Turtle Beach Wireless Review – Rating the Ear Force X31 Wireless Headset Audio

The selection of quality wireless headset audio for console gaming systems is amazingly low. And since most of us probably cannot afford the option of not paying this months electric bill to purchase an Astro A30 or some Tritton gaming headgear; we must seek “more affordable” alternatives for a digital wireless gaming headset. Turtle Beach wireless headset has been a standout in this market for awhile now, primarily because they provide high quality enhanced gaming headsets at very affordable prices. Currently they have 10 models of console gaming headsets ranging in price from $30-$200.

In this Turtle Beach headset review we examine the Ear Force X31s; an excellent choice for gamers on a budget. The call of wireless game audio had appealed to me for some time since my wife tripped over the X11s cable several times (when my son was not “borrowing” them). I finally purchased this headset when I found them at a bargain price online, and man I am really glad I did! This digital wireless headset features:

  • Transmitter provides rich, clear performance enhancing audio
  • Adjustable bass boost with stereo expander effects
  • VERY comfortable fabric ear cushions for all-night gameplay
  • Safety and convenience of being wireless-no tangled wires, no tripping over cords
  • Solid, comfortable construction
  • Great for not disturbing others or playing undisturbed
  • High sensitivity mike with sturdy, flexible boom
  • Now at deep discount

It took me about 7-8 minutes to hook up the digital wireless RF transmitter (note that when using HDMI video, the Xbox HD AV cable MUST be used). When they first arrived I played Gears of War2 in horde mode…immediately the sound quality blew me away. I could hear a boomer from across the map in courtyard, and the explosions were so intense I could feel them!Switch to Modern Warfare 2…I could not only hear the chamber sliding on my opponents intervention sniper rifle; I could hear him sneaking up on me from much farther away. And the online chat sounds much better than the Microsoft chat mikes. It is pretty much a given that the Ear Force X31 wireless headphones will help you step up your game. But there are 2 things which annoyed me a little also:

  • Bass-Boost not very effective-could use a lot more bass for this feature to make any sense
  • Inline chat mute switch really hard to find-have fun trying not to get killed while adjusting the mute/volume
  • Overall sound quality still not quite as rich as wired headset technology

The headset itself is powered by 2 triple-A batteries which seem to last about 15-17 hours, but my rechargables last roughly 14 hours. Even with these few flaws, the Turtle Beach Ear Force X31 Wireless Gaming Headset really stands out as an affordable; high quality pro gaming accessory. If you have been thinking about stepping up your game with a wireless headset but could not afford it, the Ear Force X31s are now more affordable than ever.