Turtle Beach Ear Force XL1 for Xbox 360 Review - Amplified Stereo Gaming Headset - FFP

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Headsets are difficult on the Xbox 360 because the game sound is coming from the back of the console while the voice chat is originating from the controller. Turtle Beach attempts to solve that problem with the Ear Force XL1 with a small USB powered amplifier and mixer that plugs into both the console's AV ports and the controller's voice chat connector. The amplifier also makes it possible to adjust the volume of both sources of audio independently.
I found it interesting that Turtle Beach really didn't mention much about the fact that this is a wired (and not wireless) device. The analog RCA connectors need to be connected to the Xbox 360's AV cable and then run across the room to where you or your favorite gamer will be seated. The cables do allow the Xbox to continue being connected to a stereo system or television, so it's possible to get both headset audio and external audio simultaneously.
A USB connector on the front of the headphones needs to be connected to the front of the XBox. That powers the amplifier. A small cable needs to be run from the Xbox 360 controller to the amplifier as well for the voice chat to work. It works with both the wired and wireless flavors of Xbox controllers.
Audio quality sounds about what you'd expect from a sub-$40 headset - nothing spectacular. The bass is there but not booming like you'd feel out of more expensive headphones.
One thing that is apparent is how loud these things are - almost dangerously so. I'd recommend parents supervise their kids usage of these things to ensure they don't have the volume up too high.
But for the price these are a good choice for those looking for an inexpensive gaming headset - especially for spouses or parents who are sick of hearing Xbox game audio booming through the house.
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DISCLOSURE: I am a member of the Amazon Vine program and received this product to review on Amazon's site.