Best Surround Sound Gaming Headset for Xbox 360

The graphics, the gameplay, what else contributes to the ultimate Xbox 360 gaming experience? The sound system! Imagine playing Battlefield 3 without the gunfire and bodies-hitting-the-pavement sound effects. The whole fun of gaming is lost due to poor sound quality. And as a player, you lose out on tactical advantages. The silent footsteps, the sirens, the subtle hints about your opponent's position that a sound effect provides, all lost because of external noise or poor headset quality. The best headset for your Xbox 360 provides sound quality, easy controls and fits comfortably on your head. And an added perk in sound quality is surround sound. So read on, to find the best surround sound gaming headset for Xbox 360.

What is Surround Sound?

All headphones and headsets are not equipped with surround sound, as it is a different sound technology altogether. With regular headphones, sound seems to come from within your head itself, or at your ears. This is because the speakers of the headphone are at your ears. Noise and external sound can disturb the sound experience. With surround sound, the speakers are distributed, such that the sound seems to come from everywhere around you. Surround sound envelops you, to provide a very realistic audio experience. To do so, it involves multiple audio channels and uses more power, hence surround sound devices are more expensive than plain stereo ones. You can opt for a surround sound system while gaming, instead of just a headset, but a sound system is infinitely more expensive than a headset. And a headset is less disturbing to others around you.

Best Surround Sound Gaming Headset for Xbox 360

Here are the top six models, based on the current gaming accessory reviews:

☊ ASTRO A40 2011 Edition Audio System

• 7.1 Dolby Surround Sound
• Multi-platform support include PC, smartphone and iPad
• MixAmp control handles master volume control and game-to-voice controls
• Powered by USB 2.0 connection or 4 x AA batteries
• Lightweight, comfortable design, with plush comfy ear pads
• Boom mic cancels out external noise from your voice and is detachable
• Available in black/white
• Price: $250

☊ Turtle Beach Ear Force PX5 Programmable Wireless Headset

• Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound
• Custom presets to enhance certain effects (gunshots, footsteps), while gaming
• Voice morphing feature - disguise your voice with low and high timbers
• Voice prompts for headphone status(low battery, enter preset)
• Dynamic Chat Boost and microphone monitoring
• Pick up phone calls or stream music, using Bluetooth
• Large fabric cushions, plush headband and twistable earcups for comfortable gaming
• Price: $215

☊ Tritton AX Pro Dolby Digital Precision Gaming Headset

• Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Compatible with PS2, PS3 and PC systems
• Will work with any device with a 3.5 analog output or a digital optical output
• Backlit inline audio controller with separate game and chat volume controls
• Microphone for Xbox LIVE chat is detachable from headset
• Soft velvet ear pads and lightweight design
• Price: $170

☊ Turtle Beach Ear Force X41

• 7.1 channel Dolby Surround Sound
• Also connects to home theater systems
• Wireless transmission range of 30 feet
• 50 mm over-sized speakers for enhanced bass quality
• Chat Boost and bass boost features, plus separate volume controls
• Operates on two AAA batteries
• Transmitter powered by USB port connection to Xbox 360
• Price: $160

☊ Sharkoon X-Tatic Digital

• Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound
• Illuminated voice adjustment control handles master volume and volume on each channel
• Microphone supports Xbox 360 LIVE chat
• Compatible with multiple devices (PC, DVD player, PS3)
• Sound Control Unit allows two X-Tatic headsets to be connected at the same time
• Price: $150

☊ Razer Chimaera 5.1

• 5.1 channel Dolby Surround Sound
• Wire-free gaming headset works for 8 hours on a single charge
• Can be charged using base station or powered by 2 AAA batteries
• Volume and microphone controls located on headset
• Detachable microphone, plush ear cups and padded headband for a comfortable gaming experience
• Compatible with PC
• Price: $200

It is very difficult to find a cheap surround sound headset for the Xbox 360, because surround sound technology is not cheap. For dedicated gamers, a surround sound headset is a must, as nothing must hamper their gameplay. Most surround sound gaming headsets are multi-purpose and can be used with TVs, music players and mobiles. To do true justice to your console, pair it up with the best surround sound headset and see the difference in audio and gameplay. The immersible feel of a console game, is never more apparent than with surround sound audio.