Immersion is understandably all the craze when looking for a good video game these days. But gamers often forget that it’s not just the game that determines how deep you are pulled into it. In my opinion, the hardware used to play a game is just as important as the game itself. Now with PC gaming this probably holds more true than with consoles, given that console gaming puts everyone on an even playing field. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t measures you can take to ensure an immersive gaming experience.
If you’ve never owned a quality headset, you’re gimping your potential for incredible immersion right out of the gate. And when I say quality, I don’t mean that $20 pair of headphones you’ve probably had laying around the house for years. A good headset will block most unwanted background noise and will often times provide a more clear and crisp overall sound to the games you are playing – making it more realistic. Explosions will rumble and roar without breaking up or giving a hint of tearing. Both highs and lows will come across well-rounded and powerful through clarity. Enter the Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 gaming headset.
The Turtle Beach Ear Force X11 is compatible with PC and Xbox 360 platforms. It sports built-in bass boost, an in-line amplifier and a microphone monitor. The X11 also offers independent volume controls for Voice and Game audio which is extremely handy. As you can see in the images shown, the X11 comes in the traditional Turtle Beach colors of white and black. That said, it will more than likely match just about any PC or Xbox 360.
With the popularity of online gaming, microphones are a must have for today’s gamer. This is one particular feature that I really enjoy from this headset. The X11 has an adjustable mic, but it’s more than the average vertical movement of common headsets. The microphone’s “boom” is adjustable as well, creating mutliple movement points for ensuring precise mic placement. The mic’s audio is also very clean and I experienced no feedback or background noise issues during testing.
There are a few others, but the main reason I use a headset is for auditory immersion. It’s amazing how much your visual and auditory perception feed off of each other. Pattern recognition is how we as humans remember and learn. When your eyes process a familiar image your brain automatically begins to search for the sound associated with it. For it’s $59.99 price tag, this is where the X11 doesn’t hesitate to satisfy.
While there are certainly headsets on the market that deliver more features and a higher level of clarity, the X11 is still one of the best buys in it’s price range. The sound quality is so clear that I’ve physically turned around to look behind me during several Modern Warfare 2 sittings. Footsteps that would potentially be unheard through standard computer or television speakers are very apparent and distinct. And though the X11′s sound quality is definitely above average, it isn’t without it’s faults. On a few occasions in Modern Warfare 2, explosions would sound a bit distorted. These were heard at an estimated 70% volume. Please keep in mind these were rare and I do not count them against it’s overall value and quality because of this. The X11′s built in bass boost delivers some fantastic explosions of rumbling lows that are guaranteed to thrill. In my opinion, the X11 is a top notch pick considering the price to performance.
But the sound quality means nothing if you can’t wear the headset. This is where the X11 really shines. The ear cups on the X11 are over-sized and fit entirely over your ear. This is to provide comfort and a barricade for unwanted background noise. Each of the X11 ear cups sport a 40mm driver and each are acoustically tuned for superior performance. Turtle Beach definitely knows their ergonomics. Thick cushions are constructed into the headband as well as the ear cups. This makes for an extremely comfortable fit. The only downside I’ve experienced from wearing this headset for a prolonged period of time is heat. After an hour or more of wearing them my ears would begin to feel warm. In this case, I simply remove the headset for a few seconds and then jump back in. Other users may not experience this.
Aside from a stellar price tag, great sound quality, and being extremely comfortable the X11 also features:
- $59.99 price tag
- 16-foot cable (Great if you sit a few feet away from your console or PC)
- Amplifier LED (Shows Red if muted and Green if mic is on)
- Separate volumes for Game and Voice audio
- Mute switch for the microphone
- USB-Powered with 3.5mm mic and headphone jack
- 3.5mm cable for connecting to Xbox 360 controller for LIVE chat
- A/V splitter cable for connecting to Xbox 360 or TV audio out
- One year manufacturer warranty
All-in-all, Turtle Beach has a winner on their hands with the Ear Force X11. So far it’s the best headset I’ve tried in it’s price range and I’m anxious to find out if any competing products can match it’s quality and price tag.
If you’re looking for a headset that is versatile, comfortable, has fantastic sound quality, sports a quality mic and won’t break the bank – take a look at the Turtle Beach Ear Force X11.
That is a cool controller.
i’ve been looking for an upgrade for my podcasting headset, i’ve been really happy with my Koss SB 45 for awhile, i’ve ended up buying 3 over the past 5 years, but one drop on the ground and the mic becomes waaay less sensitive forcing me to max out my output volume :/
i’ll keep an eye on this one! good review!
My mic is all messed up on MMOW 40, it finallly got way too sensitive after months of being not sensitive enough. done with it!
ordering this one due to the review, looking forward to a new generation of headsets. been using the koss sb set for far too long :p
So, got my headset!
unfortunately i think its defective. I have a high level of white noise and my mic plays through the headset at a reduced volume, also when i put the in-line mute on, there is still some white noise that records. :/
contacted Turtle Beach customer support and waiting to see what they say.
Actually, you’re supposed to be able to hear yourself through the headset, that’s one it’s features. Any good headset that covers your entire ear to block outside noise does that. Otherwise you can’t hear yourself speak and you wind up speaking 10 times louder than normal into the mic. Kinda like holding your fingers in your ears and trying to talk to someone in front of you – you can’t judge how loud you’re talking.
Which is probably where the white noise comes in. I think that’s pretty common to have a very mild level of white noise when there is no other sound going on – but in game or any other time you cannot hear it. That’s due to the built-in preamp. But if it’s just ridiculous noise that you hear while gaming and is overbearing, then something is certainly wrong.
Have you actually tried it out yet, as far as talking to another person or gaming with it? I’m super pleased with the one I have. Blows away my old Fatality headset, which I love.
yup i got to test it. i was using it in skype when i realized the problem. was planning to use it to record MMOW tonight except my background hiss while recording is awful. My current mic has zero hiss.
I also decided to make a test recording and got alot of background hiss during it. No way i can do a podcast with this headset, which is why i think its broken. You said your recording didnt have any problems. :/ While listening to music at a high volume i could ignore it, but its NOT suitable for conversations on skype or low volume music/ sound editing.
If it’s that bad I’d say there’s def something up with it. I have a mild hum (as do all of these X11 headsets due to the built-in amp), but it’s nothing like what you’re describing.
With mine, even if I’m playing a game at volume level 10% I can’t hear the hum. Any sound immediately drowns it out. I haven’t used mine for podcasting though – I prefer to stick with a studio condensor mic for all my podcasting needs. I’ll toy around with it this weekend and try to record some audio and see what it’s like. But I imagine I won’t have any of the issues you’re describing. Sounds like you did get a bad one.
Best of luck to ya
I also purchased this headset, and am glad to see these comments are recent, as I’m having a problem of not being able to hear ANY output through the headset besides my own voice. I’ve checked and rechecked the setup, and tried on my PC & Xbox
alrighty. so the help was pretty responsive. Long story short:: Not a good headset if you want to do sound editing/podcasting/skyping. good for games though!!
you should email tech help, zach! They were pretty good for me
Ok.. I got the Turtle Beach X11s and I’m trying to use them on Skype; but my PC won’t recognize them. Anyway I can fix this?
Hey Chainsaw Doctor,
Did you get it straightened out?
I know for PC there are no drivers to load or anything. I would make sure you have the USB and both 3.5mm connectors of the X11 plugged in. Then check your Sound settings in Windows Sound. If all looks good there I would then go to Skype’s Sound options and make sure the right input is selected.
Let us know how it comes out.
Thanks!
my x11 mic is pretty sensitive is there anyway to lower the sensitivity on th e 360n
Hi Bon Bon, I think you can go on the Xbox live guide, go to the settings blade, preferences, Voice, and adjust your voice volume.
Let us know how it works out.
Thanks
SO whats the deal with people being able to hear my gun shoot and other loud noises’s? even if i turn it wayyyy down my buddies still get an echo from my head phones….?
its a bummer cause if i wanna actually hear everyones foot steps i have to mute….
I’m pretty upset right now. I bought the headset and was pumped to come home and play my 360 with the surround sound. However, what they don’t tell you is that you need an chic hd a/v cable to use it. Now I have to go shell out another $30!
Try turning down your chat and turning down your game a lil
Tell me how it goes