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Published: April 26, 2011 | Source: Sharkoon | Author: Bryan Waters

Sharkoon XTATIC Headset Review

Sharkoon XTATIC SX SP PS3 360 Headset Review

Introduction

Spring must be the time for headset reviews as we’ve been awash with them here at OC3D over the last fortnight. Today it’s the turn of Sharkoon with their XTATIC line of headsets. There are four models in the range, the Digital, the Analogue and the SX and SP we’re looking at today.

As no doubt the more astute of you will have observed, their is a white one and a black one, so it’s no surprise to discover the white model is a PC/Xbox 360 headset, whilst the black model is a, altogether now, PS3, PC and Xbox 360 headset. Caught you out there.

So why two models if the SP can do all three? Firstly price, the SP is a fiver more expensive, but also aesthetics. If you’re not someone who has a PS360 setup, then of course you want a model to match your Xbox. So there is the white one if, like me, you have the old model. And if you’ve got the modern Slim 360 there is a piano black pair that handily matches the PS3.

Fundamentally both headsets are identical, with just the colour and compatibility separating them, hence we’ll review them as a pair.

Technical Specifications

For the sake of brevity we’ll show the specifications for the more fuller featured SP model. Although the SX is identical in all the important elements besides the PS3 compatibility being absent.

Features:

  • Gaming stereo headset for PlayStation® 3 and Xbox® 360
  • Cable length: 370 cm +/-10 cm
  • Two high quality 40 mm speakers
  • Simple connection via analog interface (RCA)
  • Flexible, detachable microphone
  • Microphone connected via USB (USB to PS3â„¢)
  • Microphone connected to Xbox® 360 controller (2.5 mm plug)
  • In-line amplifier for powerful games sound output
  • Master volume control and microphone mute
  • Supports Xbox® Live
  • Separate volume control for voice communication
  • USB-powered, no additional power adaptor needed
  • Supports the PlayStation® 3 chat function (via USB)
  • Also suitable as PC headset

Headphones:

  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Impedance: 40 Ω
  • Sensitivity: 118 dB +/- 3 dB bei 1 KHz
  • Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Power output: 40 mW
  • Cable length: 370 cm +/-10 cm
  • Connectors: 1x 3.5 mm stereo plug (green: stereo playback), 1x USB (microphone connection + power)


Microphone:

  • Diameter: 6 x 5 mm (L x B)
  • Directivity: omni-directional
  • Sensitivity: -58 dB +/- 3 dB
  • Impedance: 2.2 kΩ
  • Frequency response: 100 Hz – 2 kHz
  • Operating voltage: 4.5 V

20Hz to 20kHz should give us a good sonic breadth in the headphone department, and the microphone topping out at 2kHz should hopefully keep our online gaming free from chipmunks.

Time to take a closer look.