I use these primarily as headphones. Indeed, I have only used the microphone to test Skype with it. Mostly, it just sits on my desk. (If anyone plays Star Trek Online, I'd love some help setting up voice chat with these!)
THE GOOD: The bass response is wicked sick! When you've got the channels (such as a DVD or Blu-Ray in Dolby 5.1 or a game in Dolby 7.1), every channel is clear and distinct. Even TV, which comes into my computer as two channels, is amazing. Somehow, the included drivers and control software recognizes it and adds virtual surround. All of the hard-coded EQ settings work well, though I generally leave it in "natural sound" mode. Superhuman hearing mode (set in the audio setting in Windows) is a FPS player's dream, as it enhances frequencies generally used for sounds such as footsteps and latches. Tip: Set a hotkey (I use F4). Mic monitoring, on the few occasions I have plugged the microphone in, is outstanding, with an independent volume control.
The construction is very high quality, though the headband is plastic only, with no metal reinforcement. I was a bit wary, but it's certainly better than the PlayStation Gold headset it replaces (the headband of which snapped after about eight months of regular use). The headband is padded, and is quite comfortable, as are the earcups.
THE BAD: The headband could be a tiny bit bigger. I have them adjusted all the way out, and the fit still seems a bit snug on the bottom of my ears, as if these were made for someone with a smaller head. The software is part of the device settings for the headset, and is thus not readily available for such things as switching modes. While this is more of an annoyance than a problem, it would be nice to have that particular menu more easily accessible or be able to set up a "mode switch" hotkey.
THE UGLY: As the 2.4 GHz band is fairly crowded, there may be some interference, but this is brief due to the channel-hopping scheme used.
Also, if the incoming signal is over-amplified (such as my local CW affiliate), loud sounds will be exceedingly distorted. This is most readily encountered when watching Supergirl (Yeah, I'm a geek), but also happens in other shows with loud, low-frequency sounds (such as explosions). When used with an input signal set to prevent clipping, they provide loud, full-spectrum sound with no distortion.
CONCLUSION: If Turtle Beach made headPHONES of this quality, I would buy multiple pairs and give them out as gifts. As it is, this is the best wireless headset I have ever owned.
EXTRA TIP: While a cable is included that allows one to plug the headset into a smartphone, if you have one that supports audio output via the charging/data port, the transmitter can be used with an On the Go adapter and will provide full surround sound (which the cable does not). Yes, it'll likely run the battery down a bit faster, but the better sound is worth it.
| Included Components | Headset: Stealth 45 Headset / Stealth 45 Microphone, Transmitter: Stealth 45 Transmitter, Cable: Charge Cable (USB Micro) / Mobile Cable, Guide: Quick Start Guide |
|---|---|
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Specific Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Headphones Jack | USB |
| Ear Placement | Over Ear |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Control Type | Media Control |
| Cable Feature | Without Cable |
| Item Weight | 11.04 ounces |
| Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Turtle Beach |
| Item model number | TBS-6160-01 |
| Hardware Platform | Windows |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Item Weight | 11 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 9.5 x 3.9 x 10 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.5 x 3.9 x 10 inches |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) |
| Language | English |
| ASIN | B00ZC3S72I |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | June 11, 2015 |
