The Affordable Xbox Stereo Headset: A Budget-Friendly Option
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Chapter 1: Introduction to the Xbox Stereo Headset
It's high time Microsoft considered more imaginative names for their Xbox headsets. While it seems they aim to capture search traffic for terms like "Xbox Headset," the absence of distinctive branding is somewhat disappointing.
Five years back, I reviewed the previous version of the "Xbox Stereo Headset," which was fairly comfortable but had limited sound isolation. Its audio profile featured an exaggerated bass and treble that felt outdated even then.
Last year, I assessed the Xbox Wireless Headset. Its aesthetic is stunning, comfort is superb, and while the microphone is decent yet overly processed, the audio quality left much to be desired. The bass was excessively pronounced, reminiscent of products from Razer or Beats nearly a decade ago—bloated and overwhelming. I keep it as an example of how not to design bass response, even though its features and design are commendable.
Despite my critique, the Xbox Wireless Headset has been a commercial success, receiving praise from various outlets and influencers who were led to believe they were experiencing "high fidelity audio." It consistently sells out at stores like Best Buy.
Not wanting to miss out, Microsoft released a budget-friendly wired version of the current Xbox headset shortly after the wireless one. Priced at $59 (official site here), my curiosity led me to purchase it to see if it would also fall victim to bass overload. The headset features a green cable with a permanently attached 4-pole 3.5mm plug, sharing the same build and design as the wireless model, including the headband, padding, and materials.
Right off the bat, I was impressed. In an industry where lower-priced models often compromise on quality, this wired version maintains the same build as its pricier counterpart. To my relief, both sound and microphone performance are improved—sort of.
Section 1.1: Sound Quality Assessment
This headset still leans heavily into bass, with an imprecise thudding that hinders accuracy. While the highs can be sharp and the midrange somewhat lacking due to boosted frequencies, it feels less harsh than the wireless version. Imagine being beside a building that’s being struck with a bass hammer, rather than taking a direct hit to your ears. The bass remains prominent in the market, but in a more enjoyable manner akin to the Razer Blackshark V2 X.
Songs, games, and movies might sound a bit dark and booming, but it’s a softer experience than with the wireless model. The midrange's shortcomings can make female vocals sound odd and instruments occasionally get buried. However, for gaming, this peculiar sound signature surprisingly complements the spatial audio options available on modern Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. Enabling Windows Sonic can help identify spatial cues more easily, though many other headsets would perform better.
Subsection 1.1.1: Overall Impression
To summarize, while the bass-heavy nature of this headset remains, it is a step above the wireless version. The latter includes an EQ mode for toning down certain frequencies, along with a bass boost that I’d only consider under duress. The analytical side of me advises avoiding these headsets if sound quality is a priority. However, the fun and engaging experience they provide can be reminiscent of a summer blockbuster.
Section 1.2: Comfort and Build Quality
The comfort and build quality of this headset are remarkable for the $59 price tag. The ear pads offer ample space and are filled with plush memory foam. I can adjust it three extra clicks for my larger-than-average head. While the frame is primarily plastic, it feels sturdy and well-balanced, with a metal core in the headband.
The microphone on the wireless model seemed adequate but was hindered by digital processing, making it difficult to evaluate. The wired version doesn’t suffer from this issue and performs decently. Vocal clarity is satisfactory, though it picks up some background echo due to the boom arm's short length. However, it lacks sufficient sensitivity. On my Xbox controller and Surface laptop (with maximum input volume), it performs acceptably, but it struggles on my desktop setup, sounding quiet even when connected to a capable gaming amp.
Chapter 2: Features and Final Thoughts
The mute button on the wired version has been replaced with a mute switch that produces a loud click when activated. The rubberized cable minimizes noise transfer when it rubs against clothing. Interestingly, it connects to the right ear cup, which deviates from the standard left-side connection most headsets use. The right ear cup also features a large volume dial with a smooth potentiometer. While there is a slight channel imbalance at higher volumes, it’s not particularly noticeable.
In conclusion, the Xbox Stereo Headset offers a reasonable value compared to its wireless counterpart. Priced $40 less, it lacks wireless features but maintains excellent build quality and comfort, alongside that signature booming sound. While it might be less disappointing than the wireless model for me, its build and comfort are commendable for the price, and it can provide a fun audio experience for some users.