Sharkoon X-Tatic SR - Headphone Reviews

Sharkoon X-Tatic SR:

Features:
- Dolby® Headphone for multi-platform gaming (Xbox® 360, PS3™, PC etc.)
- USB-powered, no additional power adaptor needed
- Supports Xbox® Live
- Supports the PlayStation® 3 chat function (via USB)
- Flexible, detachable microphone
- Microphone connected to Xbox® 360 controller (2.5 mm plug)
- Microphone connected via USB (USB to PS3™)
- In-line amplifier with volume controller and microphone mute
- Separate volume adjustment for voice communication

Specifications (headphones):
- Diameter: 40 mm with NdFeB magnet
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sound pressure level: 120dB +/- 3 dB at 1 KHz
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power output: 30 mW
- Cable length: 410 cm +/-10 cm
- Connector: 1x 6-pin analog plug

Specifications (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

Features Sound Control Unit (SCU):
- Supports Dolby® Digital 5.1, Dolby® Pro Logic® II and Dolby® Headphone
Dolby® Headphone function can be activated/deactivated (stereo bypass)
- 3D stereo function (stereo expander) can be activated/deactivated
- Analog and digital input
- Supports the chat function of PS3®, Xbox® and Xbox® 360
- Connector for additional stereo headset (3.5 mm line out)
- Connector for additional analog sound source (3.5 mm line in)

Specifications (SCU):
- 1 digital optical input (S/PDIF)
- 1 analog 3.5 mm audio input (line in / stereo)
- 1 6-pin audio output for the X-Tatic SR headset (G6)
- 1 analog 3.5 mm audio output (line out / stereo) for additional headset
- 1 USB B connector (power and PS3® chat)
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 106 x 63 mm (H x L x W)
- Weight: ~89 g

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Sharkoon X-Tatic SR

I had some good things to say about Sharkoon's X-Tatic SP late last year, with the seemingly minor problem of a delay in the voice chat when using the unit with the Xbox 360 (which actually turned out to be more in my head than anything else).

With the X-Tatic SR I became convinced that the voice chat flat out would not work on Xbox 360. Even with a long period of experimentation, which included swapping the chat cable from the Sharkoon X-Tatic SP, the 360 would not recognize that

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there was any input. I was able to create voice messages even though an error message always popped up saying that no audio input was detected and that I should unmute my mic or adjust my audio settings. During gameplay sessions, no one could hear me and there was no "feedback" to let me know the mic was working.

Step-by-step

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instructions were followed and still the problem persisted. And I'll be completely honest here. I actually contacted the manufacturer, sent the test unit back, and they sent me a new unit. And still the same problem! That was, until I flicked my finger against the mic, which was the only way I could punctuate the profanity I was spewing. Suddenly my Bad Company 2 teammates started asking me what the hell was going on. From there, after a few minutes of experimentation the problem was solved. The mic had to be mere millimetres from my mouth to work consistently. Basically, it had to be within kissing distance. And for whatever reason, this didn't prove to be a problem on either my PC or Playstation 3 where the mic could be a comfortable swing-a-drink-from-my-beer-between-rounds distance from my mouth. I chalk it up to the fact the 360 is transferring the voice data differently (or so it would seem).

The all-important amp. This is where the magic is stored. Note the additional "regular" headphone jack.

Hooking everything up is straightforward, even if there seem to be a mile of different cables included, and the audio delivery is great -- playing Space Marine and Dead Island with the headphones versus the TV speakers is night and day; that Dolby certification is deserved.

It's kind of hard to describe, but the way the 3D audio kicks in is like the first time you watch something on a 3D TV. The depth extends through the wall behind the TV, and the SR's are kind of like that except with your ears. And it's really good!

Setup is straightforward. (Never mind the picture directly above.)

Connect the amp to to the console (or PC) with the optical and USB cables, then plug the headset into the amp. Turn on the amp, and you're ready to go.

The mic is detachable. It plugs into the left ear cup and "locks" into place with a quarter turn so there's no chance of it accidently falling out. The armature is flexible so it can be re-positioned easily (a must for the 360).

The in-line control has the features you'd expect like independent controls for overall sound, voice, and bass, a switch to turn off the mic, and a switch to disable the amp. As well, the in-line control is where the Xbox 360 controller is plugged into for voice chat.

Besides the great audio, another aspect of the Sharkoon X-tactic SRs that I really like is the fact there's a single cable to plug in to get the headphones working (after the initial installation). Every situation is a little different, but I have a lot of kids in the house and one TV. If I left my headphones out they'd get trashed quickly as most headphones aren't made with the destructive might of toddlers and pre-teens in mind. (An aside, I had a flashlight once that was guaranteed against shark and bear attacks, but not kids.) I appreciate that after a few hours of late-night gaming all I need to do is unplug the unit from the amp and put it in the closet.

The Xtactic SR's are light and breathable, too. Even during a heatwave, my ears weren't sweating for the extended period of time I wore the headset.

For $139.99, I don't have any reservations about recommending the Sharkoon Xtatic SR's for PC and Playstation 3 users, particularly if you're into multiplayer games like Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2, the Battlefield and Call of Duty series, Killzone, or Resistance games because the chat is clear, the independent volume controls very handy, and the audio is first rate for a stereo setup. Xbox 360 users should be wary if chat is a major consideration.

- Aaron Simmer
(October 10, 2011)