars, to upwards of a few thousand dollars. I really don’t think we need to bother covering any of the high-priced systems, so we’ll stick to those that are affordable but still perform well. Unfortunately, there aren’t many speaker systems designed for Xbox 360 use (Optical port available) without having to get a whole home theatre system.

In this case, I’ve listed some that will work with proper 5.1 to your Xbox, but those that don’t say ‘Fully Xbox compatible’ – you’ll still be able to get sound through all 5 speakers (you’ll need to buy an adaptor) but all sounds will come at once and it will still only be stereo (left and right).

Logitech

~Z-5500’s – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Digital Surround sound
- THX Certified
- Fully Xbox Compatible
- Optical, Coaxial, Analog, Line-in and Headphone ports
- Wireless remote
Price Range:
- $380-450 AUD

~X-530’s – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Surround sound for PC only
- Analog 5.1 and Headphone ports
- Affordable
Price Range:
- $60-110 AUD


Creative

~Inspire T6160 – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Surround sound for PC only
- Analog 5.1 and Headphone ports
- Affordable
Price Range:
- $100-150 AUD


Pioneer

~HTP-GS1 – Review
Key notes:
- 5.1 Surround sound
- Fully Xbox Compatible
- Wireless Remote
- Hard to find
Price Range:
- $300-600 AUD


Primal

~Primal Wireless 5.1 Surround - Coming Soon
Key notes:
- Works with PC, Xbox, PS3 & Home Theatre systems
- Wireless
- 125' Range
- 2.4 GHz ISM Band Digital Transmission
- Latency Free
- Remote Control
- Rear speakers require electrical jack


Where can I buy them from?
In store or Online. A quick Google search or drive to your local electronics store will set you on the right path.

Additional Information
As mentioned above there really aren't any 5.1 Digital surround sound units for the Xbox 360. The Z5500's are the only speaker system to do this. However, you can get the same result if you are to buy a Home theater system which includes an amplifier and AV box. I again must mention the 5.1 systems that aren't truly 5.1 will not give you the surround sound you're after, but will still be pretty cool if you're on a low budget and just like things loud.

---

Quotes from people who have tried a few headsets:

Driifter "I've used both and i own AX360's and i have to say the X4's wireless feature is cool but my mates tv would interfere with the X4's at times and would make a screwed up buzzing noise but the sound on them was good and cool how u can mute. AX360's: I own them and they are really good, they are comfortable, light and are easy to use and setup i've really had no problems with them except for the mic, ive broken two mics in 2.5 months but old mate gives em to me for free and i get them next day postage so its all good. + Turtlebeach has no aussie distributer so you can pretty much kiss warranty/support goodbye. GO THE AX360!"

Twilife "Regarding headsets only and for gaming only, and only taking sound quality into account (actual quality and directional), it pretty much goes like this. AX PRO>A40>A30>X-Tatic>X41>AX720>X11>X31, in my humble opinion. I'd never recommend a wireless headset unless you truly can't have wires running from your Xbox to your noggin.

In regards to headphones, get open headphones. They deliver a more clear sound and are quite more comfortable as they allow air to flow to your ears. To those that are willing to spend around $200 look no further than Sennheiser (HD555) and Audio Technica (ATH-AD700). Either will do a great job for all applications: gaming, music, movies. Those looking for a more affordable headphone, I'd have to recommend the AKG K44's. They're only $50, but I found them to produce sound better than that of headphones priced around the $100 mark. They're also comfortable as hell.

For 5.1 Speaker Systems I honestly can't go past the Logitech Z-5500D's. They're only about $400, if not less. And they produce a fantastic sound of true 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. They're also endorsed by THX. Sure, you can get somewhat better sounding, louder systems - but expect to pay 4x the price."

Fitzy "x4s are better, ive had both and x4s are better, dont have to jack up the volume like you do with the ax360"

That about wraps it up! Of course when it comes to headphones and speaker system not all of them have been listed. If you think a speaker system or headphone should be added or just have suggestions or updates for me, please post below.

Sticky made possible with large edits and contributions from the following members.
Infamous / Twilife / RJ Aus / *Squishy* / Driifter / Fitzy / ToXiiC

Edited 21 times, last edited 23/1/11 - 10:08am by Twilife.

Best post in years. Sticky this please.

With Easycaps they will only have color if they support the format NTSC_433. Ive been DC60+ Easycaps now support this feature.

Sticky this thread.

Ax360 has 5.1 aswell.

Yea, forgot to put that in with the axpros.

Thanks for that Squishy

ax360 dont sell no more. at least on netopt they dont

or there is my hardcore way to get headset
www.cybergamer.com.au/forums/thread/20875/PC-HEAD-SETS-ON-XBOX-360-the-truth-revealed/

Quick Overview of my capcard

+ MAKE YOUR YOUR TV HAS A VIDEO OUTPUT
- Where to buy = JB-HIFI
All items you need can be bought here




I have a Kaiser blaas Video to DvD maker, which i use as a capcard.

It is not exactly meant for capcarding Xbox but whocares its fairly cheap~ and very Good Quality

Link - Kaiser baas

If and once you have bought the "capcard" you'll need an extra piece of equipment.
you will need to go to the Music section of JB-HIFI and look for a
a Double sided VCA cord.. Look like this!


And there you go , you will get all software to cap your games.
If you need Setup help please PM (if you buy it) or any other questions..

it come's at a total price of $90 but i got mine cheap because of the lack of people buying the item.
i got mine for $57

www.slingmedia.com/go/slingbox-solo

Dalla's cap card. Even though it isn't really a capture card but it does the job.

I still haven't set it up yet -_-

so all the easy cap DC 60+ all support NTSC 433 or do u have to look for the 1s that say NTSC 433

because this 1 doesnt say NTSC 433 but supports NTSC
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/USB-EasyCAP-Video-Audio-REC-TV-DVD-Capture-Adapter-D2_W0QQitemZ260443005341QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Components?hash=item3ca39ce19d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

and this 1 says it supports NTSC 433
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=110412595054

do they both work with color or only the 2nd 1?

On "5.1" Headsets:

Can someone who has used both tell me what is better
x4 or ax360s?

Whats the price of the AX360's?
And when u say x1s dont have true surround sound does that mean u cant hear where people are coming from?

x1s r stereo, a speaker left n right. not surround sound which has more than 2 speakers