Print this article

eDimensional AudioFX Pro 5+1 Headset


Date
: 02/21/08 – 01:28:09 AM

Author
:

Category
: Sound

Page 1 : Index

Manufacturer
: eDimensional

Price
: $79.99 @ Xoxide

I must admit, eDimensional is a company I had never heard of before. After a bit of research, I found that eDimensional produces some esoteric gaming products including 3D glasses, gamepads, and headsets.

One of eDimensional's headsets is the AudioFX, a decent product based on reviews I've read. However, we have something special for you today. eDimensional has teamed up with gamer and modder Benjamin Heckendorn, affectionately known was Ben Heck, to create the modified
AudioFX Pro 5+1
headset. As the name suggests, this headset features surround sound – a very appealing feature for gamers.

Page 2 : Package

eDimensional has chosen to go with a very appealing package for the AudioFX Pro 5+1.

The stylish package features clear panels that allow the user to actually see the headset. The front also has all sorts of identifying information, the important features of the headset, all complemented by a gamer-oriented bullet hole theme. It is made clear that this is a 5.1 channel surround sound USB headset. It also has Force Feedback as well as an inline volume control unit. Furthermore, it is Teamspeak certified, which will appeal to gamers who use Teamspeak to communicate with fellow players. Looking at the headset itself, we can see that is somewhat large.

The sides of the box also have clear view ports. On one side, we can see the microphone.

Turning to the back we see a schematic of the headset with all the parts labeled. Also, there is a product description and a letter from Ben Heck himself.

Here is the description in case you can't read it from the picture:

At the very bottom we have some specifications which we will look at in the following section.

Page 3 : Features & Specifications

I headed over to eDimensional's website to look for information on the AudioFX Pro 5+1 and found a page.

Here is their description:

Features:

Specifications:

A bonus is that the AudioFX Pro 5+1 can even be used with the Sony PlayStation 3 albeit without the microphone functionality.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the 5.1 surround sound is actually implemented and how well it works.

Page 4 : Package Contents

The box can be opened at the top and we find the AudioFX Pro 5+1 headset nestled in a plastic frame. The headband features a sticker-like logo.

Included with the headset are a user manual and a mini CD with the drivers.

The headset's leather-like ear cups look very comfortable and are soft to the touch although the color might not be universally appealing. The USB cord connects to the left ear cup which also features the microphone.

Due to the adjustable headband, the AudioFX Pro 5+1 should fit a variety of head sizes.

Both ear cups have a series of six LEDs that are supposed to light up in response to the audio; they also proudly denote that they feature force feedback in that they vibrate in response to bass. The microphone is adjustable in that it is slightly flexible.

Finally, we have the inline volume control unit attached to the extremely long USB cable. The unit features volume control (including mute), an LED, and a force feedback slider switch which can be set to ‘off’, ‘low’ or ‘high’.

Page 5 : Setup & Testing

Installing this headset is as simple as plugging it into an USB port and inserting the CD to install the necessary software. Though the headset will work without the software, certain features will not function without installing it.

After installation, an icon will appear on the system tray which gives you access to the configuration.

The configuration options include everything from setting up virtual surround sound (up to 7.1?) to karaoke options. Of note is the option labeled system input – be sure to set this option to correlate with any in-game surround sound options.

I proceeded to testing the headset out with some music. With normal music, the sound must be set to two-channel mode. The headset was not particularly good sounding and the force feedback vibrations were barely perceptible even at the highest setting.

However, the AudioFX's performance in games is a totally different story. I fired up FEAR and I was amazed by the detail I could hear with this headset! Explosions and such caused it to vibrate and this enhanced the overall experience greatly. Also, I played Crysis with this headset and the positional sound detail was very clear and accurate. Normal headphones and not even my 5.1 speaker system compares to the AudioFX Pro 5+1. It will definitely provide a competitive edge when it comes to multiplayer games such as Battlefield 2142.

In terms of comfort, the large ear cups were satisfactory but my ears got quite warm after a while. The headband is adjustable and it fit well and the microphone is easy to adjust such that it isn't obstructive. The microphone quality is subjectively better than my generic standalone unit.

The LEDs on the sides of the ear cups as well as the LED on the inline volume control glow and blink when sound is playing. This is somewhat annoying and totally unnecessary in my opinion.

Other than that, I was pleased with the performance.

Page 6 : Conclusion

For hardcore gamers, eDimensional's AudioFX Pro 5+1 is a must have. It combines the positional sound capabilities of a surround sound system with the precision and noise-isolating power of a headset; the microphone is just an added bonus.

Comfort is also an advantage for this headset thanks to its soft leather-like ear cups. All in all, the headset's build seems sturdy.

If you can look past the puke-colored color scheme and the gaudy LEDs, the AudioFX Pro 5+1 is a solid product which may very well be worth its high cost.

Advantages:

• Amazing sound in games

• Surround sound with force feedback
• Very comfortable

Disadvantages:

• Not that great for listening to music

• Somewhat expensive

Overclockers Online would like to thank Xoxide for providing the AudioFX Pro 5+1 to make this review possible.