The Sharkoon X-tatic SR is a multi-platform headset that works great for the gamer who uses multiple systems and won’t break the bank. Even though this headset is designed for multiple systems it gives a crisp 3D sound that competes with some of the most expensive headsets on the market. The price tag is currently at $139.99, and since this headset is compatible with so many different systems that if you had to buy a headset for every single platform you would end up spending at least several hundred dollars. The idea that you can buy one headset alone that also provides superb sounds in a comfortable package is amazing. In all honesty the features that are included with this headset make it a real prize for any gamer that enjoys quality sound at an affordable price.

Features:

The headphones include the following features:

• Dolby Headphone designed for multi-platform gaming for all of the following platforms:

-          Xbox

-          Xbox 360

-          Playstation 3

-          PCs and Laptops

-          Tablet PCs and MVP Players (iPod, iPad, iPhone)

-          DVD and Media Players

• USB-powered headset means that there is no need for an additional power source
• Supports Xbox Live
• A detachable microphone that is flexible to maximize efficiency
• Microphone is connected to the Xbox 360 controller not directly from the headset but from the volume control
• Microphone is connected via the USB for PS3
• An In-line amplifier that has a volume controller and microphone mute
• Separate volume adjustment control just for voice communications

Sound Control Unit Features:

• Supports Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital 5.1, and Dolby Headphone
• Dolby Headphone function can be activated or deactivated as needed
• Analog and digital input
• Chat function is supported for PS3, Xbox, and Xbox 360
• There is a connector for an additional stereo headset
• Connector for an additional analog sound source

My Thoughts:

Upon opening the box I will admit I was intimidated at the amount of cords that came with the headset, but after familiarizing myself with the directions and purposes of each cord this intimidation was found to be completely false. Since the headphones rely on the USB cord for power that means the Xtatic SR has a space limit that everyone should realize before purchase. The USB cord reaches around 13 ft 6 in to 14 feet. For most this is plenty of room and I found this to be more than enough room for comfortable usage in multiple settings.

The USB cord function is the best and worst part of this headset. It’s thanks to that feature it’s compatible with the multiple consoles and it also means you don’t have to keep replacing batteries. Nothing is worse than having to scramble for batteries in the middle of a multiplayer match that requires communication.  Plus this is another way the Xtatic SR saves some money for those that use it, as batteries are not the cheapest item to constantly replace. The drawback of the USB cord is that it limits the space the headset can be used and may be a tripping hazard for others that are walking around users when they are in use.

The Dolby Digital Sound Control Unit enables the sound to be adjusted quickly for whatever function the headset is being used for. This means it’s easy to swap between gaming sounds to media sounds. The benefit of changing with a simple button press is quick, easy and provides a subtle yet noticeable difference to the sound quality. With making tweaks to the audio features of whichever system you use can really bring out the full potential of the X-tatic SR headset.

I tested the sound quality on all the systems and with various games (first person shooters to sports games) to see if there was any difference in quality. It held up to the same standard on all systems as it never lost its crisp sounds on any system, and all the games received the best treatment possible to the sound quality. Also, being able to control the volumes of music and people you are talking with two separate sound controls is a great feature.

Comparison:

When compared to my personal Turtle Beach headset there are some obvious differences. First the ear pieces are notably different. I found the ear pieces for the X-tatic SR to be more comfortable when wearing for an extended period of time. Both ear piece speaker units also do an incredible job of blocking all noise in the area when the sound is turned up it’s all you can hear. Which is great when playing in noisy areas for any gamer that’s trying to block out the distractions around them.

I also found that with the Xbox 360 the X-tatic SR was more comfortable with the connection to the controller for one reason. The connector on the X-tatic SR goes to the volume control which is on the line about a foot or two from the headset which gives a little more room than with the Turtle Beach that plugs directly into the headset itself. This is great for people like myself that tend to move some while playing games no matter how subtle having the cord jerked out of the headset is always annoying.

The sound quality was very similar in both units, but I found the sound to be a little more crisp and realistic for the X-tatic SR. When I took all of these facts into consideration and also the fact that the X-tatic SR could be used on multiple platforms at an affordable price they just seem to stand out over my Turtle Beach headset.

The Turtle Beach did have one feature that was better than the X-tactic SR and that was the sensitivity of the microphone. With the X-tactic SR it can only really pick up audio from your voice as long as the microphone is in the proper position where the Turtle Beach picks up from wherever.  This is a minor annoyance, but not a major failing for the Xtactic SR as once it’s in the proper position it works great.

Final Conclusion:

This headset is definitely one for anyone that plays on multiple platforms and has no issues with the cord space limit. The sounds are crisp and easy on the ear. With a cost of around 139.99 this may be out of some people’s price range at first estimate, but when you consider these can be used on many different consoles you can save several hundred dollars. Also, when you realize that batteries will never be needed is a huge bonus for me as I hate battery changes within gameplay. I found that after starting to use these it’s hard not to use them as they become so comfortable and easy on the ear. They did a great job of making in game sounds feel real. In the end these are a great headset for any gamer to use that offer a great sound.

Written By: Paul Miller

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