A few days ago, I received a mysterious package in the mail. I don't usually order things online, so I wasn't sure what it was. It turns out I was blessed with a care package from SetToDestroyX. As their little writer, I do things here or there, but I'm excited for the chance to review something of such outstanding quality from our new sponsorship with Turtle Beach. I've used a bit on the lower end of their headsets (Recon 50X), and found myself impressed with the quality for the price. After researching the retail value of the products I was sent, I had high expectations for the performance quality and user friendly accessibility. Whether or not my expectations were met, well, I'll let the reviews speak for themselves.
Elite Pro: Tournament Headset [Wired] (8.6/10)
The Ugly: Now here's where some people will probably try to argue with me, but let's talk about the price. I don't think $200 is a bad price for the headset alone, but they have a package with the Elite Pro Audio Controller and an extra mic that runs for $370 (when not on sale), which to me is a tad high, but if you truly need it there are players and organizations sponsored by the company who can provide you with discount codes to help level the cost to a bit of a more reasonable price, for the most part.
The Bad: Here's where I hate to be a critic, but not everything is made to be easy. This product is far from user friendly. Despite having an instruction manual, it doesn't exactly hold your hand on issues such as eliminating mic feedback and static. There are also some preset options in which the mic doesn't work at all, which is fine, but it would be more helpful if they went deeper into the presets and what they pertain to.
The Ugly: The channel controls are perhaps about the most sensitive things I've ever dealt with. It seems like unless they're placed just right, the mic feedback or static become an impossible issue to deal with. It took me nearly six hours, being a first time user of an audio controller, to figure out how to get it to one setting that made it appropriate for use with online gaming. Another issue that arose for me was the price. Sure, $150 doesn't seem like a bad price, but with how sensitive and unstable it seems, I'd shave $15-$25 off of that.
Quality: 8/10
The Good: If there is one I love about Turtle Beach products, it's how their packages always have clear, brief descriptions of the breakdown of each item. Right away, you notice what features there are and what the box should include. In this case, the box included the Elite Pro Headset, Elite Pro Microphone and Elite Pro 1.3m Audio Cable. Just upon knowing the contents, it's an extremely user friendly product. Putting the headset together was as simple as plugging the microphone into the jack on the ear phone and plugging the 1.3m Audio cable into the micro USB jack below that. After that, it's as simple as plugging it into your controller or PC and you're on your way.
Breaking down the features of this product is extremely important. Starting with the top of the headset, TB has their ComforTec™ Fit System. A padded top that can adjust with a simple push of a lever, I found, took the pressure off of my head and that uncomfortable feeling of hard plastic bearing down on it. Moving to the ear pieces, perhaps one of my favorite features is their ProSpecs™ Glasses Relief System. Having to wear glasses on the daily, it's hard for me to find a headset that doesn't apply pressure on them. The cushioning is soft and molds right over my glasses relieving the pressure. The padding it'self is their Aerofit™ Ear Cushions. Compared to other headsets, they really do create noise reduction that helps you zero in on the noise of the game. Pair that with their 50mm Nanoclear™ Spears and the clarity will make you feel like you're actually in the game. Another thing I've come to enjoy is the fact they stay cool. They aren't bulky or trap the heat over your ears. Something that is crucial to the amazing quality of this headset is the fact it's lightweight despite it's appearance. All in all the product functioned effectively and simply enough that you don't need experience with fancy headsets to figure it out.
The Bad: Honestly there really is nothing bad about this product, but I do have something to say about the Pro Gaming Mic with TruSpeak™ Technology. The mic works, but the sensitivity of the mic is slightly ridiculous, I'm sorry to say. It's quite a distance to move the mic away from your mouth in order to achieve the crystal clear quality without sounds like you're yelling into the mic. Also, if you adjust the volume through your system settings for your platform, it doesn't exactly fix the issue. Turning down the volume on the mic itself also causes it impossible to hear the sound of the game or players.
The Bad: Honestly there really is nothing bad about this product, but I do have something to say about the Pro Gaming Mic with TruSpeak™ Technology. The mic works, but the sensitivity of the mic is slightly ridiculous, I'm sorry to say. It's quite a distance to move the mic away from your mouth in order to achieve the crystal clear quality without sounds like you're yelling into the mic. Also, if you adjust the volume through your system settings for your platform, it doesn't exactly fix the issue. Turning down the volume on the mic itself also causes it impossible to hear the sound of the game or players.
The Ugly: Now here's where some people will probably try to argue with me, but let's talk about the price. I don't think $200 is a bad price for the headset alone, but they have a package with the Elite Pro Audio Controller and an extra mic that runs for $370 (when not on sale), which to me is a tad high, but if you truly need it there are players and organizations sponsored by the company who can provide you with discount codes to help level the cost to a bit of a more reasonable price, for the most part.
Quality: 8/10
User Friendly: 10/10
Price: 8/10
Elite Pro: Tactical Audio Controller [Wired] (7.7/10)
The Good: Now, I hate to say this about any product, but the good, barely outweighs the bad with this product. Once again, what you get and what it entails is clear on the back of the box. It has Dolby Sound technology, which is quality I can firmly stand behind. The DTS Surround Modes and Presets come with four selections each with modes pertaining to gaming, music and movies. The channels it controls with the slides seem pretty unique in themselves too. The initial Game/Chat Mix Slide Control basically puts the Game/Chat mix option found in your platforms settings right at your fingertips. The master volume control is easy to use and can quickly help adjust your overall hearing experience. In the left corner is a simple mic mute button which gives you the opportunity to use an audio controller while easily muting your mic at the same time. Overall, the design is simple to read and can sit right on any flat surface for use.
The Bad: Here's where I hate to be a critic, but not everything is made to be easy. This product is far from user friendly. Despite having an instruction manual, it doesn't exactly hold your hand on issues such as eliminating mic feedback and static. There are also some preset options in which the mic doesn't work at all, which is fine, but it would be more helpful if they went deeper into the presets and what they pertain to.
The Ugly: The channel controls are perhaps about the most sensitive things I've ever dealt with. It seems like unless they're placed just right, the mic feedback or static become an impossible issue to deal with. It took me nearly six hours, being a first time user of an audio controller, to figure out how to get it to one setting that made it appropriate for use with online gaming. Another issue that arose for me was the price. Sure, $150 doesn't seem like a bad price, but with how sensitive and unstable it seems, I'd shave $15-$25 off of that.
Quality: 8/10
User Friendly: 6/10
Price: 9/10
Stream Mic [Wired] (9.7/10)
The Good: This was perhaps the most exciting product I got to use. I am unable to stream, but I've thought about doing commentaries of sorts, I just never had a clear mic to use. A USB cable, mic with desk stand and universal adapter is what the box contains. As I always love, the back of the box explains the product details and technology. The built in headphone amplifier provides a way to hear your streaming game audio with your voice level mixed in and when it comes to clipping, that's a huge deal for some. After doing several recording tests, I realized the clarity of the mic was so unbelievable that essentially it could be used as a mic for multiple apps without hassle. The price of $100 (not on sale) is a fair price for the unbelievably crystal clear quality of the product.
The Bad: I honestly have little to no complaints about this product. Actually, there's only one thing that may be a little iffy for some users. In several occasions, I found that some devices don't recognize it and it requires you to access your driver menu (especially on PCs) and update it for that specific device. It's something that requires a little digging in the help menu to discover.
The Ugly: Never thought I'd say this but I have zero absolutely gut wrenching issues with this product!
Quality: 10/10
The Ugly: Never thought I'd say this but I have zero absolutely gut wrenching issues with this product!
Quality: 10/10
User Friendly: 9/10
Price: 10/10
