The Ear Force X4 Dolby digital wireless headphones are dedicated to the XBOX 360 gaming system. The sales pitch sets Ear Force X4 headphones as the standard for gaming noting that you can crank the volume to the max without intruding on the people around you. Roommates, neighbors, family, and friends will not hear you at all while you are hearing the finest possible distinction among the sounds on your game. Think about it. If you can hear all the subtleties of the game, you will hear your prey moving and your hunters breathing and you won’t miss a word of your teammate’s message or warning to you. You will be completely immersed in the game.
Gamers need headsets. While you can listen to the game over speakers, you won’t be able to talk back without a microphone like the one that comes with the Ear Force X4 wireless headphones. Sure you can buy headphones for a lot less than the $160 for the Ear Force X4 headphones but there is that old saying, “You get what you pay for.” The big question you have to ask yourself is whether you need all that you get with the Ear Force X4 Dolby such as the 50Hz frequency response, noise cancellation and surround sound.
Oh and don’t forget the wireless feature. You can get up to get a glass of water, make a pot of coffee, or carry out any of those distracting tasks without unhooking from the game. You can step up to 30 feet away and still hear the whole game in Dolby 5.1 Channel Surround Sound. While the Ear Force X4 is made for the XBOX you can also use in with your computer or Blu-Ray/DVD player if they have optical output.
According to at least one Ear Force X4 review, the Ear Force X4 works just dandy with other electronics with the optical output but it is not the best idea to buy this headset unless you plan to use it primarily for the XBOX. The headphones do good service to other systems but they are designed for the XBOX and that is where they excel. Another review noted the packaging, which he thought, was entertaining. He’s right. The package is quite understated but as you unwrap it, you see the logo at the top right proclaiming “Late Night Gaming” which says it all. You can play to your heart’s content without a whisper to wake the others in your home.