Creative doles out Sound Blaster gaming headsets, Recon3D audio platform / sound cards

Creative isn’t nearly the aural force it once was, but it’s still a respected name when it comes to headsets and — gasp! — sound cards. Here at IFA, the outfit has busted out a new range of Sound Blaster (yeah, seriously) gaming headsets for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC and Mac platforms. The 360-friendly Sound Blaster Tactic360 Sigma is being revealed with a steel core headband design and 50mm audio drivers, not to mention separate voice and game audio controls. Moving right along, the Tactic360 ION slims down with a pair of 40mm drivers, while the Tactic3D Wrath Wireless caters to Mac / PC users who’d rather not sweat the whole “cable” thing. The Tactic3D Omega Wireless does likewise for console gamers, and for those infatuated with three-dee, the outfit’s new Recon3D audio platform / sound cards sound give you reason to celebrate. Full details are posted up after the break, for those who find themselves strangely intrigued.

Continue reading Creative doles out Sound Blaster gaming headsets, Recon3D audio platform / sound cards

Creative doles out Sound Blaster gaming headsets, Recon3D audio platform / sound cards originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceCreative  | Email this | Comments

Klipsch intros Image S4A in-ears, lets Android users feel the in-line remote love

There’s no question Klipsch’s S4 in-ear headphone line has some of the best to be had for under $100, yet aside from its iPhone-compatible S4i variant, mobile phone users wanting an in-line remote’s benefits were outta luck. Well, it looks like times are a-changin’ as an Android-oriented version of the noise-isolating buds, appropriately dubbed S4A, has popped up for pre-order on Klipsch’s site. The remote’s compatible down to Android 2.1 and appears to be slightly tweaked from the S4i with less buttons, but the specs say it’ll work for phone calls, music control and volume adjustment. To make this cake’s icing even richer, a Klipsch Control App will also allow for “customized functionality.” They’re priced at a cool Benjamin with no word on a ship date just yet, but you’ll find some robot-clad closeups in the gallery below.

[Thanks, Bjorn and Jason]

Klipsch intros Image S4A in-ears, lets Android users feel the in-line remote love originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceKlipsch, (Facebook)  | Email this | Comments

SOL Republic intros Amps and Tracks headphone lines, we go hands-on

Oh my is this interesting. Monster Cable’s VP of marketing Kevin Lee (a key figure involved with its Beats by Dre headphone line) has co-founded a new headphone company dubbed Soundtrack Of Life Republic, and we were able to get a very brief hands-on with some handmade prototypes. It’s no secret that we’re not fans of Monster around these parts, but being that SOL Republic isn’t directly tied to it — and because the headphones bring with them some interesting features without being crazy expensive — we’ve decided to give them a quick whirl. It’s all detailed just past the break.

Continue reading SOL Republic intros Amps and Tracks headphone lines, we go hands-on

SOL Republic intros Amps and Tracks headphone lines, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Aug 2011 09:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceSOL Republic  | Email this | Comments

Razer’s latest Tiamat headset delivers 7.1 sound straight to your ear canals

Tiamat 7.1

Is the new Razer Tiamat the first true 7.1 surround sound headset, as the company claims? Maybe, but more impressively, it’s the world’s first set of cans with 10 discrete drivers — that’s five in each ear. The left and right ears each have three drivers dedicated to that side, and both pack a “center” channel and a subwoofer to round out the required eight lanes of sound. Most surround sound sets call it a day with eight drivers but, surprisingly, the two extra speakers here don’t add much to the cost. And, for the control freaks, there’s an in-line volume remote that lets you adjust each channel individually. You’ll find PR after the break and the Tiamat 7.1 on shelves in Q4 for $180.

Continue reading Razer’s latest Tiamat headset delivers 7.1 sound straight to your ear canals

Razer’s latest Tiamat headset delivers 7.1 sound straight to your ear canals originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

RZA unveils branded headphone line, hopes you don’t leave Shaolin without them

The other rappers probably spend a lot of time making fun of you when you don’t have your own line of headphones. The Wu Tang’s RZA can thankfully breathe a sigh of relief as he becomes a member of the not so inclusive club that already contains the likes of Dr. Dre, Ludacris, and 50 Cent. The Gravedigga sometimes known as Bobby Digital is teaming up with WESC to bring the world Chambers, a line of over-ear headphones with flashing LEDs that light up in time with your music. Chambers will come in two versions — one targeted at consumers and another aimed at pros. The line is set to launch on August 26th. It’s not quite as awesome as that $500 Ghostface Killah doll from a few years back, but it’s a start.

Continue reading RZA unveils branded headphone line, hopes you don’t leave Shaolin without them

RZA unveils branded headphone line, hopes you don’t leave Shaolin without them originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink CNET  |  sourceWESC  | Email this | Comments

Razer’s Electra headphones pump out bass, keep your voice ‘inline’ for $60

Are you a gamer and bass-lover on a tight budget looking for a new headset? Razer’s Electra headphones might just be your ticket for dubstepping through your next WoW raid. These stereo cans sport a 40mm driver in each earcup tuned to pump out lows, along with leatherette earpads to help keep ’em comfortable while aiding in passive noise isolation. To sweeten the deal, you’ll also get two detachable cables, one of which has an inline mic; perfect for on-the-go phone calls while your heading to 7-11 for Slurpee-fuel, or a bit of TeamSpeaking when your Carcharias get lost. The Electras will be available come this October, but if you can’t get past the green highlights we don’t blame ya. Full PR past the break.

Continue reading Razer’s Electra headphones pump out bass, keep your voice ‘inline’ for $60

Razer’s Electra headphones pump out bass, keep your voice ‘inline’ for $60 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jul 2011 01:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceRazer  | Email this | Comments

New Xbox 360 Bluetooth headset unlocks business casual achievement (video)

The new Xbox 360 wireless headset has a form factor that ought prove familiar to anyone who has ever watched a businessman chew out his secretary while ordering at latte at Starbucks. The peripheral connects wirelessly to the console via its standard radio frequencies — its similarities to a non-gaming Bluetooth headset are more than just skin deep, however, with the earpiece doubling as just that, making it compatible with Bluetooth-ready phones and PCs. This one says “Xbox 360” on it, however, to help you avoid accidentally being mistaken for a stock trader. The headset will go on sale in November for $60. Also newly announced is the Xbox 360 Media Remote, which controls streaming content, CD / DVD playback, and live TV viewed through the console. The remote will be available for $20 around the same time as the headset.

[Thanks, Jason]

Continue reading New Xbox 360 Bluetooth headset unlocks business casual achievement (video)

New Xbox 360 Bluetooth headset unlocks business casual achievement (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceMajor Nelson  | Email this | Comments

Mad Catz gears up for Gears of War with branded audio gear… gear.

Mad Catz Gears of War 7.1 Headset

When Gears of War 3 lands in September you’ll be able to pick yourself up a special edition Xbox 360. If you’ve already got an Xbox though, you don’t have to skip out on the branded accessories game completely. Mad Catz has you covered with a trio licensed goodies, including a throat communicator, a stereo gaming headset and a 7.1 surround sound headset all decked out in the iconic blood-red and black of the franchise. The special edition of the surround sound set (above) is actually just a slightly updated version of the company’s Tritton AX720 headgear with a new decoder box and an extra two channels of sound. Those who want to shout at their opponents without donning bulky ear-wear will likely gravitate towards the throat communicator. All three will launch alongside GOW3 on September 20 for $30, $100, and $180 respectively. You can pre-order now at the more coverage link but, before you go, there’s a pair of pics and some PR after the break.

Continue reading Mad Catz gears up for Gears of War with branded audio gear… gear.

Mad Catz gears up for Gears of War with branded audio gear… gear. originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

CM Storm Sirus gaming headset hands-on

CM Storm Sirus gaming headset hands-on

CM Storm — Cooler Master’s gaming-centric spinoff — is best known for PC cases, precision mouse-pads, and PC gaming mice with catchy names like “Inferno,” and “Sentinel.” There’s more to PC games than computer towers and input devices however, and CM Storm is ready to try its hand at the personal audio game. Enter the CM Storm Sirus, the outfit’s first foray into the world of gaming headsets, available today to the tune of $130. We strapped a pair of these ‘muffs to our noggin to give you our honest impressions, ears-on.

Continue reading CM Storm Sirus gaming headset hands-on

CM Storm Sirus gaming headset hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |   | Email this | Comments

Turtle Beach unveils limited edition Modern Warfare 3 headsets, Simon Riley would’ve approved

Listen up, soldier. Engadget HQ was dismayed when lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley — along with his skull balaclava and mondo communications headset — saw an arguably unjust demise in Modern Warfare 2. That being said, if he could play the upcoming installment we’d bet it’d be with one of the four limited edition offerings from Turtle Beach and Activision. The headsets all sport the same night vision-esque design, but offer varying specialties. On the front line is the $300 Ear Force Delta; based on the XP500 programmable virtual 7.1 headset, it adds a custom travel-case and MW3 specific sound presets. Next up is the $150 Ear Force Bravo, a variant of the PX3, which offers the same presets as the former in wireless stereo. Following close in formation is the $130 Ear Force Charlie, a take on the PC oriented Z6A; it delivers discrete 5.1 with a grand total of eight drivers. Rounding out the reserves is the $100 Ear Force Foxtrot; a PX21 universal stereo headset that’s also just received a fresh coat of battle paint.

All of the gear will be available in October along with “bonus content,” which gives you time to set aside extra funds for the game’s November 8th release. You’ll find photo-based intel below and more details in the PR past the break. At ease, soldier.

Continue reading Turtle Beach unveils limited edition Modern Warfare 3 headsets, Simon Riley would’ve approved

Turtle Beach unveils limited edition Modern Warfare 3 headsets, Simon Riley would’ve approved originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourceTurtle Beach  | Email this | Comments