Everywhere you look, there’s a gaming console set up next to your Big TV. Chances are you pipe the audio through the family home theater system or stereo system because it sounds so that much better. Nothing can beat the immense audio experience you get from screaming down European race ways, or calling in an air strike on all your foes for all to hear. But, what do you do when it’s late at night and you can’t blast the audio?
What you need now is a gaming headset, but not any old headset is going to cut it. This is especially true if you like some semblance of that same experience you get from your home audio system. You need a headset from someone who knows all about gamers and how they like their audio. Might we suggest checking out the AX180 Gaming Headset from Tritton Technologies?
Features and Specifications
The headset features full 2-way communication with its independent game and voice volume controls. No more having to pause the PC or Console game to adjust your settings. It utilizes standard stereo analog jacks and a USB microphone which works with Playstation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac. The flexible mic is easily removable in case you don’t like using it, or perhaps you don’t want your little ones talking to strangers in game.
Similar to the AX51 Pro Gaming Headset we reviewed a few weeks back, the AX 180 has an Inline Audio Controller with independent Chat Volume Controls and selectable Audio Source for both PS3 (PC1) and Xbox 360 (PC2). There’s a built in controller port for your Xbox 360 controller as well with volume control.
Inside the headset are 2 x 40mm 106dB Drivers. That 106dB means you can expect some deep, rich audio at all times without distortion. Frequency Response is rated at 25-22KHz with a Total Harmonic Distortion of -97 dB. That 25Hz should produce some decent lows when you’re cruising around in Forza racing.
What’s in the Box?
The AX180 bundle is very simple. Besides the headset, you’ll find a 3.5mm male end analog extension cable. This one will likely best serve Xbox 360 gamers. There’s also a dual RCA to 3.5mm analog port adapter. The nice thing about the RCA-analog wire is that the RCA jacks allow you to piggy back any existing RCA cables going to other components. This way, you don’t lose any connectivity to your home audio source.
The same cables work for the PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii though it will require a different configuration for the Wii which is not officially supported. Let’s move forward.
Trying On the AX 180
Taking a moment to check for comfort and function, the AX 180 are quite light weight and are seemingly built for regular and extremely “mobile” players. Console gamers like to get into their games whether it be racing or jumping around to Guitar Hero. That’s why the head band is tuned and tightened up so they don’t fall off while you’re going crazy to your favourite game.
The head band fits evenly flat across the top of your head and the cups actually grip against your head and not the ears which means far less chance of fatigue. Equally nice is how the headset cups your ears without putting any pressure on them. I imagine it took quite a few designs to get this just right. Non-cup designs are never comfortable nor are built for long term use like the AX180s.
As for durability, the outside of the headset themselves are covered by a light, black rubber layer. That gives them a really nice quality feel not to mention, protects them a bit. I’m sure it also helps direct sound and limit distorted vibrations you can get from the plastic housing. Whatever the reason, it works.
Mic Check: 1-2-3-4
The removable microphone is really simple to attach. Fit the notched edge in correctly and give it a slight twist to make sure it never falls out while you’re jumping about on your console. It’s simple as that.
One of the coolest features about the AX 180 Inline Controller (ILC) is that it has a “breakaway” design. Some users are very protective of their headsets while some just like to be able to get up and walk around at a LAN party with them. Or, perhaps you like having a couple headsets next to your console and the idea of hot swapping headsets at the ILC to save time.
Simply pull on the end sporting the finger grips and the headset separates from the ILC. The jacks seem very well encased and will withstand repeated use. Either way, you’ll love this damage preventing feature.
Console and PC Testing
Console users just need to connect the bundled RCA to Analog Y Connector for the headset to work. This worked perfectly on the Xbox 360 and PS3. However, the Wii doesn’t have similar audio ports. The Y Connector will plug in between the Wii’s component cable and TV, or Receiver, whichever you personally use.
I didn’t have any official “console headsets” on hand to compare against the AX180, but I did have some headsets purchased for PC gaming over the last year: An Altec Lansing AH52, Razer Barracudas, Plantronics Gamecom 377. Still, each headset should be capable of working on consoles with the right wiring.
As they say, garbage in, garbage out. The Xbox 360 and PS3 aren’t too shabby at all given they’re both very capable consoles. The Tritton AX 180s do a very nice job of helping eliminate any unwanted noise or hissing coming from either console. Overall the headset produced very respectable low end, surprisingly rich middle, and decent high frequencies.
PC testing also depends on your integrated audio source, or audio card whichever you’re using. When connected to the PC, the ILC selector has to be set to Xbox 360 for the headset to work properly. The AX 180 really shows its quality when using a discrete audio card like the Creative Extreme X-Fi or BGears Enspirer audio cards. The sound quality is much livelier with even better mid-range frequencies. with a high end audio solution.
Final Thoughts
When spoke to some of Tritton’s engineers at PAX, they were really focusing on offering a good all around console gaming headset that could cater to the most eclectic gamer out there. That’s because there are so many different genres of console games available. There’s no way you can cater to any one genre, so why not create a headset that balances the spectrum.
Whether its a first person shooter, racing, RTS, or fighting game, the AX180 Universal Gaming Headset seems well designed, affordable and offers comfort and performance without sacrificing the audio experience. At a humble $49.99US, I think they may have secured a spot in the hearts and minds of the console market.
The next time your neighbors bang on the walls or door asking you to turn it down, grab a couple pairs of these and jam away. If these aren’t enough, check out the rest of what Tritton Technologies has to offer as they seem to have something to impress nearly everyone.
Pros
- Impressive quality construction and design
- Full console support and PC compatible
- Very comfortable fit
- Break away Inline Controller
- Very good audio gaming quality
- Priced near $49.99 or less
Cons
- 2 days of console and PC testing got me in trouble with “The Boss”
Overall Rating: 9.0/10.0
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Tritton Technologies AX 180 Universal Gaming Headset Photo Gallery
