Turtle Beach Ear Force PX5
Manufacturer: Voyetra Turtle Beach Part number: CNETPX5
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The PX5 is easily one of the best wireless surround sound gaming headsets we've ever tested. While its $250 price tag is high, the set should satisfy gamers for years to come. The software, however, won't work with Macs.
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CNET editors' review
Turtle Beach Ear Force PX5 price range: $199.99 - $289.93
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
- Reviewed on: 04/28/2011
- Released on: 04/15/2011
The good: The Turtle Beach PX5 is a fantastic surround-sound gaming headset that offers a huge number of customizable and default presets. It can even serve as a Bluetooth headset and connect with a phone or compatible music player.
The bad: We experienced some minor interference with devices on the same 2.4Ghz band, like our wireless router. When using the PX5 as an optical audio pass-through, we had numerous audio dropouts. We also found that the transmitter is better left in the headset's line of sight.
The bottom line: The PX5 is easily one of the best wireless surround sound gaming headsets we've ever tested. While its $250 price tag is high, the set should satisfy gamers for years to come. The software, however, won't work with Macs.
Gaming headsets have certainly hit their stride in the market since the scene exploded a few years ago. Since then we've seen and reviewed countless headsets and headphones, all ranging from stereo to surround sound, digital, audio, wireless, wired, and everything in between.
From the get-go, Turtle Beach has remained a heavy hitter, consistently delivering solid-performing headsets for the gamer who wants to experience all the sound and detail video games provide without waking up the neighbors.
The PX5 marks the company's most prestigious effort yet, addressing nearly every concern and complaint gamers have voiced. Aside from a few quirks, the PX5 is truly a fantastic wireless surround sound gaming headset that offers an insane amount of customization along with a few new ideas we're really excited about.
Design
For anyone who has used the Turtle Beach X41s, the PX5s seem like a much sturdier pair of headphones. That said, sturdier doesn't necessarily mean heavier. The headset's weight feels just right and the padded adjustable headband provides tons of cushiony comfort.
Each earcup is littered with buttons and switches. The left earcup sports an adjustable and detachable boom mic complete with wind screen along with the main power button. Along the cushioned cup you'll find a USB port, Xbox chat port, the presets button, and a game volume dial.
Looking over to the right earcup you'll find the "main" button, a mic mute, a Bluetooth LED indicator and its function button, and a Bluetooth volume switch.
The transmitting base that also doubles as a headset stand is back, a sort of cable modem-looking device that provides all the connectivity for the PX5. Up front is the power button, headphone jack, bypass button, along with a healthy amount of LED notification lights. Here players can tell if what they're hearing is being played in Dolby Digital or Pro Logic II.
Around back is where the connections are made. Turtle Beach offers two types of connectivity, analog and digital audio, with the former not available for pass-through audio.
Setup
The PX5 headset mostly resembles the Turtle Beach X41 set, but with a major overhaul under the hood. However, the setup process is nearly identical. The PX5 comes with a transmitting base that requires power via the included USB adapter (though you can purchase a USB to wall adapter separately). We used our Xbox 360 to power the base, but it also worked with a free USB port on our cable set-top box.
For entertainment setups that utilize an AV receiver, the PX5 can act as a pass-through, eliminating the need to unplug optical cables each time the headset is used. Though this worked, we did notice an occasional drop in audio when we were using the PX5's base as an audio pass-through. When we bypassed the PX5, the drops in audio went away.
For those curious about what exactly is included in the box, Turtle Beach offers up the PX5 headset, a pair of AA batteries, an Xbox Live chat cable, a USB cable, the RF transmitting base, a USB power cable, and a 6-foot optical audio cable.
Features
The enormous number of audio presets and handful of buttons on the PX5 can certainly be daunting, but for the hard-core gamer, it's the ultimate in customization. There are 18 default slots for presets, all of which can be edited using Turtle Beach's preset editing software that can be downloaded from the company's site. Using the included USB cable, users can then transfer the new presets directly to the headset and use them in games.
The software itself is primarily straightforward, but having a light background in equalizer adjustments won't hurt. Unfortunately, the software won't yet work on Macs, but in our opinion, the default presets included with the PX5 are beyond sufficient.
That said, the potential for downloadable custom presets is huge. Turtle Beach has been in touch with developers about creating presets for specific games and offering them up for consumption. We would love to use presets created by a game's developer to enhance the overall experience.
Speaking of those presets, Turtle Beach has seemingly thought of every gaming situation in their own design and bundled them in with the PX5. They range in everything from modes that highlight footsteps, to dynamic bass and treble boosts. Both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are given nine modes each, equaling the 18 total we mentioned above. Best of all, they work quite well, with an almost astonishing level of acuteness.
At times it felt a bit unfair, as we could hear enemies much earlier than before. For fans of Call of Duty's online multiplayer, we should disclose that this mode netted us the best results by far.
Each preset--in addition to vital headset information--is presented via a voice prompt, something we wish all multifunctional headsets offered. With the PX5, gone is the need to count LED flashes; the headset just tells you what's going on.
New for the PX5 is a Bluetooth module that can connect to any two devices. We've never seen this sort of functionality in a gaming headset before, but now we're not sure how we survived without. Specifically when used in tandem with a smartphone, the PX5 makes for a seamless game-to-call transition that eliminates what used to be an awkward conversation. When taking a phone call, one button answers the phone which in-turn mutes the chat audio and devotes all focus to the conversation.
The Bluetooth feature can also be tethered to a PS3 for chat or a music player for wireless audio. You'll need to use the included Xbox chat cable for Xbox Live sessions, but Turtle Beach offers a $30 accessory to eliminate the need for a wired connection.
We also really liked the mic-monitoring feature on the PX5. We've used countless headsets that don't allow for the ability to hear one's own voice back through the earphones--having it there is a much more satisfying experience. The PX5 can even disguise your chat voice if the situation calls for it.
The PX5 uses two AA batteries for operation, one pair of which is included. Ideally we would have loved a rechargeable solution here, but Turtle Beach claims such an implementation would only provide limited play time. We're not totally convinced of that, but in our two-plus weeks of testing, we never had to change the batteries. As always, we recommend having a pack of rechargeable batteries anyway--not just for the PX5, but for all your gadgets. The amount of money saved in the long run is staggering.
Performance
In terms of performance, the PX5 headset is up there with some of the best-sounding systems we've tested. Audio is crisp and clean and bass is rich and full. We preferred using the bass booster preset in our trials with the PX5, but of course these preset options will vary by preference.
As with any device that utilizes the 2.4Ghz band, there's always the threat of interference from other devices. The PX5 is no exception, as we did experience a significant amount of disruption caused by our wireless router. That said, we found that changing the router's wireless channel did improve reception, but we'd definitely recommend keeping the two devices as far away from each other as possible.
Furthermore, we were a bit surprised to find that the system suffered severely when line of sight between the transmitter and headset was blocked. Even something as light as a curtain seemed to give us static, so we'd also recommend keeping it in plain view. When we tried placing the transmitter base behind our plasma TV, the results were almost useless.
We played a handful of games in our testing, with titles like Portal 2 and Dead Space 2 giving us the best results. Of course, this is more of a compliment toward the respective game's sound designers, but the PX5 was able to surgically decipher each title's delicate score and deliver it with breathtaking detail. A huge home theater system is great, but being able to capture everything in a more personal living space creates a much more immersive experience.
Conclusion
Aside from a few distractions, the PX5 is an exceptional set of wireless gaming headphones. While somewhat expensive at $250, they not only provide excellent solutions for gaming, but also for any other source, surround sound or not. It's these features coupled with Bluetooth functionality and preset customization that really make for an impressive value.
Though we're not sure the PX5 headset is for every type of gamer, the DIY-conscious hard-core gamer will be very well served.
User reviews
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TV viewing and video gaming without disturbing anyone!
by Jeremy0213 on October 20, 2011
Pros: The sound quality is only defined by one word, AWESOME. Set up was simple, my TV has optical out and every things goes to the TV via HDMI 1.4, just made sure that all devices had the Dolby single on the HDMI. The mic picks up sound great and noise cancell
Cons: The range is just a bit short, the PX 5 only has 2.4ghz, 5ghz would have been better. It does works in all places that the TV is visible. The lack of a rechargeable battery pack is a little odd, I bought a 4 pack of good enloop rechargeable batteries and
Summary: I spent a lot of time researching wireless headsets to use for gaming from multiple consoles and TV viewing all in one. The PX5 has ALMOST every feature I wanted. ...
Summary: I spent a lot of time researching wireless headsets to use for gaming from multiple consoles and TV viewing all in one. The PX5 has ALMOST every feature I wanted. Although it came at a steep price it IS WELL WORTH EVERY PENNY. I would like to see more voice types for the spoken announcements become available and easier presets, although more game specif and pre-made presets are coming out. The ease of use of the PX5 and added Bluetooth pairing make it one of if not the best wireless headsets on the market today. If it is in or close to your budget (you might want to make room for it if you are considering something lesser) GET IT!
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Amazing Bluetooth Headset
by lo_back on June 26, 2011
Pros: Great sound, multi functions andwireless bluetooth connectivity
Cons: software not Mac friendly and uses the same freq as my wireless router
Summary: I love the bluetooth technology and great surround sound. It works really well with the PS3 console. The multi settings that your able to do right on the headset is ...
Summary: I love the bluetooth technology and great surround sound. It works really well with the PS3 console. The multi settings that your able to do right on the headset is a great feature. The two things that I dislike about the headset is the 2.4 GHz band that it uses and the software is not Mac friendly
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Crystal clear but poor surround and balancing.
by julianim on June 12, 2011
Pros: Great build, based on great philosophy. The DSP is a boon and really works well for games, producing a crystal clear sound (you can hear a pin prick). Bluetooth function is also a huge bonus.
Cons: PX 5's DSP is awesome for games, but bad for movies because the default settings of the DSP sets the surround channels way too high and channel levels cannot cannot be individually adjusted (the crystal clear pinprick that worked so well for games became
Summary: I love the design of this product and where it is headed, especially in terms of an onboard DSP. However, without it the PX5 is just another close-ended headset with ...
Summary: I love the design of this product and where it is headed, especially in terms of an onboard DSP. However, without it the PX5 is just another close-ended headset with bluetooth connnection, and the DSP ultimately fails to deliver due to poor customisability.
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AMAZING SOUND!
Pros: The best sound i've heard in years, especially from headphones. It's comfortable and the buttons are easily accesible.
Cons: Bluetooth adapter for the Xbox360 is sold seperatly. For $250, they could have at least thrown that in. Would have been nice for a "charge" option to plug the headphones into instead of using disposable batteries.
Summary: Excellent product, very pricey especially for gaming, but any hard core gaming enthusiast should have a pair.
Summary: Excellent product, very pricey especially for gaming, but any hard core gaming enthusiast should have a pair.
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Amazing, now I can play at night with a high 7.1 sound!
by joaovictorop on June 2, 2011
Pros: 1) Wireless and bluetooth to play and speak in PS3
2) Digital RF Wireless Reception that alow me to be behind a wall and still be able to hear the sound
3) AA Rechargeble BatteriesCons: 1) The built quality could improve, it´s a lot of plastic, but I love the textile material of the headset cups that are much more resistant and durable
2) It is expensiveSummary: This is a amazing headphone, now I can play all the night without disturbing my fiance and my neighborbut. By buying these headphones, I did not know how important and ...
Summary: This is a amazing headphone, now I can play all the night without disturbing my fiance and my neighborbut. By buying these headphones, I did not know how important and beautiful sound of the games. Without a decent sound you lose at least 30% of the game.
I love the option for AA batteries because I live in Brazil and I can find these rechargebles batteries anywhere. So I will not have to buy Unique batteries that are hard to find and when found they are extremely expensive. And if some day the company fails, I'll be able to continue using my headset because the batteries are common.
But this headphone is extremely expensive, $250,00 is more than the price of a new console. I think a fair price would be something around $120,00. -
Great Sound, But had to return them.
by Mah_Bahls on May 10, 2011
Pros: This thing was absolutely amazing. The sound was crisp and clear, mic was great, and the sat very well for extended periods of time. Bluetooth was amazing when paired with my HTC EVO.
Cons: 2.4 Ghz broadcast channel causes problems with wireless.
Summary: This product is amazing in all ways except for the 2.4 ghz issue. It causes both my xbox 360 and my ps3 to disconnect from the internet. It also ...
Summary: This product is amazing in all ways except for the 2.4 ghz issue. It causes both my xbox 360 and my ps3 to disconnect from the internet. It also causes problems with my laptop and desktop that are wireless. If you want amazing sound, these are by far the best out there. If you want wireless internet, however, you may want to look elsewhere.
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Great product
by shmeaball on April 17, 2011
Pros: -50mm speakers that give you great surround sound
-Completely wireless for PS3
-Customizable presets
-Everything everyone else saidCons: -Echoes sometimes(More info in summary) on xbox
-For the AA batteries, just get rechargeable batteries and you will be fine
-If you have a wifi base near you head set or base station then you may get some popping sounds in the head set when someone is onSummary: My first head set and I have to say, I have used the X-31's and X-11's and they don't even compare with the PX-5's. The only ...
Summary: My first head set and I have to say, I have used the X-31's and X-11's and they don't even compare with the PX-5's. The only problems anyone should have with this product are the popping noises when there is RF interference, not completely wireless, but the only wire is from the head set to the controller, and the echoing when people are talking to you. Also the surround sound is only 5.1 on xbox because the xbox does not support the Dolby digital 7.1 surround sound. Otherwise it is a grate product and if you have the money, you should buy it because it gives you a competitive edge in games.
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Very NICE, but the AA batteries Suck.
by abaker0326 on April 7, 2011
Pros: -Surround sound
-Being able to turn TV down and just listen on headset
-Crystal Clear
-8 different presets of sound
-Wireless BluetoothCons: -AA Battery life
-Not completely wireless for XBOX 360Summary: First set of headsets for me and they are awesome. Only thing I didn't like was the battery life so I bought rechargeable batteries. Only thing I would ask ...
Summary: First set of headsets for me and they are awesome. Only thing I didn't like was the battery life so I bought rechargeable batteries. Only thing I would ask for would be if there was some way to make them completely wireless for XBOX 360 so I don't have to plug a wire to the controller. Are they worth the money? Only if you have the money to spend. Otherwise I'm just as good with the stock XBOX 360 headsets.
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I like turtle beach headset.
by mji87 on January 24, 2011
Pros: The three pros are.
1) Wireless blutooth gaming headset for playstation 3.
2) Digital RF Wireless reception.
3) 50mm speakers.Cons: the two cons are.
1) (2) AA batteries
2) The 15 hour battery.Summary: I like that why i'm gaving it 4.5 stars. That is why i'm going to buy one.
Summary: I like that why i'm gaving it 4.5 stars. That is why i'm going to buy one.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Voyetra Turtle Beach
- Part number: CNETPX5
- Description: The Turtle Beach PX5 is the most technologically-advanced headset ever designed for PS3 and XBOX 360 gaming, incorporating a programmable digital signal processor to allow independent customization of the chat, game and microphone signals. Custom presets stored in the Turtle Beach PX5 headset can be selected during specific parts of the game to emphasize sounds like footsteps or reloads that might otherwise be difficult to hear. It can even be programmed to disguise your voice or to enhance the voices of online players so you can hear them more clearly during intense parts of the game. The Turtle Beach PX5 is also the first headset to incorporate dual radios - one for immersive, Dolby Digital surround sound game audio and another for chat on the PlayStation Network via Bluetooth. The Bluetooth feature also supports stereo audio streaming for listening to music while playing a game and can also be used to accept phone calls while playing the game. Although optimized for PS3 and Xbox 360 gaming, the Turtle Beach PX5 is also perfect for watching movies and listening to music, with its impeccable audio performance, large, deep, fabric cushions, soft headband, and twist cup designed for resting the headset on your shoulders. The Turtle Beach PX5 marks the beginning of a breed of wireless gaming headset that serves as the ultimate "secret weapon" in the arsenal of serious gamers seeking unmatched audio quality, sonic control and a competitive advantage.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth / RF
- Weight 8.2 oz
- Recommended Use Game console
- Additional Features Microphone on/mute switch,
Built-in LED lights,
Built-in DSP,
Volume control,
Ear Guard,
Chat Boost,
Sonic Lens,
Built-in amplifier Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
- Headphones Form Factor Ear-cup
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth / RF
- Bluetooth Profiles Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
- Response Bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Sensitivity 120 dB
- Diaphragm 2 in
- Magnet Material Neodymium
Microphone
- Type Built-in,
Boom - Microphone Operation Mode Mono
- Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Response Bandwidth 50 - 15000 Hz
Wireless Link
- Radio Frequency Range 2.404 - 2.476GHz
- Transmission Range 30 ft
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x Game controller Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable - External,
1 x Game controller extension cable - External,
1 x TOSLINK cable - External,
1 x USB power cable - External - Included Accessories RF transmitter
- Compliant Standards FCC,
FCC Part 15,
RoHS Power
- Battery 2 x Headset battery - AA type
- Included Qty 2
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Voyetra Turtle Beach products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Voyetra Turtle Beach
- Address:
150 Clearbrook Rd., Elmsford, NY 10523 - Phone: 1-914-345-2255
- Email: sales@turtlebeach.com
- Fax: 1-914-345-2266
